COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Thursday, 04 June 2026

● Council of the EU   04/06/2026 11:57 | Media advisory | Media advisory – Informal video conference of health ministers of 5 June 2026   Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Chaired by Neophytos Charalambides, Cyprus Minister of Health 15.00 Informal videoconference Exchange of views on the recent Ebola Bundibugyo virus (BVD) outbreak in Central Africa At the end of the meeting (+/- 17.00 in Justus Lipsius main press room) - Press conference with Neophytos Charalambides, Cyprus Minister of Health, and Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for health and animal welfare in live streaming.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   04/06/2026 12:06 | Press release | Council pushes ahead with implementation of the new EU action plan against drug trafficking   Today, the Council approved a framework to implement the EU drugs strategy in response to the growing health, security and societal challenges posed by drug use and drug trafficking, which risk undermining the functioning of our democracies. At the same time, the Council endorsed the new EU action plan against drug trafficking and concrete measures to deliver on the key priorities aimed at reducing drug use and drug-related harm. “Drug use and drug trafficking pose a serious threat to our societies and our democracies. With the concrete and coordinated actions we approved today, the EU is stepping up its response to fight organised crime, reinforce security and protect people’s health and safety.” — Costas Fytiris, Minister of Justice and Public order of the Republic of Cyprus The implementation will bring together political, policy and operational actors across sectors including health, justice, education, and law enforcement with the aim to deliver concrete results at local, national, EU and international level. It will focus on three main components: strengthened action against drug trafficking, including through the EU action plan and the EMPACT priorities on drug trafficking (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats) full use of existing EU mechanisms, tools and processes innovative cooperation projects. These projects will be operational tools for reinforcing voluntary cooperation between member states, EU agencies and other relevant actors on the demand reduction and harm reduction priorities of the drugs strategy The EU action plan against drug trafficking outlines the key actions necessary at EU and national level from 2026 to 2030. Emphasis should be placed on strengthening the follow-the-money approach and reinforcing the maritime dimension, including through the European Ports Alliance and expansion of the operations of the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (Narcotics / MAOC-N). Efforts should also focus on deepening public-private partnerships, notably with postal and parcel service providers, improving cooperation with technology companies to prevent online recruitment — especially of minors — and improving information exchange between law enforcement, customs and judicial authorities. The framework to implement the EU drugs strategy approved today tackles all five key priorities of the strategy: enhancing EU and national preparedness to anticipate and respond to drug-related health and security threats protecting people’s health through prevention and treatment measures based on scientific evidence strengthening security and protecting society by tackling drug production, trafficking and combatting organised crime addressing drug-related harm to protect individuals and society. building strong partnerships, particularly with third countries and regions to address the drug situation Next steps At its meeting of 18-19 June 2026, it is expected that the European Council will discuss, for the first time ever, challenges linked to the use and trafficking of drugs. The progress of the implementation of the strategy will be monitored over time, enabling evidence-based review. An overall report on the implementation of the EU drugs strategy is expected by the end of 2032. Background The Justice and Home Affairs Council approved on 5 March conclusions on the EU drugs strategic framework and endorsed the EU drugs strategy proposed by the Commission on 4 December 2025. EU drugs policy (background information) Fighting crime (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   04/06/2026 11:33 | Press release | European Peace Facility: Council adopts EUR 100 million assistance measure in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces   The Council today adopted the fourth bilateral assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to strengthen the defence capacities and capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). This brings the total EPF support to Lebanon to EUR 182 million to date. “The renewal of the cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon offers a tenuous chance to pull the country back from the brink. This new €100 million support package will significantly sharpen EU support for the Lebanese Armed Forces. It will help the Lebanese state assert its monopoly over arms and disarm non-state actors such as Hezbollah. The best way to remove Hezbollah’s threat is to strengthen Lebanon’s state, institutions, and sovereignty. Today’s funding helps to do that.” — Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Today’s decision underscores the EU’s continued engagement with Lebanon in promoting peace, stability and supporting its sovereignty, territorial integrity and State-building efforts. The European Union also supports the Lebanese authorities’ efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces in view of gaining control of the whole Lebanese territory. In the current dramatic context of hostilities and their severe impact on civilians, including large-scale displacement, suffering and loss of life, the new assistance measure aims at strengthening the LAF’s overall capacity to monitor, control and secure Lebanon’s territory, as well as to uphold the state’s monopoly on arms and ensure protection of civilians. This comprehensive EPF (non-lethal) support package is designed to enhance the LAF’s capabilities across five key domains through the provision of military equipment and training: territorial control, multi-domain awareness, maritime security, protection of critical military sites, and healthcare. Background and next steps The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters. The first three bilateral assistance measures under the European Peace Facility in support of Lebanese Armed Forces, respectively worth EUR 6 million, 16 million and 60 million, were adopted in December 2022, September 2024 and January 2025.   European Peace Facility (background information) Security and defence (background information)   Visit the website ● European Council   04/06/2026 11:25 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the press conference following the meeting with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić   It is a pleasure to be back in Belgrade, one year after my first visit. And thank you, Mister President, for your hospitality. First of all, let me express my deepest condolences for the loss of the Serbian UNIFIL soldier who died while carrying out his duties in service of peace. I am here, as I was last year, to reaffirm the European Union’s continued commitment to Serbia’s European perspective.  In these times of global geopolitical uncertainty and economic instability – now more than ever – enlargement is not just an opportunity. It is a geostrategic necessity for Europe. It is an investment in the peace, stability, security and prosperity of our continent, for the benefit of all European citizens. And also, for the benefit of the people of Serbia.  Yet, enlargement is based on building trust. The road ahead is demanding but the path is clear. We must focus on 3 main priorities:  fostering good neighbourhood relations and regional cooperation. They are vital for both security and economic prosperity. The Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and the full implementation of the Ohrid agreement are critical in this regard; aligning with the European Union’s policies and values, in particular our Common Foreign and Security Policy. These are not just principles we uphold. They are the very foundation of the European project and our partnership with Serbia; delivering the ongoing reforms is necessary to advance on your accession process. We encourage you to continue to accelerate reforms in the three important areas that you referred to: Rule of Law – Including fully implementing the recommendations by the Venice Commission on the laws governing the judiciary and prosecution; Media Freedom – making sure to create an enabling environment for media and establish a new REM Council in a transparent and inclusive way; And finally, reforming the Electoral Framework in line with the ODIHR recommendations ahead of the next Serbian elections. I welcome the four electoral laws that were adopted last week as a very important step. Now, it’s important to conclude by addressing the remaining recommendations, including the ones on the prevention of the misuse of state resources and on pressure against voters.  I know that these reforms are not easy. And they must include all parts of society, including the opposition and the civil society. The accession process is not only a task for the government, it  needs the full mobilisation of Serbian society. But they are worth the efforts, because they bring you closer to our goal, Serbia’s accession to the European Union. And we, the European Union, are here to support you in these efforts, bringing Serbia closer to EU membership. This is our common goal: it is not Serbia on one side and the European Union on the other.  The European Union remains Serbia’s most significant partner – in trade, investment, and, crucially, in strengthening democratic institutions. We want and we are ready to do more. But let me be clear: the pace of progress depends on Serbia’s own resolve. Time is of the essence. The European Union’s door remains open, but the window for decisive action is now.  I am sure that by working together in a frank and close way, we will achieve our shared goal - to ensure that Serbia becomes a full member of the European Union.  Thank you. More information: President Costa: EU commitment to Western Balkans is real   Visit the website ● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης   04/06/2026 10:54 | Συνεδριάσεις | Κύρια σημεία της ημερήσιας διάταξης - Συμβούλιο Μεταφορών, Τηλεπικοινωνιών και Ενέργειας (Μεταφορές), 8 June 2026   Οι υπουργοί θα ανταλλάξουν απόψεις σχετικά με τις προσπάθειες απανθρακοποίησης στον τομέα των μεταφορών πέραν του 2030 και αναμένεται να εγκρίνουν συμπεράσματα σχετικά με τη θαλάσσια βιομηχανική στρατηγική και τη στρατηγική της ΕΕ για τους λιμένες.   Ειδική σελίδα συνεδρίασης ● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης   04/06/2026 11:37 | Συνεδριάσεις | Κύρια σημεία της ημερήσιας διάταξης - Συμβούλιο Μεταφορών, Τηλεπικοινωνιών και Ενέργειας (Τηλεπικοινωνίες), 9 June 2026   Το Συμβούλιο θα επιδιώξει να καθορίσει γενική προσέγγιση σχετικά με τα ευρωπαϊκά πορτοφόλια επιχειρήσεων και η Προεδρία θα υποβάλει εκθέσεις προόδου σχετικά με τον κανονισμό για την κυβερνοασφάλεια 2 (ΚΚΑ2) και τον κανονισμό για τα ψηφιακά δίκτυα.   Ειδική σελίδα συνεδρίασης ● Council of the EU   04/06/2026 11:36 | Press release | Roam like at home: Council authorises talks on extending scheme to Western Balkans partners   Today, the Council approved the opening of negotiations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia (the 'WB6') with a view to extending the EU's Roam Like at Home (RLAH) area to these partners. “Today’s decision to open negotiations on extending the 'Roam Like at Home' area to the Western Balkans sends a clear signal of the EU’s commitment to the region. Greater connectivity means greater opportunities for citizens, businesses and economic cooperation. By working towards an expanded common roaming area, we are making the benefits of European integration tangible in people’s daily lives. This is more than a technical step – it is a concrete demonstration of our shared future, strengthening ties across the region and reaffirming the Western Balkans European path.” — Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus The RLAH-area allows consumers to make calls, send text messages and use mobile data while travelling abroad without paying additional roaming charges, under the same conditions as at home. It currently covers the EU, the European Economic Area countries - Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway - as well as Moldova and Ukraine. Following today's decision, the European Commission will begin negotiations on sectoral agreements with each of the WB6 partners. These agreements will be anchored to the existing Stabilisation and Association Agreements (SAAs), which support the region's stability, economic integration and rapprochement with the EU. The sectoral agreements will establish the institutional framework necessary for their implementation and governance. Before joining the RLAH area, each WB6 partner will need to fully align with and implement the EU roaming acquis. The Commission will assess compliance and, where the outcome is positive, confirm that the necessary conditions have been met. Following a positive assessment, the joint body established under each of the relevant agreements will be able to decide on the reciprocal opening of the EU and WB partner’s roaming markets, enabling citizens and businesses to benefit from roaming services without additional charges.   * This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. Consumer protection: call, text and surf (background information) Mobile roaming with no extra fees to continue, following Council approval (press release, 4 April 2022) Brussels’ declaration – EU-Western Balkans Summit, 17 December 2025   Visit the website