COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Meetings Tuesday, 16 June 2026

● European Council   16/06/2026 17:32 | Press release | G7 Leaders’ Joint Statements - Evian, France, 16 June 2026   At the 2026 G7 Leaders’ Summit held in Evian, the leaders of the G7 discussed topics ranging from international peace and security to global economic stability, growth, and emerging technologies. They adopted the following statements: Leaders' declaration on mutually beneficial international partnerships Leaders' call for a coordinated response to the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak Leaders' call on the fight against cancer   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   16/06/2026 13:43 | Press release | MFF 2028-2034: Council agrees partial mandate on Global Europe   The Council today reached a partial negotiating position on Global Europe, the EU’s main financing instrument for external action for the period 2028 to 2034. Global Europe streamlines the EU’s external financing architecture by consolidating multiple previous instruments into a single framework. It brings together development, neighbourhood, enlargement and foreign policy tools, combining programmable and non‑programmable actions within a structure around six complementary pillars, five geographic pillars and a strengthened global pillar. It aims to uphold the Union’s values, advance its strategic interests globally, foster sustainable development, promote stronger mutually beneficial partnerships with partners, reinforce effective multilateralism and support candidate countries and potential candidates on their path toward EU integration. “In an increasingly unpredictable world, the EU needs an external action instrument that is both strategic and flexible. Today's agreement strengthens our ability to support our partners, advance enlargement, respond to emerging challenges and promote the Union’s interests and values globally. It sends a clear message that the EU is ready to act with unity and ambition on the world stage.” — Constantinos Kombos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus The negotiating position is ‘partial’ because it excludes financial and horizontal issues. These are currently being discussed as part of the negotiations on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) covering the period 2028 to 2034. Main amendments in the Council position The compromise text adopted by the Council introduces a number of modifications to the framework, to ensure Global Europe remains a flexible and effective instrument while providing member states with a stronger role in setting strategic priorities and overseeing implementation. The agreed partial mandate also places greater emphasis on enlargement and the European neighbourhood, and enhances the instrument’s capacity to address migration and respond to emerging challenges in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. Stronger strategic steering by the Council A central element of the Council's position is the reinforcement of the governance framework of the instrument, including a stronger role for the Council in providing strategic and political guidance throughout the implementation of Global Europe. The mandate establishes more structured exchanges between the Council and the Commission, including through annual strategic debates and regular discussions on programming and implementation. The agreed approach also enhances the Council's oversight of flexibility mechanisms and strengthens the examination procedure under comitology, ensuring that member states remain closely involved in decisions relating to the implementation of the instrument. Enhanced role in enlargement and neighbourhood support The Council agreed to strengthen its role in the implementation of support provided under the Europe pillar, particularly for enlargement partners and countries in the Eastern neighbourhood. The compromise introduces a greater use of Council implementing acts in defining framework conditions linked to the performance-based plans – that is, the programming and reform framework that certain partner countries would submit to the EU to obtain financial support under Global Europe. For enlargement partners, the Council would also play a role in approving positive assessments of performance-based plans. Regarding Ukraine, the Council would continue to determine whether the conditions for disbursements have been fulfilled, maintaining a central role in the governance of EU support. More effective response to emerging challenges The regulation sets out an emerging challenges and priorities cushion to rapidly address unforeseen global shocks, natural disasters or migratory crises. Recognising the increasingly volatile international environment, the Council agreed on provisions that reinforce political oversight of the mechanism designed to address emerging challenges and priorities. The agreed text clarifies that the mechanism should be used in response to unforeseen circumstances and emerging challenges, and provides for regular exchanges of views between the Commission and the Council before any potential mobilisations. This aims to strike a balance between flexibility and strategic guidance in responding in a timely manner to crises and evolving and new geopolitical challenges. Balanced approach to migration and forced displacement The partial mandate establishes a balanced framework for cooperation with partner countries on migration and forced displacement. The agreed provisions combine positive incentives for cooperation with a suspension mechanism linked to partner countries' international law obligations, including the readmission of their own nationals. At the same time, the Council would play an important role in assessing the political appropriateness of activating such measures, ensuring that decisions take account of the broader context of the EU's relations with partner countries. The approach seeks to strengthen comprehensive migration partnerships while respecting international obligations and maintaining support for sustainable solutions to displacement. Promoting European interests and Team Europe The Council's position preserves the principle of open and fair competition while allowing for the promotion of European preferenceand the direct participation of European companies in procurement and award procedures, particularly in key strategic sectors (such as energy, digital and critical infrastructure) where the EU’s strategic autonomy and security interests are at play. The agreed text also strengthens provisions relating to the Team Europe approach, reinforcing cooperation between EU institutions, member states and European financial institutions in delivering the Union's external action. In addition, the partial mandate provides a more prominent role for the European Investment Bank and strengthens the role of Global Gateway as the EU's strategy for sustainable and trusted global investment partnerships. Next steps The partial negotiating position approved today is the Council's mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament on Global Europe. The decision on the programme’s budget for 2028-2034 will depend on the final agreement on the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Background On 16 July 2025, the European Commission presented its proposal for a regulation establishing Global Europe, the EU's future financing instrument for external action for the period 2028-2034, with an overall financial envelope of €200 billion. The Global Europe programme is a key element of the next MFF, the EU's seven-year spending plan. Following the European Commission's initial proposals for the 2028–2034 period presented in July and September 2025, an EU agreement on the overall MFF by the end of 2026 would allow for the adoption of legislative acts in 2027, which is necessary to ensure that EU funding reaches beneficiaries without interruption from January 2028. Partial general approach on the regulation establishing Global Europe Watch the public session Commission’s proposal for a regulation establishing Global Europe The EU's long-term budget for 2028–2034 (background information) The EU's long-term budget (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   16/06/2026 17:01 | Meetings | Main results - Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Health), 16 June 2026   Topics on the agenda for health ministers included the European Biotech Act I and the medical and in vitro devices regulation.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   16/06/2026 13:41 | Press release | MFF 2028-2034: Council agrees its position on new and innovative fund to boost EU’s competitiveness   The Council has adopted its partial negotiating position on the regulation establishing the new European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) – a central pillar of the next EU multi-annual budget (MFF). The fund is designed to help address the EU’s innovation gap with its main global competitors, reduce dependencies, and increase the overall competitiveness of the European economy. Under a single rulebook and a single application gateway, it will channel EU investment to the strategic technologies and industries necessary for Europe to strengthen its global position. The ECF will also draw on private investment alongside public funding to maximise the impact of every euro. The Council position is 'partial' because it excludes financial and horizontal issues, which are currently being discussed as part of the overall negotiations on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) covering the period 2028 to 2034. “Our work has been guided by a clear priority: ensuring that Europe remains competitive, innovative, and resilient in an increasingly challenging global environment. The European Competitiveness Fund is a unique chance to scale up investment, fund high quality and high impact projects across the Union, and unlock Europe’s full competitiveness potential.” — Michael Damianos, Minister for Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus The Council’s position clarifies synergies with other EU funds such as Horizon Europe, with specific measures included for SMEs. It also introduces improvements to the original Commission proposal to strengthen the role of member states in the governance of the fund. Funding competitiveness The fund aims to consolidate 14 existing instruments into a single framework, simplifying EU funding and attracting private investment to boost the EU’s competitiveness. It focuses on four key policy areas: clean transition and industrial decarbonisation health, biotech, agriculture and bioeconomy digital leadership resilience and security, defence industry and space Coordination with other EU funds and instruments The partial general approach clarifies the synergies between the ECF and other EU funds and programmes, paying particular attention to Horizon Europe, ensuring joint priority setting. The Council position also aligns key features of the ECF InvestEU instrument with the existing InvestEU programme, while maintaining the ECF’s focus on financing higher-risk projects. Focus on SMEs and support for business The Council position provides for a specific focus on SMEs through work programmes and dedicated calls, together with incentives to attract private capital. The ECF project advisory initiative and other business support services will be expanded, improving links between the InvestEU advisory hub and the EU for business network. Governance and strategy The Council position strengthens the role of the member states in the implementation of the fund. All comitology procedures will now be subject to an examination procedure, requiring formal opinions from member states on proposed implementing acts. Additionally, the Council’s position reinforces member state involvement within the ECF General Committee – the advisory body governing the programme – granting them a role in providing strategic input on the overall direction of the fund and defining the priorities. Defence industry policy The changes introduced by the Council align the ECF rules with the current European defence fund, ensuring stronger ownership and control for member states in award decisions. The changes also ensure consistency with the existing defence industrial acquis. Space policy On space policy, member states have introduced major changes concerning the new Earth Observation Governmental Service (EOGS), which will harness space data in support of autonomous European decision-making in the area of security and defence. The Council introduces a stepwise approach involving resource pooling and gap analysis. Participation in EOGS and the roles of the European Union Satellite Centre and the European Space Agency have been clarified. Next steps The partial negotiating position is the Council's mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament on the ECF. The decision on the programme’s budget for 2028-2034 will depend on the final agreement on the next MFF. Background The 2024 reports by Enrico Letta (Much more than a market) and Mario Draghi (The future of European competitiveness) highlighted a severe investment deficit in Europe. The Draghi report in particular called for unprecedented levels of annual investment to fund the green and digital transitions and bolster defence, while Enrico Letta emphasised that the EU single market remains too fragmented, preventing innovative startups from scaling up. The ECF proposal aims to address these twin challenges and is a key element of the next MFF, the EU's seven-year spending plan.  Following the European Commission's initial proposals for the 2028–2034 period, presented in July and September 2025, an EU agreement on the overall MFF by the end of 2026 would allow for the adoption of legislative acts in 2027 and ensure that EU funding reaches beneficiaries without interruption from January 2028. The EU's long-term budget (background information) European competitiveness fund (Commission’s proposal)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   16/06/2026 13:37 | Press release | MFF 2028-2034: Council backs simpler and more efficient financing for key EU priorities   The Council today agreed its partial negotiating stance on a cornerstone regulation of the EU budget for the period 2028-2034 – the national and regional partnership plans (NRPP). Under the future NRPP fund, each member state would prepare one single comprehensive plan replacing the current separate programmes for cohesion, agriculture, fisheries, migration and security and the social climate fund. This new structure of the NRPP will simplify and increase efficiency in the implementation of the EU's long-term budget.  The negotiating position is 'partial' because it excludes financial and horizontal issues. These are currently being discussed as part of the negotiations on the overall multiannual financial framework (MFF) covering the period 2028 to 2034. “By bringing fundamental EU priorities together under a single fund, we can deliver more effectively and respond faster to known and future challenges, both regionally and nationally. The NRPP is a central pillar of the next MFF and will strengthen the link between reforms and investments, helping to build a more resilient, competitive and cohesive Europe, while upholding the values that unite us as Europeans.” — Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of the Republic of Cyprus  Each national and regional investment and reform plan, tailored to national and regional challenges of each country, would detail the investments and reforms needed to help: foster convergence and reduce regional disparities support a resilient and competitive agricultural and fisheries sector invest in people and deliver on the European pillar of social rights protect and strengthen fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law bolster internal security and border protection support security and defence capabilities The NRPP framework   The fund would be implemented through nationally pre-allocated financial envelopes based on investment and reform plans prepared by each member state. Plans must be developed and implemented in close partnership between national, regional and local authorities, and relevant stakeholders, as well as in coordination with the European Commission. Each plan would have to achieve certain EU-wide strategic objectives and fulfil agreed corresponding milestones and targets. Funding will be released by the Commission upon their fulfilment. Financing would also be subject to horizontal conditions linked to fundamental rights and respect of the rule of law. More flexibility for member states In its position, the Council ensures appropriate flexibility for member states when preparing and implementing their plans. For example, while the text as agreed by the Council still requires EU countries to address all NRPP strategic objectives, member states should only have to address the sub-objectives most relevant to their individual circumstances. Furthermore, procedures underlying the approval and amendment of plans, as well as their mid-term review, have been simplified without affecting their soundness. Role of the regions The Council’s position reinforces the role of the regions and recognises their key role in negotiating and implementing EU financing themselves. To avoid any extra administrative burden when developing plans, the position enables continuity with existing national and regional governance structures and mechanisms. Agriculture and fisheries The framework will ensure continuity of funding to beneficiaries, while strengthening the role of the common agricultural policy and common fisheries policy for the next programming period. Next steps The partial negotiating position approved today is the Council's mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament on the NRPP regulation. The fund’s overall budget for 2028-2034 will depend on the final agreement on the next MFF as a whole. Background The NRPP regulation is a key element of the next MFF, the EU's seven-year spending plan. Following the European Commission's initial proposals for the 2028–2034 period presented in July and September 2025, an EU agreement before the end of 2026 would allow for the adoption of legislative acts in 2027, which is necessary to ensure that EU funding reaches beneficiaries without interruption from January 2028. The EU's long-term budget (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   16/06/2026 11:09 | Press release | Council agrees mandate on measures to advance biotech innovation in the EU   The Council has agreed its position on targeted amendments to health legislation that seek to boost innovation in the EU’s biotechnology sector. The draft European Biotech Act I directive updates the rules on genetically modified micro-organisms (GMMs) and the processing of organs. “Today’s agreement sends a clear signal that Europe is committed to remaining a global leader in biotechnology. By modernising rules on genetically modified micro-organisms and organ processing, we are creating a regulatory environment that supports innovation while maintaining high standards of safety, transparency and public trust.” — Neophytos Charalambides, Minister for Health, Republic of Cyprus Aim of the directive The proposed directive accompanies the European Biotech Act I regulation, which seeks to strengthen Europe’s biotechnology potential by making it quicker and easier for innovative ideas to move from the laboratory to the market. The proposal amends two existing directives, with the aim of: streamlining the rules on the placing of certain GMMs on the market updating the rules on organ processing to reflect recent scientific advances The proposed changes will enable the EU to benefit from the innovation potential of GMMs by introducing a more efficient regulatory process for certain GMMs that comply with predetermined safety standards. Regarding organs, the latest scientific and clinical developments extend the amount of time that can elapse between procurement and transplantation of organs. These developments create opportunities for innovative approaches to processing organs. The Council’s position Greater clarity and precision The Council’s mandate increases the clarity, precision and level of detail of the directive, including by: aligning the terminology with that used in other relevant legislative acts reorganising text elements and clarifying provisions to ensure effective implementation clarifying the respective competences of the Commission and the member states For example, the Council has replaced the term “low-risk GMMs” with “GMMs eligible for an expedited procedure” to reflect the overall intention of the act and avoid giving the impression that GMMs not falling within this category are “high risk” by definition. Autologous use of organs Regarding organ processing, the Council has clarified the distinction between the “autologous” use of organs (i.e. transplantation within the same person) and the transplantation of organs to another person. As autologous transplantation often takes place in emergency situations, the new provisions ensure that surgeons’ actions will not be impeded by restrictive regulatory requirements. Validity of consent The Council’s position also clarifies the rules relating to the validity of consent with regard to GMMs. Under the Commission’s original proposal, once consent had been granted to place a GMM on the market, such consent would be valid indefinitely. The Council has introduced an added safeguard, by limiting the validity of the initial consent to a maximum of 10 years. Upon renewal, and unless certain exceptions apply, the consent will be granted indefinitely. Processing of personal data The Council’s position introduces new provisions to take account of the fact that, in the context of organ transplants, personal data may need to be processed to ensure patient safety and high healthcare standards, as well as to facilitate cross-border data sharing to help analyse transplant outcomes across a wider group of patients. As a result, it includes provisions specifying that in such cases, processing of personal data can be deemed to be in the public interest. Next steps Once the European Parliament has established its position, the two institutions will enter into negotiations to agree on the final text. Background The European Biotech Act I directive was published on 16 December 2025 as part of the Commission’s Health Package. It supports the wider objectives of the European Biotech Act I regulation by introducing targeted amendments to directive 2001/18/EC as regards the placing on the market of GMMs and directive 2010/53/EU on the processing of organs, with the aim of facilitating innovation, enhancing legal certainty, ensuring coherence between existing EU legislative acts, and taking account of scientific and technical developments. European Biotech Act I directive (general approach) EU health policy (background information)   Visit the website ● International ministerial meetings   15/06/2026 22:21 | Meetings | Main results - Second Accession Conference with the Republic of Moldova, 15 June 2026   The second meeting of the Accession Conference with the Republic of Moldova was held in Luxembourg today, and served to open negotiations on Cluster 1: Fundamentals.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   15/06/2026 21:51 | Press release | Council and Parliament reach provisional deal on new rules for plant reproductive material   The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional deal on a major overhaul of EU rules governing the production and marketing of plant reproductive material (PRM). This marks an important step towards modernising a legislative framework that, in some cases, has not been significantly changed since the 1960s. The new rules aim to increase agrobiodiversity, support conservation and locally adapted varieties, and provide greater flexibility for different purposes of use for breeders, other professional operators and non-professional operators. They also seek to ensure that plant reproductive material placed on the EU market is of high and reliable quality, and adapted to the environmental and climate challenges Europe faces. “Today’s agreement delivers rules that support innovation, strengthen biodiversity and provide farmers across Europe with the high-quality material they need to ensure productive, resilient and sustainable agricultural production.” — Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus The proposal replaces several existing sector-specific directives with a single, harmonised regulation to create a more flexible, innovation-friendly and environmentally resilient system. The new rules seek to: create a simpler and clearer set of rules across the Union, reducing divergences in implementation and ensuring a level playing field; support scientific and technological progress, enabling the use of digital tools, biomolecular techniques and production methods that were not envisaged in the original 1960s legislation; reduce administrative burden for competent authorities and operators through harmonised procedures, clearer responsibilities and digital documentation; ensure the availability of high-quality PRM adapted to evolving agricultural and environmental conditions, allowing quicker uptake of varieties suited to climate change, pests and diseases; promote food and feed security, safeguard plant genetic resources and protect biodiversity, including through lighter rules for conservation and locally adapted varieties and PRM intended for organic production; and improve coherence with the EU’s plant health and official controls legislation, integrating PRM more closely into the EU’s horizontal control framework and strengthening traceability. The agreement ensures more practical and less burdensome approaches both for national authorities and professional operators. It was concluded that the examination of new varieties for their value for sustainable cultivation and use (VSCU) will remain mandatory for agricultural plants (except for turf grasses), potato and vine. It also covers balanced solution on official controls by excluding variety registration from the scope of the regulation on official controls and granting other more specific horizontal exemptions to avoid unnecessary red tape. Furthermore, it refines the rules on the derogations, keeping these areas within the scope of the regulation with lighter rules. Next steps The provisional agreement will now have to be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament, before being formally adopted and entering into force, but will only start to apply four years later. Commission proposal   Visit the website ● European Council   16/06/2026 09:58 | Media advisory | Press briefing - EU-Moldova summit of 22 June 2026   The press briefing ahead of the EU-Moldova summit of 22 June 2026, will take place on Wednesday 17 June 2026 at 14:30. This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either in person at the Europa building press room or remotely. To attend the event remotely, please use the link below to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Deadline for registration: Wednesday, 17 June 2026 at 13:30 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Registration page Media accreditation   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   16/06/2026 11:06 | Press release | Council approves conclusions to strengthen relations with non-EU western European countries and with the Faroe Islands   The Council approved today conclusions on a homogeneous extended internal market and EU relations with non-EU Western European countries and with the Faroe Islands. The text aims to provide the political framework enabling to further develop and strengthen a special relationship with EU’s neighbouring countries in response to their stated interest in building closer relations with the Union. “The Cyprus presidency has worked diligently for the approval of these conclusions paving the way for a stronger, mutually beneficial, and forward-looking partnership. A homogeneous and extended single market with the effective participation of our non-EU Western European neighbours will certainly benefit people and businesses from both sides while ensuring shared stability and prosperity across the continent.” — Marilena Raouna, Deputy minister of European affairs of the Republic of Cyprus The Council conclusions contain specific chapters covering EU relations with Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Kingdom of Norway, the Swiss Confederation, the Principality of Andorra, the Republic of San Marino and the Principality of Monaco.The Council has also assessed the state of EU relations with the Faroe Islands as a self-governing country within the Kingdom of Denmark. The text acknowledges that non-EU Western European countries are the EU's closest partners in building a stronger, safer, greener, more competitive and resilient Europe, based on peaceful cooperation, democracy, the rule of law and human rights. It recalls the importance the EU attaches to relations with these close, like-minded partners, which are highly integrated with the EU underlining that long-standing cooperation is based on shared values and interests and underpinned by common heritage and history, as well as strong cultural, economic, political and geographical ties. The Council also notes the excellent cooperation in areas of EU external action, such as the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), the development and humanitarian assistance, and the promotion of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The Council stresses the importance of close and regular political dialogue and expresses its strong appreciation for the high level of alignment of the non-EU Western European partners to the EU's positions, including the restrictive measures in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Furthermore, the Council underlines that economic integration within the framework of the extended EU internal market brings the EU and its Western European neighbours closer and remains a fundamental pillar for shared prosperity and stability across the continent in an increasingly volatile and fragmented geopolitical landscape. The Council emphasises that the strength of the internal market depends on full respect for the four freedoms, balanced rights and obligations, a level playing field, and effective governance. All countries participating in the extended internal market must preserve its integrity and homogeneity by ensuring equal treatment of citizens, businesses and states, respecting common rules, and making appropriate financial contributions when participating in EU policies and activities, including a fair financial contribution to the EU’s cohesion as a counterpart to access to the extended internal market Moreover, the Council recalls that the EEA agreement constitutes the bedrock of relations with Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, acknowledging that, for over 30 years, it has promoted trade, economic integration, prosperity and cooperation in several areas of common interest, such as research and development, education, social policy, the environment, consumer protection, culture or regional cooperation. Through participation in the single market via the EEA Agreement enabling the free movement of goods, services, capital and people, the EEA EFTA states are deeply integrated into European value chains. Such cooperation strengthens economic resilience, supports the development of competitive and sustainable industries and contributes to shared goals on climate neutrality, innovation and strategic autonomy. Council conclusions on a homogeneous extended internal market and EU relations with non-EU Western European countries and with the Faroe Islands, 16 June 2026 EU relations with non-EU countries in Western Europe (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   15/06/2026 21:45 | Press release | Enlargement: EU and Moldova reach a milestone in accession talks with opening of the first negotiation cluster   Today, the EU and the Republic of Moldova reached a significant milestone with the opening of negotiations on the so-called ‘fundamentals’ cluster. This first negotiating cluster includes the most critical components of the EU acquis related to the rule of law and fundamental rights, the functioning of democratic institutions, the public administration reform and economic criteria. “The Cyprus presidency is proud to have driven forward the work at the Council, that has led to this milestone moment in Moldova’s accession negotiations. Today’s achievement reflects Moldova’s determination, dedication, and tangible reform efforts. We are encouraged by the substantial progress achieved  and look forward to further supporting Moldova as it continues advancing on its European path, bringing it ever closer to its goal of EU membership and the opportunities it will create for its citizens. Enlargement has been a central priority of the Cyprus presidency, and today, in this important day for enlargement, we have delivered on our priority.” — Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of the Republic of Cyprus Cluster 1 'fundamentals' includes the following negotiating chapters: Chapter 23 – Judiciary and fundamental rights Chapter 24 – Justice, freedom and security Chapter 5 – Public procurement Chapter 18 – Statistics Chapter 32 – Financial control The EU also set interim benchmarks both for the horizontal level of the cluster and for the rule of law chapters (23 and 24). These will need to be met before the negotiating process can move into its concluding phase and the provisional closure of the negotiating chapters can begin. In addition, the EU set benchmarks for the provisional closure of the other chapters on public procurement, statistics and financial control (5, 18 and 32). Negotiations on the Fundamentals cluster are the first ones to be opened and the last ones to be closed in the accession process. Progress under this cluster will determine the overall pace of negotiations. The accession is a merit-based process. Monitoring of progress in the alignment with and implementation of the EU acquis and relevant European standards will continue throughout the negotiations. Background Following the introduction of the revised methodology for accession negotiations in 2020, negotiating chapters are divided in six thematic clusters: Fundamentals Internal market Competitiveness and inclusive growth Green agenda and sustainable connectivity Resources, agriculture and cohesion External relations EU common position on Cluster 1 : Fundamentals Statement by President Costa and President Von der Leyen on the agreement to open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova, 12 June 2026 First Accession Conference with Moldova, 25 June 2024 Moldova (background information) EU enlargement policy (background information)   Visit the website ● International ministerial meetings   15/06/2026 20:25 | Meetings | Main results - Second Accession Conference with Ukraine, 15 June 2026   The Second Accession Conference with Ukraine was held today in Luxembourg serving to open negotiations on Cluster 1 ‘Fundamentals'.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   15/06/2026 20:09 | Press release | EU and Ukraine open first accession negotiations cluster   Today, the EU and Ukraine reached a significant milestone by opening negotiations on the so-called 'fundamentals' cluster. This cluster covers the core values and principles on which the EU is built. It includes the EU acquis related to the rule of law and fundamental rights, the functioning of democratic institutions, public administration reform, and economic criteria. “Today’s historic milestone is a highlight of the Cyprus presidency and sends a clear message: The future of Ukraine and its citizens is firmly anchored in the European Union. Today’s Accession Conference also underscores Ukraine’s steadfast commitment to European integration and recognises the substantial progress achieved in the face of unprecedented challenges. This is testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people. At the same time, the commitments that Ukraine is taking today are critical for moving the accession process forward. Enlargement is not only a strategic opportunity for Ukraine, it is also a strategic investment in a stronger, more secure and more united Europe.” — Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of the Republic of Cyprus Cluster 1 'fundamentals' includes the following negotiating chapters: Chapter 23 – Judiciary and fundamental rights Chapter 24 – Justice, freedom and security Chapter 5 – Public procurement Chapter 18 – Statistics Chapter 32 – Financial control The EU has set interim benchmarks both for the horizontal level of the cluster and for the rule of law chapters (23 and 24). These benchmarks will need to be met before the negotiating process can move into its concluding phase with the provisional closure of the chapter. In addition, the EU set benchmarks for the provisional closure of the other chapters on public procurement, statistics and financial control (5, 18 and 32). Negotiations on the Fundamentals cluster are the first ones to be opened and the last ones to be closed in the accession process. Progress under this cluster will determine the overall pace of negotiations. The accession is a merit-based process. Monitoring of progress in the alignment with and implementation of the EU acquis and relevant European standards will continue throughout the negotiations. Background Following the introduction of the revised methodology for accession negotiations in 2020, negotiating chapters are divided in 6 thematic clusters: Fundamentals Internal market Competitiveness and inclusive growth Green agenda and sustainable connectivity Resources, agriculture and cohesion External relations EU common position on Cluster 1 : Fundamentals Statement by President Costa and President Von der Leyen on the agreement to open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova, 12 June 2026 EU opens accession negotiations with Ukraine (press release, 25 June 2024) Ukraine (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   15/06/2026 20:01 | Meetings | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council, 15 June 2026   The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the latest developments related to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, including the war in Iran. Ministers also discussed EU relations with China. Before the meeting, ministers had an informal breakfast with their counterpart from Armenia.   View meeting page ● International ministerial meetings   15/06/2026 21:04 | Meetings | Main results - EU-Egypt Association Council, 15 June 2026   The EU held its 11th Association Council with Egypt, focusing on the implementation of the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership and avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperations.   View meeting page ● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης   15/06/2026 20:09 | Δελτίο τύπου | ΕΕ και Ουκρανία: Άνοιγμα της πρώτης ομάδας ενταξιακών διαπραγματευτικών κεφαλαίων   Σήμερα, η ΕΕ και η Ουκρανία πέτυχαν ένα σημαντικό ορόσημο με την έναρξη διαπραγματεύσεων για την αποκαλούμενη ομάδα κεφαλαίων «Θεμελιώδη πεδία». Η συγκεκριμένη ομάδα κεφαλαίων καλύπτει τις βασικές αξίες και αρχές στις οποίες εδράζεται η ΕΕ. Περιλαμβάνει το κεκτημένο της ΕΕ που αφορά το κράτος δικαίου και τα θεμελιώδη δικαιώματα, τη λειτουργία των δημοκρατικών θεσμών, τη μεταρρύθμιση της δημόσιας διοίκησης, καθώς και οικονομικά κριτήρια. “Το σημερινό ιστορικό ορόσημο αποτελεί κορυφαία στιγμή της κυπριακής Προεδρίας και το μήνυμα που στέλνει είναι σαφές: Το μέλλον της Ουκρανίας και των πολιτών της είναι σταθερά συνδεδεμένο με την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση. Η σημερινή διάσκεψη προσχώρησης υπογραμμίζει επίσης τη σταθερή προσήλωση της Ουκρανίας στην ευρωπαϊκή ολοκλήρωση και αναγνωρίζει την ουσιαστική πρόοδο που έχει επιτευχθεί απέναντι σε πρωτοφανείς προκλήσεις. Αποτελεί απόδειξη της ανθεκτικότητας του ουκρανικού λαού. Ταυτόχρονα, οι δεσμεύσεις που αναλαμβάνει σήμερα η Ουκρανία έχουν κρίσιμη σημασία για την προώθηση της διαδικασίας προσχώρησης. Η διεύρυνση δεν είναι μόνο μια στρατηγική ευκαιρία για την Ουκρανία, αλλά και στρατηγική επένδυση σε μια ισχυρότερη, ασφαλέστερη και πιο ενωμένη Ευρώπη. ” — Μαριλένα Ραουνά, Υφυπουργός Ευρωπαϊκών Θεμάτων της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας Η ομάδα κεφαλαίων 1 «Θεμελιώδη πεδία» περιλαμβάνει τα ακόλουθα διαπραγματευτικά κεφάλαια: Κεφάλαιο 23 – Δικαστικό σύστημα και θεμελιώδη δικαιώματα Κεφάλαιο 24 – Δικαιοσύνη, ελευθερία και ασφάλεια Κεφάλαιο 5 – Δημόσιες συμβάσεις Κεφάλαιο 18 – Στατιστικά στοιχεία Κεφάλαιο 32 – Δημοσιονομικός έλεγχος Η ΕΕ έχει καθορίσει ενδιάμεσα κριτήρια αξιολόγησης τόσο σε οριζόντιο επίπεδο για την ομάδα κεφαλαίων όσο και για τα κεφάλαια σχετικά με το κράτος δικαίου (κεφάλαια 23 και 24). Αυτά τα κριτήρια αξιολόγησης θα πρέπει να εκπληρωθούν πριν προχωρήσει η διαπραγματευτική διαδικασία στην τελική φάση της με το προσωρινό κλείσιμο του κεφαλαίου. Επιπλέον, η ΕΕ καθόρισε κριτήρια αξιολόγησης για το προσωρινό κλείσιμο των άλλων κεφαλαίων σχετικά με τις δημόσιες συμβάσεις, τα στατιστικά στοιχεία και τον δημοσιονομικό έλεγχο (κεφάλαια 5, 18 και 32). Οι διαπραγματεύσεις για την ομάδα κεφαλαίων «Θεμελιώδη πεδία» είναι οι πρώτες που ανοίγουν και οι τελευταίες που κλείνουν. Η πρόοδος στο πλαίσιο αυτής της ομάδας κεφαλαίων θα καθορίσει τον συνολικό ρυθμό των διαπραγματεύσεων. Η προσχώρηση είναι μια αξιοκρατική διαδικασία. Η παρακολούθηση της προόδου ως προς την ευθυγράμμιση με το κεκτημένο της ΕΕ και τα σχετικά ευρωπαϊκά πρότυπα καθώς και ως προς την εφαρμογή τους θα συνεχιστεί καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια των διαπραγματεύσεων. Γενικό πλαίσιο Μετά την εισαγωγή της αναθεωρημένης μεθοδολογίας για τις ενταξιακές διαπραγματεύσεις το 2020, τα διαπραγματευτικά κεφάλαια χωρίζονται σε έξι θεματικές ομάδες: Θεμελιώδη πεδία Εσωτερική αγορά Ανταγωνιστικότητα και χωρίς αποκλεισμούς ανάπτυξη Πράσινο θεματολόγιο και βιώσιμη συνδεσιμότητα Πόροι, γεωργία και συνοχή Εξωτερικές σχέσεις Κοινή θέση της ΕΕ για την ομάδα κεφαλαίων 1: Θεμελιώδη πεδία Δήλωση του Προέδρου κ. Costa και της Προέδρου κας Von der Leyen σχετικά με τη συμφωνία για το άνοιγμα της πρώτης ομάδας ενταξιακών διαπραγματευτικών κεφαλαίων με την Ουκρανία και τη Μολδαβία, 12 Ιουνίου 2026 Η ΕΕ αρχίζει διαπραγματεύσεις προσχώρησης με την Ουκρανία (δελτίο Τύπου, 25 Ιουνίου 2024) Ουκρανία (γενικές πληροφορίες)   Επισκεφτείτε τον ιστοχώρο ● Council of the EU   15/06/2026 19:51 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - Foreign Affairs Council, 15 June 2026   The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the latest developments related to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, including the war in Iran. Ministers also discussed EU relations with China. Before the meeting, ministers had an informal breakfast with their counterpart from Armenia.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   16/06/2026 17:44 | Meetings | Main results - General Affairs Council, 16 June 2026   The Council continued preparations for the June European Council, held a policy debate on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF), and set its position on three of its main pillars. The Council also focused on the 2026 European Semester, endorsed its 18-month programme and was updated on the rule of law situation in Hungary.   View meeting page