COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Monday, 29 June 2026

● Council of the EU   29/06/2026 14:29 | Press release | Wildfires: Council adopts recommendation to strengthen preparedness and enhance prevention   The Council today adopted a recommendation on integrated wildfire risk management, setting out a comprehensive framework to help member states better prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from wildfires. The recommendation follows a record-breaking 2025 season, which saw over one million hectares burned across the EU and triggered an unprecedented number of activations for the EU civil protection mechanism. “The devastating wildfire seasons experienced across Europe in recent years have shown that wildfire risk is no longer a challenge for a few countries but a European challenge. These recommendations promote a comprehensive approach that brings together land management, climate adaptation, civil protection and cross-border cooperation. Investing in prevention and preparedness today is essential to protecting lives, communities and ecosystems tomorrow.” — Constantinos Ioannou, Minister of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus As wildfire risk continues to increase across Europe due to climate change, changing land-management and other factors, the recommendation promotes a more coordinated and integrated approach covering the entire disaster risk management cycle. The recommendation encourages member states to strengthen prevention through sustainable land and forest management, improve preparedness by making better use of data, risk assessments and early warning systems, and enhance cooperation and interoperability in wildfire response. The recommendation also highlights the importance of raising public awareness, supporting local communities, improving post-fire recovery and strengthening governance and long-term funding for wildfire risk management. Recognising that wildfire risk increasingly affects large parts of Europe and often have cross-border implications, the recommendation stresses the value of closer cooperation among member states and with international partners to improve wildfire risk management. Background and next steps On 25 March 2026, the European Commission adopted a communication on integrated wildfire risk management, setting out a comprehensive EU strategy to addressing the growing threat of wildfire. The communication promotes an integrated approach covering prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, and highlights the need for stronger cooperation between public authorities, land managers, civil society and local communities. It also identifies climate change, changes in land management and human activity as key drivers of increasing wildfire risk across Europe. The Council recommendation builds on the Commission's communication by providing guidance to member states on measures to strengthen wildfire risk management throughout the disaster risk management cycle. While the recommendation is not legally binding, member states are invited to implement the measures in accordance with their national circumstances, risk profiles and governance systems. Commission communication on integrated wildfire risk management EU civil protection (background information) Forests: facts and figures (background information) Forest resilience and protection of forests (background information) Wildfires - European civil protection and humanitarian aid operations (European Commission)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   29/06/2026 19:34 | Press release | Council agrees roadmap for European cooperation in education and training until 2030   The Council has approved a resolution that will guide EU-level cooperation in education and training until 2030. The resolution on the second cycle of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area (2026-2030) sets out the work programme for cooperation at EU level in the areas of education and training over the next five years. It updates two resolutions approved by the Council in 2021 in relation to the strategic framework and its governance structure. “Throughout this semester, the Cyprus presidency has focused on fostering future-ready education and training systems with learners and teachers at the heart. Today’s agreement on the European Education Area underscores our shared commitment: by investing in foundational and digital skills, citizenship education and lifelong learning, we are investing in Europe’s future, its resilience, prosperity and competitiveness. After all, strategic autonomy begins with empowered citizens and strong education.” — Dr Athena Michaelidou, Minister for Education, Sport and Youth, Republic of Cyprus The resolution approved today maintains the Council’s ambition of achieving the European Education Area (EEA), with a view to fostering greater collaboration among EU countries in the area of education and training. In its resolution, the Council puts the focus on preserving the current governance structure of the EEA. It continues to stress the need for a holistic approach to education and training that enables the full potential of individuals and society to be realised. Moreover, it calls for the strategic framework to operate in synergy with the Union of Skills where relevant. The resolution includes an updated set of six strategic priorities in the field of education and training: literacy, mathematics and science for all developing digital skills and citizenship education making lifelong learning and mobility a reality for all enhancing attractiveness, competences and motivation in the education and training profession fostering European vocational education and training (VET) promoting the competitiveness of higher education in Europe The resolution includes the list of EU-level targets in the area of education and training, which have been grouped for the first time in one document. Background The European Education Area (EEA) fosters collaboration among EU countries in the area of education and training, with the aim of building more resilient, inclusive and future-ready national education and training systems. The EEA’s strategic framework structures collaboration between EU member states and relevant stakeholders. It also sets out EU-level education targets to be achieved by 2030. The Council’s resolution on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area and beyond (2021-2030), approved in February 2021, indicated that the Council would review the strategic framework — including EU-level targets, governance structure, and working methods — on the basis of an evaluation report on the European Education Area (EEA) provided by the Commission in 2025. Resolution on the second cycle of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area (2026-2030) European Education Area (background information)   Visit the website ● General Secretariat of the Council   'Le choc des empires au XXIe siècle' par Thomas Guénolé   Thomas Guénolé présente une analyse géopolitique du monde et se penche tout particulièrement sur la place de l'Europe dans l'avenir. Il est favorable à une évolution de l'Europe vers le statut de super-puissance pour qu'elle puisse, en tant qu'empire, survivre entre les empires existants ou émergents.   Read full post ● Council of the EU   29/06/2026 13:16 | Press release | Safer online spaces for girls: Council calls for stronger action against cyber violence   Noting the increased prevalence of deeply harmful cyber violence against girls and young women, the Council has approved conclusions calling on EU countries and the Commission to improve protection for girls and young women in the digital sphere. With this declaration, ministers demand more effective measures to prevent and combat the various forms of online abuse, including cyberstalking, online harassment, non-consensual image sharing, and sexist hate speech. “Today's conclusions mark a crucial milestone in protecting girls and young women online. The protection of minors from digital violence has been a horizontal priority of the Cyprus presidency. We are acknowledging that cyber violence against girls is real, widespread, and rapidly evolving, and that protecting girls and young women in the digital age is a shared European responsibility. This means equipping schools and parents with the awareness and tools they need to protect young people, while ensuring that the law enforcement is more effective so that online violence faces real consequences.” — Clea Papaellina, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Republic of Cyprus Current situation and vulnerability of girls The conclusions are based on a report by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). Interviews conducted among teenagers across the EU confirm the fact that cyber violence disproportionately impacts girls and young women, girls being targeted more frequently than boys, often from the moment they start using digital technologies and social media. Moreover, girls and young women aged 13 to 18 consider existing prevention efforts to be inadequate. The Council stresses that cyber violence is rooted in systemic inequalities and harmful gender norms that normalise male aggression and victim blaming, and that online violence often extends to harmful behaviour in real life. Measures to combat cyber violence Drawing on the findings of EIGE, EU ministers underline the urgent need to take determined action at both national and EU levels. The proposed measures focus on supporting victims, raising awareness, enforcing legislation, and researching the dynamics and causes of cyber violence. Ministers also recall the responsibilities of economic actors online. Supporting victims To support victims, the Council calls on national governments to provide care, mental health support, and legal assistance, with a special focus on intersectional factors such as age, disability and sexual orientation. Recognising that the non-consensual sharing of explicit images is a serious form of violence, the conclusions also highlight the importance of education on digital consent and call for the promotion of a culture of digital self-care in schools. Raising awareness Ministers highlight the importance of educating teachers, educators, and all students on gender-responsive digital literacy. This includes online safety, disinformation detection and awareness of technologies that promote gender-based violence. School curricula should also address topics such as gender stereotypes, harmful norms and accountability. Moreover, the Council supports involving more women in the design and development of digital technologies, which is vital for improving online safety from a gender perspective. Parents, caregivers and educators The Council calls for parents, caregivers and legal guardians to be provided with guidance allowing them to respond to technology-facilitated abuse, as well as practical tools such as free parental control software. The Council also recommends offering bystander intervention training to teachers and other professionals, so that they can step in safely in response to cyber violence. Enforcing legislation, boosting resources To strengthen the legal response, the Council stresses the need for improved regulation and enforcement, including of existing EU rules such as the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the AI Act. Crucially, the conclusions underline that more must be done to identify online evidence and strengthen cross-border cooperation. To achieve this, ministers call for greater investment in the technical expertise and resources of law enforcement and NGOs. The responsibilities of economic actors Furthermore, the Council highlights the responsibility of economic actors including online platforms and social media providers to pursue safety proactively and by design, to moderate content effectively and to prevent the misuse of their services. This also entails promoting adequate funding for 'trusted flaggers' who specialise in identifying and reporting illegal content, including cases of gender-based violence. In addition, the conclusions call for closer cooperation between the private sector and law enforcement, especially in order to detect cases of human trafficking. Investing in research and data collection Because cyber violence is a rapidly evolving phenomenon, the conclusions emphasize the need for long-term, evidence-based research into its psychological, social, and economic impacts on girls. Furthermore, the Council stresses the importance of studying the root causes, motivations and tactics behind online abuse, including sexist hate speech promoted by increasingly prominent 'manosphere' and 'incel' communities. Background The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the UN agenda for gender equality and women’s empowerment, serves as the key framework in this policy area on the global stage, explicitly identifying violence against women as a major obstacle to equality, development and peace. At the EU level, the Digital Services Act established the core principle that what is illegal offline must also be illegal online, forcing large platforms to tackle illegal content and ensure a safer digital environment. The directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence stands as the first comprehensive EU law to officially criminalise specific forms of cyber violence. Finally, the AI Act provides the first-ever comprehensive legal framework on artificial intelligence, introducing for instance definitions and transparency obligations around AI-generated deep-fakes.   Preventing and combating cyber violence against girls (Council conclusions) From lived reality to policy action: Combating cyber violence against girls in the EU (EIGE report) Ending violence against women (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   29/06/2026 14:12 | Press release | Council gives final green light to strengthen farmers’ position in the food supply chain   The Council today adopted new rules to improve farmers’ position in the EU food supply chain, ensuring they receive a fairer share of value by strengthening their negotiating power vis-à-vis buyers such as processors and retailers. The changes also aims at promoting fair contracts and strengthening producers organisations. “Today's adoption marks an important step towards a fairer and more resilient agri-food sector. The new rules will provide farmers with stronger tools to negotiate collectively and secure a fairer share of the value they create. The Cyprus Presidency’s efforts have consistently focused on achieving timely and efficient agreements that benefit farmers, promote fair trade, and strengthen a food supply chain capable of delivering adequate and affordable food for our citizens.” — Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus The reform introduces targeted amendments to the regulation on the common market organisation (CMO) of agricultural products, alongside complementary changes to the common agricultural policy (CAP). Strengthening farmers’ bargaining power The new rules make written contracts standard and include review clauses to reflect market changes. They also simplify the recognition of producer organisations and support their collective action, including through CAP funding. Harmonised rules are introduced for voluntary marketing terms such as 'fair' and 'short supply chain' to improve transparency. Clear rules on product designations The legislation strengthens protection of the term 'meat', reserving it for animal-based products, and sets clearer rules to prevent misleading marketing and ensure fair competition. Addressing farmers’ concerns The measures respond to concerns about farmers’ weak position in the supply chain. They complement existing rules on unfair trading practices and aim to improve income stability and value distribution. Next steps The act will now be signed and published in the Official Journal of the European Union, after which it will enter into force. Some changes, particularly those concerning meat designations, will start to apply after a three-year transition period, to give the industry time to adapt.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   29/06/2026 14:22 | Press release | Council greenlights rules for a more circular automotive sector   Today, the Council formally adopted the regulation concerning circularity requirements for vehicle design and the management of end-of-life vehicles. The new rules will ensure that new vehicles are designed and produced in a way that supports their re-use, recycling and recovery, in order to make the automotive sector more circular and sustainable. The new regulation introduces circularity requirements across the entire life cycle of vehicles, from design and production to their end-of-life treatment.  After 6 years following entry into force of the new rules, at least 15% of plastic used to manufacture new vehicles must come from recycling, with the ultimate target of 25% recycled plastic within 10 years of the regulation entering into force. Furthermore, a minimum of 20% of this recycled plastic must be recovered from end-of-life vehicles. Producers will be made financially and organisationally responsible for the entire lifecycle of their vehicles, including when they become waste.  This extended producer responsibility covers promoting design for circularity and ensuring the free take-back and proper treatment of all end-of-life vehicles. The regulation also addresses the issue of ‘missing vehicles’ – those illegally dismantled or exported – by enhancing traceability and control measures. Once a vehicle meets the criteria of an end-of-life vehicle (waste), it must be treated by an authorised treatment facility and cannot be legally exported or resold as a used vehicle. Furthermore, the regulation bans the export of used vehicles that are no longer roadworthy, ensuring the EU complies with its commitments to not contribute to pollution in third countries and to retain valuable materials within its territory. The new regulation will fully apply to passenger cars and light commercial vans, whereas heavy-duty vehicles (e.g. trucks), motorcycles and special purpose vehicles (both small and heavy-duty) will be subject to a more limited set of requirements which will especially ensure their proper treatment. Next steps This is the final step in the ordinary legislative procedure. The regulation will start applying 2 years after its entry into force. Based on a feasibility study to be finalised one year after the regulation enters into force, the Commission must introduce future targets for other materials such as recycled steel, aluminium, magnesium, and critical raw materials. Background Over 6 million end-of-life vehicles (vehicles that reach the end of their life and are treated as waste) are generated in the EU every year. Inadequate management of end-of-life vehicles creates pollution and loss of tonnes of materials. The automotive manufacturing industry is one of the most resource-intensive sectors in the EU and among the largest consumers of primary raw materials but makes insufficient use of recycled materials. Existing rules have resulted in improved collection of end-of-life vehicles and increased recycling of ELVs to around 85% of the materials that they contain. But further action is needed to address the challenges of vehicle design, recycled content, and the export of polluting vehicles. This regulation builds on the European Green Deal and the circular economy action plan, promoting sustainable practices throughout the automotive value chain. Regulation concerning circularity requirements for vehicle design and the management of end-of-life vehicles Voting results Statements Circular economy: Council and Parliament strike deal on rules for vehicle circularity and management of end-of-life vehicles (press release, 12 December 2025) Circular economy: Council adopts position on the recycling of vehicles at the end of their life (press release, 17 June 2025) Circular economy (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   29/06/2026 14:29 | Press release | Wildfires: Council adopts recommendation to strengthen preparedness and enhance prevention   The Council today adopted a recommendation on integrated wildfire risk management, setting out a comprehensive framework to help member states better prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from wildfires. The recommendation follows a record-breaking 2025 season, which saw over one million hectares burned across the EU and triggered an unprecedented number of activations for the EU civil protection mechanism. “The devastating wildfire seasons experienced across Europe in recent years have shown that wildfire risk is no longer a challenge for a few countries but a European challenge. These recommendations promote a comprehensive approach that brings together land management, climate adaptation, civil protection and cross-border cooperation. Investing in prevention and preparedness today is essential to protecting lives, communities and ecosystems tomorrow.” — Constantinos Ioannou, Minister of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus As wildfire risk continues to increase across Europe due to climate change, changing land-management and other factors, the recommendation promotes a more coordinated and integrated approach covering the entire disaster risk management cycle. The recommendation encourages member states to strengthen prevention through sustainable land and forest management, improve preparedness by making better use of data, risk assessments and early warning systems, and enhance cooperation and interoperability in wildfire response. The recommendation also highlights the importance of raising public awareness, supporting local communities, improving post-fire recovery and strengthening governance and long-term funding for wildfire risk management. Recognising that wildfire risk increasingly affects large parts of Europe and often have cross-border implications, the recommendation stresses the value of closer cooperation among member states and with international partners to improve wildfire risk management. Background and next steps On 25 March 2026, the European Commission adopted a communication on integrated wildfire risk management, setting out a comprehensive EU strategy to addressing the growing threat of wildfire. The communication promotes an integrated approach covering prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, and highlights the need for stronger cooperation between public authorities, land managers, civil society and local communities. It also identifies climate change, changes in land management and human activity as key drivers of increasing wildfire risk across Europe. The Council recommendation builds on the Commission's communication by providing guidance to member states on measures to strengthen wildfire risk management throughout the disaster risk management cycle. While the recommendation is not legally binding, member states are invited to implement the measures in accordance with their national circumstances, risk profiles and governance systems. Commission communication on integrated wildfire risk management EU civil protection (background information) Forests: facts and figures (background information) Forest resilience and protection of forests (background information) Wildfires - European civil protection and humanitarian aid operations (European Commission)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   29/06/2026 14:32 | Press release | Artificial Intelligence: Council gives final green light to simplify and streamline rules   Today, the Council gave its final green light on a new regulation aiming to streamline and simplify certain rules regarding artificial intelligence (AI). The new law forms part of the so-called ‘Omnibus VII’ legislative package in the EU’s simplification agenda. “With today’s adoption, we are taking another decisive step towards a more competitive European Union. By providing greater legal certainty and ensuring a more harmonised implementation of AI rules across the EU, we are creating the conditions for innovation and growth to thrive in the single market. At the same time, by banning AI-generated or manipulated sexual deepfakes and AI-generated child sexual abuse material, we are sending a clear message that technological progress must always go hand in hand with the protection of our fundamental values.   This key deliverable under the ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap demonstrates that Europe can act with unity, ambition and speed, and is also a testament to the Cyprus presidency’s commitment to turning strategic priorities into concrete results.” — Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of the Republic of Cyprus The package includes proposals for two regulations aiming to simplify the EU’s digital legislative framework and the implementation of harmonised rules on AI. Application dates Given that provisions on high-risk AI systems were due to enter into force on 2 August 2026, the co-legislators treated this part of the package with utmost priority and agreed on a fixed timeline for the delayed application of high-risk rules: the new application dates would be 2 December 2027 for stand-alone high-risk AI systems and 2 August 2028 for high-risk AI systems embedded in products. Other key elements of the new regulation The new law adds a new provision in the AI act, prohibiting AI practices regarding the generation of non-consensual sexual and intimate content or child sexual abuse material (CSAM). AI systems that generate nude images of real people or edit clothes out in existing photos to reveal intimate parts are set to be banned as of December this year. The new regulation postpones the deadline for the establishment of AI regulatory sandboxes by competent authorities at national level until 2 August 2027 and reduces the grace period for providers to implement transparency solutions for artificially generated content from 6 months to 3 months, with the new deadline set on 2 December 2026.  The text also clarifies the competences of the AI Office for the supervision of AI systems based on general-purpose AI models where the model and that system are developed by the same provider by listing exceptions where national authorities remain competent, including law enforcement, border management, judicial authorities and financial institutions. On the interplay of AI rules with sectoral legislation in sectors such as medical devices, toys, lifts and watercraft, the new law provides for a mechanism that allows to resolve situations in which sectoral law has similar AI-specific requirements to the AI act, by limiting the latter’s application in those specific cases through implementing acts. This solution effectively addresses any possible overlaps between the high-risk requirements from the AI act and those from sectoral legislation.  The products covered by the machinery regulation were exempted from direct applicability of the AI act with the Commission empowered to adopt secondary legislation under the machinery regulation which would add health and safety requirements in respect to AI systems that are classified as high-risk pursuant to the AI act.  The regulation also adds a new obligation for the Commission to provide guidance to assist economic operators of high-risk AI systems covered by sectoral harmonisation legislation in complying with the high-risk requirements of the AI act in a manner that minimises compliance burden. Next steps The legislative act will be published in the EU’s official journal shortly and will enter into force on the third day after this publication. Background In October 2024, the European Council called on all EU institutions, member states and stakeholders, as a matter of priority, to take work forward, notably in response to the challenges identified in the reports by Enrico Letta (‘Much more than a market’) and Mario Draghi (‘The future of European competitiveness’). The Budapest declaration of 8 November 2024 subsequently called for ‘launching a simplification revolution’, by ensuring a clear, simple and smart regulatory framework for businesses and drastically reducing administrative, regulatory and reporting burdens, in particular for SMEs. Since February 2025, as a follow-up to the call by EU Leaders at that and subsequent meetings, the Commission has put forward ten ‘Omnibus’ packages aiming to simplify existing legislation on sustainability, investment, agriculture, small mid-caps, digitalisation and common specifications, defence readiness, chemical products, digital issues including on AI, environment, the automotive sector and food and feed safety.  Regulation on the simplification of the implementation of harmonized rules on artificial intelligence (Digital omnibus on AI), 29 June 2026 Artificial intelligence: Council and Parliament agree to simplify and streamline rules (press release, 6 May 2026) Regulation on the simplification of the implementation of harmonized rules on artificial intelligence (Digital omnibus on AI), Commission proposal, 17 November 2025 EU Law tracker (timeline) Simplification of EU rules (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   29/06/2026 14:40 | Press release | MFF 2028-2034: Council backs simpler and more efficient rules for cohesion funds   The Council today agreed its partial negotiating position on two key regulations for the EU budget for the period 2028-2034 (MFF). The two regulations establish the cohesion policy funds: the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), including the European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) and the Cohesion Fund (CF), and the European Social Fund (ESF). This complements the recent partial general approach on the regulation concerning the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP). 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. “Today’s agreement marks another important step towards a cohesion policy that is simpler, more flexible and better equipped to respond to Europe’s evolving challenges. By providing member states with a single strategic framework for planning reforms and investments, we are giving them greater ownership to determine their own priorities and direct resources where they can have the greatest impact for citizens and regions. At the same time, we have worked to ensure that the implementing rules are clear, balanced, and workable, so that programming can begin on time and implementation can proceed smoothly throughout the next budget period. Together, these regulations help build a more resilient, competitive, and inclusive Europe.” — Makis Keravnos, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Cyprus The new ERDF/CF regulation and Interreg The new ERDF and CF regulation sets specific rules on the scope of support of these two funds complementing the National and regional plans under shared management. The Council’s mandate strengthens the visibility of cohesion policy in line with the Treaty’s objectives and provides for rules on areas specific to cohesion policy. The regulation also lays down specific rules for Interreg by outlining the Interreg Plan, which will be separate from the NRPP due to its specificities, starting with the multitude of partners involved in the programming and implementation, including cooperation with non-member states. Regarding the Interreg provisions, discrepancies between the Commission proposal and the NRPP were addressed in the text of the partial general approach. The text also reduces the scope of the secondary legislation that the Commission proposed to issue at a later stage: many aspects of such implementing act were moved to the regulation through the addition of Interreg-specific definitions and provisions, thus providing legal certainty since the very beginning of the new MFF period. Furthermore, the partial general approach complements and derogates from rules of the NRPP regulation that cannot apply to Interreg due to its specificities. It also focuses on clarifying the specific procedures for approval and amendment of the Interreg Plan chapters and the role of the Commission in the process. The new ESF regulation The proposed new ESF regulation establishes conditions for the implementation of the EU’s support to quality employment, skills and social inclusion for the period from 2028 to 2034, complementing the NRPP regulation, while setting specific rules on the scope of support from the ESF under the single Fund. The Council’s partial general approach aims to establish a better balance between the articles and recitals of the Commission’s proposal, to provide definitions and clarifications relative to the scope of the regulation, and to harmonise it with the provisions of the NRPP regulation. Next steps The partial negotiating position approved today is the Council's mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament. The budget available for the funding in question for 2028-2034 will depend on the final agreement on the next MFF as a whole. Background The ERDF/CF and ESF regulations are key elements of the next MFF, the EU's seven-year spending plan, as part of the NRPP regulation. 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 Regulation establishing the European Fund for Regional Development for the period 2028-2034 (the ERDF regulation), Commission proposal, 16 July 2025 Regulation establishing the European Social Fund for the period 2028-2034 (the ESF regulation), Commission proposal, 16 July 2025 ERDF regulation – EU Law tracker (timeline) ESF regulation – EU Law tracker (timeline) The EU's long-term budget (background information) Cohesion: How the EU supports regional development to create jobs and prosperity across its member countries (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   29/06/2026 14:43 | Press release | European Public Prosecutor's Office: Council appoints new prosecutors for France and Malta   The Council today appointed two new prosecutors to the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO): Philippe Jaeglé for France and Omar Caruana for Malta. Role and mandate European prosecutors supervise investigations and prosecutions. Together with the European Chief Prosecutor, they form the EPPO College. The Council appoints a European prosecutor for each participating member state. The two new prosecutors are appointed for a non-renewable term of six years, from July 2026. These appointments form part of a partial renewal of the EPPO College, which amount to the replacement of seven European prosecutors whose mandates expire in July 2026. Two new prosecutors for Belgium and the Czech Republic were appointed earlier this year. Selection process Each member state nominates three candidates for the position of European prosecutor. Following the nomination phase, a selection panel draws up reasoned opinions and ranks the nominated candidates for each member state who fulfilled the conditions. The Council then selects and appoints one of the candidates to be the European prosecutor for their member state. Background The EPPO is an independent body of the EU responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing crimes against the financial interests of the Union (e.g. fraud, corruption, cross-border VAT fraud above €10 million) to judgment. By the end of 2025, the EPPO had 3 602 active investigations, for a total estimated damage of over €67.27 billion. The EPPO carries out acts of prosecution and exercises the functions of prosecutor in the competent courts of the member states. Laura Kövesi has been the European Chief Prosecutor since 2019. Currently 24 member states participate in the EPPO: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden. Hungary formally notified the Commission and the Council of its intention to join the EPPO at the end of May 2026.Once Hungary joins the EPPO, all member states will have joined the enhanced cooperation (Ireland and Denmark have an opt out from certain EU cooperation on justice and home affairs). The EPPO started operations at the end of 2020. The office is based in Luxembourg. European Public Prosecutor's Office (background information) EPPO: Council appoints new prosecutors for Belgium and Czechia (press release, 11 February 2026)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   29/06/2026 14:48 | Press release | Research fund for coal and steel: Council gives its final approval   The Council today has given its final approval to the reform of the research fund for coal and steel. The objective of the fund is to boost research and innovation investment in the steel sector, as well as to support the green and just transition of EU coal-mining regions. The programme is extended until 2034 and will provide up to €120 million in annual funding, for a total investment of around €800 million. “The decisions adopted today close the final chapter of a successful research and innovation programme under the Cyprus Presidency. The remaining support under the research fund for coal and steel will continue to strengthen two critical sectors that are central to the EU’s industrial transformation. While contributing to the green transition it will strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of these industries that are essential for Europe’s resilience, economic strength, and strategic autonomy.” — Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus The new legal framework aligns co-funding rates with Horizon Europe, allowing industry participants to receive up to 70% EU funding, while for SMEs, startups, and academic institutions this funding will be up to 100%. The new framework will simplify the access to support and prepare the research fund for coal and steel to its future integration with other EU research and innovation, as well as investment support programmes. The reform package consists of two Council decisions: one on how to use the financial assets from the ECSC to fund coal and steel research, and another containing multiannual financial and technical guidelines for managing the assets of the fund. Next steps Following the Council’s approval, the two decisions will soon be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. They will enter into force on the 20th day following its publication. Background The research fund for coal and steel (RFCS) was established in 2002 following the expiry of the European coal and steel community (ECSC) treaty. The fund uses yearly interest from the remaining ECSC assets to support research and innovation projects that enhance the competitiveness of Europe's coal and steel industries. It is separate from the EU’s multiannual financial framework. Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on the adoption of the Research Programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel, on the multiannual technical guidelines for this programme, on the multiannual financial guidelines for managing the assets of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel, and repealing Decisions 2003/77/EC and 2008/376/EC Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION laying down the measures necessary for the implementation of Protocol No 37 on the financial consequences of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty and on the Research Fund for Coal and Steel, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty for the Functioning of the European Union The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation European Steel and Metals Action Plan   Visit the website ● European Council   29/06/2026 15:49 | Press release | President Costa travelling to Ireland and France   The President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Dublin on Wednesday (1 July) for the opening ceremony of the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU, as Ireland takes over the rotating presidency from Cyprus. He will meet with Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, to mark the handover and discuss priorities for the months ahead, including the next steps in the negotiations on the new Multiannual Financial Framework as well as the implementation of the 'One Europe, One Market' agenda. The three core themes of the Irish presidency: competitiveness, values, and security, will feature in their discussions. “'Strength with unity’ is more than a slogan; it is what we need to deliver on two defining challenges: agreeing the next EU long-term budget and advancing the competitiveness agenda. These require unity, ambition and determination. Together with the Irish presidency, we will work hard to deliver.” — António Costa, President of the European Council Visit to France On Thursday and Friday (2-3 July), President Costa will travel to Aix-en-Provence to participate in the “Rencontres Économiques” economic forum. He will join the President of the European Central Back, Christine Lagarde, for a stage talk. The “Rencontres Économiques” are an annual international forum where economists, policymakers, business leaders and academics gather to debate major economic challenges. While in Aix-en-Provence, he will meet the President of the Region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Renaud Muselier. On Friday, President Costa will visit the ITER Headquarters in Saint Paul-lez-Durance, one of the world’s largest energy research facilities, dedicated to advancing fusion power. On Saturday, 4 July, President Costa will be in Marseille, and together with its Mayor, Benoît Payan, he will visit the Parc Kalliste School and EU-funded coastal projects, before visiting the Theatre Festival of Avignon. Press opportunities Wednesday 1 July 2026 12:10 Dublin time – Press conference with Taoiseach, Micheál Martin Indicative Schedule Wednesday 1 July 2026 Dublin, Ireland Meeting with Taoiseach, Micheál Martin Speech at official opening of the Irish presidency of the Council of the European Union Thursday 2 July 2026 Aix-en-Provence, France Meeting with President of PACA Region, Renaud Muselier Friday 3 July 2026 Aix-en-Provence, France Rencontres Économiques Stage-talk with President of ECB, Christine Lagarde Saint Paul-lez-Durance, France Visit to ITER Headquarter Saturday 4 July 2026 Marseille, France Visit to Parc Kalliste School Visit of EU-funded coastal projects Meeting with Mayor of Marseille, Benoît Payan Avignon, France Visit to Festival d’Avignon All press events as well as videos and photos of the visits will be available in the Council newsroom.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   29/06/2026 16:21 | Press release | Council highlights demographic dimension of Europe’s housing crisis   The Council is calling on policymakers to take into account the interplay between housing needs and demographic trends, such as population ageing, shrinking household sizes and rural-to-urban migration. In conclusions approved by EU employment and social affairs ministers today, the Council draws attention to the multifaceted and intergenerational nature of Europe’s housing crisis and its impact on aspects such as cohesion, sustainability and competitiveness. While acknowledging that housing is primarily a member-state competence, the Council also invites the Commission to continue supporting member states’ efforts to improve access to suitable and affordable housing. “Housing needs across Europe are changing, shaped by ageing populations, smaller households, and urbanisation. This shift is creating a growing challenge for many Europeans, particularly young people, families, and essential workers. From the outset, Cyprus presidency set a clear political objective: to place housing firmly at the centre of the European social and political agenda. Because housing is ultimately about people. These conclusions set a shared direction for action, calling for stronger efforts to improve access to affordable and suitable housing for all and to ensure that housing systems better respond to demographic shifts and people’s everyday realities.” — Konstantinos Ioannou, Minister of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus The conclusions recognise that housing is a cross-cutting issue relating to broader societal factors such as social inclusion, family formation, environmental sustainability and labour mobility. Moreover, they demonstrate that housing supply both shapes and is shaped by demographic trends. For example, while high housing costs may prevent many people from starting a family, the resulting reduction in household size can also have an impact on the nature of housing demand. Supporting the most affected In its conclusions, the Council acknowledges that the housing crisis is having a disproportionate effect on certain groups, such as young people, older persons, persons with disabilities, families with children, low- and middle-income households and essential workers such as teachers and health sector staff. The conclusions call on member-state governments to take the needs of these groups into account when designing and implementing housing policies, for example by promoting accessible housing and encouraging intergenerational co-living. The Council also highlights the benefits of integrating housing into broader policy areas such as employment and rural development, including by strengthening opportunities for younger people in rural areas. Tackling affordability issues The Council’s conclusions identify a number of drivers of housing shortages, many of which are related to affordability. They include the concentration of jobs and educational opportunities in densely populated urban areas, rising construction costs, property speculation and, in some places, the popularity of short-term rentals. The Council calls for greater efforts to tackle these issues, such as by encouraging public and private investment and focusing resources on those regions that are experiencing the most persistent housing pressures. It advocates a fresh approach to housing construction that could include repurposing and reusing existing buildings while also cutting unnecessary red tape. Mitigating the environmental impact The Council also highlights the relationship between housing policy and the environment. Housing policies are often designed to address environmental concerns, for example by ensuring that buildings comply with energy efficiency requirements, yet these requirements may contribute to higher construction costs. On the other hand, affordable housing may benefit the environment and living costs in the long run: if more people can afford to live near their place of work, less pollution will be generated as a result of long daily commutes by car or public transport. The conclusions therefore call for environmental considerations to be incorporated in a holistic way into housing policies. Background Europe’s housing crisis has featured prominently on the EU’s agenda over the last year. In October 2025, EU leaders discussed the pressing housing challenges facing many EU citizens, including access to affordable housing. This was followed on 16 December 2025 by the publication of the Commission’s European Affordable Housing Plan, the first comprehensive strategy at EU level to support the efforts of the member states, regions and cities in addressing the housing crisis and its various impacts. Housing: Shifting demographics and shaping policies (Council conclusions) The EU’s housing crisis (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU

29/06/2026 18:33 | Meetings | Main results - Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Social policy), 29 June 2026   EU employment and social affairs ministers approved conclusions on cyber violence against girls, and on the link between demographic trends and housing policy. They discussed housing security for students and middle-income households, advancing fair labour mobility, and the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy. The European Semester Spring Package and gender-related aspects of job quality were also on the agenda.   View meeting page

● Council of the EU   29/06/2026 19:34 | Press release | Council agrees roadmap for European cooperation in education and training until 2030   The Council has approved a resolution that will guide EU-level cooperation in education and training until 2030. The resolution on the second cycle of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area (2026-2030) sets out the work programme for cooperation at EU level in the areas of education and training over the next five years. It updates two resolutions approved by the Council in 2021 in relation to the strategic framework and its governance structure. “Throughout this semester, the Cyprus presidency has focused on fostering future-ready education and training systems with learners and teachers at the heart. Today’s agreement on the European Education Area underscores our shared commitment: by investing in foundational and digital skills, citizenship education and lifelong learning, we are investing in Europe’s future, its resilience, prosperity and competitiveness. After all, strategic autonomy begins with empowered citizens and strong education.” — Dr Athena Michaelidou, Minister for Education, Sport and Youth, Republic of Cyprus The resolution approved today maintains the Council’s ambition of achieving the European Education Area (EEA), with a view to fostering greater collaboration among EU countries in the area of education and training. In its resolution, the Council puts the focus on preserving the current governance structure of the EEA. It continues to stress the need for a holistic approach to education and training that enables the full potential of individuals and society to be realised. Moreover, it calls for the strategic framework to operate in synergy with the Union of Skills where relevant. The resolution includes an updated set of six strategic priorities in the field of education and training: literacy, mathematics and science for all developing digital skills and citizenship education making lifelong learning and mobility a reality for all enhancing attractiveness, competences and motivation in the education and training profession fostering European vocational education and training (VET) promoting the competitiveness of higher education in Europe The resolution includes the list of EU-level targets in the area of education and training, which have been grouped for the first time in one document. Background The European Education Area (EEA) fosters collaboration among EU countries in the area of education and training, with the aim of building more resilient, inclusive and future-ready national education and training systems. The EEA’s strategic framework structures collaboration between EU member states and relevant stakeholders. It also sets out EU-level education targets to be achieved by 2030. The Council’s resolution on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area and beyond (2021-2030), approved in February 2021, indicated that the Council would review the strategic framework — including EU-level targets, governance structure, and working methods — on the basis of an evaluation report on the European Education Area (EEA) provided by the Commission in 2025. Resolution on the second cycle of the strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training towards the European Education Area (2026-2030) European Education Area (background information)   Visit the website