COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Meetings Friday, 19 June 2026

● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης   18/06/2026 10:59 | Συνεδριάσεις | Κύρια σημεία της ημερήσιας διάταξης - Συμβούλιο Γεωργίας και Αλιείας, 22-23 June 2026   Οι υπουργοί Γεωργίας θα συζητήσουν σχετικά με τις προτάσεις για την κοινή γεωργική πολιτική μετά το 2027 και την τρέχουσα κατάσταση της αγοράς. Οι υπουργοί Αλιείας θα επικεντρωθούν στη βιώσιμη αλιεία στην ΕΕ και θα επανεξετάσουν την εφαρμογή της κοινής αλιευτικής πολιτικής.   Ειδική σελίδα συνεδρίασης ● European Council   18/06/2026 17:37 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President Costa at the joint doorstep ahead of the meeting with Presidents von der Leyen and Zelenskyy   It's always a pleasure to welcome in the European Council, President Zelensky, especially this week. It's been a historic week for Ukraine. On Monday, we opened formally the negotiations of the first cluster. It's a very important step towards the enlargement of the European Union and the full accession of Ukraine to the European Union. And at the G7, we reached a joint declaration with the clear and strong support of all the G7 members to Ukraine. That means that now we have the 27 member states united in supporting Ukraine. And it's also very important to highlight that now the European Union and the United States and our partners from Canada, Japan, UK - all of us - are working together to continue to support Ukraine. And that's the reason why at the G7, we take the decision to put more pressure on the war economy of Russia in order to reduce their ability to pursue the war against Ukraine. And we are leading a new momentum in our way towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   18/06/2026 18:18 | Press release | A solid start - first progress report on the "One Europe, One Market" roadmap   Following the signature of the Joint Declaration on the EU legislative priorities for 2026 and of the One Europe, One Market Roadmap, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission have worked closely together to effectively deliver on all priorities identified therein. Progress will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. The June 2026 Progress Review marks the first monitoring exercise on the implementation of both documents. The institutions reaffirm their commitment to this process and to the timely and effective delivery and implementation of the Joint Declaration and Roadmap. “When we signed the “One Europe, One Market” roadmap in Cyprus, we agreed on more than a plan - we agreed on concrete action. This has been the guiding principle of the Cyprus Presidency over the past six months, as we have worked relentlessly to strengthen the EU's competitiveness, resilience, and prosperity, with our citizens and businesses at the heart of every proposal. Today, we are proving that our joint commitment was not just words. We are delivering on our priorities, tracking progress closely, and ensuring that the roadmap we set together continues to drive real results for Europe.” — Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus “Europe has the talent, the capital and the ideas. Our task now is to remove the barriers that prevent companies from turning that potential into growth, innovation and investment. The One Europe, One Market Roadmap is our determination to swiftly deliver on all the key initiatives that will drive Europe’s competitiveness. The European Parliament will keep up the pace, while ensuring that the quality of our legislation matches the ambition of our goals, so that companies can innovate, scale up and thrive in Europe.” — Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament “We have made a commitment: to complete the Single Market by the end of next year. This is our One Europe, one Market roadmap. Today’s progress report shows that we are well on our way. We have discussed how we can deliver on this promise to our citizens and business even faster. Together, we will unlock the full power of our 450 million people-strong Single Market.” — Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission Progress review, June 2026 Legislative priorities Cycle   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   18/06/2026 18:28 | Press release | EU-NATO: 11th progress report highlights sustained cooperation in light of increasing security challenges   The Council took note of the 11th report on the implementation of the 74 common proposals endorsed by the EU and NATO Councils on 6 December 2016 and 5 December 2017. The report confirms that the EU and NATO continue to make substantial progress in their strategic partnership and highlights concrete achievements across the full spectrum of engagement between June 2025 and May 2026. The report emphasises the intensified level of political dialogue between the EU and NATO, which reflects a clear commitment to deepen interaction and advance practical cooperation across all areas of interest, in particular in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and EU initiatives to boost European defence. Furthermore, the 11th report showcases the growing EU-NATO cooperation in the areas of hybrid threats, including through rapid response teams, and on resilience and preparedness. Other fields with significant advances include civil-military cooperation and coordination in the field of communication activities. Contacts were also intensified with regard to cooperation on defence capabilities, particularly in addressing critical capabilities shortfalls. The report shows that capabilities and assets developed by members of both organisations, including those developed multinationally, remain available for both EU and NATO operations, subject to national political decisions. EU and NATO experts have also continued their efforts to strengthen coordination in developing the air and missile defence capabilities and increasing the defence production across all domains. Standardisation has remained a key sector of cooperation to ensure interoperability and complementarity. Military mobility is highlighted as a flagship project of EU-NATO cooperation. With the support to Ukraine remaining a central pillar of EU-NATO cooperation, both organisations continue to stand together in the face of an increasingly dangerous global security environment. In this context, the EU and NATO remain firmly committed to international peace and security, and to the rules-based international order, in line with the Charter of the United Nations. Eleventh progress report on the implementation of the common set of proposals endorsed by EU and NATO Councils on 06 December 2016 and 5 December 2017 EU-NATO cooperation (background Information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   18/06/2026 18:33 | Press release | ‘Europe for Culture, Culture for Europe’: European institutions commit to placing culture at the heart of EU policy   On the sidelines of the European Council today in Brussels, the President of the Republic of Cyprus as the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the Presidents of the European Parliament and the European Commission signed a joint declaration entitled “Europe for Culture, Culture for Europe”. The declaration sets out their shared political commitment to protecting, promoting and supporting culture in Europe. Europe for Culture In their joint declaration, the three EU institutions reaffirm the EU’s role in protecting cultural and linguistic diversity and integrating cultural considerations across all EU policies, while respecting national competencies. The institutions set out their commitment to placing culture at the heart of the European project by protecting and promoting artistic freedom, cultural diversity, inclusion and fair conditions for artists. Furthermore, they pledge to support the cultural and creative sectors by encouraging funding, innovation and capacity building, as well as by promoting Europe’s role as a global cultural and creative leader. Culture for Europe The joint declaration also acknowledges the immense benefits that Europe’s cultural and creative sectors provide in terms of fostering a shared European identity, underpinning core EU values such as freedom, equality and respect for human rights, and boosting the EU’s competitiveness. The signatories recognise the key role that culture plays in addressing contemporary challenges, including geopolitical tensions, climate change, the digital transition, social inequality and the mental health crisis. They highlight, moreover, the contribution of the cultural and creative sectors to economic growth, innovation, territorial cohesion and environmental sustainability. Twelve core principles The commitments laid down in the declaration are organised around twelve overarching principles. Some of the principles focus on support for artists and cultural professionals and include pledges to protect artistic freedom of expression, promote fair pay and decent working conditions while respecting the role and autonomy of the social partners, and foster an ethical, human-centric and rights-based approach to the use of artificial intelligence. Other principles in the joint declaration are aimed at fostering broader access to culture and to the cultural and creative professions, particularly for young, vulnerable or marginalised persons. They include commitments to enhancing inclusive access to culture, promoting arts education, and strengthening support for young artists and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The social and environmental benefits of culture are highlighted in the declaration. They are reflected in commitments to promote the positive effects of culture on health and wellbeing, harness the potential of culture to foster regional development, including through sustainable tourism, and stress the importance of culture in policy responses to ecological challenges.   The declaration also seeks to promote the EU’s cultural and linguistic diversity. Moreover, the three institutions commit to protecting Europe’s cultural heritage, including by using digital technologies to foster its preservation. “Today’s joint declaration recognises the crucial role of culture in shaping European identity. At a time of geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change, investing in artists, cultural heritage and creativity is also an investment in democracy, freedom and the values that bind Europe together. By signing this declaration, we are sending a clear message: culture must be fully integrated into European policymaking as a strategic priority for Europe’s future.” — Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus “Europe's story is told through its art, culture and creativity. Today's Joint Declaration sends a clear signal that we will continue to place culture at the heart of the European project. By supporting creative minds, protecting artistic freedom and strengthening our cultural and linguistic diversity, we are investing not only in one of Europe's greatest strengths, but also in the millions of people whose talent, innovation and creativity help our societies and economies flourish.” — Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament “Our culture is at the core of our identity. As well as being a source of Europe’s economic and geopolitical strength. Today, we commit to protecting artistic freedom and making art accessible to all citizens - especially our youth. Culture must remain a force for unity and learning.” — Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission “Europe for Culture, Culture for Europe” (Joint declaration) “A Culture Compass for Europe” (Commission communication)   Visit the website ● European Council   18/06/2026 23:46 | CONCLUSIONS | European Council conclusions on Ukraine and on European defence and security   I. UKRAINE 1. The European Council held an exchange of views with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine. 2. The European Council reaffirms its continued firm and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The European Union will continue to provide, in coordination with like-minded partners and allies, comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people. 3. The European Council welcomes the holding of the Intergovernmental Conference on the accession of Ukraine to the European Union and the opening of the fundamentals cluster on 15 June 2026, and looks forward to the opening of the other clusters, in line with the merit-based approach. 4. The European Union supports a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law and underpinned by robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine. Only a solution that respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity can bring about a just and lasting peace. Borders must not be changed by force, the aggressor cannot be rewarded and Ukraine’s long-term security and ability to defend itself must be guaranteed. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. The European Union will decide on matters of its competence or affecting its security. 5. The European Council supports diplomatic efforts to bring Russia’s war of aggression to an end and underlines the EU’s readiness to step up its engagement in that context, in accordance with the Union’s aim to promote peace, as enshrined in the Treaties. Europe has a key role to play in a future settlement and stands ready to defend its interests. Having failed to achieve its military and strategic objectives, Russia has intensified its missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure. The European Council urges Russia to show genuine willingness regarding peace, agree to a full, unconditional and immediate ceasefire and engage in meaningful negotiations towards a just and lasting peace. 6. The European Council strongly condemns the recent serious escalation by Russia, including large-scale missile and drone attacks against civilians in Ukraine, the recent strikes against the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, as well as the increasingly aggressive, reckless and irresponsible behaviour towards EU Member States, including foreign information manipulation and interference, and threats against the European diplomatic presence in Ukraine. The recent incident in which a Russian drone carrying explosives crashed into a residential building in Romania as well as similar incidents in other Member States are a direct result of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and threaten the security of EU citizens and regional stability. The European Council strongly condemns the repeated violations of Member States’ airspace and territorial waters and underlines that Russia bears full responsibility for the consequences of its escalatory behaviour and its continued military actions. The European Council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the security of all Member States. 7. The European Union and Member States are prepared to contribute to robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine, notably through the Coalition of the Willing and in cooperation with the United States. This will include supporting Ukraine’s ability to deter aggression and defend itself effectively, also in the long term, including through the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) and the European Union Advisory Mission in Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine), as well as support for ceasefire monitoring through the EU Satellite Centre. The contribution of the European Union and Member States will be based on their respective competences and capabilities and in line with international law. 8. The European Council strongly condemns Russia for systematically and deliberately targeting Ukraine’s civilian and energy infrastructure, and calls for the immediate cessation of all military activities near Ukraine’s nuclear facilities, which pose a serious threat to their safety and security. It also calls for further intensified EU efforts, coordinated with international partners’ efforts, to support Ukraine in urgently repairing, rebuilding and strengthening the resilience of its critical infrastructure and energy system ahead of next winter and to ensure the rapid rehabilitation of the Chornobyl containment arch. At the same time, it encourages enhanced regional energy cooperation and cross-border electricity interconnections. 9. The European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s repair, recovery and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners. In this context, the European Council looks forward to the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk on 25 and 26 June 2026. 10. The European Council looks forward to the first disbursement to Ukraine from the EUR 90 billion loan for 2026 and 2027 before the end of June 2026. It calls on Member States to continue their bilateral support for Ukraine and underlines the importance of continued EU outreach to third countries to ensure further international support to help close the remaining gap in Ukraine’s finances. The European Council recalls the importance of Ukraine continuing to uphold the rule of law and welcomes the ongoing reform efforts. 11. The European Council underlines the importance of further sustained efforts to provide military support to Ukraine, including through the Ukraine Support Loan, and urgently accelerate the production and delivery of priority equipment, in particular air defence systems, ammunition, drones and missiles, including to help Ukraine protect its civilian population and its energy and critical infrastructure. In this context, further enhancing EU-Ukraine defence industrial cooperation remains crucial. 12. All military support as well as security guarantees for Ukraine will be provided in full respect of the security and defence policy of certain Member States and taking into account the security and defence interests of all Member States. 13. The European Union remains determined to further increase pressure on Russia and continue weakening Russia’s war economy so that it stops its brutal war of aggression and engages in meaningful negotiations towards peace. The European Council reiterates the importance of further reducing Russia’s energy revenues, curbing its shadow fleet operations and further constraining its banking system. The European Council welcomes the recent adoption of new sanctions, notably targeting the shadow fleet, following the adoption of the 20th sanctions package. It calls for the swift adoption of the 21st sanctions package. Undermining the Russian shadow fleet’s business model requires a ‘whole of route’ approach and coordination among Member States and with partners, including a common approach to addressing the significant environmental, security and maritime safety risks posed by such vessels. The European Council also stresses the importance of continued coordination with G7 and other like-minded partners on sanctions, of strengthening the enforcement of existing measures and closing loopholes, and of further reinforcing the anti-circumvention measures. The European Council stresses that, as long as there is no just and lasting peace in Ukraine, there should not be a normalisation of Russia’s participation in international sports and cultural events. 14. The European Council urges all countries to immediately cease any assistance to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine, whether direct or indirect, and notably through the provision of dual-use goods and components. In particular, it strongly condemns the deployment of the DPRK’s military forces in the war against Ukraine as well as the continued military support provided to Russia by Iran, Belarus and the DPRK, among others. 15. The European Council reiterates its urgent call on Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure the safe and unconditional return to Ukraine of all unlawfully deported and transferred Ukrainian children and other civilians. In this respect, it welcomes the commitment made at the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children to step up action to secure their return. Other humanitarian relief efforts and confidence-building measures, notably the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of civilian detainees, must continue as part of the pathway to peace. 16. The European Council also reaffirms the EU’s commitment to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In this context, the European Council welcomes the ratification on behalf of the European Union of the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine as well as progress on the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. It encourages further sustained efforts within the framework of the Council of Europe towards the operationalisation of these two international bodies. 17. In light of the potential threat, including in the longer term, posed to the EU’s internal security by Russian ex-combatants having participated in the aggression against Ukraine, and taking note of the proposal by the Commission and the High Representative in this context, the European Council encourages further technical work to assess possible ways to address this issue, without prejudice to Member States’ competences in this domain. 18. The European Council will revert to this issue at its next meeting. V. EUROPEAN DEFENCE AND SECURITY 40. In the face of serious security threats and challenges and with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine remaining an existential challenge for the European Union, Europe’s defence readiness must be decisively ramped up by 2030. Building on recent progress, the European Council calls for efforts to be stepped up, with renewed urgency, to deliver at pace and at scale on this objective, reduce strategic dependencies and address critical capability gaps, with a 360° approach. 41. Following the repeated violations of Member States’ airspace, the European Council stresses the importance of ensuring the defence of all EU land, air and maritime borders. In particular, the European Union strongly condemns the grave incident of 29 May 2026 in which a Russian drone carrying explosives crashed into a residential building in Romania, and recognises the immediate threats on the EU’s Eastern flank. The European Union expresses its full solidarity with Romania and all Member States affected by similar incidents. Building on the progress achieved, the European Council calls for an acceleration of efforts to strengthen protection against such threats, including the ongoing work on the ‘Eastern Flank Watch’ project and other initiatives that will contribute to the protection of all EU borders. 42. The European Council also condemns all recent hybrid attacks against the European Union and its Member States. In light of the persistent hybrid campaigns by hostile actors, notably Russia and Belarus, the European Council calls for increased and urgent efforts to strengthen resilience, enhance preparedness, protect critical infrastructure, and prevent, deter and respond to hybrid attacks. It welcomes in this context the work conducted in the Council on the Action Plan on Drone and Counter-Drone Security, that contributes to these objectives and complements ongoing efforts in the field of defence. 43. The European Council recalls that a stronger and more capable European Union in the field of security and defence will contribute positively to global and transatlantic security and is complementary to NATO, which remains, for those States that are members of it, the foundation of their collective defence. The European Council underlines the importance of working together with like-minded partners, who share the EU’s foreign and security policy goals. 44. Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council: a) welcomes the sizeable and ongoing increase in defence expenditure in Member States, that needs to be accompanied by reinforced efforts to invest better and faster together; b) welcomes progress in all priority capability areas, which have been identified at EU level in full coherence with NATO, and in particular regarding projects in the area of drone and counter-drone systems; early-warning, air defence, and deep precision strike capabilities; and space assets and services. It calls on Member States to resolutely accelerate work in all capability coalitions. It invites the European Defence Agency (EDA) to continue supporting Member States in coordinating the various work strands on capabilities; c) reiterates the urgent need to strengthen the European defence technological and industrial base so that it can supply the required equipment at the necessary speed and scale, including the priority equipment in support of Ukraine. Further efforts are needed at all levels to adapt and ramp up production capacities and deliver, through research, new technologies and innovation, the defence industrial transformation necessary to meet the defence readiness objective. The European Council calls on the Member States to strengthen their engagement with the defence industry to that end and, in particular, to ensure close alignment between the capability and industrial dimensions in the work of capability coalitions, with the support of the EDA and, as regards the industrial dimension, the Commission; d) reiterates the importance of the proper functioning and further integration of the European defence market across the Union, including intra-EU cross-border access to defence supply chains, especially for SMEs and mid-caps. The European Council recalls that the decision to authorise or deny the export of defence-related products is at the discretion of each Member State; e) underlines that Europe must continue to draw lessons from Ukraine’s experience with new technologies, apply them in innovation and capability development processes, and work with the Ukrainian industry, including in the capability coalitions. It welcomes the initiatives recently undertaken in that regard; f) calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to make full use of available instruments regarding capability development as well as industrial reinforcement, and to take the further steps needed in the implementation of the SAFE and European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) instruments as a matter of urgency. In this regard, the European Council underlines the importance of rapidly finalising work on the European Defence Projects of Common Interest, that will contribute to the defence readiness of all Member States; g) welcomes the political agreement on the Defence Readiness Omnibus and calls on the co-legislators to agree by the end of 2026 on: i) the Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation; and ii) the military mobility proposal; h) looks forward to the additional proposals announced by the Commission on defence and sensitive security procurement; i) welcomes the first steps taken in the framework of the EDA to strengthen its support for Member States in the fields of innovation, capability development, including through harmonisation of requirements and aggregation of demand, and common procurement. It invites the EDA and Member States to pursue this work swiftly; j) invites the European Investment Bank to continue to support defence readiness, in particular by strengthening the European defence industry, including by crowding in private investment. 45. The above is without prejudice to the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States, and takes into account the security and defence interests of all Member States, in accordance with the Treaties. 46. The European Council will return to these issues in October 2026, including on the basis of the annual defence readiness report, to be prepared by the EDA with the support of the Commission and the High Representative.   Visit the website ● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης   19/06/2026 10:06 | Συνεδριάσεις | Κύρια σημεία της ημερήσιας διάταξης - Συμβούλιο Μεταφορών, Τηλεπικοινωνιών και Ενέργειας (Ενέργεια), 26 June 2026   Οι υπουργοί Ενέργειας θα επιδιώξουν την επίτευξη συμφωνίας σχετικά με γενική προσέγγιση όσον αφορά τη δέσμη για τα ευρωπαϊκά δίκτυα. Επίσης, θα ανταλλάξουν απόψεις σχετικά με δύο θέματα: τις προσπάθειες απανθρακοποίησης του τομέα της ενέργειας μετά το 2030 και τον αντίκτυπο της κρίσης στη Μέση Ανατολή στον τομέα αυτόν.   Ειδική σελίδα συνεδρίασης ● European Council   19/06/2026 11:12 | CONCLUSIONS | European Council conclusions on competitiveness and global economic challenges   IV.    COMPETITIVENESS AND GLOBAL ECONOMIC CHALLENGES 36. Against the backdrop of the challenging geoeconomic context, the European Council discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen EU competitiveness and strategic autonomy, increase resilience and economic security, promote technological innovation, sustain Europe’s prosperity and social model and improve living standards. 37. Recalling the objectives and timelines set out by the European Council in March 2026, the European Council took stock of progress on the ‘One Europe, One Market’ agenda and its delivery in line with the interinstitutional Roadmap. It underlines the urgency of decisive progress on the Single Market, on simplification and reducing administrative burdens, including on further initiatives to speed up planning and permitting procedures, on affordable energy prices and the Energy Union 2030, on fostering Europe’s industrial renewal and innovation and reducing dependencies, and on mobilising investment, in line with the agreed deadlines. In this context, the European Council recalls the need to accelerate work on lowering energy prices, on the clean transition and decarbonisation, taking into account technological neutrality, and on strengthening our resilience. The European Council takes note of the Commission’s intention to come forward with a concrete proposal by mid-July 2026 on the review of the ETS system, including on free allowances, in line with the March 2026 letter by its President, and, at the same time, to present a separate proposal to address concerns expressed by some industrial sectors on ETS benchmarks, while preserving the essential role of the ETS in the climate and energy transition. 38. The European Council held a strategic debate on the issue of global macroeconomic imbalances. 39. The European Council remains seized of the competitiveness agenda and will return to it at its meeting in October 2026.   Visit the website ● Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο   19/06/2026 15:40 | ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΣΜΑΤΑ | Συμπεράσματα του Ευρωπαϊκού Συμβουλίου σχετικά με το επόμενο πολυετές δημοσιονομικό πλαίσιο, τη μετανάστευση, τα παράνομα ναρκωτικά, τη διεύρυνση και τις μεταρρυθμίσεις, τη Δημοκρατία της Μολδαβίας, τα Δυτικά Βαλκάνια και λοιπά θέματα   III. ΕΠΟΜΕΝΟ ΠΟΛΥΕΤΕΣ ΔΗΜΟΣΙΟΝΟΜΙΚΟ ΠΛΑΙΣΙΟ 34. Σε συνέχεια των εργασιών της κυπριακής Προεδρίας και μετά την παρουσίαση του διαπραγματευτικού πλαισίου με αριθμητικά στοιχεία, το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο προέβη σε ανταλλαγή απόψεων σχετικά με το νέο πολυετές δημοσιονομικό πλαίσιο. 35. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο καλεί την ιρλανδική Προεδρία να προωθήσει τις εργασίες σχετικά με το διαπραγματευτικό πλαίσιο έως το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο του Οκτωβρίου, με σκοπό την έγκαιρη επίτευξη συμφωνίας. Μια συμφωνία πριν από το τέλος του 2026 θα καταστήσει δυνατή την έκδοση νομοθετικών πράξεων το 2027, πράγμα αναγκαίο για να εξασφαλιστεί η αδιάλειπτη παροχή ενωσιακής χρηματοδότησης στους δικαιούχους τον Ιανουάριο του 2028. VI. ΜΕΤΑΝΑΣΤΕΥΣΗ 47. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο προέβη σε απολογισμό της προόδου που έχει σημειωθεί ως προς το νομοθετικό θεματολόγιο και την εφαρμογή παλαιότερων συμπερασμάτων του. Λαμβανομένης υπόψη της πρόσφατης επιστολής της Προέδρου της Επιτροπής, το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο ζητεί να συνεχιστούν οι εντατικές εργασίες σε όλους τους άξονες, μεταξύ άλλων όσον αφορά την εξωτερική διάσταση και τις συνολικές εταιρικές σχέσεις, σύμφωνα με το ενωσιακό και το διεθνές δίκαιο. 48. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο θα διεξαγάγει στρατηγική συζήτηση σχετικά με τη μετανάστευση κατά τη σύνοδό του τον Οκτώβριο του 2026. VII. ΠΑΡΑΝΟΜΑ ΝΑΡΚΩΤΙΚΑ 49. Για την αντιμετώπιση των αυξανόμενων προκλήσεων για την υγεία, την κοινωνία και την ασφάλεια που συνδέονται με τη χρήση και την παράνομη εμπορία και διακίνηση ναρκωτικών, το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο υπογραμμίζει τη σημασία της αντιμετώπισης όλων των πτυχών του φαινομένου των ναρκωτικών στο πλαίσιο μιας ολοκληρωμένης και τεκμηριωμένης προσέγγισης που θα περιλαμβάνει το σύνολο της διακυβέρνησης και της κοινωνίας, με συντονισμένες προσπάθειες σε τοπικό, περιφερειακό, εθνικό, ενωσιακό και διεθνές επίπεδο. Αυτό περιλαμβάνει την αύξηση της ετοιμότητας, την προστασία της δημόσιας υγείας, την ενίσχυση της ασφάλειας, την πρόληψη των επιβλαβών συνεπειών των ναρκωτικών και την προώθηση ευρωπαϊκών και διεθνών εταιρικών σχέσεων και πρωτοβουλιών συνεργασίας, όπως ο Ευρωπαϊκός Συνασπισμός κατά των Ναρκωτικών, καθώς και η συνεργασία με τρίτες χώρες στον τομέα της επιβολής του νόμου. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο υπογραμμίζει τον κρίσιμο ρόλο της πρόληψης, της πρόσβασης σε θεραπεία και των μέτρων κοινωνικής επανένταξης. Τονίζει τη σημασία ενός παγκοσμίως εναρμονισμένου και αποτελεσματικά εφαρμοζόμενου πλαισίου για την ασφάλεια και ανθεκτικότητα στη θάλασσα και τους λιμένες και ζητεί συνεκτική δράση έναντι τρίτων χωρών που υποθάλπουν διακινητές ναρκωτικών και δεν συμμορφώνονται με τις υποχρεώσεις τους που απορρέουν από το διεθνές δίκαιο. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο σημειώνει την πρόθεση της Επιτροπής και της Ύπατης Εκπροσώπου να υποβάλουν πρόταση για νέο οριζόντιο καθεστώς κυρώσεων που θα στρέφεται κατά ομάδων διεθνικού οργανωμένου εγκλήματος. Ένα τέτοιο καθεστώς δεν θα πρέπει να επηρεάζει δυσμενώς την επιβολή του νόμου και τις δικαστικές διαδικασίες και συνεργασία. 50. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο ζητεί την αποτελεσματική εφαρμογή της στρατηγικής της ΕΕ για τα ναρκωτικά, σύμφωνα με το πλαίσιο εφαρμογής που συμφωνήθηκε από το Συμβούλιο. Για τον σκοπό αυτόν, το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο παροτρύνει το Συμβούλιο, την Επιτροπή, τα κράτη μέλη και τους αρμόδιους οργανισμούς της ΕΕ να ενισχύσουν τον συντονισμό σε όλα τα σχετικά πεδία πολιτικής. 51. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο θα επανέλθει στο ζήτημα αυτό όταν κριθεί σκόπιμο για να αξιολογήσει την πρόοδο. VIII. ΔΙΕΥΡΥΝΣΗ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΤΑΡΡΥΘΜΙΣΕΙΣ 52. Με δεδομένη τη νέα ώθηση που δόθηκε στη διαδικασία διεύρυνσης και με τη δήλωση της Γρανάδας κατά νου, το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο θα διεξαγάγει στρατηγική συζήτηση σχετικά με τη διεύρυνση και τις μεταρρυθμίσεις κατά τη σύνοδό του τον Οκτώβριο του 2026. IX. ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΜΟΛΔΑΒΙΑΣ 53. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο χαιρετίζει τη διεξαγωγή της διακυβερνητικής διάσκεψης για την προσχώρηση της Δημοκρατίας της Μολδαβίας στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση και το άνοιγμα της ομάδας κεφαλαίων «Θεμελιώδη πεδία» στις 15 Ιουνίου 2026, και προσβλέπει στο άνοιγμα των άλλων ομάδων, σύμφωνα με την αξιοκρατική προσέγγιση. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο προσβλέπει επίσης στη διάσκεψη κορυφής ΕΕ – Δημοκρατίας της Μολδαβίας στις 22 Ιουνίου 2026. X. ΔΥΤΙΚΑ ΒΑΛΚΑΝΙΑ 54. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο επικροτεί τη διεξαγωγή της διάσκεψης κορυφής ΕΕ – Δυτικών Βαλκανίων στο Τίβατ του Μαυροβουνίου, στις 5 Ιουνίου 2026, η οποία συνέβαλε στη νέα ώθηση που δόθηκε στη διαδικασία διεύρυνσης. Υπενθυμίζοντας τα προηγούμενα συμπεράσματά του, το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο επαναλαμβάνει ότι η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση θα συνεχίσει να συνεργάζεται στενά με τα Δυτικά Βαλκάνια και να στηρίζει τις μεταρρυθμιστικές τους προσπάθειες στις πορείες τους προς την ένταξη στην ΕΕ. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο παραμένει προσηλωμένο στην προώθηση της σταδιακής ολοκλήρωσης μεταξύ της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης και της περιοχής στη διάρκεια της διαδικασίας διεύρυνσης αυτής καθαυτήν με τρόπο αξιοκρατικό και αναστρέψιμο. XI. ΛΟΙΠΑ Ιός Έμπολα 55. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο εκφράζει την ανησυχία του για την εξάπλωση της νόσου του ιού Έμπολα στη Λαϊκή Δημοκρατία του Κονγκό και την Ουγκάντα. Εκφράζει ικανοποίηση για την ταχεία αποδέσμευση κονδυλίων έκτακτης ανάγκης από τον Παγκόσμιο Οργανισμό Υγείας (ΠΟΥ) και άλλους διεθνείς και ευρωπαϊκούς εταίρους που καθιστά δυνατή την άμεση αντίδραση, η οποία περιλαμβάνει την επιδημιολογική επιτήρηση, την ιχνηλάτηση επαφών, την κλινική ετοιμότητα και την ενίσχυση της εργαστηριακής ικανότητας. Η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση έχει ενεργοποιήσει την παροχή χρηματοδοτικής και υλικοτεχνικής βοήθειας, όπως και σε προηγούμενες επιδημικές εξάρσεις, προκειμένου να στηρίξει το έργο του ΠΟΥ, του Αφρικανικού Κέντρου Ελέγχου και Πρόληψης Νόσων και άλλων ανταποκριτών υγείας και ανθρωπιστικής βοήθειας πρώτης γραμμής κατά τον συντονισμό και την υλοποίηση επειγόντων μέτρων ανάσχεσης και αντίδρασης. 56. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο καλεί το Συμβούλιο και την Επιτροπή να παρακολουθούν την κατάσταση και την εξέλιξή της και, κατά περίπτωση, να καθορίζουν και να συντονίζουν τις σχετικές επιχειρησιακές προτεραιότητες. 57. Οι πρόσφατες κρίσεις στον τομέα της υγείας, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της κρίσης του χανταϊού, υπογραμμίζουν τη σημασία μιας ισχυρής παγκόσμιας διακυβέρνησης και συντονισμένων αντιδράσεων στον τομέα αυτόν, μεταξύ άλλων μέσω του ΠΟΥ. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο τονίζει επίσης την προστιθέμενη αξία των συντονιστικών μέσων της ΕΕ. Η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση και τα κράτη μέλη της στηρίζουν τον ΠΟΥ κατά την εκπλήρωση της εντολής του για ενίσχυση της πρόληψης, της ετοιμότητας και της αντίδρασης σε καταστάσεις έκτακτης ανάγκης σε παγκόσμιο επίπεδο. Αρμενία 58. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο συγχαίρει τις αρχές της Αρμενίας, διότι εγγυήθηκαν με αποτελεσματικό τρόπο την ακεραιότητα της εκλογικής διαδικασίας σύμφωνα με τα δημοκρατικά πρότυπα. Εν προκειμένω, καταδικάζει τις συνεχείς απόπειρες της Ρωσίας να υπονομεύσει τους δημοκρατικούς θεσμούς και την κοινωνική συνοχή στην Αρμενία μέσω οικονομικού εξαναγκασμού, πίεσης, χειραγώγησης των πληροφοριών και παρεμβάσεων και διαρκών υβριδικών ενεργειών. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο επαναβεβαιώνει τη δέσμευση της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης να ενισχύσει την εταιρική σχέση της με την Αρμενία και να στηρίξει την κυριαρχία, την ανθεκτικότητα, τους δημοκρατικούς θεσμούς, την οικονομία και το ολοκληρωμένο πρόγραμμα μεταρρυθμίσεων της χώρας. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο εκφράζει ικανοποίηση για την πρώτη διάσκεψη κορυφής ΕΕ-Αρμενίας που πραγματοποιήθηκε στο Ερεβάν στις 5 Μαΐου 2026 και την υπογραφή της εταιρικής σχέσης συνδεσιμότητας ΕΕ-Αρμενίας. Η εμβάθυνση των διμερών σχέσεων μεταξύ ΕΕ και Αρμενίας συνιστά επένδυση στην ειρήνη, τη σταθερότητα και την ευημερία στον Νότιο Καύκασο και πέραν αυτού. Εγγύηση της προστασίας του διεθνούς δικαίου 59. Υπενθυμίζοντας τα συμπεράσματά του του Μαρτίου του 2026, το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο επαναβεβαιώνει την υποστήριξη της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης προς τους θεσμούς που εγγυώνται την προστασία του διεθνούς δικαίου, μεταξύ άλλων μέσω της ουσιαστικής προστασίας των διεθνών δικαστηρίων και των λειτουργών τους από απειλές ή κυρώσεις κάθε μορφής, και υπογραμμίζει εν προκειμένω τη σημασία της απρόσκοπτης πρόσβασης σε χρηματοπιστωτικές και άλλες υπηρεσίες. Νησιά και παράκτιες κοινότητες 60. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο λαμβάνει υπό σημείωση τις ανακοινώσεις της Επιτροπής με τίτλο «Στρατηγική της ΕΕ για τα νησιά» και «Στρατηγική της ΕΕ για ανθεκτικές, ευημερούσες και βιώσιμες παράκτιες κοινότητες». Ευρωπαϊκό Εξάμηνο 61. Το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο συζήτησε τις ολοκληρωμένες ειδικές ανά χώρα συστάσεις βάσει οριζόντιου σημειώματος, ώστε να καταστεί δυνατή η ολοκλήρωση του Ευρωπαϊκού Εξαμήνου του 2026.   Επισκεφτείτε τον ιστοχώρο ● European Council   19/06/2026 14:43 | CONCLUSIONS | European Council conclusions on the next multiannual financial framework, migration, illicit drugs, enlargement and reforms, the Republic of Moldova, Western Balkans and other items.   III. NEXT MULTIANNUAL FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK 34. Following the work by the Cyprus Presidency and the presentation of the Negotiating Box with figures, the European Council held an exchange of views on the new Multiannual Financial Framework. 35. The European Council calls on the Irish Presidency to take the work forward on the Negotiating Box by the October European Council, with a view to a timely agreement. An 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 in January 2028. VI. MIGRATION 47. The European Council took stock of progress in the legislative agenda and in the implementation of its previous conclusions. In the light of the recent letter from the President of the Commission, the European Council calls for the intensified work to continue on all strands, including on the external dimension and comprehensive partnerships, in line with EU and international law. 48. The European Council will hold a strategic discussion on migration at its meeting in October 2026. VII. ILLICIT DRUGS  49. To respond to the growing health, social and security challenges linked to the use and trafficking of illicit drugs, the European Council underlines the importance of addressing all aspects of the drugs phenomenon in a comprehensive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach based on evidence, with a coordinated effort across local, regional, national, EU and international levels. This includes enhancing preparedness, protecting public health, strengthening security, preventing drug-related harm, and fostering European and international partnerships and cooperation initiatives, such as the European Coalition Against Drugs, as well as law enforcement cooperation with third countries. The European Council underlines the critical role of prevention, access to treatment and social reintegration measures. It stresses the importance of a globally harmonised and effectively enforced framework for maritime and port security and resilience and calls for coherent action towards third countries that harbour drug traffickers and fail to comply with their obligations under international law. The European Council takes note of the intention of the Commission and the High Representative to present a proposal for a new horizontal sanctions regime targeting transnational organised crime groups. Such a regime should not be prejudicial to law enforcement and judicial procedures and cooperation. 50. The European Council calls for the effective implementation of the EU Drugs Strategy, in line with the implementation framework agreed by the Council. To this end, the European Council urges the Council, the Commission, Member States and relevant EU agencies to strengthen coordination across all relevant policy fields. 51. The European Council will return to this issue as appropriate to assess progress. VIII. ENLARGEMENT AND REFORMS 52. In light of the new impetus in the enlargement process, and recalling the Granada Declaration, the European Council will hold a strategic discussion on enlargement and reforms at its meeting in October 2026. IX. REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA 53. The European Council welcomes the holding of the Intergovernmental Conference on the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union and the opening of the fundamentals cluster on 15 June 2026, and looks forward to the opening of the other clusters, in line with the merit-based approach. The European Council also looks forward to the EU-Republic of Moldova Summit on 22 June 2026. X. WESTERN BALKANS 54. The European Council welcomes the holding of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, on 5 June 2026, which contributed to the new impetus in the enlargement process. Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council reiterates that the European Union will continue to work closely with the Western Balkans and support their reform efforts on their paths towards EU membership. The European Council remains committed to advancing the gradual integration between the European Union and the region during the enlargement process itself in a merit-based and reversible manner. XI. OTHER ITEMS Ebola 54. The European Council expresses its concern regarding the spread of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. It welcomes the swift release of emergency funds by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international and European partners enabling an immediate response, which includes epidemiological surveillance, contact tracing, clinical preparedness and an increase in laboratory capacity. The European Union has activated financial and logistical assistance, as in previous outbreaks, to support the work of the WHO, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and other first-line humanitarian and health responders in the coordination and delivery of urgent containment and response measures. 56. The European Council calls on the Council and the Commission to monitor the situation and its evolution, and as appropriate define and coordinate the related operational priorities. 57. Recent health crises, including the hantavirus crisis, underline the importance of strong global health governance and coordinated responses, including through the WHO. The European Council also stresses the added value of EU coordination instruments. The European Union and its Member States support the WHO in fulfilling its mandate to strengthen global emergency prevention, preparedness and response. Armenia 58. The European Council commends the authorities of Armenia for having effectively safeguarded the integrity of the electoral process in line with democratic standards. In this regard, it condemns the sustained attempts by Russia to undermine democratic institutions and societal cohesion in Armenia through economic coercion, pressure, information manipulation and interference and persistent hybrid activities. The European Council reaffirms the European Union’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Armenia and supporting the country’s sovereignty, resilience, democratic institutions, economy and comprehensive reform agenda. The European Council welcomes the first ever EU-Armenia Summit held in Yerevan on 5 May 2026, and the signing of the EU-Armenia Connectivity Partnership. The deepening of EU-Armenia bilateral relations is an investment in peace, stability and prosperity in the South Caucasus and beyond. Upholding international law 59. Recalling its March 2026 conclusions, the European Council reaffirms the European Union’s support for the institutions upholding international law, including by effectively protecting international courts and their officials from any threats or sanctions, and in this regard underlines the importance of unimpeded access to financial and other services. Islands and coastal communities 60. The European Council takes note of the Commission Communications on an ‘EU strategy for islands’ and on an ‘EU strategy on resilient, prosperous and liveable coastal communities’. European Semester 61. The European Council discussed the integrated country-specific recommendations on the basis of a horizontal note, thus allowing the conclusion of the 2026 European Semester.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   19/06/2026 15:11 | Meetings | Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 22-23 June 2026   Background brief - Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 22-23 June 2026   View meeting page