COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Library blog Monday, 13 July 2026

● General Secretariat of the Council   Navigating the Irish presidency of the Council with our Library guide   To help readers navigate the dynamic and complex landscape of the Irish presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Council Library has compiled a guide containing authoritative and useful resources.   Read full post

Press material Monday, 13 July 2026

● Council of the EU   13/07/2026 10:02 | Press release | Cyber / Russia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union denouncing Russia’s malicious cyber ecosystem targeting the EU, its member states and international partners   The EU and its member states denounce Russia’s malicious cyber activities and leveraging of a cyber ecosystem encompassing state and non-state actors, ranging from intelligence services to cybercriminals groups, hacktivists and private companies. Today, we expose the 16th Centre of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) as controlling a variety of cyber threat groups including TURLA. For years, the FSB has conducted a wide range of malicious cyber activities with growing severity affecting the EU, its member states, as well as international partners, notably Ukraine. These activities have included infiltration of governmental networks and sabotage of critical infrastructure. Among others, France, Germany, Poland, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Romania and Finland have been targeted. In France, the 16th Centre has conducted cyber espionage against strategic governmental entities since 2010 and defence industry in 2025. In Germany, it has targeted governmental entities. Recently in Poland, the 16th Centre has carried out disruptive sabotage operations against critical infrastructure, including combined heating and power plants. Cybercriminals, self-proclaimed hacktivists and private companies linked to Russia, including actors operating under its instructions, direction or control, have also carried out, enabled and facilitated a wide range of malicious activities. We strongly condemn Russia’s behaviour and misuse of this cyber ecosystem, targeting public services and critical infrastructure, causing disruptions and financial losses. In response to malicious activities, the EU is also imposing restrictive measures on nine individuals and four entities. These EU sanctions include GRU intelligence officers, as well as cybercriminals, self-proclaimed hacktivists and private companies that contribute to Russia’s efforts to destabilise the EU, its member states and international partners. We welcome our close coordination with the United Kingdom in our shared assessment of the growing convergence between non-state and state actors. We will continue to strengthen cooperation with international partners, including NATO, in full respect of the agreed guiding principles, in support of a global, free, open, stable and secure cyberspace. By calling out Russia’s malicious behaviour and imposing costs to those responsible for such activities, the EU underscores its determination to uphold accountability in cyberspace. All states, including Russia, should adhere to the United Nations framework of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace and its norms and respect international law.   Visit the website

Press material Monday, 13 July 2026

● Council of the EU   13/07/2026 10:23 | Press release | Council adopts targeted measures to support farmers facing high fertiliser costs   The Council has today formally adopted a regulation introducing targeted measures to help European farmers address the sharp increase in fertiliser and other input costs triggered by the recent crisis in the Middle East. The measures will provide member states with the necessary tools to swiftly support farmers facing rising production costs and liquidity pressures. This will strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector and safeguard food security across the European Union. The Council's swift adoption of the regulation highlights the EU’s and member states' determination to respond rapidly to evolving geopolitical challenges, support European farmers, strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector, and protect food security across the EU. “Recent disruptions to global supply chains and soaring fertiliser prices have placed significant pressure on our agricultural sector. Today's decision demonstrates that the European Union is determined to respond swiftly and decisively to support European farmers and our food security.” — Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland Main elements The regulation will allow member states to provide urgent and targeted financial support to farmers most affected by increased fertiliser and other input costs by amending the CAP strategic plans regulation and the horizontal regulation. The adopted measures include: a new liquidity scheme under rural development for crisis support the option for member states to pay direct payments to farmers earlier, helping farmers manage their short-term cash-flow needs the possibility for member states to adjust their direct payment allocations for 2027, to reflect national needs and priorities The new liquidity scheme can be co-financed by up to 65% from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and it can include unused funds that may otherwise be lost. Member states will be able to add national financing of up to 200%. To ensure rapid delivery and reduce the administrative burden, the support can be paid as a fixed amount per hectare and implemented through the CAP strategic plans. At the same time, the regulation strengthens incentives for more efficient farming practices that reduce and optimise fertiliser use and constitute a shift to bio-based fertilisers. The aim is to contribute to both economic resilience and environmental sustainability. Next steps Today’s adoption marks the final step of the legislative process. After it is published in the Official Journal, the regulation will enter into force the following day. Background The proposal was presented by the European Commission on 12 June 2026 as part of a broader package of measures responding to the impact of the Middle East crisis on agricultural markets, following the political guidance to this effect provided by agriculture ministers. The broader package includes boosting the agricultural reserve with an additional €300 million from the EU budget for 2026. In addition, the package includes other measures to strengthen Europe's domestic fertiliser production, improve supply resilience and accelerate the uptake of bio-based, low-carbon and circular fertilisers. Text of the adopted regulation   Visit the website

Press material Monday, 13 July 2026

● Council of the EU   13/07/2026 10:26 | Press release | Council gives final clearance for stronger air passenger rights   Today, the Council gave its final green light on a new law aiming at simplifying, clarifying and strengthening air passenger rights. The new framework reinforces passenger protection while ensuring a fair balance with airlines’ operational realities. It also helps preserve connectivity across the EU and maintain a level playing field for airlines. The new rules strengthen passengers' rights by improving compensation, assistance, information, communication with airlines, and rerouting in cases of cancellation and delay. The rules also clarify the definition of extraordinary circumstances and make it easier for passengers to exercise their rights. They also introduce a series of new rights, such as: the prohibition of denying boarding on a return flight because a passenger didn’t take an outbound flight (‘no-show’) better price transparency, by displaying air fares including allowance for a piece of hand baggage before the start of any booking process to facilitate fare comparisons between airlines specific and reinforced rights for persons with specific needs such as persons with disabilities or reduced mobility, children, unaccompanied minors and pregnant passengers Next steps The updated air passenger rules will enter into force 12 months and 20 days after the publication in the Official Journal. Regulation amending regulations (EC) No 261/2004 and (EC) No 2027/97 (adoption of the legislative act) Council and Parliament reach landmark agreement on stronger EU air passenger rights (press release, 15 June 2026) Council sets position on clearer and improved rules for air passengers (press release, 5 June 2025) Consumer protection: travel rights (background information) Conciliation Committee   Visit the website

Press material Monday, 13 July 2026

● Council of the EU   13/07/2026 12:09 | Press release | Council appoints a new EU Special Representative for Kosovo* and renews mandates for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Horn of Africa   Today the Council appointed a new EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Kosovo, and extended the mandates of the current EUSRs for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Horn of Africa. Kosovo The Council appointed Mr. Dirk Schübel as the new EUSR for Kosovo. He will take up his duties on 1 September 2026 for an initial mandate of two years, succeeding Aivo Orav. Dirk Schübel is a German national and a senior European diplomat with extensive experience in a range of leadership positions within the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission and worked also at the German Foreign Ministry. He currently serves as the Head of the Russia Division at the EEAS. Previously, he worked as the EU Special Envoy for the Eastern Partnership from 2022 to 2024, and he led the EU Delegation to Belarus from 2019 to 2022 and to Moldova from 2009 to 2013, where he played a key role in advancing the EU's engagement with the Eastern neighbourhood. The EUSR’s mandate focuses on promoting a stable, democratic, and multi-ethnic Kosovo by supporting its European perspective through targeted public communication and outreach. Key responsibilities include monitoring progress on political, economic, and security priorities, contributing to the consolidation of human rights, the rule of law, and minority protection, and promoting overall EU political coordination to ensure a coherent and visible presence. Furthermore, the mandate involves providing local political guidance to the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX Kosovo) and supporting the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue to foster regional stability and good neighbourly relations. CV Dirk Schübel Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Horn of Africa Furthermore, the Council today extended the existing mandates of the following EUSRs: Luigi Soreca, the EUSR for Bosnia and Herzegovina, had his mandate extended for an additional two years, until 31 August 2028, to ensure EU’s continued diplomatic engagement and effectiveness of the Union’s external action in the country. Annette Weber, current EUSR for the Horn of Africa, had her mandate extended for twelve additional months, until 31 August 2027, with a view of ensuring continued EU engagement at a time of a particularly challenging regional and global context. Background EU Special Representatives promote the EU's policies and interests in certain regions and countries as well as issues of particular concern or interest for the EU. They play an active role in efforts to consolidate reforms, stability and the rule of law. The first EU Special Representatives were appointed in 1996. Currently, eleven EUSRs support the work of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. * This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. EU Special Representatives (EEAS website)   Visit the website

Press material Monday, 13 July 2026

● Council of the EU   13/07/2026 12:38 | Press release | European Peace Facility: Council adopts assistance measure to support the Republic of Moldova’s air defence capabilities   The Council today adopted an assistance measure worth €120 million under the European Peace Facility in support of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova to enhance the country’s air defence capabilities. The assistance measure will finance a mid-range air defence system for the benefit of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova. It complements previous EPF assistance measures in support of air surveillance and air defence. This support will continue to enable the Moldovan Armed Forces to improve their operational effectiveness and thereby better protect civilians. This new action brings the EU’s overall support to Moldova to €317 million under the European Peace Facility.   Background The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance all Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) actions in military and defence areas, with the aim of preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third states and regional and international organisations as regards military and defence matters. European Peace Facility (background information) Moldova (background information) Civilian and military missions and operations (background information) The EU and Moldova (EEAS)   Visit the website

Press material Monday, 13 July 2026

● Council of the EU   13/07/2026 11:30 | Press release | Armenia: EU launches partnership mission to support the country's resilience against evolving hybrid threats   The Council is launching today the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The aim of this advisory civilian mission is to support the Armenian authorities in enhancing the country’s resilience against hybrid threats and ability to address evolving security challenges. Formally established on 21 April 2026, the mission will support Armenia’s capacity to address such hybrid challenges, including cyber threats, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) and illicit financial flows. Specifically, the mission will provide strategic advice, technical expertise and institutional capacity building to various national institutions in Armenia to address such threats, and will support a horizontal, whole-of-government approach. In addition, the mission will provide practical, operational advice and establish a dedicated project cell to implement targeted actions covered by its mandate, in close cooperation with international partners. EUPM Armenia is a non-executive mission and will have no role in the decision-making processes of the Armenian authorities. “Last week, the EU unveiled a major economic and political support package for Armenia to help counter Russian pressure. Today, we deploy a new EU mission on the ground. EU experts will support the Armenian authorities deal with cyber threats and disinformation and countering illicit financial flows. The EU is the biggest champion of a resilient, independent Armenia and the right of the Armenian people to choose their own destiny. We’ll make sure Armenia does not face external coercion alone.” — Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy EUPM Armenia was established at the request of the Armenian government and is part of a broader and coherent EU approach, combining short and longer-term support to help strengthen Armenian national security. It reflects the EU’s firm commitment to support the country’s resilience and democratic institutions. By providing strategic advice, specialised expertise and capacity-building, the mission will help Armenia better prevent, detect and respond to hybrid threats, while fully respecting the country's ownership and sovereignty. The mission will have an initial mandate of two years and will primarily be composed of seconded experts from EU member states. Cosmin George Dinescu was appointed Head of Mission on 11 June 2026. Previously, he served as the first head of the EU Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova. Background On 2 December 2025, the EU-Armenia Partnership Council endorsed a new Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership. Building on the foundations of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, the Strategic Agenda marks a significant step forward in deepening relations in wide range of areas, including in the area of security and defence. One of its priorities is strengthening cooperation on countering hybrid threats and foreign information manipulation and interference. In a letter to the High Representative dated 12 December 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia invited the Union to deploy a civilian mission in Armenia under the EU CSDP. The mission was formally established on 21 April 2026. EUPM is the second civilian CSDP mission to Armenia. It is distinct and separate from the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) established in 2023, which is tasked with observing and reporting on the situation on the ground, contributing to confidence building and human security. Armenia: EU establishes a new civilian mission to contribute strengthening the country’s resilience (press release, 21 April 2026) Joint press statement following the 6th meeting of the EU-Armenia Partnership Council (press release, 3 December 2025) EU and Armenia reaffirm and advance their partnership during a Leaders’ meeting (joint press release, 14 July 2025) EU relations with Armenia (background information)   Visit the website