COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Monday, 28 September 2026

● General Secretariat of the Council   Career opportunities at the General Secretariat, 28/09/2026   Temporary agent (TA AST4) – ICT Systems Specialist Reference: CONS/6/2026/TA-AST Closing date for applications: 21/10/2026 at 12:00 (CEST)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   28/09/2026 16:10 | Press release | Council strengthens EU space threat response architecture   Today, the Council adopted a decision strengthening the EU Space Threat Response Architecture (STRA). This is a mechanism designed to respond to increased irresponsible and hostile behaviour in the space domain which has the potential to undermine the safety and security of the EU, its member states and citizens, as well as international security and stability. The new STRA will not only allow the EU to counter a wide variety of threats linked to the operation of the EU Space Programme or of the EU Secure Connectivity Programme - but also threats to the security of one or more member states -including their territory, space systems and services. In order to allow for an effective response, STRA will now set out operational provisions enabling the EU to monitor, alert and take immediate action by mobilising relevant CFSP (Common Foreign and Security Policy) tools in a consistent way. In practice, when urgent action is required, the High Representative has the prerogative to adopt a provisional EU response. The Council will then have to confirm, modify or revoke the provisional EU response as soon as possible, and not later than within four weeks after the provisional response has been adopted. In addition, today’s decision establishes the space security toolbox -including the possibility for the High Representative to propose targeted restrictive measures- and provides for a yearly exercise for the implementation of the decision. Background Space technology data and services have become indispensable for European societies and economies and in the daily lives of Europeans. They are drivers of research, technological development and innovation, creating job opportunities and economic growth, increasing European competitiveness, supporting the green and digital transition, protecting and safeguarding the EU and its citizens, and enhancing EU resilience and security. Irresponsible and hostile behaviour in space may hamper essential space services and have spillover effects on European citizens, organisations, industries, and businesses. The EU Space Threat Response Architecture is one of the deliverables of the EU Space Strategy for Security and Defence, a policy framework which was launched in 2023 and designed to protect the European Union's space assets, improve space domain awareness, and leverage dual-use space capabilities for security and military needs. EU space policy (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   28/09/2026 17:37 | Meetings | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council (Defence), 28 September 2026   The Foreign Affairs Council with defence ministers discussed EU military support for Ukraine after an informal exchange with the Ukrainian counterpart. Under current affairs, the Council also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, including the issue of freedom of navigation, Russia’s escalating hybrid campaign and the public procurement directive. Prior to the FAC meeting, High Representative Kaja Kallas chaired the European Defence Agency (EDA) Steering Board.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   28/09/2026 18:04 | Meetings | Main results - Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 28-29 September 2026   Agriculture ministers discussed the regulation on the post-2027 common agricultural policy and took stock of the agricultural markets situation. During today’s meeting, they also held a working lunch on the fertiliser action plan.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   28/09/2026 10:20 | Press release | Social security coordination: Council gives final green light to updated rules   The Council has adopted a regulation that revises the rules on the coordination of national social security systems at EU level. The regulation updates the existing EU legislation on social security coordination by making it clearer, fairer and easier to enforce. The revised rules will strengthen fair labour mobility and, as a result, people who move to another EU country to live or work will find it easier to exercise the rights to which they are entitled to. The revision focuses on five key areas: unemployment benefits, long-term care benefits, access to welfare benefits for economically inactive persons, family benefits and applicable legislation for posted workers and persons working in two or more member states. Next steps The regulation will enter into force upon its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Background Social security systems in the EU are a member-state competence and as such are not harmonised. For persons who remain in their country of origin, that member state can decide who is insured under their legislation, what benefits they are entitled to and what the conditions of access are. However, to ensure that the free movement of people across borders is possible in practice, national social security systems need to be coordinated as people should not lose their protection when moving in the EU. The rules defining this coordination are adopted and updated at EU level. Revision of the regulations on the coordination of social security systems (final adopted text) Social security coordination: EU member states’ representatives confirm provisional agreement (Council press release) EU law tracker EU rules on coordination of social security systems (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   28/09/2026 10:24 | Press release | ‘Pharma package’: Council adopts new rules for a fairer and more competitive EU pharmaceutical sector   The Council has adopted the ‘pharma package’, a new set of rules that will increase patients’ access to medicine and make the EU’s pharmaceutical sector fairer and more competitive. The package represents a far-reaching reform of the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation and will help ensure fair access to safe, effective and affordable medicines across the EU. It also seeks to boost the competitiveness of the pharmaceutical industry by cutting regulatory burdens and strengthening security of supply to prevent and manage shortages. “With this reform, we have achieved a careful balance between the needs of patients and the importance of maintaining a strong and innovative pharmaceutical industry in Europe. The new rules will promote access to affordable medicines, reward meaningful innovation and help safeguard supplies, while providing a clearer and more competitive regulatory environment for pharmaceutical companies.” — Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Irish Minister for Health Regulatory protection Companies placing a new medicine on the market will benefit from an eight-year data protection period, meaning they have exclusive rights to data from pre-clinical tests and clinical trials. They will also receive one year of market protection (the exclusive right to sell a product without immediate competition from generic medicines or biosimilars), which may be extended by an additional year for innovative medicines that satisfy at least two criteria in one of the following ways: comparative clinical trials and early application in the EU comparative clinical trials and clinical trials in more than one member state where comparative clinical trials are not possible, clinical trials in more than one member state and early application in the EU A second year of market protection can also be granted for products that fulfil an unmet medical need. The total combined period of protection allocated to a new medicinal product cannot exceed eleven years (or twelve years if a transferrable exclusivity voucher is also used). Availability of medicines To ensure the availability of key medicines, EU countries will have the power to require pharmaceutical companies to supply medicines benefiting from regulatory protection in sufficient quantities to meet patient needs. Safeguards have been introduced to ensure that this supply obligation is used to meet the needs of patients as opposed to facilitating ‘parallel trade’ (i.e. cheaper exports to other member states). The ‘Bolar exemption’ The pharma package includes an intellectual property exemption allowing manufacturers to take the necessary steps (such as studies or trials) to ensure that generic versions of a medicine can be made available on day one after the intellectual property rights have expired. The scope of this provision will include the submission of applications for procurement tenders. Antimicrobial resistance The pharma package introduces a new transferrable exclusivity voucher incentivising pharmaceutical companies to help combat antimicrobial resistance by developing priority antibiotics. This voucher will grant companies one additional year of market protection for a pharmaceutical product of their choice. The voucher will be subject to a ‘blockbuster clause’, which limits the potential impact on national healthcare budgets by stipulating that the transferrable voucher cannot be used on products with annual gross sales of more than €490 million in the preceding four years. Orphan medicinal products Under the new rules, orphan medicinal products that are developed to treat rare conditions will receive nine years of market exclusivity. So-called ‘breakthrough’ orphan medicines may be granted an additional two years of market exclusivity, bringing the total up to eleven years. An orphan medicine will be considered ‘breakthrough’ if: no medicinal product has thus far been authorised in the EU to treat the relevant orphan condition the medicine leads to a clinically relevant reduction in sickness or mortality rates resulting from that condition Next steps The regulation and directive that make up the pharma package now need to be adopted by the European Parliament. They will then enter into force following publication in the EU’s Official Journal. Pharma package (regulation) Pharma package (directive) EU law tracker (regulation) EU law tracker (directive) The pharma package: new EU rules on medicines (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   28/09/2026 10:30 | Press release | EU CSDP civilian missions: Council renews mandates of EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS until 30 June 2027   The Council decided today to renew the mandates of two civilian missions under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Following the coordinated strategic review conducted by the European External Action Service and approved by the Political and Security Committee and on the basis of the letters provided by the Palestinian Authority and Israel, the Council decided to renew the mandates of the EU Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) and of the EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS) for nine months until 30 June 2027. This decision follows a technical extension of three months adopted on 29 June 2026, which prolonged the mandates of both CSDP missions until 30 September 2026. In its conclusions of June 2026, the European Council reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to international law and a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the region based on the two-state solution, reiterating its readiness to contribute to work on the implementation of the comprehensive Gaza peace plan, including through EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS. Background Launched in November 2005, EUBAM Rafah is a civilian, non-executive mission which advises and provides technical assistance to the Palestinian border personnel at the Rafah Crossing Point between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. Its role is to provide a third-party presence at the crossing point and build confidence between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. After being placed on hold in 2007 following the takeover of the Gaza Strip by Hamas, the mission has redeployed in January 2025 and again in February 2026, enabling the opening of the Rafah Crossing Point for more than 13 thousand travellers up to now. Since 2023, the Head of Mission is Ms Nataliya Apostolova. EUPOL COPPS was launched in January 2006, and its current mandate focuses on supporting the Palestinian Civil Police and wider justice institutions, in the areas of civil policing and wider criminal justice arrangements, primarily in the West Bank. Through its contribution to security and justice sector reform, the mission supports efforts to improve the security of the Palestinian population and to reinforce the rule of law. Since 1 July 2026, the mission is headed by Mr Felix Andåker. EUBAM Rafah (official website) EUPOL COPPS (official website) EU CSDP civilian missions: Council renews mandates of EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS (press release, 26 June 2025) Civilian and military missions and operations (background information) European Council conclusions (18-19 June 2026)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   28/09/2026 10:34 | Press release | European Public Prosecutor's Office: Council appoints new prosecutors for Germany and Slovenia   The Council today appointed two new prosecutors to the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO): Christopher Wenzl for Germany and Tanja Frank Eler for Slovenia. European prosecutors supervise investigations and prosecutions. Together with the European Chief Prosecutor, they form the EPPO College. The two new prosecutors are appointed for a non-renewable term of six years. The new prosecutor for Germany will take office on 1 November 2026. The appointment of a new German prosecutor comes after Andrés Ritter, the current German European Prosecutor, was appointed European Chief Prosecutor in March 2026, with effect from 1 November 2026. The new prosecutor for Slovenia will take office in the coming days, once the Council decision on her appointment is published in the EU official journal. Her appointment forms part of a partial renewal of the EPPO College, with the replacement of seven European prosecutors whose mandates expired in July 2026. Four new prosecutors for Belgium, France, the Czech Republic and Malta were appointed earlier this year. Background The Council appoints a European prosecutor for each participating member state from a list of three candidates put forward by the participating state. 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, with total estimated damages 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. With Hungary having joined the European Public Prosecutor's Office in August 2026, all member states are now part of the EPPO (apart from Ireland and Denmark which have an opt out from certain EU cooperation on justice and home affairs). The EPPO is based in Luxembourg. European Public Prosecutor's Office (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   28/09/2026 10:51 | Press release | European Peace Facility: Council adopts assistance measure to support defence capacities of Cabo Verde   Today the Council adopted the second assistance measure, worth €60 million, under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of the Armed Forces of Cabo Verde. This decision falls within the framework of the EU–Cabo Verde Special Partnership and contributes to its stability and security pillar. The measure will strengthen the defence capacities of the Armed Forces of Cabo Verde helping them safeguard the sovereignty of Cabo Verde at sea and improve regional maritime security. Tailored to Cabo Verdean needs, additional EPF support will strengthen the capabilities of the Coast Guard in the following areas: maintenance and logistics education and training maritime operations communication and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. This new action brings the EU’s overall support to Cabo Verde to €75 million under the European Peace Facility. Background The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the common foreign and security policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third States and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters. European Peace Facility (background information) Civilian and military missions and operations (background information) The EU and Cabo Verde (EEAS)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU

28/09/2026 10:57 | Press release | European defence industry: Council identifies the first five projects of common interest   The Council today approved five European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs) to strengthen Europe’s defence readiness and industrial capacity. The projects will bring European countries together to develop critical capabilities in drones and counter-drone systems, maritime and seabed defence, space, air and missile defence, and the protection of Europe’s eastern flank. EDPCIs were introduced by the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) adopted by the EU in 2025. They are collaborative industrial projects designed to contribute to the development of member states’ military capabilities that are critical for the security and defence interests of the Union. The projects allow EU countries to work together on major defence initiatives that are too large or too complex for individual countries to develop on their own. The five selected projects are now eligible to receive EU funding through the EDIP. The funding will enable the projects’ initial deployment and lay the foundation for possible further funding via the upcoming European Competitiveness Fund. “These projects further demonstrate the practical cooperation between EU member states to provide for our own security. Working closely with our partners Norway and Ukraine, together we are taking decisive steps to protect space, our skies, our seas, undersea cables and our citizens who depend on them.” — Helen McEntee, Minister for Defence of Ireland The identified EDPCIs are: Drone and Counter-Drone European Resolve (DECODER). This project will help European countries build, scale up, and deploy drones — and technology to stop enemy drones — to address critical capability gaps across the participating countries. Integrated Maritime and Seabed Defence (IMSD). This project will create an integrated and interoperable defence system allowing participating countries to identify, deter, and respond to threats at sea and on the seabed. SPACE will strengthen Europe’s space capabilities in several critical areas. These include early-warning satellites to detect missile launches, satellite communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as precise positioning and timing systems. The project will also enhance capabilities for navigation warfare and the rapid launch of replacement satellites when needed. EU Federated Integrated Air and Missile Defence including Early Warning (EU-FIAMD). This project will provide member states with collective and effective integrated air and missile defence - including early warning of incoming threats and coordinated command systems. Eastern Flank Watch (EFW) will boost security along the eastern border of the participating countries, covering land, air, sea, cyber, and other domains, with the aim of protecting their entire territory and thereby strengthen their defence readiness. Background On 16 February 2026, the Commission launched a call for expressions of interest aimed at consulting EU member states on the identification of possible European Defence Projects of Common Interest. Nine project proposals were submitted. On 3 July 2026 - taking into account the opinion of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Defence Agency - the Commission proposed a list of five EDPCIs. Commission proposes five joint defence projects to strengthen Europe's industrial capabilities (European Commission website) European Defence Industry Programme: Council gives final approval (press release, 8 December 2025)   Visit the website

● Council of the EU   28/09/2026 12:04 | Press release | Human rights violations in Russia: Council lists ten individuals over the barring of Yabloko from the State Duma elections   The Council adopted today restrictive measures against ten individuals for supporting the repression of democratic opposition and seriously undermining democracy and the rule of law in Russia. The Council listed three judges of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and an official in the Prosecutor General’s Office involved in the decision barring the Yabloko political party from participating in the September 2026 elections to the State Duma, because of alleged breaches of copyright, extremism and other misconduct. Yabloko was the only political party that openly opposed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Today’s listings also include the judge that sentenced Lev Shlosberg, an opposition politician from the Yabloko political party, to 11 years and one month of imprisonment for discrediting the Russian army and “fake news” regarding Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the state prosecutor that requested such stern sentence. Lastly, the Council listed the judges involved in the trials of Maxim Kruglov and Nikolai Rybakov, other prominent leaders of the Yabloko political party. With today’s decision, restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia now apply to a total of 108 individuals and 7 entities. Those listed today are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to them. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Background The Council established a framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses, repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and undermining democracy and the rule of law in Russia in March 2024, as the EU’s response to the accelerating and systematic repression in Russia. The new framework was established following the death of Alexei Navalny. On 19 August 2026, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, issued a statement in which he expressed his alarm at the barring of the Yabloko political party from the September 2026 parliamentary elections in Russia and the sentencing of its deputy chair, Lev Shlosberg, to more than 11 years in prison over anti-war speech. The High Commissioner called on authorities to respect freedom of expression and citizens’ right to fully and freely participate in electoral processes. In a EU statement on the Russian State Duma elections held on 18-20 September 2026 and their non-applicability on Ukrainian territory dated 21 September, the High Representative stressed that Russian authorities have continued to increase the systematic and institutionalised internal and transnational repression to exclude any democratic opposition forces from contesting the status quo. The decision to exclude candidates from the Yabloko party from running on the federal list further limited the choice for Russian voters, debarring from the electoral process one of the last remaining opposition forces and the only party with an anti-war platform. The EU remains unwavering in its condemnation of human rights violations and repressions in Russia, and is deeply concerned about the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in the country, especially in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2192 of 28 September 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2193 of 28 September 2026 implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1485 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia Russia/Ukraine: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on Russian State Duma elections held on 18-20 September 2026 and their non-applicability on Ukrainian territory, 21 September 2026 Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484 of 27 May 2024 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia (consolidated text, 13 July 2026) Human rights abuses in Russia: EU sanctions (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   28/09/2026 11:56 | Press release | EU sanctions 10 individuals and 17 entities over unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia   Today, the Council has decided to adopt restrictive measures against a further 10 individuals and 17 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The decision targets those responsible for the systematic unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to the Russian Federation and within temporarily occupied territories, as well as their forced assimilation, including indoctrination and militarised education. The entities listed today include the Moscow City Tourism Committee and two Russian companies operating in children’s recreation, tourism and entertainment services, engaged in organising activities focused on Russian history, war commemorations and military-patriotic education. Children’s camps and sports centres in Russia and in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine have also been listed for their role in cultural reorientation, propaganda-based education and military-patriotic activities aimed at integrating children into Russian identity frameworks. The package also includes Songdowon International Children’s Camp, a state-operated institution in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The camp participates in organised programmes involving the transfer of Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine in coordination with the Russian Federation, and with the aim of promoting pro-Russian narratives. Today’s listings also include the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, for facilitating the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to camps located in his region, the Minister and deputy Ministers of Education and Science of certain occupied territories, the Minister of Sports and Tourism of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and heads of children’s camps and schools for contributing to ideological indoctrination. Those listed today are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban that prohibits them from entering or transiting through EU territories. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Background Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia is estimated to have deported and forcibly transferred over 20 500 Ukrainian children. These actions constitute serious breaches of international law and a violation of the fundamental rights of the child and aim to erase Ukrainian identity and undermine the preservation of its future generations. In its conclusions of 18 June 2026, the European Council reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations, and reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The European Council stated that efforts to further limit Russia’s ability to wage war must continue. It also expressed the Union’s readiness to step up pressure on Russia, including by adopting further sanctions. Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2185 of 28 September 2026 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2184 of 28 September 2026 implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine European Council conclusions, 18-19 June 2026 EU sanctions against Russia (background information)   Visit the website