COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Library blog Wednesday, 16 September 2026

● Eurogroup   16/09/2026 17:05 | Meetings | Eurogroup, 18 September 2026   The Eurogroup will discuss recent economic developments with the Chair of the ECON Committee of the European Parliament as well as euro area productivity and growth.   View meeting page ● Council of the EU   16/09/2026 11:57 | Press release | ETS: Council agrees targeted measure to protect energy-intensive sectors from carbon leakage   Today the Council set its position on a revised law to increase, from 2026 to 2030, free carbon allowances for the sectors falling under heat and fuel ETS benchmarks. This revision will help these energy-intensive sectors, which are at higher risk of carbon leakage, to remain competitive. It is part of the broader reform of the EU’s emission trading system (ETS). Member states (at EU ambassadors’ level) agreed to increase the free allocation of emission allowances by utilising around 88 million allowances available for free allocation. This represents €6 billion of cost saving for these sectors, according to Commission estimates. The Council further added to this sum another 33 million allowances that had not been previously allocated due to installations not meeting existing ETS conditionalities. “I welcome today’s agreement on the ETS benchmarks proposal. Excellent co-operation has helped us deliver an important file for the environment and EU industry. By giving more free allowances for energy-intensive sectors during this crucial transition period, we are safeguarding jobs and ensuring that our industries remain competitive, while we work towards our ambitious climate goals. I look forward now to constructive negotiations with the European Parliament.” — Darragh O’Brien, Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Next steps Negotiations with the European Parliament will commence as soon as the European Parliament has set its position. The goal of the Irish presidency is to reach a swift agreement on the final text, allowing for the timely implementation of the revised benchmarks and ensuring continued support for those industries. Background This revision, presented by the Commission in July 2026, addresses competitiveness concerns raised by industry and member states regarding the reduced ETS benchmarks for free allowances (which were updated in June for the period 2026 to 2030) and the need to prevent carbon leakage.  In June 2026, EU leaders had taken note of the Commission’s intention to present a separate proposal to address these concerns. Commission proposal on heat and fuel benchmarks European institutions agree roadmap to achieve 'One Europe, One Market' by end of 2027 (press release, 24 April 2026) Boosting EU competitiveness: the way forward (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   16/09/2026 13:56 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - General Affairs Council, 22 September 2026   Ministers responsible for European affairs will hold a policy debate on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 and start preparations for the October European Council by discussing an annotated draft agenda. The Commission will present a letter of intent and the Council will hold an exchange of views on EU’s legislative programming for 2027. As part of the annual rule of law dialogue, ministers will hold a horizontal discussion on general developments related to the rule of law situation in the EU. Ministers will also exchange views on the general trend of the rule of law situation in selected candidate countries, namely Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.    View meeting page ● Council of the EU   16/09/2026 16:11 | Media advisory | Press briefing - General Affairs Council of 22 September 2026   The press briefing ahead of the General Affairs Council will take place on Friday, 18 September 2026 at 15.00 in the Europa building press room. This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person. To attend the event remotely, please use the link below to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Those who already registered for previous press events of the General Affairs Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Friday, 18 September 2026 at 14.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Registration page Media accreditation for journalists   Visit the website ● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank Review 144 - September 2026   How Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has revitalised the EU enlargement process; critical raw materials in the context of the EU’s green and digital transition; the EU savings and investments union project and capital markets reform; the need for a European fossil fuel supply strategy; NATO and Europe’s future defence; trade relations and cooperation between the EU and the Gulf states; the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S.-Canada trade breakdown are some of the topics dealt with in the present Think Tank review.   Read full post