COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Wednesday, 23 September 2026

● European Council   23/09/2026 20:01 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the United Nations Security Council meeting on maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine   Thank you very much for the opportunity to address the UN Security Council today and let me start by thanking the French Presidency for organizing this debate. Since my intervention in the Security Council last year the human cost of Russia’s war has become even more devastating. Every month thousands of people are killed. Homes, schools, hospitals, energy and water infrastructures are deliberately destroyed in Ukraine. Before the war, Ukraine — the “breadbasket of Europe” — fed 400 million people each year around the world through food exports. Now Russia’s strikes on the port of Odesa have created a food security crisis, fuelling global inflation, with particularly severe consequences for countries across Africa. Russia’s attacks on Ukraine also threaten the security of civilians far beyond Ukraine. It is unacceptable that Russia has been threatening the security of European Union member states, repeatedly in the past 12 months. This is a dangerous escalation. And last but not least, Russia’s revisionist imperial projects have brought death and immense suffering to hundreds of thousands of its own people. And for what? Russia has failed to reach it any of its stated goals in this war. The so-called special operation has failed to occupy Ukraine; has failed to impose regime change in Ukraine; and has failed to weaken the determination and the unity of Europe to stand with Ukraine. The courage of the Ukrainian people has become a symbol across the world for people fighting for their freedom and homeland. Ukraine is defending its cities under constant bombardment. It is protecting its sovereignty and independence in the battlefield. It is time for this war to end. Escalation and spreading of the conflict will be disastrous for the international community. The only way forward is diplomacy and an immediate ceasefire. Peace efforts so far have not produced any breakthrough. But we need to persist. The European Union supports all efforts to stop this war.  Conditions for a real peace are well known. It must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Ukraine’s right to choose its own future. In a nutshell, it must respect the United Nations Charter. And it must provide Ukraine with credible security guarantees to ensure a lasting peace. Today, from this Council, I want to make a call to the entire international community to join the European Union in our efforts to bring this war to an end. For this I ask you to use all your influence on Russia so that by the time of our meeting next year we have finally achieved a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and in Europe. Thank you.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   22/09/2026 18:50 | Press release | Ukraine's territorial integrity: EU extends individual listings for three years   The Council decided today to prolong the restrictive measures targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another 36 months, until 22 September 2029.The current restrictive measures apply to more than 3 000 individuals and entities and include travel restrictions for natural persons, the freezing of assets, and a ban on making funds or other economic resources available to the listed individuals and entities. In the context of the sanctions' review, the Council also decided not to renew the listings of three individuals and one entity, as well as to remove three deceased persons from the list. After 24 February 2022, in response to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, the EU massively expanded sanctions against Russia with the aim of curtailing its ability to wage war by significantly weakening Russia's economic base and curbing its energy revenues, depriving it of critical technologies and markets, and targeting its military-industrial complex. In its conclusions of 18 June 2026, the European Council reaffirmed its continued firm and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The EU 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. The EU remains determined to further increase pressure on Russia and continue weakening Russia’s war economy so that it stops its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and engages in meaningful negotiations towards peace. Council Decision 2014/145/CFSP of 17 March 2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (consolidated text dated 7 August 2026) Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 of 17 March 2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (consolidated text dated 7 August 2026) European Council conclusions, 18 June 2026 Russia's war against Ukraine: EU sanctions (background information)   Visit the website ● European Council   23/09/2026 00:12 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the High level international meeting on the Two-State solution and the Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza   Last year, when 142 states endorsed the New York Declaration on the Two-State Solution and the UN Security Council Resolution 2803 gave the Gaza Peace Plan an operative framework, there was hope. One year later, the situation on the ground has barely improved. It is high time to fully implement the roadmap for Gaza: the decommissioning of Hamas matched by Israel’s withdrawal the deployment of the International Stabilisation Force and police the entering in Gaza of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza Winter is coming and two million people face another winter in tents and rubble. Not because of a lack of money or aid, but because access remains blocked. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the Two-State Solution is being jeopardized on a daily basis. We see the images and hear the testimonies of what is happening in the West Bank, daily - settler violence, impunity, displacement of whole communities and de facto annexation. These settlements are illegal under international law. The Israeli people will soon choose how their future should look like. The real friends of Israel and of the Israeli people – among them the European Union – have been saying that the current status quo is unacceptable and that the two-State solution is the only reliable path for a stable and secure Israel. In Palestine, it is time for the Palestinian Authority to be empowered through elections, through a renewed legitimacy. The European Union strongly supports these elections and calls on Israel to facilitate them. There as well, we – as international community, together with the Palestinian Authority – need to provide the younger generations with renewed hope for a different future. The European Union and its member states are strong supporters of the Two State solution, through the Global Alliance. We are the largest donor to Palestinians since the 90s. The EU civilian missions, EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS, continue to be deployed and do an important work. And the EU is ready to scale them up. Only the Two-State Solution can lead to a just and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition, and with Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both states. Action is required to preserve the two-State solution and the path to peace. Thank you.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   23/09/2026 11:46 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) of 28 September 2026   The press briefing ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) will take place on Friday, 25 September 2026 at 09.50. This press briefing will be 'off the record' and will be given by EEAS and EDA senior officials in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person at the Europa building press room. 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 Foreign Affairs Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Friday, 25 September 2026, 09.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Registration page Media accreditation for journalists   Visit the website ● Council of the EU

23/09/2026 12:42 | Press release | Market stability reserve: Council agrees targeted amendment for a resilient and predictable carbon market   The Council of the European Union (at EU ambassadors’ level) has set its position ahead of negotiations with the Parliament on amending the market stability reserve (MSR). The objective of the amendment is to increase long-term market liquidity and predictability within its emission trading system (ETS). The Council’s position seeks to bolster the MSR’s ability to respond to evolving market conditions, including any potential market tightness after the mid-2030s. It aims to increase the firepower of the MSR for possible future releases while protecting against any risks of allowance surpluses. The MSR is a mechanism created to address imbalances in the carbon market by absorbing excess allowances or releasing them to stabilise prices. The MSR adjusts the supply of allowances to be auctioned under the EU ETS year on year in accordance with predefined thresholds of the total number of allowances in circulation. This targeted amendment does not alter the overall design of the MSR. A broader review of the ETS, including the rules on how the MSR works, was proposed by the Commission in July 2026 and the Council is currently examining the proposed texts. “Through cooperation and compromise, we have reached agreement on the amendment to the ETS market stability reserve. We are protecting the integrity of the EU carbon market while giving businesses the predictability they need to decarbonise. Finalising this file is a priority in the ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap, and I look forward now to constructive negotiations with the European Parliament.” — Darragh O’Brien, Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Main elements of the Council mandate Since the invalidation mechanism began in 2023, over 3 billion allowances have been removed from the market, restoring balance between supply and demand. While the Commission proposal provides for the indefinite halt of its invalidation mechanism, EU member states’ ambassadors today decided to temporarily suspend the invalidation of allowances until the end of 2030. This means that, until then, allowances held above the current invalidation threshold of 400 million will not be cancelled and will remain in the system. The larger number of allowances will enhance the long-term stability of the EU carbon market and will provide a larger buffer for future market fluctuations. According to the Council’s position, from 1 January 2031, a higher invalidation threshold of 800 million allowances will be introduced, doubling the existing clause and ensuring liquidity in a tighter market. The annual decrease of this threshold should be included in the context of the wider ETS review to ensure a consistent overall approach. Next steps The Council will begin negotiations with the European Parliament to agree on a final text. In line with the ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap, the Council aims to conclude negotiations on this file by the end of 2026. Background The Commission proposal is one of the short-term measures announced by the Commission to address high and volatile energy prices, as referred to in the March conclusions of the European Council. It is a first, stand-alone amendment to the market stability reserve, which is to be followed by a broader reform of the reserve in the context of the ETS review. Coreper mandate on the targeted amendment of the market stability reserve Commission proposal on ceasing the invalidation of allowances in the market stability reserve European Council conclusions (19 March 2026) 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

● European Council   23/09/2026 17:33 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the High Level meeting to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development   Forty years ago, we affirmed a simple but powerful idea: development is not just about economic growth. It is about the rights, dignity and freedom of all persons and their ability to shape their own future. The Declaration on the Right to Development highlights that everyone is entitled to participate in, contribute to and enjoy development. It established the right to development as inseparable from the full respect of all human rights. Sustainable development, democracy, good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights all reinforce each other and demand the same emphasis, treated fairly and on an equal footing. Today, these principles remain as relevant as ever. Around the world, an increasing number of people are affected by poverty and food insecurity. Inequality is growing. Climate change continues to affect lives and livelihoods. Violent conflicts are driving displacement and instability. We also hear concerns about deeply rooted inequalities that affect our international system, reflected in unequal access to finance, technology or trade. If we are serious about the right to development, we must also be serious about building a more just, more inclusive and more effective multilateral system. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains our shared roadmap in this regard. We urgently call on the whole UN membership to maintain its focus on realising the Sustainable Development Goals. We also reaffirm our commitment to the Seville Commitment, which renews the global framework for development financing in support of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. The first Voluntary Review of the European Union on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda demonstrates our ongoing engagement with sustainable development, both at home and abroad. Together with the member states, the European Union is the world’s largest provider of development assistance, accounting for almost half of it globally in 2025. Through the Global Gateway strategy, the European Union promotes public and private sustainable investment, boosting smart, clean and secure links in areas like digital, energy and transport, while also strengthening health, education and research. In four years, we have mobilised more than €306 billion in Global Gateway projects in partner countries, in a wide range of areas. Development is also about voice, participation and justice. No country can achieve sustainable development if half of its population is held back. That is why gender equality is an essential prerequisite for sustainable development. At a time when the United Nations and the wider multilateral system are under significant stress, the European Union remains committed to advancing the Right to Development through partnerships, cooperation, and investment in people, institutions, and democratic values. We will continue to engage constructively, transparently and inclusively to ensure that the right to development advances together with the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights. Thank you.   Visit the website   ● Council of the EU   23/09/2026 17:18 | Media advisory | Media advisory - Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry and research) of 24 September 2026   Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Place: Europa building, Brussels Chair: Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment of Ireland From 08:30 Arrivals (live streaming) +/- 08:45 Doorstep by Peter Burke (live streaming) +/- 09:30 Beginning of the Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry) (roundtable) Adoption of the agenda +/- 09:40 Review of merger control guidelines – exchange of views +/- 11:10 Any other business: - Call for a more responsive EU de minimis aid framework (public session) - Definition of undertakings in difficulty in the GBER revision (+/- 11:15 public session) +/- 11:20 Approval of "A" items: Non-legislative list Legislative list (+/- 11:25 public session) +/- 11:30 Regulation on a European chips act 2.0 – policy debate (public session) +/- 13:10  Any other business: Current legislative proposals – information from the Presidency (public session) Industrial Accelerator Act Regulation on 28th regime for company law (EU Inc.) Regulation on establishing the European Competitiveness Fund +/-13:50  Working lunch on embedding economic security in EU competitiveness policy +/- 15:40 Any other business: - Strategic Projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act - Review of the EU Emissions Trading System from a competitiveness perspective (+/- 15:45 public session) - Towards a European Action Plan for the Housing Appliances Sector (+/- 15:50 public session) - Meeting of the informal Ministerial Alliance for Energy Intensive Industries (+/- 15:55 public session) - Advocating for a swift implementation of the key recommendations issued by the EU Critical Chemicals Alliance (+/- 16:00 public session) - Extended producer responsibility under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive as a barrier to the competitiveness of the European industries (+/- 16:05 public session) - The upcoming EU Product Regulation (+/- 16:10 public session) - Influence of Regulation on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR) on the Single Market (+/- 16:15 public session) At the end of the meeting (+/- 16:30) press conference in live streaming from Europa Building press room.   Videos and photos from the event   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   23/09/2026 13:58 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 28-29 September 2026   The Council will seek to reach a partial general approach on the regulation setting out the post-2027 EU support for the common fisheries policy, the EU's maritime and aquaculture policies, and the ocean pact. Among other topics, ministers will discuss the post-2027 common agricultural policy, and exchange views on the situation of agricultural markets.   View meeting page