COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Wednesday, 02 September 2026

● European Council   02/09/2026 11:12 | Statements and remarks | Déclaration à la presse du président Costa à l'issue de sa rencontre avec le Premier ministre luxembourgeois, Luc Frieden   Cher Premier ministre, cher Luc, c’est toujours avec plaisir et de rencontrer un ami. Après tout, nous nous connaissons depuis que nous étions ministres de la Justice ensemble - au siècle dernier ! Tout d’abord, je tiens à te remercier chaleureusement pour ton accueil ici, au Luxembourg. Notre discussion a été, comme toujours, très constructive et fructueuse. Venir régulièrement à la rencontre de chaque dirigeant dans sa capitale est essentiel pour comprendre les perspectives de chaque Etat membre et préparer au mieux nos prochaines réunions du Conseil européen. Un chantier majeur concerne notre prochain budget de long terme, qui fixera le cadre de notre action commune pour les années 2028 à 2034. Notre objectif est de conclure un accord d’ici la fin de cette année. Notre prochain budget doit refléter l’Europe que nous voulons construire. Il doit offrir à l’Union les moyens financiers de transformer nos priorités communes en actions concrètes et répondre efficacement à un monde en rapide mutation. Cela signifie garantir un financement solide pour nos nouvelles priorités — la défense, la sécurité, la compétitivité, la recherche, l’innovation et la résilience stratégique — tout en préservant, naturellement, les piliers essentiels de soutien à nos régions : la cohésion et la politique agricole. Pour y parvenir, ce budget aura une structure et une mécanique très différentes du cadre budgétaire actuel, d'autant plus qu'il a été conçu dans un contexte très différent de celui d'aujourd'hui.  Dans le même temps, tout comme pour les budgets nationaux, le budget européen doit répondre à ses priorités en tenant compte de ressources disponibles - qui sont toujours limitées. Il est principalement financé par les contributions nationales des Etats membres. Nous devons donc veiller à maintenir ces contributions à un niveau raisonnable. C’est pourquoi une approche ambitieuse sur les nouvelles ressources propres de l’Union Européenne est nécessaire pour atteindre cet équilibre. Cela contribuera à réduire les contributions nationales tout en soutenant de nouveaux investissements, dans la compétitivité, la défense et la sécurité.  L’Europe que nous voulons construire, fondée sur une plus grande autonomie stratégique, nécessite une économie plus compétitive. Nous agissons en mettant en œuvre l’agenda « Une Europe, un marché », qui définit des objectifs concrets à atteindre d’ici la fin 2027 pour achever notre marché intérieur: Réduire les charges administratives et la bureaucratie inutiles Créer un environnement économique favorable aux entreprises Mobiliser davantage d’investissements privés pour les aider à croître, à se développer et à innover. A cet égard, compléter l’union des marchés des capitaux est essentiel. Ceci est un domaine où le rôle central du Luxembourg représente un énorme atout pour toute l’Europe Cher Luc, je tiens à remercier le Luxembourg pour son soutien constant et déterminé à l’Ukraine. La semaine dernière , on a voyagé ensemble dans ce train qui fait la liaison entre la Pologne et Kiev et nous étions tous les deux à Kyiv pour réaffirmer le soutien continu de l’Union Européenne au peuple ukrainien dans sa lutte contre l’agresseur russe.  Notre engagement à soutenir l’Ukraine, la Moldavie et les Balkans occidentaux sur leur chemin vers l’adhésion à l’Union Européenne n’est pas seulement une question de solidarité, mais aussi un investissement dans la sécurité et la prospérité de toute l’Europe. Nous devons continuer à soutenir les pays candidats alors qu’ils avancent dans un processus basé sur le mérite, solidement ancré dans l’État de droit. Dans le même temps, nous devons réfléchir aux ajustements nécessaires pour qu’une Union élargie puisse continuer à fonctionner efficacement. En ces temps géopolitiques difficiles, plus que jamais, l’Europe est notre cadre d’action à tous – c’est en agissant ensemble que nous agissons de façon efficace.  Et je sais que je peux compter sur le Grand-Duché du Luxembourg et sur toi, cher Luc, pour porter haut une vision résolument européenne et un engagement sans faille en faveur de notre projet commun.  Merci !   Visit the website ● European Council   03/09/2026 14:59 | Statements and remarks | Press statement by President Costa following the meeting with Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev   Prime Minister, dear Rumen, first of all, thank you very much for your welcome in Sofia, this time as Prime Minister, and for our very fruitful discussions. Meeting leaders in their own capitals, hearing directly your perspectives and views on how we can best carry forward our common priorities, is central to preparing the work of the European Council. Every stop on this tour adds an important piece to the puzzle that makes European unity. 2026 has been a milestone year for Bulgaria: you joined the euro, one year after your full membership to Schengen. But 2026 is also a decisive year for our Union: by the end of it, we must have approved our Union’s long-term budget for the period 2028-2034. This is fundamental to make sure the investments keep flowing in 2028 to those who build Europe’s prosperity: our farmers, our companies, our researchers, our innovators. That is the main point on the agenda of my discussions with the Leaders at every capital I visit this year. We need a European budget that matches our ambitions and provides the means to deliver on our common priorities — namely key areas such as defence and security, competitiveness, innovation, and strategic resilience. At the same time, it must continue to support our agricultural and cohesion policies, as they remain key pillars for the prosperity, resilience, and the balanced development of every European region, including Bulgaria’s. To do all this, our next budget will have a completely new architecture, designed for the world we live in today, very different to the current one, which we agreed on back in 2020. A new reality requires a new approach to our budget, with a new structure and a new way of allocating resources.  Because most of the European Union's budget comes from national contributions, we must ensure that they stay within reasonable limits. That is why agreeing on new revenue streams, new European own resources, is so crucial. They will play a fundamental role to pave the way for an overall agreement. I know it won't be easy. But the awareness of the pressures we face and the constructive spirit that I have found among leaders so far gives me a sense of optimism. And thank you, dear Rumen, for your very constructive approach. To build a more resilient, competitive and secure Europe, we need affordable energy prices. This is key, both for our citizens and for our industry. Therefore, we need to accelerate our work to reduce energy costs, in particular by strengthening market integration and interconnections between European Union countries. This will help us solidify our energy security. Bulgaria can play a decisive and strategic role in this regard.  Finally, Europe's security is also about enlargement. Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans belong inside our Union: each moving forward on its own merits, and each of them treated equally. It is the most important geopolitical investment the European Union can and should make. Candidate countries must carry out the necessary reforms and respect previous commitments; at the same time, it is important that we also play our part. By engaging in a constructive dialogue with them and by recognising progress when it is made. We also need to continue working together on Ukraine. Our determination in supporting Ukraine as it defends itself and works towards a just and lasting peace has never wavered. And as you know, Russia's hostile behaviour goes beyond Ukraine. We see it on the European Union territory: drones at our borders, cyber-attacks, disruption of critical infrastructure, attempts to undermine our democracies. It is time for Russia to stop this war and not to escalate it. Russia's threats and intimidation will not diminish our resolve to support Ukraine for as long as it takes, until a just and long-lasting peace is reached. Russia must understand that Europe will not relent. On the contrary, we will intensify the pressure on Russia until it ends the killing and shows a genuine commitment to peace. It’s time to stop the war. It’s time to cease fire and open real peace negotiations.  Dear Rumen, thank you for your openness today and for Bulgaria's constructive engagement. I look forward to continuing this work together with you at the next meetings of the European Council. Thank you very much.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   02/09/2026 11:38 | Press release | Council backs temporary trade measures to support Armenia   The Council today agreed to introduce temporary trade-liberalisation measures for Armenian products to support Armenia's economy following trade restrictions recently imposed by Russia. These measures will liberalise around 80% of Armenian exports to the EU. This preferential arrangement comes with certain conditions and also includes safeguard measures to protect the EU market if imports adversely affect EU producers. The Council endorsed the Commission proposal without changes, clearing the way for the regulation to be swiftly adopted after the European Parliament is also expected to approve the proposal without amendments. “Europe stands with Armenia and its people, who have chosen a clear path for reform and closer cooperation with the European Union. Today's decision sends a clear message: when faced with economic coercion, the EU will respond. We will create new opportunities and stand with our partners.” — Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland The regulation introduces a temporary suspension of import duties for a broad range of Armenian products, including selected agricultural products subject to tariff-rate quotas. The measures will apply for two years from the regulation's entry into force and will cover almost 99% of Armenia's exports of fresh fruit, vegetables and plants to Russia and more than 91% of beverages and spirits. The proposed regulation is intended to support Armenia after trade restrictions imposed by Russia have disrupted Armenian exports and transit routes. It also aims to strengthen EU-Armenia trade relations in line with the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The preferential arrangements remain conditional on Armenia complying with the applicable rules of origin, engaging in administrative cooperation with the EU, refraining from introducing new trade restrictions on EU imports and respecting the essential elements of the CEPA, including democratic principles, the rule of law and human rights. Next steps The European Parliament is expected to adopt its position without amendments during its September plenary session. Once that position is formally adopted, the Council will approve it and the regulation will be adopted, entering into force on the day following its publication in the Official journal of the EU. Commission proposal EU law tracker EU relations with Armenia (background information) EU-Armenia summit (4-5 May 2026) EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership   Visit the website

● European Council   02/09/2026 15:35 | Statements and remarks | Press statement by President Costa following the meeting with Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković   Dear Prime Minister, dear Andrej.  Thank you for the warm welcome, it is a pleasure to be back here in Zagreb. I make this tour every year for a simple reason: the European Council works more efficiently when I have heard from each leader at home, taking the time to understand every national perspective, before we sit down all together at the table. This might sound like a longer road, but it is the safest path to unity. And this year it matters even more as a decisive milestone lies ahead of us; one that will shape the future of our Union: reaching an agreement on the European Union’s budget for 2028 to 2034. And we need this decision before the end of this year. Because, in the beginning of 2028, the money must reach our citizens and companies. A delayed decision would open gaps in peoples’ lives: a farmer without a payment, a company without a contract, a student without a grant, a laboratory without funding. Then we need to reach the goal to reach an agreement by the end of this year. We are operating in a fundamentally different geopolitical environment from the one we faced when we approved the current budget back in 2020. This new reality calls for a new approach to our budget, with a new structure and a new way of allocating our resources. It also means the future European Union budget must give the Union the capacity to act and invest in key areas such as defence and security, competitiveness, innovation, and strategic resilience. At the same time, the new budget must continue to support the cohesion and agricultural policies, as they are the pillars of regional development and shared prosperity on our continent.  And we all know, there is no such thing as an unlimited budget. The Union’s budget is paid for, above all, out of national budgets – and those national contributions need to be kept within reasonable limits. That is why new own resources, new revenue streams at European level, will be decisive to reach a balanced agreement. We all know that agreement will not be simple. But I am reassured and encouraged by how all Leaders around the table understand that we need this budget approved by the end of this year.  I want to thank you, Andrej, for the constructive way that Croatia is approaching this file. Today we also discussed enlargement. Croatia has a particular voice in this topic. You are the member state that most recently completed this journey – and the next chapter runs through your neighbourhood. Bringing the Western Balkans, Moldova and Ukraine into the Union is the strongest investment available to us in the security and prosperity of our continent. And we need to keep that process moving, grounded in a well-established, merit-based process, the full respect of European values, and building on the real momentum so far.  Finally, Ukraine, of course, was also part of our conversation today. I would like to start by expressing once again our solidarity with Germany after the recent attack in Leipzig - as we have done with all member states experiencing this unacceptable Russian behaviour. It is time for Russia to stop the war against Ukraine and not to escalate or extend it. Russia must understand that their threats and attacks, hybrid or other, will not make the European Union change its position about this war. Because, our position is based on the fundamental values of international law, the respect of sovereignty, territorial integrity and peace. This is why we will continue supporting Ukraine, no matter how Russia tries to threaten or intimidate us. Let me conclude, dear Andrej, by thanking you for your openness and engagement. I look forward to continuing to work with you, in the European Council, on our shared priorities. Thank you very much.   Visit the website ● European Council

01/09/2026 15:46 | Media advisory | One-year badge 2026 - accreditation is open   This badge is intended for journalists residing in Belgium and gives access, during the whole calendar year 2026, to the Council premises during summits and high-level meetings, as well as on regular working days.  Application deadline: Friday 18 September 2026 at 14:00 Apply for the one-year badge More information on the one-year badge (PDF) Procedure Before starting the online procedure please make sure to have at hand the following piece of information and documents: the number of your valid identity document (national identity cards are only accepted for EU and EFTA nationals) or passport, as well as the issuing and expiry dates thereof a scanned copy of your EU or Belgian press card, OR of the assignment letter signed by your editor-in-chief confirming that you are covering EU affairs during the current year a passport-type picture in .jpeg format (max. 500KB) you will also be asked to print, sign and upload a form to give your authorisation to be security screened by the Belgian authorities. You will be able to download your consent form from your account Collection of badges You will receive an email to inform you once your application has been validated and the badge is ready to be collected. One-year badges can be collected, on an individual basis only, at the Justus Lipsius main accreditation desk on working days. Please ensure you have your ID/passport when collecting the badge.   Visit the website

● Council of the EU   02/09/2026 11:38 | Press release | Council backs temporary trade measures to support Armenia   The Council today agreed to introduce temporary trade-liberalisation measures for Armenian products to support Armenia's economy following trade restrictions recently imposed by Russia. These measures will liberalise around 80% of Armenian exports to the EU. This preferential arrangement comes with certain conditions and also includes safeguard measures to protect the EU market if imports adversely affect EU producers. The Council endorsed the Commission proposal without changes, clearing the way for the regulation to be swiftly adopted after the European Parliament is also expected to approve the proposal without amendments. “Europe stands with Armenia and its people, who have chosen a clear path for reform and closer cooperation with the European Union. Today's decision sends a clear message: when faced with economic coercion, the EU will respond. We will create new opportunities and stand with our partners.” — Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland The regulation introduces a temporary suspension of import duties for a broad range of Armenian products, including selected agricultural products subject to tariff-rate quotas. The measures will apply for two years from the regulation's entry into force and will cover almost 99% of Armenia's exports of fresh fruit, vegetables and plants to Russia and more than 91% of beverages and spirits. The proposed regulation is intended to support Armenia after trade restrictions imposed by Russia have disrupted Armenian exports and transit routes. It also aims to strengthen EU-Armenia trade relations in line with the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The preferential arrangements remain conditional on Armenia complying with the applicable rules of origin, engaging in administrative cooperation with the EU, refraining from introducing new trade restrictions on EU imports and respecting the essential elements of the CEPA, including democratic principles, the rule of law and human rights. Next steps The European Parliament is expected to adopt its position without amendments during its September plenary session. Once that position is formally adopted, the Council will approve it and the regulation will be adopted, entering into force on the day following its publication in the Official journal of the EU. Commission proposal EU law tracker EU relations with Armenia (background information) EU-Armenia summit (4-5 May 2026) EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership   Visit the website ● European Council   02/09/2026 11:12 | Statements and remarks | Déclaration à la presse du président Costa à l'issue de sa rencontre avec le Premier ministre luxembourgeois, Luc Frieden   Cher Premier ministre, cher Luc, c’est toujours avec plaisir et de rencontrer un ami. Après tout, nous nous connaissons depuis que nous étions ministres de la Justice ensemble - au siècle dernier ! Tout d’abord, je tiens à te remercier chaleureusement pour ton accueil ici, au Luxembourg. Notre discussion a été, comme toujours, très constructive et fructueuse. Venir régulièrement à la rencontre de chaque dirigeant dans sa capitale est essentiel pour comprendre les perspectives de chaque Etat membre et préparer au mieux nos prochaines réunions du Conseil européen. Un chantier majeur concerne notre prochain budget de long terme, qui fixera le cadre de notre action commune pour les années 2028 à 2034. Notre objectif est de conclure un accord d’ici la fin de cette année. Notre prochain budget doit refléter l’Europe que nous voulons construire. Il doit offrir à l’Union les moyens financiers de transformer nos priorités communes en actions concrètes et répondre efficacement à un monde en rapide mutation. Cela signifie garantir un financement solide pour nos nouvelles priorités — la défense, la sécurité, la compétitivité, la recherche, l’innovation et la résilience stratégique — tout en préservant, naturellement, les piliers essentiels de soutien à nos régions : la cohésion et la politique agricole. Pour y parvenir, ce budget aura une structure et une mécanique très différentes du cadre budgétaire actuel, d'autant plus qu'il a été conçu dans un contexte très différent de celui d'aujourd'hui.  Dans le même temps, tout comme pour les budgets nationaux, le budget européen doit répondre à ses priorités en tenant compte de ressources disponibles - qui sont toujours limitées. Il est principalement financé par les contributions nationales des Etats membres. Nous devons donc veiller à maintenir ces contributions à un niveau raisonnable. C’est pourquoi une approche ambitieuse sur les nouvelles ressources propres de l’Union Européenne est nécessaire pour atteindre cet équilibre. Cela contribuera à réduire les contributions nationales tout en soutenant de nouveaux investissements, dans la compétitivité, la défense et la sécurité.  L’Europe que nous voulons construire, fondée sur une plus grande autonomie stratégique, nécessite une économie plus compétitive. Nous agissons en mettant en œuvre l’agenda « Une Europe, un marché », qui définit des objectifs concrets à atteindre d’ici la fin 2027 pour achever notre marché intérieur: Réduire les charges administratives et la bureaucratie inutiles Créer un environnement économique favorable aux entreprises Mobiliser davantage d’investissements privés pour les aider à croître, à se développer et à innover. A cet égard, compléter l’union des marchés des capitaux est essentiel. Ceci est un domaine où le rôle central du Luxembourg représente un énorme atout pour toute l’Europe Cher Luc, je tiens à remercier le Luxembourg pour son soutien constant et déterminé à l’Ukraine. La semaine dernière , on a voyagé ensemble dans ce train qui fait la liaison entre la Pologne et Kiev et nous étions tous les deux à Kyiv pour réaffirmer le soutien continu de l’Union Européenne au peuple ukrainien dans sa lutte contre l’agresseur russe.  Notre engagement à soutenir l’Ukraine, la Moldavie et les Balkans occidentaux sur leur chemin vers l’adhésion à l’Union Européenne n’est pas seulement une question de solidarité, mais aussi un investissement dans la sécurité et la prospérité de toute l’Europe. Nous devons continuer à soutenir les pays candidats alors qu’ils avancent dans un processus basé sur le mérite, solidement ancré dans l’État de droit. Dans le même temps, nous devons réfléchir aux ajustements nécessaires pour qu’une Union élargie puisse continuer à fonctionner efficacement. En ces temps géopolitiques difficiles, plus que jamais, l’Europe est notre cadre d’action à tous – c’est en agissant ensemble que nous agissons de façon efficace.  Et je sais que je peux compter sur le Grand-Duché du Luxembourg et sur toi, cher Luc, pour porter haut une vision résolument européenne et un engagement sans faille en faveur de notre projet commun.  Merci !   Visit the website