COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

Meetings Monday, 19 October 2026

● Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης   20/10/2026 10:01 | Συνεδριάσεις | Κύρια σημεία της ημερήσιας διάταξης - Συμβούλιο Γεωργίας και Αλιείας, 26-27 October 2026   Οι υπουργοί Γεωργίας θα επιδιώξουν να καταλήξουν σε μερική διαπραγματευτική θέση σχετικά με τους κανόνες για την κοινή γεωργική πολιτική (ΚΓΠ) μετά το 2027. Θα συζητήσουν επίσης γεωργικά θέματα που σχετίζονται με το εμπόριο, ένα σημείο που επανέρχεται συχνά στην ημερήσια διάταξη του Συμβουλίου Γεωργίας και Αλιείας. Οι υπουργοί Αλιείας θα επιδιώξουν να καταλήξουν σε πολιτική συμφωνία σχετικά με τις αλιευτικές δυνατότητες στη Βαλτική Θάλασσα για το 2027. Θα προετοιμάσουν επίσης το έδαφος για τη θέση της ΕΕ ενόψει της ετήσιας συνόδου της Διεθνούς Επιτροπής για τη Διατήρηση των Θυννοειδών του Ατλαντικού (ICCAT).   Ειδική σελίδα συνεδρίασης ● Council of the EU   20/10/2026 12:24 | Press release | Council and Parliament strike deal on updated measures to support organic farming in the EU   The Irish presidency of the Council and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on updated rules for the production, labelling, certification and trade of organic products. The aim is to support the competitiveness of the EU’s organic sector while maintaining high standards and consumer trust. This targeted revision will make existing rules clearer and easier to apply. It will reduce administrative burdens for farmers and businesses, particularly smaller operators, and provide greater legal certainty for imports of organic products. It will also help ensure continuity in international trade, while preserving the integrity of the EU organic label. “Today, the Irish Presidency has delivered a strong result for farmers, consumers and the agri-food sector.  Today’s agreement on the Targeted Amendments to the EU Organics Regulation demonstrates our commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture and creating the conditions for the organic sector to continue to thrive across the European Union.” — Martin Heydon - Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland Main elements of the agreement The agreement introduces targeted changes to the EU’s existing framework for organic products. Additionally, the regulation will provide clarity to operators on the rules for importing organic products from countries with standards recognised as equivalent to those in the EU. This will give operators greater predictability while helping consumers make informed choices and ensuring fair competition between EU and non-EU producers. Simplified rules for small operators The provisionally agreed rules introduce simplification measures, in line with the Council’s negotiating mandate, to reduce administrative burdens, particularly for small operators. Under current rules, small operators selling unpackaged organic products, such as loose fruit and vegetables, directly to consumers are exempt from certification requirements. Under the revised rules, the annual turnover threshold for this exemption will increase from €20 000 to  €40 000 per year, calculated as the annual average over the previous five years. The annual sales volume threshold will also rise from 5 000 kg to 10 000 kg. The colegislators also agreed to extend the exemption, under certain conditions, to small online retailers selling pre-packed organic products. Clearer rules for imported organic products The agreement clarifies that products imported from non-EU countries whose organic production rules are recognised as equivalent to EU standards can continue to be marketed using terms such as 'organic'. These products may use the organic logo of their country of origin. They would also be able to use the EU organic logo however only if they comply with additional production and monitoring requirements beyond those covered by equivalence, for instance relating to living soil, animal welfare and processing methods. This approach provides greater clarity for operators while safeguarding consumer trust in the EU organic logo and ensuring fair competition between EU and non-EU producers. The organic rules applied by 11 non-EU countries, including Argentina, Canada, New Zealand and the United States, are currently recognised as equivalent to EU standards. This recognition is due to expire on 31 December 2026, and today’s agreement extends it until 31 December 2036. This will provide long-term predictability for operators and help avoid disruption to international trade, which is important for the EU organic sector. No EU organic logo for products with non-compliant ingredients The Council and Parliament agreed to remove the Commission’s proposal to allow the EU organic label to be used on products containing less than 5% of ingredients from non-EU countries that do not meet additional criteria. Temporary flexibility The agreement provides temporary flexibility for the use of non-organic protein feed for poultry and pigs, as well as for aquaculture juveniles. These derogations will be phased out gradually. Smooth transition to the new rules To ensure the smooth implementation of the revised framework and avoid potential market disruptions, products already labelled under the existing rules may continue to be sold until stocks are exhausted. The agreement also provides for transitional arrangements to ensure continuity and legal certainty for imported organic products and international trade as the new rules take effect. Next steps The provisional agreement must now be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament. Following legal-linguistic revision, the regulation will be formally adopted by both institutions. The aim is to complete its adoption before the end of 2026, when the current recognition arrangements for imported organic products are due to expire, providing operators with legal certainty and helping prevent any disruption to trade. Background Organic farming plays an important role in the EU’s transition towards more sustainable food systems. According to the European Commission, the area of organic farmland has grown by 79%, from 9.5 million to 16.9 million hectares. This has gone hand in hand with growing consumer demand and increased recognition of the EU organic logo, now the best-known food logo in Europe. The EU framework for organic production is established by regulation (EU) 2018/848, which has been in force since January 2022. It sets common rules for organic production, certification and labelling across the EU, helping to uphold high standards, ensure fair competition and maintain consumer confidence. The revision agreed today is part of the Commission’s roadmap 'Organic rulebook fit for the future'. The proposal aimed to clarify the rules for consumers and operators and followed a judgment by the Court of Justice of 4 October 2024, which stated that imported products recognised under equivalence arrangements cannot use the EU organic logo. Council negotiating mandate Organic farming: Council negotiating position on simpler and clearer organic farming rules agreed (press release, 11 May 2026) Organic farming (background information)   Visit the website ● General Secretariat of the Council   17/10/2026 14:25 | Press release | Forward look: 19 October - 1 November 2026   Overview of the main topics and events at the Council of EU and European Council for the coming fortnight. Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and social policy), 19 October 2026 Employment and social affairs ministers are expected to adopt a recommendation on housing exclusion, including homelessness. They will also share their expectations for the upcoming Quality Jobs Act, and will seek to approve conclusions on equality as a driver for economic growth and competitiveness. Read more Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 26-27 October 2026 Agriculture ministers will seek to agree on a partial negotiating position on the post-2027 rules for the common agricultural policy (CAP). They will also discuss trade-related agricultural issues, a recurring item on the agenda of the AGRIFISH Council. Fisheries ministers will aim to reach a political agreement on the fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2027. They will also prepare the ground for the EU’s position for the annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Read more Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 29 October 2026 Energy ministers will meet in Luxembourg to discuss the proposed regulation on network charges, aimed at future-proofing electricity bills in the EU. They will also exchange views on energy security in the immediate and longer term, as well as potential energy targets for the post-2030 framework. Read more Other meetings Informal meeting of trade ministers, 22-23 October 2026 EU-Canada summit, 29-30 October 2026   Indicative calendar of meetings under the Irish presidency (1 July - 31 December 2026) Irish presidency   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   19/10/2026 09:47 | Press release | Council greenlights measures to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances   The Council of the EU has adopted a set of revised rules aimed at strengthening the protection of workers from exposure to hazardous substances that could cause illnesses such as cancer or asthma. The sixth revision of the carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances directive (CMRD) updates the EU’s health and safety legislation to ensure it is fully in line with the latest scientific developments, in particular by: setting occupational exposure limit values (OELs) for cobalt and its inorganic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 1,4-dioxane, and isoprene adding welding fumes to the list of substances, mixtures and processes set out in Annex I of the directive The revision is expected to prevent around 1 700 lung cancer cases and 19 000 other illnesses over the next 40 years. Next steps The directive will enter into force upon its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member states will be required to transpose the revised rules into national law within 2 years of its entry into force. Revision of Directive 2004/37/EC on carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic substances at work (sixth batch) (text of the directive) Council and Parliament agree on measures to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances (press release, 23 June 2026) Protecting workers: health and safety at work (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU

19/10/2026 09:59 | Press release | Council calls for greater equality to boost EU competitiveness   EU ministers are shining a light on equality as a driver of economic growth and competitiveness in Europe. In conclusions approved today, the Council emphasises the vital role played by equality and non-discrimination in strengthening the EU’s economy and fostering competitiveness. It calls on the Commission and member-state governments to do more to promote equal treatment and remove barriers to labour-market participation. “Equality and competitiveness are not competing priorities – they go hand in hand. A labour market that welcomes people from all backgrounds is one that can draw on a wider range of skills, experiences and perspectives. By tackling discrimination and promoting inclusion, we can create more opportunities for our citizens while strengthening Europe’s economic performance.” — Norma Foley, Irish Minister for Children, Disability and Equality The Council’s conclusions address various forms of discrimination and their impact on growth and competitiveness. The areas covered are gender equality, LGBTI equality, disability, anti-racism and Roma inclusion, and age discrimination and ageism. The conclusions make the economic case for greater diversity in the labour market, highlighting benefits such as higher employment rates, job creation, greater productivity, and a broader and more diverse talent pool. They propose a range of possible measures at local, regional, national and EU level, including: ensuring effective enforcement of non-discrimination and gender-equality laws via appropriate sanctions and remedies and support for relevant stakeholders such as civil society organisations integrating inclusiveness, equality and non-discrimination into business and talent attraction strategies, as well as in entrepreneurship policies across all sectors, including via targeted funding for underrepresented groups monitoring the impact of AI on the labour market from an equality perspective, particularly as regards issues such as pay, working conditions and potential job losses promoting equality mainstreaming in economic, consumer, social and digital policies at national and EU level with the aim of boosting the link between equality and competitiveness improving the collection, analysis and use of labour-market and equality-related data at local, regional and national level, and monitoring the socio-economic cost of discrimination and the barriers faced by specific high-risk groups Background Discrimination and inequality continue to pose structural obstacles to full, equal and meaningful labour-market participation in Europe. Recent data from the OECD has revealed that discrimination not only weakens economic potential by negatively affecting employment, income, educational attainment and health, but also places an additional burden on governments in the form of public expenditure on social and health services. According to EIGE, improving gender equality has the potential to create as many as 10.5 million jobs and raise the EU’s employment rate to 80% by 2050. Likewise, countries that have introduced the most legal protections for LGBTI people fare better in terms of GDP per capita, while racial discrimination is estimated to cost the EU up to 12.7 billion euros in lost GDP annually (OECD). Equality and non-discrimination are founding values that are enshrined in the EU’s Treaties and its Charter of Fundamental Rights, and the EU has adopted a comprehensive framework of legislative acts promoting equality and prohibiting discrimination. The need to promote equal access to the labour market was highlighted in the Competitiveness Compass for the EU, and has also featured in recent (or recently updated) EU strategies focusing on areas such as gender equality, LGBTIQ+ equality, anti-racism, and the rights of persons with disabilities. Council conclusions on equality as a driver for economic growth and competitiveness in the EU Economic Benefits of Gender Equality in the European Union (EIGE website) Equality in the EU (background information)   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

19/10/2026 11:35 | Press release | MFF 2028-2034: Council agrees position on the common market organisation for agricultural products   The Council today approved its partial negotiating position on a set of updated rules for the common organisation of agricultural markets (CMO) within the framework of the negotiations on the post-2027 multiannual financial framework (MFF), the EU’s long-term budget. The CMO sets out the single market framework for agricultural products across the EU, and the revised regulation would update the EU’s rules for agricultural markets across a number of areas, including sectoral interventions, the EU school scheme, marketing standards and preparedness in time of emergencies and crises. The negotiating position is 'partial' because it does not cover financial and horizontal issues. These are currently being discussed as part of the negotiations on the overall MFF covering the period 2028 to 2034. “Today, we are taking an important step towards shaping the future of Europe’s agricultural markets. With today's agreement, our aim is to support a resilient and competitive agrifood sector, strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply chain, and ensure that our citizens can continue to enjoy high-quality food.” — Martin Heydon - Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland Main elements Under the proposed framework for the EU’s next long-term budget, existing EU funds, including common agricultural policy (CAP) support, would be pooled together into a new national and regional partnership fund (NRPF). Under the future NRPF, each member state would prepare one single comprehensive plan replacing the current separate plans and programmes for cohesion, agriculture, fisheries, migration and security and the social climate fund. Under the new arrangements, funding for measures currently covered by the CMO regulation would be governed by the NRPF regulation. The Council’s position maintains the thrust of the Commission’s proposal and aims to modernise and strengthen the CMO and to adapt it to this new framework, while also introducing targeted updates across several agricultural sectors. Sectoral interventions The overall aim of the provisions on sectoral interventions is to ensure that agricultural markets function efficiently and are stable, as well as to support farmers’ incomes. In line with the Council’s position, to ensure a level playing field across the EU, sectoral interventions will be mandatory for certain sectors, namely apiculture, fruit and vegetables and, in certain circumstances, wine. In order to take into account national specificities, the Council introduced the possibility of allowing flexible derogations for the wine sector, to reflect the situation of countries where this sector is not developed. Protein crops A separate protein crop and oilseed sector would be established, replacing the current dried fodder sector. Member states would be encouraged to recognise producer organisations in that new sector for the purposes of the sectoral interventions. The aim is to boost domestic production, reduce dependence on imports of protein crops, and to enhance the EU’s strategic autonomy in the sector. EU school scheme The EU school scheme is the programme that provides member states with funding to supply fruit, vegetables and milk to school children, as well as to carry out educational initiatives. The scheme will continue under the next MFF and the Council position maintains the goal of the Commission proposal of promoting healthy food habits among school children, including by limiting the distribution of foods high in free sugars and fats. Under the new framework, the EU school scheme will transition from a school year to a calendar year. The Council mandate introduces transitional measures to ensure an efficient implementation. Marketing standards The Council position provides for the possibility of introducing marketing standards for protein crops, beef, pigmeat, sheep meat, goatmeat and rice, so that consumers are better informed about the origin of the products they buy. Hemp The Council maintained the Commission’s proposal to harmonise rules on hemp production and marketing to address discrepancies between national rules. This means that the sector would cover all hemp plant parts. This harmonisation would promote the alignment of rules EU-wide, guaranteeing a level playing field. The provisions would uphold public health protection by keeping strict seed certification and maintaining a 0.3% Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) threshold. The Council also introduced further safeguards to ensure that the new rules would not interfere with other national regulations or policies, on matters such as public security, drugs, or health. Next steps The negotiating mandate approved today is the basis for the Council's presidency to start negotiations with the European Parliament. The financial allocation for the 2028-2034 period will depend on the final agreement on the next MFF as a whole. At the same time, work is underway on the post-2027 CAP regulation, with the aim of agreeing a partial Council mandate on that file at the October Agriculture and Fisheries Council. Background The CMO regulation lays down the rules governing the internal market, sets out the parameters for market intervention, and regulates trade with third countries, including the management of licences, tariff quotas, and promotional activities. It also provides the framework for the marketing of agricultural products, such as marketing standards, geographical indications, and labelling requirements. Moreover, it defines how producer organisations, associations of producer organisations, and inter-branch organisations operate, and includes provisions on competition. On 16 July 2025, the Commission adopted two proposals for the legislative framework governing the EU CAP for the 2028-2034 period, namely: • a proposal for a regulation establishing the conditions for the implementation of EU support to the CAP for the period from 2028 to 2034 and • a proposal for a regulation amending the CMO regulation. The proposed revision of the CMO regulation aligns it to the new structure of the EU’s next long-term budget, and makes other changes to reflect developments in certain policy areas. Commission proposal Council gives final green light to strengthen farmers’ position in the food supply chain (press release, 29 June 2026) The common agricultural policy explained (background information)   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

19/10/2026 11:53 | Press release | A place to call home: Council adopts recommendation on addressing housing exclusion and homelessness   EU countries have pledged to do more to prevent and address homelessness and housing exclusion, ensuring that people in vulnerable situations have a place to call home. In a recommendation adopted today, the Council is putting forward a comprehensive range of measures that combine emergency support with longer-term solutions for preventing homelessness and ensuring access to adequate and secure housing. The Council calls for a person-centred, housing-led approach to combatting social exclusion that includes strengthening tools to identify and support people at risk of homelessness, simplifying access to social services and boosting the supply of affordable and social housing. This recommendation is part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to address the housing crisis in Europe and was announced in the context of the European Affordable Housing Plan. “Everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home. Today’s recommendation gives member states a comprehensive framework for preventing homelessness, supporting those who find themselves without a home, and helping people access secure, long-term housing. By acting earlier and putting people’s individual needs at the centre of our policies, we can make a real difference to people’s lives.” — James Browne, Irish Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage ‘Housing exclusion’ is a broad category that includes people experiencing homelessness as well as those who have a roof over their heads but live in conditions that are inadequate (i.e. lacking basic facilities such as flushing toilets) or insecure (e.g. facing eviction or domestic abuse). The Council’s approach to addressing homelessness Rather than simply focusing on short-term fixes, the Council’s recommendation takes a comprehensive approach, combining prevention and emergency support with measures aimed at providing long-term, secure housing solutions. Dedicated strategic frameworks A longer-term approach to homelessness in Europe requires a coherent strategy at both national and regional levels. The recommendation therefore calls on EU countries either to adopt strategic frameworks aimed at tackling housing exclusion and homelessness, or else further strengthen their existing frameworks. These strategic frameworks should be based on person-centred, housing-led policies, and should include relevant, time-bound, achievable and measurable objectives. Early detection and prevention The Council’s recommendation provides for early detection and identification of households at risk of homelessness, such as via early warning systems. It also proposes targeted interventions to support at-risk households, including debt counselling, safeguards against forced eviction, emergency rental assistance and mediation. Moreover, the recommendation sets forth a commitment on the part of EU member states to ensure that no child is deprived of adequate housing and that children and young people leaving institutional or foster care have access to housing and support. A ‘one-stop shop’ approach As regards measures aimed at supporting those already experiencing homelessness or housing exclusion, the Council calls for a simplified approach that ensures people can easily access the services they need. This includes a ‘one-stop shop’, via which homeless people can obtain timely, simplified referrals to relevant social security agencies, social assistance, and social and health services. The recommendation also calls for tailored support plans based on individual assessments, with support and guidance provided by multi-disciplinary, community-based outreach teams that include health and care professionals, social workers and food banks. Boosting the housing supply The Council’s recommendation also recognises that a lack of social and affordable housing plays a significant role in exacerbating the rates of housing exclusion and homelessness in the EU. It therefore puts forward measures aimed at boosting the supply of social and affordable housing, including public and private investment in new and renovated homes, better use of existing housing stock and support for alternative and non-profit housing models. Next steps Member states are encouraged to update the Commission every five years on the effectiveness of their strategies to address housing exclusion and homelessness in their countries. On the basis of these evaluations, the Commission will review the progress made at national level and report back to the Council five years after the adoption of the recommendation. Background The Council recommendation on fighting housing exclusion was initially announced in December 2025 in the context of the European Affordable Housing Plan, the first comprehensive strategy at EU level to support the efforts of the member states, regions and cities in addressing the housing crisis and its various impacts. The proposal was published on 6 May 2026 as part of the EU’s first-ever Anti-Poverty Strategy. Homelessness is the most extreme and visible manifestation of poverty and social exclusion and is estimated to affect more than one million people across the EU. Housing exclusion and homelessness are driven by a range of interconnected factors, including poverty, unemployment, discrimination, poor mental and physical health, substance abuse and domestic violence. Certain groups such as young people, those experiencing in-work poverty and persons with disabilities can face particular barriers when it comes to accessing adequate housing. Moreover, a shortage of social and affordable housing across the EU has proven a major obstacle in the fight against housing exclusion and homelessness. Between 2013 and 2024, house prices in nominal terms increased by more than 60% across the EU, growing faster than household income, with a number of member states experiencing average increases of more than 220%. Council Recommendation on fighting housing exclusion including homelessness The EU’s housing crisis (background information) The European Affordable Housing Plan (Commission communication) The EU’s Anti-Poverty Strategy: addressing and preventing poverty from childhood to old age (Commission communication)   Visit the website

● Council of the EU   19/10/2026 13:42 | Press release | European Peace Facility: Council adopts assistance measure to support defence capacities of Nigeria   The Council today adopted an assistance measure worth €20 million under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of the armed forces of Nigeria. It is the first bilateral assistance measure for Nigeria that already benefits from EPF support as part of the multinational joint task force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad basin. The measure is a concrete step towards deepening the security partnership between the EU and Nigeria. The new assistance measure consists in the provision of non-lethal defence capabilities to the Nigerian armed forces in the areas of counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED), counter unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS), night vision and individual protection. This will improve the security of the troops deployed on Nigeria’s national territory and strengthen their capacity to react against malign external actors, armed groups and bandits. The measure aligns with the shared priorities discussed in the Peace, Security and Defence Dialogue between Nigeria and the EU, most recently held on 18 February 2026, as well as during the 8th Nigeria-EU ministerial dialogue, held on 23 March 2026 in Abuja. It forms part of the EU engagement to support peace and stability in the country. The support under the EPF is part of a broader package of EU assistance that combines various tools, including assistance aimed at preventing and combatting violent extremism. Background The European Peace Facility (EPF) 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 EPF 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) Security and defence (background information) The EU and Nigeria (EEAS)   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

19/10/2026 14:05 | Press release | Human rights: EU appoints a new Special Representative   Today the Council appointed Ilze Brands Kehris as EU Special Representative (EUSR) for human rights. Ms Brands Kehris is a Latvian national. Most recently, she served as Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights and Director of the New York Office of the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights from January 2020 until May 2026. A human rights specialist, she has extensive experience across a wide range of leadership positions in the Unted Nations and in national and regional human rights organisations, including as member and Chairperson of the Management Board of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency. She will immediately take up her duties for a period lasting until 29 February 2028. The new EU Special Representative will continue the work of her predecessors to contribute to the implementation of the EU’s policy on human rights as well as EU’s positions on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law and support for international criminal justice. Furthermore, she will help establish a stronger European voice through engagement on human rights with governments in third countries and international and regional organisations, as well as with civil society and other relevant actors. The Special Representative will work closely with the European External Action Service, EU delegations and EU institutions to ensure the effectiveness and visibility of EU human rights policy in external actions. 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. Ilze Brands Kehris CV EU Special Representatives (EEAS website) Protection and promotion of human rights (background information)   Visit the website

● European Council

19/10/2026 14:43 | 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: Monday 26 October 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

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19/10/2026 14:47 | Media accreditation | Media advisory - Accreditation for the Special European Council, 26 and 27 November 2026   The meeting of the Special European Council will take place on 26 and 27 November 2026 in the Europa building in Brussels. Address: Rue de la Loi 155/Wetstraat 155, 1040-Brussels. Registration Media representatives wishing to cover the meeting in person are required to register in advance, following this link. The deadline to register is Monday 26 October 2026 at 14:00 CEST.  IMPORTANT: Media representatives are strongly advised to apply by the deadline to allow sufficient time for processing the requests — especially those attending a European Summit for the first time. Due to organizational and security constraints, the Council cannot guarantee verification of applications for accreditation received after the deadline. Without verification, access to the summit will be denied.  There is no need to register or collect any badge for the media representatives already in possession of the European Council annual badge. For more information, please also consult the Media accreditation page. Badge Collection A media accreditation desk will be set up at the LEX building (Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 145) outside the security perimeter, to allow for collection of badges during the events. Opening hours will be communicated at a later stage. Media opportunities A detailed programme, including information on media opportunities, will be published at a later stage. Press materials Videos and photos of the summits will be available on: Council Newsroom EC Audiovisual Service Council Live   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

19/10/2026 16:56 | Meetings | Main results - Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and social policy), 19 October 2026   Employment and social affairs ministers adopted a recommendation on housing exclusion, including homelessness. They also shared their expectations for the upcoming Quality Jobs Act, and approved conclusions on equality as a driver for economic growth and competitiveness.   View meeting page

● General Secretariat of the Council

Think Tank Review 145 - October 2026   Among the topics discussed in the present Think Tank review are: the state of Union address, the EU’s voting rules and the new enlargement round, Ireland’s presidency priorities on agriculture and fisheries, digitalising Europe’s small and medium-sized enterprises, the 2028-2034 EU budget, the burden-sharing efforts of the US and its allies, a security deal between the US, Denmark, and Greenland; and a transatlantic strategy for critical minerals for dismantling China’s supply chain weapon.   Read full post

● Council of the EU

20/10/2026 10:01 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 26-27 October 2026   Agriculture ministers will seek to agree on a partial negotiating position on the post-2027 rules for the common agricultural policy (CAP). They will also discuss trade-related agricultural issues, a recurring item on the agenda of the AGRIFISH Council. Fisheries ministers will aim to reach a political agreement on the fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2027. They will also prepare the ground for the EU’s position for the annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).   View meeting page