On 29 May, the Council adopted a Recommendation on the development of a new European Union framework for science diplomacy. The framework aims to strengthen the Union’s position as a global leader in science and technology and to use scientific cooperation to advance its foreign policy objectives. Science as a diplomatic tool The Recommendation emphasises […]
Internships – European Defence Agency Traineeship – Belgium
The European Defence Agency (EDA) is an intergovernmental agency of the Council of the European Union. Each year the Agency offers paid traineeships aimed at recent university graduates who want to transition to the world of work in an organisation at the heart of defence cooperation in Europe. Requirements Eligible applicants should: Be nationals of a Member […]
Council calls for greater efforts to combat child poverty
The Council is calling on the Commission and EU countries to provide greater support to children, in order to increase their well-being and combat poverty and social exclusion. In conclusions approved last March 9, the Council draws attention to the potential long-term implications of child poverty, and calls for adequate funding for policies that address child […]
Council gives green light to signing of package of agreements with Switzerland
On 24 February, the Council gave the green light to the signing of a comprehensive package of agreements between the EU and Switzerland aimed at deepening and broadening their bilateral relationship. This comprehensive package of bilateral agreements with Switzerland includes a wide variety of elements: the updating of four agreements that already give Switzerland access […]
Internships – Traineeships at the Council – Belgium
Twice a year, the Council offers 5-month paid traineeships in Brussels. The Consilium traineeship programme offers a first-hand experience of how the Council and the EU work. They offer young professionals the opportunity to be involved in the Council’s daily activities, learn from their colleagues and advisors, and contribute to shaping important decisions. The name […]
Cyprus Presidency includes focus on effective migration management and ProtectEU
Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 January to 30 June 2026. Under the slogan “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World,” the Presidency focuses on 5 overarching priorities: Autonomy through Security, Defence Readiness and Preparedness Autonomy through Competitiveness Open to the World, Autonomous An Autonomous Union of Values that Leaves […]
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Council prolongs restrictive measures for another year
The Council last January 16 decided to extend by one year, until 20 January 2027, the existing restrictive measures against those who support, facilitate or enable violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds available to them. Individuals […]
Council paves the way for creation of AI gigafactories
On 16 January, the Council adopted an amendment to the Regulation governing the activities of the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC Joint Undertaking), extending its objectives to facilitate the creation of artificial intelligence (AI) gigafactories in Europe and to include a specific pillar on quantum technologies. The amended Regulation enables the development and […]
EU legislative priorities for 2026 was signed by the European Parliament, Council and Commission
Given the speed and complexity of challenges faced by the European Union, unity, urgency and ambition are key. That is also the spirit behind which President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, representing the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von […]