Ministers discussed the Russian military aggression and stood united in their support for Ukraine. Ministers highlighted the importance of accountability for the gross violations of international law. The EU will support the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor and the Ukrainian prosecutor financially and with staff on the ground. The EU advisory mission will now be deployed on the […]
EU adopts fifth package of sanctions against Russia
In light of Russia’s continuing war of aggression against Ukraine, and the reported atrocities committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine, the Council decided to impose a fifth package of economic and individual sanctions against Russia. The agreed package includes a series of measures intended to reinforce pressure on the Russian government and economy, and […]
Council approves immediate disbursement of €3.5 billion to EU countries welcoming refugees
As part of the EU’s efforts to support Ukraine after Russia’s invasion, EU ambassadors today endorsed a proposal giving member states immediate access to more initial funding from REACT-EU (Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe), as well as facilitating the provision of basic needs and support for refugees from Ukraine. A total […]
Council adopts €150 million assistance to the Republic of Moldova
The EU will provide a macro-financial assistance operation of €150 million in the form of loans and grants to benefit the Republic of Moldova. The assistance shall contribute to strengthening Moldova’s resilience in the current geopolitical context, and covering Moldova’s balance of payments needs as identified in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. It intends to support Moldova’s economic […]
Council updates EU fishing rights for 2022 to reflect agreement with UK
The Council has adopted a regulation updating the EU’s fishing rights for 2022 to incorporate the agreement reached with the UK in December 2021. The regulation sets out the final total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for member states in the Atlantic and North Sea, taking into account fish stocks subject to bilateral consultations. Changes to the previous year’s TACs […]
Ukraine: Home Affair Ministers discuss reception of refugees
Main results Ministers met to discuss further coordination of the reception of refugees from Ukraine. Since 24 February 2022, around 3.8 million people, mainly women and children, have arrived in the European Union after fleeing from the war in Ukraine. Ministers took stock of the means of material and financial support deployed with regard to both their level […]
Informal video conference of foreign affairs (defence) ministers, 28 de febrero de 2022
Main results EU defence ministers met via video conference to discuss the latest situation on the ground in Ukraine, following Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military invasion. During the discussion ministers referred to efforts already underway and their intention to step up support in the coming days and weeks. Our support to Ukrainian Armed Forces is […]
How Maastricht changed Europe
The Maastricht Treaty established the European Union, paved the way for the single currency: the euro and created EU citizenship. The Maastricht Treaty was signed on 7 February 1992 and had a profound impact on the development of European integration. The EU, as we know it today, owes its name and its nature to a […]
Slovenia takes up presidency of the Council
1 July 2021 marks the start of Slovenia’s presidency of the Council of the EU, which will last for the next six months. The presidency will strive to facilitate the EU’s recovery and reinforce its resilience, reflect on the future of Europe, strengthen the rule of law and European values, and increase security and stability […]