The President of the European Council, António Costa, together with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will attend the EU-Mercosur signature ceremony in Asunción, Paraguay on 17 January 2026. Ahead of the ceremony, on 16 January, President Costa and President von der Leyen will visit Rio de Janeiro to meet President […]
Commission presents a financial support package for Ukraine for 2026–2027
Last January 14, the European Commission adopted a set of legislative proposals to secure continuous financial support to Ukraine in 2026 and 2027. This marks a significant milestone in the EU’s strong support for the country’s defence against Russia’s war of aggression. The legislative package consists of: A new proposal establishing a support loan for […]
President Costa to travel to India for a high-level summit on 27 January 2026
The President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will travel to India to represent the EU in the 16th EU-India Summit, scheduled to take place on 27 January. The two Presidents will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi for a summit […]
EU commits to strengthening partnership with Lebanon
During their joint visit to Beirut, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Council, António Costa, met with President of the Republic of Lebanon Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. On the first anniversary of President Aoun’s nomination, President von der Leyen and President Costa welcomed the decisive steps taken to […]
EU opens new chapter in its relations with Syria
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa have visited Damascus to discuss the renewed bilateral relations with Syria. They met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shaara to discuss this new chapter in bilateral relations, focused around three pillars: A new political partnership supporting a peaceful and inclusive transition and reconciliation […]
Package travels: new rules on traveller protection
Parliament has struck a deal with Council on updating protection rules for package holidaymakers, based on lessons learned from the pandemic and high-profile bankruptcies. The draft law informally agreed by Parliament and Council negotiators clarifies the definition of a travel package, conditions for cancelling a trip, and travellers’ rights to information, help and refund in […]
Exposure to hazardous substances at work: Council approves position on updating legislation
EU Employment Ministers today took a further step towards preventing work-related diseases and protecting workers from exposure to harmful substances that can cause serious illnesses such as cancer and developmental disorders. The Council agreed its position on the sixth revision of the Directive on carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic agents. The purpose of this Directive is […]
European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: Council agrees its position on support for people at risk of unemployment
On December 1, the Council agreed its position on a regulation that seeks to broaden the scope of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF), extending support to workers facing unemployment. The new rules would apply until the end of 2027, when the current EGF programme expires. The purpose of the EGF is […]
Safeguarding democracy in Europe: Council shines a light on culture’s vital role
At a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, culture and cultural heritage are essential to safeguarding democracy and upholding European values. This is the message put forward by EU culture ministers in conclusions approved in Brussels today. The ministers stress the need to protect and promote culture in all its forms and Europe’s cultural heritage as crucial factors in […]