European Council

Press briefing ahead the European Council meeting of 24 and 25 June 2021

The Council approved conclusions recognising cultural heritage’s key role in promoting peace, democracy and sustainable development.

The President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe, has sent a letter to the President of the Euro Summit, Charles Michel. The letter takes stock of the progress achieved on key policy issues relevant for the recovery and for the smooth functioning of the economic and monetary union.

The Council decided to change the decision currently in place concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Libya, with the aim of clarifying the criteria used to decide on sanctions.

The Council appointed three new EU special representatives for the Sahel, Central Asia and the Horn of Africa.

The Council prolonged sanctions in response to Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol for a further year, until 23 June 2022.

Weekly schedule of President Charles Michel 21-27 June 2021

EUBAM Libya: The Council extends mandate for a further two years until 30 June 2023, amidst renewed political momentum.

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.

The EU issued a declaration on the next democratic elections in Ethiopia and its importance for the political transition in that country.

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.

The Council gives its consent to the revised statute of the Ombudsman to further guarantee its independence.

The Council today approved conclusions on the fiscal sustainability challenges arising from an ageing population. The conclusions call on member states to address the economic and budgetary consequences of ageing.

The Council today adopted recommendations on the updated stability and convergence programmes.

The Council today adopted the recommendation under the excessive deficit procedure for Romania. The recommendation sets a new deadline of 2024.

The Council today approved conclusions on Intellectual Property (IP) policy.

Following a review under the recommendation on the gradual lifting of the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU, the Council updated the list of countries, special administrative regions and other entities and territorial authorities for which travel restrictions should be lifted.

Remarks by Paschal Donohoe following the Eurogroup meeting of 17 June 2021 on the Post Programme Surveillance reports, IMF surveillance of the euro area, functioning of the Exchange Rate Mechanism II and on the completion of the Banking Union.

The Eurogroup adopted a statement on Greece. It confirms that the necessary conditions are in place to confirm the release of the fifth tranche of policy-contingent debt measures worth €748 million.

Council and European Parliament reach preliminary agreement on the Brexit adjustment reserve.