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Highlights

Illustration of parcels stored on warehouse shelves, with a package barcode being scanned using a handheld device.
  • 3 September 2026
EU customs: Council greenlights landmark reform

EU customs: Council greenlights landmark reform

The Council has given its final green light to a reform of the EU customs framework. The new rules create an EU customs authority, an online EU customs data hub, a new category for the most trusted traders, and measures to address the rise in e-commerce.

António Costa walking, overlaid on a colourful collage of aerial views of winding roads, coastline, fields and buildings, with a flowing blue line linking the different landscape scenes.
  • 4 September 2026
President Costa visits EU capitals to discuss priorities

President Costa visits EU capitals to discuss priorities

  • 4 September 2026
  • Presidency news
Ministers discuss MFF, enlargement and democratic resilience

Ministers discuss MFF, enlargement and democratic resilience

Armenian flag.
  • 2 September 2026
Council agrees position on temporary trade measures to support Armenia

Council agrees position on temporary trade measures to support Armenia

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Helen McEntee, and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, talking.
  • 2 September 2026
  • Presidency news
EU foreign affairs ministers meet in Ireland

EU foreign affairs ministers meet in Ireland

Press releases

Meetings

In focus

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Multilateralism

Multilateralism

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Modernising the EU customs union

Modernising the EU customs union

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Consilium traineeships

Consilium traineeships

Explore popular topics

Industry

Competitive and autonomous industries, reducing dependencies 

Trade

Trade relations with partners worldwide

EU enlargement

Candidate countries and the process of joining the EU

Single market

Free movement of goods, services, capital and people in the EU

Energy

Securing a sustainable and affordable energy supply

Climate

Net-zero economy and fighting against climate change

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The Council presidency

The member states take it in turn to chair Council meetings for six months. Ireland currently holds the Council presidency and will do so until 31 December 2026.

Logo of the Council and of the Irish presidency.

About the Council

The Council refers to two different EU institutions: the European Council, and the Council of the EU. They have very different roles and membership, although they have similar names and share the same staff.

The European Council

The European Council consists of the heads of state or government of the EU's member states, together with its President and the European Commission President. It defines the EU's general political directions and priorities.

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The Council of the EU

The Council of the EU represents the member states' governments. Informally also known as the EU Council, it is where national ministers from each EU country meet to adopt laws and coordinate policies.