Press releases and statements
Press releases and statements
26 February 2026
- EU sanctions against terrorism: Council strengthens the scope of the EU Terrorist List and maintains all existing listings
The Council expanded the scope of the EU Terrorist List to better address the continued threat posed by terrorism and violent extremism. The Council also reviewed and maintained all existing listings.
- Joint communiqué European Union - Angola joint way forward
The EU and Angola issued a joint communiqué following the 7th EU-Angola ‘Joint way forward’ ministerial meeting on Thursday 26 February 2026 in Brussels.
- Consumer protection: Council calls for stronger safeguards, sustainable consumption, enhanced enforcement and simplification
Council approves conclusions on the 2030 Consumer agenda.
- Technical harmonisation: Council approves new requirements for car chargers and other measuring instruments
Council gives its final approval to the amended measuring instruments directive.
- Council approves conclusions on the EU agenda for cities highlighting their key role for economic, social and territorial cohesion
Ministers responsible for cohesion policies approved Council conclusions on the EU agenda for cities.
25 February 2026
- EGF: Council and Parliament agree to support workers at imminent risk of job loss
The Council and the Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on a proposed regulation that broadens the scope of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to include support for workers at imminent risk of displacement.
- EU Customs Authority: Council and Parliament agree procedure to select a host city
The Council and the Parliament have agreed on the procedure to select a host city for the new EU Customs Authority (EUCA). The authority will coordinate customs action and support the activities of national customs authorities consistently across the Union.
24 February 2026
- Remarks by President António Costa at the press conference following the meeting with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen
President of the European Council, António Costa, addressed the press following the meeting with President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Kyiv (Ukraine), on 24 February 2026.
- G7 Leaders’ statement on the war in Ukraine
G7 Leaders' statement on the war in Ukraine, 24 February 2026.
- Council greenlights signing of package of agreements with Switzerland
Council greenlights signature of package of agreements with Switzerland.
- Council signs off simplification of sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements to boost EU competitiveness
Council signs off simplification of sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements to boost EU competitiveness.
- Joint Statement by the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Parliament on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Joint Statement by the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Parliament on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
23 February 2026
- Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities in view of the situation in Iran
Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2026/265 of 29 January implementing Decision 2011/235/CFSP concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities in view of the situation in Iran.
- Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region
Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/263 of 29 January 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2023/1532 concerning restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region.
- Human rights violations in Russia: EU lists additional eight individuals
The Council imposed restrictive measures on eight additional individuals responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses in Russia and for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in the country.
- President Costa to travel to Kyiv on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine
On 24 February 2026, the President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Kyiv, Ukraine, alongside the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
- Road transport: Council allows Austria to amend agreement with Switzerland on cabotage by buses and coaches in border regions
The Council adopted its position enabling Austria to amend its road transport agreement with Switzerland on border cabotage by bus and coach passenger services.
- Red Sea: Council extends the mandate of Operation ASPIDES to safeguard freedom of navigation
The Council extended EUNAVFOR ASPIDES until February 2027 to protect freedom of navigation and maritime security in response to the Red Sea crisis.
- Council gives final greenlight to measures to make the EU’s asylum system more efficient and robust
The EU list of safe countries of origin will speed up asylum processes; the safe third country concept tightens admissibility rules.
- Council approves set of measures to support the EU wine sector
The Council formally adopts a regulation to strengthen and future-proof the EU wine sector.