Press releases and statements
Press releases and statements
21 September 2025
19 September 2025
- Speech by President António Costa at the Porto Social Forum
The President of the European Council, António Costa, was speaking at the high-level ceremony of the Porto Social Forum in Porto (Portugal) on 19 September 2025.
- Remarks by Paschal Donohoe following the Eurogroup meeting of 19 September 2025
Remarks by Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe on Eurogroup's work programme, economic outlook, progress on the digital euro, and G7 discussions.
- President Costa to attend UNGA High Level Week in New York
The President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to New York to represent the European Union at the 80th United Nations High Level Week between 21 and 25 September 2025.
- Weekly schedule of President António Costa
Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 21 September – 28 September 2025.
- Invitation letter by President António Costa to the members of the European Council ahead of their informal meeting in Copenhagen on 1 October 2025
EU heads of state or government will gather in Copenhagen, Denmark, to discuss about European defence and Ukraine.
18 September 2025
- Paris Agreement: EU submits statement of intent to the UNFCCC on the post-2030 NDC
Today, the Council approved the EU’s statement of intent on its post-2030 NDC, outlining its intention to submit an NDC ahead of COP30.
- Moldova: EU takes steps towards the elimination of customs duties for seven agricultural products
The Council adopted a decision on the position that the EU will take in the EU – Moldova Association Committee in Trade Configuration as regards increasing market access for some exports not yet liberalised.
- Defence investment: Council authorises negotiations with UK and Canada on their participation in SAFE
Defence investment: Council authorises negotiations with UK and Canada on their participation in SAFE.
- Cohesion policy mid-term review: Council adopts new laws to better address current and emerging challenges
Council amends existing regulations to address current and emerging challenges in the context of the mid-term review of EU cohesion policy.
17 September 2025
- Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the joint strategic military exercise ZAPAD-2025
In light of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and following the repeated violation of the airspace of our Member States by Russian drones, ZAPAD-2025 does not demonstrate a commitment to de-escalation and peace. The participation of other countries, especially from Belarus, in this context raises serious security concerns. The EU calls for full compliance with international agreements and remains vigilant regarding potential security threats.
- Press remarks by President António Costa following the meeting with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden
Press remarks by President António Costa following the meeting with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Luc Frieden.
16 September 2025
- EU opens accession negotiations with Albania on green and sustainable connectivity policies
The sixth meeting of the Accession Conference with Albania was held today in Brussels opening negotiations on Cluster 4: Green agenda and sustainable connectivity.
- Protection of displaced Ukrainians: Council adopts recommendation about transition out of temporary protection
The Council adopts a recommendation on the transition away from temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine.
15 September 2025
- Press remarks by President António Costa following the meeting with President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides
Press remarks by President António Costa following the meeting with President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides.
- Press remarks by President António Costa following the meeting with Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Press remarks by President António Costa following the meeting with Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
12 September 2025
- Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: EU individual sanctions over territorial integrity prolonged for a further six months
The Council prolonged the restrictive measures targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until 15 March 2026.
- António Costa's 'Tour des Capitales': preview for week 3
The President of the European Council, António Costa, is visiting the EU leaders in their member states in the first three weeks of September.
- Weekly schedule of President António Costa
Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 15 September – 21 September 2025.
11 September 2025