EU Council

Record turnout shows the democratic spirit of the Hungarian people. They have spoken—and their will is clear. I look forward to working closely with @magyarpeterMP to make Europe stronger and more prosperous.

The EU entry/exit system enters into full operation today. A new step towards stronger external EU borders. The system registers the entry and exit of non-EU nationals travelling to Schengen countries for short stays. 👇 link.europa.eu/txf3hT

The Council has green-lit defence funding under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument for two additional member states: Czechia and France. So far, financial assistance under SAFE has been made available to 18 EU countries. More about SAFE ➡️link.europa.eu/yjXKrf

Conspiracy theories aren’t new – but their scale and impact have changed. In today’s digital space, they’re a powerful part of the disinformation ecosystem. Our latest paper explores what drives them, how they spread, and their real-world impact. 🔗link.europa.eu/Wcw73j

Statement by @KajaKallas on behalf of the EU The EU: -welcomes the ceasefire agreed by the US and Iran -urges all involved to fully ensure freedom of navigation/safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz -calls for an urgent cessation of hostilities in Lebanon link.europa.eu/wHwryR

What does the Council of the EU do? What role does the presidency play? What are its key areas of work? 🔎 Explore all this and more in our revamped Council of the EU webpages 🔗 link.europa.eu/nxrJXP

Leaders from Europe and Canada welcome the two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran. They encourage quick progress towards a negotiated settlement to protect the civilian population and ensure the security of the region.

I welcome the announcement by the United States and Iran of a two-week ceasefire. I urge all parties to uphold its terms in order to achieve sustainable peace in the region. The EU stands ready to support ongoing efforts and remains in close contact with its partners in the region. I thank Pakistan and all other parties involved in facilitating this agreement.

The U.S.–Iran agreement on a ceasefire is a step back from the brink after weeks of escalation. It creates a much-needed chance to tone down threats, stop missiles, restart shipping, and create space for diplomacy towards a lasting agreement. The Strait of Hormuz must be open for passage again. I spoke to Pakistani Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 and thanked him for securing this initial deal. The door to mediation must remain open, as the underlying causes of the war remain unresolved. The EU stands ready to support those efforts and is in touch with partners in the region. I will discuss this in Saudi Arabia today.

In need of healthcare abroad? 🚨 📌Soon, you'll be able to use your prescription and access your medical records wherever you are in the EU. Discover how the European health data space is improving cross-border healthcare: link.europa.eu/vtHMtw #WorldHealthDay

After five weeks of war in the Middle East, it is clear that only a diplomatic solution will settle its root causes. Any targeting of civilian infrastructure, namely energy facilities, is illegal and unacceptable. This applies to Russia’s war in Ukraine and it applies everywhere. The Iranian civilian population is the main victim of the Iranian regime. It would also be the main victim of a widening of the military campaign. As I stressed in my recent call with the President of Iran, @DrPezeshkian, the European Union urges Iran to immediately put an end to its attacks against countries in the region and to allow for the reestablishment of full freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Escalation will not achieve a ceasefire and peace. Only negotiations will, namely the ongoing efforts led by regional partners.

🗺️The EU is the world leader in trade for goods and services combined, and the🔝trading partner for 66 partners. Find out more facts and figures on who the EU trades with ⬇️ 🔗See our trade infographics: link.europa.eu/QjFBnM

Statement by the High Representative @KajaKallas on behalf of the EU on the approval of the Death Penalty Bill by the Israeli Parliament 👇 link.europa.eu/WxR6q7

At an informal VTC meeting energy ministers exchanged views on ways to tackle rising energy prices. They discussed: - EU level coordination - how to stabilise oil and gas markets - gas storage injections for next winter Read the main results: link.europa.eu/FWnRtV

The EU is setting up a new EU customs authority #EUCA, with headquarters in Lille 🇪🇺. What will EUCA do? Discover its objectives and key tasks➡️link.europa.eu/ThBGtC

The current situation in the Middle East is extremely dangerous. Today, in my phone call with the President of Iran, @DrPezeshkian, I urged for de-escalation and restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and the need for all parties to fully respect international law. The loss of innocent lives, including in the Minab school, is deeply regrettable. To de-escalate the situation, I urged Iran to stop the unacceptable attacks on countries in the region and to engage positively on the diplomatic track, notably with the UN to ensure the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. There must be space for diplomacy. The EU stands ready to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and for a lasting solution to end the hostilities, while addressing the broader security concerns posed by Iran.

Bucha has come to symbolise the cruelty of Russia’s war. Of the civilians killed, many were shot at close range. Some with their hands tied behind their backs. Four years after these mass killings, we remember the victims. What happened here cannot be denied. The EU is committed to ensuring that these crimes do not go unpunished, including by supporting the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression, alongside the Claims Commission. Russia must be held accountable for what it has done to Ukraine.

Today, the Council greenlit talks with the UK on agreements on: - participation in the EU’s internal electricity market - financial contribution to the EU’s cohesion policy It also agreed to allow the 🇬🇧 participation in the Erasmus+ programme for 2027. →link.europa.eu/M9GGFx

Today #AGRIFISH ministers discussed progress one year after the European Commission’s vision for agriculture and food. Focus: resilience, competitiveness and food security amid geopolitical developments, market volatility and climate challenges. More 🔗 link.europa.eu/gjcytK

The EU is a strategic and reliable global partner that delivers where it matters most. Updated rules on the External Action Guarantee will facilitate EU investments worldwide by: ⬆️ mobilising public and private financing ⬇️ reducing financial risk 🔗link.europa.eu/8R9MyV