EU Council Press

I welcome the agreement reached by @EUCouncil on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. We are keeping the pressure on Russia to cripple its ability to wage war against Ukraine. Our support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine is unwavering.

The EU-Japan partnership is stronger than ever. 🇪🇺🇯🇵 Our 30th #EUJapan summit on 23 July will be an opportunity to deepen our cooperation even further. With a focus on: ▪️Security and defence ▪️ Trade and economic security ▪️ Support to multilateralism europa.eu/!GVX89P

Sudan: @EUCouncil lists 2 commanders & 2 entities. The EU will use its diplomatic tools & instruments, including restrictive measures, to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The people of Sudan have a right to freedom, peace & justice. Read more👇 europa.eu/!J3d7GF

Statement of @KajaKallas on behalf of the EU condemning Russia’s persistent hybrid campaigns against the EU, its member states and partners.

#GAC |⌚LIVE 🔜: press conference following the General Affairs Council Watch it here: europa.eu/!7k3r7t

#Russia’s war of aggression against #Ukraine: @EUCouncil agrees 18th package of individual & economic #sanctions targeting vital sectors of the Russian economy such as energy and banking + 105 vessels & 55 persons/entities. 👇 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦

🇪🇺 @eucopresident António Costa will travel to Japan and China to represent the EU together with President @vonderleyen in the EU-Japan Summit on 23 July and EU-China Summit on 24 July. Press release ↓

🇪🇺 border management: Council adopts EU law about gradual introduction of Entry/Exit System (EES) ➡️ biometric data recording of non-EU travellers ➡️ reducing visa overstays ➡️ gradual introduction allows adjustment to new system Read our press release👇

🇪🇺 Council: Adoption of new value added tax (VAT) rules for distance sales of imported goods ➡️improved collection of VAT on imported goods ➡️encouragement non-EU suppliers to use the VAT import one-stop-shop (IOSS) Check our press release 👇

Simplification: in a fast-track 🏃 🏃‍♀️ procedure, @EUCouncil adopts new law to ‘stop-the-clock’ 🕰️ on due diligence obligations for battery 🔋 makers and exporters. 👇 Press release europa.eu/!yRND8t

🚨 @EUCouncil adopted a 2-year extension of the 🇪🇺 gas storage regulation to ensure secure supplies ahead of winter. What else is in there? ✅ 90% filling target maintained ✅ more flexibility for member states to adapt to market conditions Read more 👇 #TTE #energy

❗Friday 18 July at 10.00 📷 Technical briefing on the agreement reached by the EU and Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip ⬇️ europa.eu/!hpRt8g

❗18 July 2025 – General Affairs Council #GAC 📷 Check the indicative programme and press opportunities 📷 👇 europa.eu/!VYMmkv

❗ NOW available: background brief ahead of the General Affairs Council of 18 July 2025 #GAC Read it here 👇

Statement of @KajaKallas on behalf of the EU on the 11th anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. 👇

❗Thursday 17 July at 15.00 💻 Press briefing ahead of the General Affairs Council of 18 July 2025 #GAC 📝 Instructions 👇 ⏱️ Deadline: Thursday 17 July at 14.00 europa.eu/!k8q7GF

#Cohesion: @EUCouncil and @Europarl_EN strike a deal on the mid-term review of 🇪🇺 cohesion policy to better address current and emerging challenges Read the press release ⬇️

Russia’s hybrid threats: @EUCouncil lists 9 individuals and 6 entities responsible for destabilising the EU and its member states and Ukraine through disinformation and information manipulation and other hybrid attacks Press release ⬇️ europa.eu/!pvGnKD

EU Special Representatives: @EUCouncil extends the mandates of Magdalena Grono and Johan Borgstam @JBorgstam as EUSRs for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, and the Great Lakes region respectively, until 31 August 2027. Press release here

#FAC |⌚LIVE 🔜: press conference with @kajakallas following the Foreign Affairs Council. Watch it here: europa.eu/!vcdyTN