Lithuania is actively preparing for its presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027, with discussions including the possibility of seeking changes to the EU migration pact.

The Council of the EU formally adopted a new package of sanctions against Russia on July 23, delivering a significant blow to Russian energy, financial services, and cryptocurrency sectors.

The Council of the European Union has appointed Antero Alfarelu Oliveira Lopez as the new head of the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) for an initial 10-month mandate, succeeding Giovanni Pietro Barbano starting August 10.

In June, the member states within the Council of the EU expressed a desire for wider boundaries for sustainable investment funds.

Cyprus's Finance Minister Makis Keravnos highlighted the country's significant contributions to advancing major legislative files in economy and public finances during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Council of the European Union has recommended that Portugal invest in its health sector, ensure housing availability, improve tax system efficiency, and enhance pension sustainability.

The Council of the European Union is expected to approve additional sanctions against Russia on Monday, July 13, in response to its large-scale attacks on Ukraine.

The European Parliament, the Council of the EU, and the European Commission received the Ombudsman's Award for 2026 in the 'excellence in open administration' category for their EU Law Tracker online tool.

Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa welcomed a new EU-US trade agreement during his visit to Ireland for the start of the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU, which eliminates customs tariffs on US industrial imports.

Ireland will take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU from Cyprus starting July 1 until December 31, 2026, with emissions targets being a key priority.

Hungary has reportedly prevented a working group of the Council of the EU from approving screening results for negotiating clusters, thereby blocking further steps towards EU accession talks for Ukraine and Moldova.

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, is visiting Dublin today in anticipation of Ireland's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU.

After 13 years, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament have reached an agreement on new rules for air passenger rights, covering aspects such as luggage, no-show policies, meals, and compensation for flight delays.

Ireland's upcoming Council of the European Union Presidency is bringing the Blue Star Programme into the spotlight, emphasizing its significance.

The Governing Council of the European Central Bank has appointed Boris Vujcic, the current governor of Croatia's central bank, as its new Vice-President for a non-renewable eight-year term, replacing Luis de Guindos.

Ireland is set to preside over the Council of the EU, the body representing national governments in Brussels, from July 1st until the end of the year.

Finance ministers from across the European Union are convening in Nicosia, Cyprus, for an informal Ecofin meeting as part of Cyprus's presidency of the Council of the EU.

Cyprus has declared energy security a central priority for its presidency of the Council of the EU, aiming to build a resilient and affordable energy system, according to Energy Minister Michalis Damianou.

Cyprus is hosting a high-level EU maritime summit in Limassol to address and improve the welfare of seafarers, as part of its presidency of the Council of the EU.

During its presidency of the Council of the European Union, Cyprus adopted the Nicosia Call for Action, advocating for enhanced regional cooperation on climate initiatives across the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East.

The Council of the European Union has adopted new rules to enhance consumer protection for package travel users across the bloc, updating the existing framework for combined travel services.

The Council of the European Union has decided to extend the sanctions framework related to the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina until March 31, 2027, allowing for targeted measures against individuals or entities.

The Council of the EU and the European Parliament have reached a political agreement on a significant overhaul of the bloc’s customs framework, described by Cyprus's Finance Minister as the biggest reform in nearly six decades.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stressed during an online address to the Council of the European Union that the approval of a €90 billion loan from the European Union cannot be contingent on the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline.

The Council of the European Union decided on 14 March to extend restrictive measures targeting individuals responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until 15 September 2026.

Justice Minister Costas Fitiris and Deputy Migration Minister Nicholas Ioannides of Cyprus called for unified EU legislation to protect the rights of vulnerable adults during a Council of the European Union meeting.

The Council of the European Union has formally adopted a new regulation aimed at better protecting EU farmers from potential market disruptions caused by increased imports.

The Crowne Plaza Limassol hotel will host meetings for Cyprus's second Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, continuing a tradition from its first term in 2012.

The Council of the European Union has imposed restrictive measures on eight additional individuals in Russia, holding them responsible for serious human rights violations linked to activist trials.

EU foreign ministers failed to reach an agreement on the 20th sanctions package against Russia during a recent meeting of the Council of the European Union.

The Council of the European Union has revised Ukraine's reform plan, aiming to unlock €8.3 billion in funding for 2026. This revision is part of ongoing efforts to support Ukraine's recovery and development.

The Cyprus Union of Shipowners commended Cyprus for enhancing the country's maritime influence during its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union, which concluded on June 30.

The Council of the EU is set to adopt a new package of anti-drone sanctions against Russia on July 17, in direct response to Russia's ongoing airstrikes targeting Ukraine's civilian population.

The Irish presidency of the Council of the European Union did not confirm that the issue of opening Cluster 3 in accession negotiations with Serbia would be put back on the agenda before the summer break, following a lack of consensus last week.

The Irish presidency of the Council of the European Union has not confirmed whether the issue of opening Cluster 3 in accession negotiations with Serbia will be put back on the agenda before the summer break.

An open letter, signed by over 20 academic researchers and professors, calls for Ireland to recuse itself from digital and fiscal matters during its ongoing presidency of the Council of the EU, which began on July 1.

Ireland's Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, is set to chair a two-day meeting of EU finance and economy ministers in Brussels as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Ireland will take over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Cyprus on July 1, with Micheál Martin stating it will work to support all Europeans.

The European Union has decided that companions of people with disabilities can travel free of charge on airplanes, a measure agreed upon by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union as part of a review of passenger rights.

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis stated in Sarajevo that the integration of the Western Balkans is a top priority for Greece's presidency of the Council of the EU. He emphasized that the enlargement process for the Western Balkans is once again a leading European priority.

The Council of the EU has decided to extend sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea and the city of Sevastopol until June 23, 2027.

The Council of the EU's working group on enlargement held an extraordinary meeting to prepare draft common positions on Cluster 1, Fundamentals, for Ukraine and Moldova, aiming for approval by EU ambassadors.

Rozalina Lulgjuraj, a representative of the Women's Council of the European Progress Party (SEP), stated that femicide cases can only be stopped through comprehensive and substantive reforms, following two tragic murders of women in two days.

European Affairs Deputy Minister Marilena Raouna has praised a new agreement by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament that will permit pregnant Members of the European Parliament to vote by proxy.

Montenegro's President Jakov Milatović, during a working visit to Cyprus, stated that Cyprus views the issue of EU enlargement as a crucial priority, especially given its current presidency of the Council of the EU.

Cyprus Finance Minister Makis Keravnos met with ESMA chair Verena Ross to discuss EU stability and priorities for Cyprus's upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU.

The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on a new regulation to address the impact of global steel overcapacity on the European market.

Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union at a time when Brussels' celebrated openness is facing a significant test. The European Parliament prides itself on being the most open, but challenges remain.

The Council of the European Union has approved a regulation to establish an EU talent pool, a new digital platform designed to connect non-EU jobseekers with employers across the bloc to tackle labor shortages.

The Council of the European Union has given final approval for the establishment of the 'EU talent platform,' completing the legislative process for this initiative aimed at connecting EU employers with workers from outside the Union.

Tanja Permozer, the head of the Slovenian Space Office, has been elected as the Vice-President of the Council of the European Space Agency (ESA), marking a leading role for Slovenia in the agency.

The Council of the European Union has decided to impose restrictive measures on 16 additional individuals and three entities responsible for severe human rights violations in Iran, sending a strong message to Tehran.

The Council of the European Union has officially approved new customs rules for small packages entering the EU, prompting questions about whether additional costs will deter consumers from ordering from non-EU online stores like Temu.

Meetings held under Cyprus's rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union are now being conducted online instead of in person, as the ongoing Middle East conflict impacts the island's transport links with Europe.

The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU has officially postponed the informal meeting of European General Affairs Ministers (GAC) scheduled to take place in Nicosia on Monday and Tuesday.

Cyprus Finance Minister Makis Keravnos presented the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU regarding Cohesion Policy to the European Parliament, emphasizing that EU strategic autonomy depends on regional strength.

The General Affairs Council has approved two legislative acts necessary to prepare a €90 billion loan to Ukraine for 2026-2027 on 24 February, but key amendments to the EU budget remain unapproved due

The Irish government is urgently working to enhance the country's maritime security in anticipation of hosting the presidency of the Council of the European Union this summer.

Cypriot Social Welfare Deputy Minister Clea Hadjistefanou-Papaellina stated that one in five Europeans and one in four children live in poverty. She emphasized Cyprus's efforts during its presidency of the Council of the European Union to strengthen European social policies.

Greece is set to take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 1 to December 31, 2027. The role involves organizing ministerial meetings and advancing the European agenda.

The European Commission has given a positive assessment for Cyprus to join Europe's border-free Schengen zone, with the matter now set to be presented to the Council of the European Union in September.

The Irish presidency of the Council of the European Union has not confirmed whether the issue of opening Cluster 3 in accession negotiations with Serbia will be reconsidered.

EU foreign ministers are set to impose new sanctions on Russia in connection with Moscow's detention of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war, as announced by the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU.

The Estonian government has approved extending temporary protection for Ukrainian war refugees through 2028, aligning with a draft implementing decision from the Council of the European Union.

European Affairs Deputy Minister Marilena Raouna expressed Cyprus's 'particular joy' in being succeeded by Ireland as the holder of the Council of the European Union’s rotating presidency.

The Greek Ministry of Development is establishing five specialized working groups and a central coordinating team to prepare for Greece's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2027.

The Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (Oev) has praised the outcome of Cyprus' six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union, noting it enhanced the country's standing and raised expectations for reforms.

The Council of the European Union has officially confirmed the European Commission's decision from June to place Bulgaria under the excessive deficit procedure (EDP), requiring the country to implement corrective fiscal measures to control rising public spending.

The Council of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), chaired by Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, approved the bank's development strategy through 2031, having already exceeded investment targets.

Cyprus business news covers updates in banking, shipping, space, and trade. The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU advanced key transport and maritime files, discussing European shipping, ports, cleaner mobility, and supply chain resilience.

The Romanian Bureau of Transmedia Audit (BRAT) has expressed its position on the current text of Digital Omnibus VII, proposed by the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, emphasizing its importance for the sustainability and freedom of the press.

The EU's Competitiveness Council adopted conclusions on sustainable and competitive tourism, a key achievement for the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, as described by Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis.

A weekly legal news bulletin from Bulgaria recalls a 2020 request by the GERB cabinet, led by then-Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, to the Secretary-General of the Council of the EU for the appointment of Teodora Georgieva as a European prosecutor from Bulgaria.

Cyprus' Energy Minister Michalis Damianou announced that negotiations regarding the Cronos gas field are nearing completion, with the first gas extraction anticipated by mid-2028. He made the statement after chairing a meeting under Cyprus’ presidency of the Council of the EU.

The Costas Argyrou Museum in Cyprus is organizing an interactive art workshop titled 'Shaping the Bridge of the Mediterranean,' drawing inspiration from the artist's work and the values of Cyprus' 2026 presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Ireland's Taoiseach has affirmed the country's support for Moldova's aspiration to join the European Union, designating it a key priority during Ireland's presidency of the Council of the EU.

The Council of the European Union has formally appointed Francois-Louis Michaud to take up his position as chair of the European Banking Authority on April 16, 2026.

The Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation's flagship exhibition, "Cyprus Insula – History, Memory, Reality," is traveling to Brussels as part of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The exhibition explores the island's rich history and cultural identity.

At the 26th meeting of the Accession Conference between the European Union and Montenegro on Tuesday, negotiating chapter 21, which relates to trans-European networks, was temporarily closed, the Council of the European Union announced...

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has announced the issue of a €5 silver collector coin titled “Rigaina’s castles”, marking the assumption of the Council of the European Union presidency by the Republic of Cyprus for the first half of 2026. The coin, produced in proof condition with mint year 2026, forms part of a […]

Cyprus has postponed or redirected all EU meetings planned for March to a video format. Cyprus holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU until the end of June.

The Council of the European Union has formally adopted a regulation aimed at protecting EU farmers from potential market disruptions caused by increased imports.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee was questioned regarding Ireland's lack of security agreements with other countries in preparation for the country taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, Cyprus has put continued support for Ukraine at the top of its priorities, Energy Minister Michalis Damianos said on Tuesday, addressing the UN General Assembly marking four years since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. He also underlined that Cyprus remains “committed to promoting […]

The Council of the European Union has imposed restrictive measures on eight individuals for serious human rights violations, repression of civil society, and undermining democracy.