
Hungary Again Blocked Ukraine's Path to the EU
Hungary again refused to approve the opening of clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine, at the first meeting after the summer break of the Council of the European Union Working Group for Pr.
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Hungary again refused to approve the opening of clusters 2 and 3 for Ukraine, at the first meeting after the summer break of the Council of the European Union Working Group for Pr.

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.

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 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.

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.

Ireland has taken over the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. Among its priorities for the mandate are negotiations for the EU budget and new sanctions against Russia.

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 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.

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

The European Parliament has voted to urge the creation of a standardized, consent-based definition of rape across all EU member states. This move aims to harmonize legal approaches to sexual violence within the bloc.

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 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.

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.

The Council of the European Union has formally adopted a regulation aimed at 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 individuals for serious human rights violations, repression of civil society, and undermining democracy.

In preparation for Latvia's next presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2028, dozens of extra posts at diplomatic missions are planned.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Council of the European Union has started technical preparations to open Clusters 2-6 for Ukraine and Moldova, marking a new stage in their EU accession process. While Moldova anticipates closing its first cluster soon, Ukraine may face time constraints for opening all clusters in July.

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 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.

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.

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 […]

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.

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 […]
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.

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 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 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.

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 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.
Ireland has officially taken over the presidency of the Council of the European Union, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy arriving in Dublin for the launch ceremony. The presidency will focus on key EU priorities, including security and economic stability.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.
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.

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.
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.