EU - European Council - Press releases

1. Enlargement: Albania meets interim benchmarks for fundamentals cluster

   The eighth meeting of the Accession Conference with Albania was held today in Brussels confirming that Albania has, overall, met the interim benchmarks and setting closing benchmarks for cluster 1: Fundamentals.

2. Human rights violations in Russia: EU restrictive measures extended until May 2027

   The Council extended the framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses in Russia and for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in the country for a year, until 28 May 2027.

3. European electoral act: Council gives final green light to proxy voting for MEPs during pregnancy and after giving birth

   Council greenlights proxy voting at the European Parliament by amending the European electoral act.

4. Council adopts new rules strengthening EU citizens’ right to vote and stand as candidates in local elections

   Council strengthens rules on the right to vote and stand as a candidate in municipal elections for mobile EU citizens.

5. Press briefing - Competitiveness Council (Internal market, Industry, Research and Space) of 28 and 29 May 2026

   Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Competitiveness Council (Internal market, Industry, Research and Space) will take place on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 at 14.00.