EU - European Council - Press releases

1. Council clinches deal on EU law about returns of illegally staying third-country nationals

   The Council reached its position on a regulation for a common European returns system.

2. Migration and asylum: Member states agree on solidarity pool

   Member states reached a political agreement on a Council implementing decision establishing the annual solidarity pool for 2026.

3. European Defence Industry Programme: Council gives final approval

   The Council adopted the European Defence Industry Programme to boost the EU’s defence readiness, strengthen the European defence industry and ensure that the EU is better equipped to act and deal with immediate and future challenges and threats.

4. Press briefings - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) of 15 December, and Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 11 and 12 December 2025

   Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Energy Council will take place on Tuesday, 9 December 2025 at 14.00, followed by press briefing Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

5. Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures against ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda and persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them

   Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2398 of 24 November 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2016/1693 concerning restrictive measures against ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda and persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them.