EU - European Council - Press releases

1. Iran: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the arrest and detention of human rights defenders

   The European Union expressed serious concern on the arrest and detention of human rights defenders and  calls on the Iranian authorities to release all individuals unjustly detained for exercising their fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and assembly. 

2. Weekly schedule of President António Costa

   Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 22 December 2025 - 4 January 2026.

3. Human rights violations in Russia: EU imposes sanctions on two additional individuals

   The Council has imposed restrictive measures on two additional individuals responsible for serious violations or abuses of human rights and for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Russia.

4. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: Council extends economic sanctions for a further 6 months

   The Council renewed the EU restrictive measures in view of the Russian Federation’s continuing actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine for a further 6 months, until 31 July 2026.

5. Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the alignment of certain countries concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Mali

   Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2436 of 1 December 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2017/1775 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Mali.