EU leaders met&nbsp;in Brussels on 27th and 28th of June for the European Council.

They discussed&nbsp;the Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, the next institutional cycle, Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, competitiveness, and other items.

Following the European Parliament elections, EU leaders met informally in Brussels on 17/6 to discuss the next high-profile EU-level roles in the upcoming institutional cycle.

The European Council is central in designating the next high-profile EU-level roles, namely:

-electing the President of the European Council 
-nominating the President of the European Commission 
-appointing the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

All these procedures are laid out in the Treaty on European Union (TEU), one of the EU’s primary treaties.

Any decision by the European Council needs to reflect the diversity of the EU in terms of geography, country size, gender and political affiliation.

European Council, 27-28 June 2024 & Informal leaders' meeting, 17 June 2024

Mark Zuckerberg,&nbsp; Chief Executive Officer of Facebook meets President Tajani and the political group chairpersons in the European Parliament in Brussels.

He&nbsp;attends the Conference of Presidents of the Political Groups of the European Parliament. The meeting includes the participation of the President and Rapporteur of the Parliamentary Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.

Meeting with Mark Zuckerberg at the European Parliament

EU27 leaders meet to endorse the Brexit withdrawal agreement on Sunday 25 November 2018.

The summit was called by Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, on 15 November 2018, after his meeting with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, who presented to him the draft text as agreed with the UK at the level of the negotiators.

Leaders are also expected to approve a political declaration on future EU-UK relations that will accompany and be referred to in the withdrawal agreement. The Commission intends to agree with the UK a final draft for this declaration, building on the outline agreed by the negotiators on both sides.

Find out also our package on <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/brexit_1603_pk">Brexit</a> to download stockshots and news.

Special meeting of the European Council on article 50, 25/11/2018

During their meeting on 30-31 May 2022, EU leaders discussed continued EU support to Ukraine, particularly humanitarian, financial, material and political support. The leaders were joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy via video conference for a discussion at the beginning of the summit. 
The European Council is committed to intensify pressure on Russia and Belarus to thwart Russia’s war against Ukraine. The European Council called on all countries to align with EU sanctions. 
The  leaders agreed that the sixth package of sanctions against Russia will cover crude oil, as well as petroleum products, delivered from Russia into Member States, with a temporary exception for crude oil delivered by pipeline. On the second day of the summit, EU leaders discussed energy, defence and food security.

Special meeting of the European Council, 30-31 May 2022

On 20 and 21 February, EU heads of state or government discuss the EU’s long-term budget for 2021-2027 during a special meeting of the European Council.

Extraordinary meeting of the European Council, 20 February 2020

The leaders’ talks on nominations for the EU's top jobs will continue at the Special European Council on 30 June 2019.

EU leaders discussed the possible candidates for the top positions in the EU at the June European Council, but did not conclude. The European Council plays a major part in appointing high-profile EU-level roles. In 2019 it will elect the European Council President, nominate a candidate for the President of the European Commission, appoint the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and decide on the President of the European Central Bank. They will all take office before the end of the year.

Special meeting of the European Council, 30/06/2019

EU27 leaders will meet on 10 April 2019 to discuss the latest developments on Brexit.

"In view of the rejection of the withdrawal agreement by the House of Commons, I have decided to call a European Council on 10 April," confirmed President Donald Tusk on 29 March, following the vote in the House of Commons. On 21 March EU27 leaders decided to delay the Brexit date until 12 April 2019, should the withdrawal agreement be rejected.

Special meeting of the European Council on article 50, 10/04/2019

EU leaders discussed recent developments with regards to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and continued EU support to Ukraine. The EU and its member states stand united in their unwavering support for Ukraine and its people and have so far provided&nbsp;assistance to Ukraine&nbsp;worth €50 billion.

This European Council meeting takes place after the&nbsp;24th EU-Ukraine summit&nbsp;on 3 February. It was the first summit to take place following the outbreak of Russia’s war and since the EU granted candidate status to Ukraine in June 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also met European leaders in Brussels during his second trip abroad since the beginning of the war.

EU – Ukraine summit & Special Council meeting, February 2023

EU leaders will meet informally in Brussels to discuss institutional issues, including the European Parliament's composition after the 2019 elections and possible transnational lists, and&nbsp; how the EU appoints top positions, including the so called 'Spitzenkandidaten'.

The heads of state or government also debate on the political priorities of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) after 2020, i.e. the EU's long term budget.

The meeting takes place under the Leaders' Agenda. As the discussions are future-oriented, the meeting will be held in an EU27 format.

Informal meeting of the 27 heads of state or government, 23/02/2018

Since he was elected EP President on 3 July 2019, David SASSOLI represents Parliament in its international relations, and, in this connection, undertakes official visits within and outside the EU. He also receives official representatives from governments.

The work of the European Union (EU) in the area of external relations includes the external trade relations, development policy, human rights and democracy, Union’s enlargement and neighbourhood and relations beyond the neighbourhood.

President Sassoli's official visits and bilateral meetings (2019-2020)

The informal European Council brings together EU heads of state or government in Sibiu, Romania on 9 May 2019.

EU leaders will discuss the EU's next strategic agenda for the period 2019-2024. They will exchange views on the challenges and priorities for the EU for the years to come. The discussions in Sibiu will be based on a Leaders' Agenda note prepared by President Tusk and will be divided in two parts: one on the external dimensions and one on the internal dimensions.

Informal meeting of heads of state or government, Sibiu, 09/05/2019

MEPs in the Budgets Committee discuss with Commissioner Piotr Serafin the proposal for the post 2027 EU long-term budget, i.e. the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) beyond 2027 and own resources, right after its adoption by the Commission

BUDG- Meeting with Commissioner Piotr Serafin on MFF beyond 2027 and Own Resources

European Council, 26-27 June 2025: Provisional agenda: 

1. Adoption of the agenda
2. Ukraine
3. Middle East
4. European defence and security
5. EU in the world
6. Competitiveness
7. Migration

European Council meeting: 26-27 June 2025

EP President takes part in the European Council, followed by a press conference.

EU leaders meet to discuss the following (provisional agenda):

Ukraine
Middle East
Competitiveness
Next Multiannual Financial Framework and new Own Resources
Migration
Oceans
External relations

EP President, Roberta METSOLA takes part in the European Council meeting

Women in defence, security and peace building. A special meeting of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality with members of national parliaments and invited panellists – including women in leadership roles in the military, academics, and activists – is scheduled in the run-up to the International Women's Day (8 March). The meeting will include introductory remarks by the European Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, and will focus on 'Strengthening the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda – Upholding Women's Rights in Defence, Security, and Peacebuilding. (Thursday) A media seminar is organised on Wednesday afternoon, with EP President Roberta Metsola, MEPs, and guests from Ukraine, Israel, Palestine and international organisations.

Inter-parliamentary committee meeting on "Strengthening the Women on the occasion of the International Women's Day 2025

Meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents in the presence of Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission

New committee on democracy shield. The new special Committee on the European Democracy Shield holds its constitutive meeting to elect their chair and vice-chair and launch their activities. It will deal with the so-called “Democracy Shield” initiative, included in the Commission’s 2024-2029 political guidelines, and other initiatives designed to counter malicious interference in democratic processes (Monday).

EUDS: New committee on democracy shield- Constitutive meeting

President meets with Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of NATO

EP President meets with Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of NATO

During an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, addresses the situation in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy emphasizes that this moment marks a historic opportunity for the Syrian people to rebuild their nation based on dignity, freedom, and justice, and for a Syrian-led and inclusive dialogue to ensure a peaceful transition, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

The EU pledges support for Syria’s territorial integrity, the protection of minorities, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Kallas stresses the importance of avoiding further violence and upholding international humanitarian law. The EU remains committed to working with international partners and supporting UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen in facilitating Syria’s transition toward stability and democracy.

Extraordinary AFET (committee on Foreign Affairs) meeting, exchange of views with Kaja KALLAS, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the situation in Syria

European Parliament President Roberta Metsoal participates in the European Council meeting on 17-18 October 2024. EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss key topics such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, competitiveness, migration, and foreign affairs. Discussions focus on military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, and enhancing Europe’s industrial and technological competitiveness. Leaders also address migration policies and preparations for upcoming climate and biodiversity conferences.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the European Council Meeting (17-18 October)

The Conference of Presidents meets to confirm the details of the calendar for the confirmation hearings of Commissioners-designate, a crucial step in the approval process of the new European Commission. The Conference of Presidents, led by the EP President and political group leaders, oversees Parliament's legislative planning, committee responsibilities, and relations with EU institutions. This meeting play a key role in setting the Parliament’s agenda.

Meeting of the Conference of Presidents

The Conference of Presidents will meet to discuss the confirmation hearings of Commissioners-designate, a crucial step in the approval process of the new European Commission. On Tuesday, the Conference of Committee Chairs will finalize the structure and schedule of these hearings, including common questions and the division of responsibilities among parliamentary committees and a proposal will be made to the Conference of Presidents.

The Conference of Presidents, led by the EP President and political group leaders, oversees Parliament's legislative planning, committee responsibilities, and relations with EU institutions. This meeting play a key role in setting the Parliament’s agenda.

The Italian Chamber of Deputies will host the 22nd Meeting of the Presidents of the Lower Houses of the G7 Countries and the European Parliament in Verona from 5 to 7 September 2024. This high-level event will focus on critical global issues such as security, development, and the digital transition. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, will deliver an opening address, contributing to discussions aimed at fostering international cooperation. The meeting will conclude with the adoption of a final Declaration, highlighting the shared commitments of the G7 nations.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the G7 Speakers' Meeting

Provisional agenda of the European Council meeting includes: Ukraine, security and defense, competitiveness, external relations, the next institutional cycle.

European Council Meeting 27/28 June 2024

Following the European Parliament elections, EU leaders meet today in Brussels to discuss the next high-profile EU-level roles in the upcoming institutional cycle.

EP President Metsola particpates and gives a doorstep.

EP President's Metsola doorstep at informal EU leaders meeting

MEPs evaluate the results of the most recent European Council meetings, including the Special European Council of 17-18 April 2024.

Plenary debate- Outcome of European Council meeting

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyha

Official meeting of President Metsola and Ukranian Prime Minister Denys  Shmyhal

President Metsola meets the Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa. in Brussels

Official meeting of President Metsola and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa

D-UA Constitutive Meeting

Special committee on the European Democracy Shield Ordinary meeting

EUDS

Committee on Regional Development Extraordinary meeting Committee on Regional Development

REGI

Committee on Petitions Ordinary meeting

PETI

Press point by Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO) and Carla TAVARES (S&D, PT), Co-rapporteurs, following the BUDG Committee meeting on Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources

Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting

TRAN

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development Extraordinary meeting Exchange of views with Commissioner Hansen: presentation of the CAP proposals

AGRI

Committee on Fisheries Ordinary meeting

PECH

Committee on Budgets Ordinary meeting

BUDG

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting

FEMM

Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting Public hearing on Administrative burden

Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting

SEDE

Committee on Public Health Ordinary meeting

SANT

Committee on Security and Defence Ordinary meeting Joint meeting MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS Delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

AFET

DNAT

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Ordinary meeting

ITRE

Committee on Transport and Tourism Ordinary meeting Presentation of the Danish Presidency priorities

Committee on Culture and Education Ordinary meeting

CULT

Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Ordinary meeting Exchange of views with Danish Presidency

Quaestors' meeting

Meeting of the Delegation for Relations with South Africa (D-ZA)

EP Plenary session - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2025

LIBE - Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) meeting

DCAM Delegation Constitutive Meeting

Meeting of the European Parliament's Bureau

Meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents in the presence of Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of NATO and António COSTA, European Council President

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Rome (Italy) - Meeting with Sergio MATTARELLA, President of Italy

European Council meeting

EPP pre-summit meeting

ECA CONT Annual meeting

1st meeting of the JURI Network on Monitoring of EU Law

SEDE - Exchange of views with General André Denk, Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency following the Meeting of the Steering Board

DEVE Extraordinary meeting - Exchange of views with Bill GATES, Chair of the Gates Foundation

INTA committee meeting - Public hearing on the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement

AFCO Interparliamentary Committee Meeting -EU Reform With a View to Future

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, official visit to Warsaw and Lodz (Poland) - Meeting with Dariusz JOŃSKI, Member of the European Parliament and Hanna ZDANOWSKA, Mayor of Łódź

This news item sows extracts from the meeting of the Committee on Budgets with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, on the Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources. The multiannual financial framework (MFF) is established for a period of seven years and lays down the maximum spending ceilings for different policy areas. After having secured Parliament’s consent, granted by a majority of its component members, EU governments adopt the MFF regulation by unanimity. The EU’s current long-term budget runs out on 31 December 2027.

BUDG meeting with Piotr SERAFIN, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, on the Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources: extracts from the meeting

Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO) and Carla TAVARES (S&D, PT), Co-rapporteurs, and Sandra GÓMEZ LÓPEZ (S&D, ES) and Danuše NERUDOVÁ (EPP, CZ), co-rapporteurs for the Own Resources on the EU long-term budget, hold a press conference following the BUDG Committee meeting on Multi-annual Financial Framework beyond 2027 and Own Resources. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Denmark’s ministers present their priorities in meetings with parliamentary committees as Denmark holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU until the end of 2025. Marie BJERRE, Minister for European Affairs, Peter HUMMELGAARD, Minister of Justice, Kaare DYBVAD, Minister for Immigration and Integration, Torsten SCHACK PEDERSEN, Minister of Resilience and Preparedness, Morten BØDSKOV, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, and Caroline Stage OLSEN, Minister for Digital Affairs, Lars Løkke RASMUSSEN, Minister for Foreign Affairs, presents the EU policy priorities of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU in the Committees on Foreign Affairs (AFET), Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), International Trade (INTA), and Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE). This news item shows extract from the AFET, IMCO, INTA and LIBE committees.

Presentation of the EU Council's priorities by Danish Ministers: extracts from the EP Committee meetings (AFET, LIBE, IMCO, INTA)

MEPs assess the outcome of the 26 June European Council meeting with António COSTA, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. At their summit in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans. Closing statements by António COSTA, President of the European Council.

Council and Commission statements - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2025: Closing statements by António COSTA, President of the European Council

MEPs assess the outcome of the 26 June European Council meeting with António COSTA, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. At their summit in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans. Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency.

Council and Commission statements - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2025: Closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations

MEPs assess the outcome of the 26 June European Council meeting with António COSTA, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. At their summit in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans. MEPs debate.

Council and Commission statements - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2025: MEPs debate

MEPs assess the outcome of the 26 June European Council meeting with António COSTA, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. At their summit in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans. One round of political group.

Council and Commission statements - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2025: One round of political group

MEPs assess the outcome of the 26 June European Council meeting with António COSTA, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. At their summit in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans. Opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Council and Commission statements - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2025: opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

MEPs assess the outcome of the 26 June European Council meeting with António COSTA, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission. At their summit in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focussed on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans. Opening statement by António COSTA, President of the European Council. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Council and Commission statements - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2025: Opening statement by António COSTA, President of the European Council

MEPs assess the outcome of June’s EU summit with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen. At their meeting in Brussels, EU heads of state or government focused on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They also discussed how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders also discussed migration and the situation in the Western Balkans.

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 26-27 June 2025: extracts from the debate

MEPs discuss Denmark’s six-month Council Presidency agenda, which started on 1 July, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The Danish government says the EU is facing new international challenges, geopolitical and economic competition, and rising levels of conflict. The presidency’s slogan, ‘A strong Europe in a changing world’, expresses Denmark’s plan to work towards a resilient EU that takes responsibility for its own security. Denmark wants the EU to work closely and harmoniously with NATO, and support Ukraine’s fight for peace and freedom. It also wants to push for a competitive Europe, which improves conditions for businesses while simultaneously driving growth through the green transition necessary to combat climate change.

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Danish Presidency with Mette FREDERIKSEN, Danish Prime Minister: arrival and meeting with Roberta METSOLA, EP President and extracts from the debate

Roberta METSOLA, EP President and the political group Chairs invite Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Antonio COSTA, European Council President to participate in the EP Conference of Presidents (CoP), in Brussels.

Meeting of the EP Conference of Presidents in the presence of Mark RUTTE, Secretary General of NATO and Antonio COSTA, European Council President: extracts from the arrivals and roundtable

The Marisa Bellisario Award, often called the "Oscar for Women" in Italy, is a prestigious Italian award presented annually to women who have excelled in various fields like management, science, the economy, and social life, both nationally and internationally. Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Sergio MATTARELLA, President of the Italian Republic with all the laureates of the Marisa Bellisario Award at Quirinale in Rome. The video shows also extracts from the ceremony including the acceptance speech and the award ceremony at the archaeological park of the Coliseum in Rome.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President receives the Marisa Bellisario Award in Rome (Italy): extracts from the meeting with Sergio MATTARELLA, President of the Italian Republic and from the ceremony

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, answers questions from journalists during a Q&A session following her participation at the European Council meeting.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the European Council meeting: Q&A session

Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, gives a press conference following her participation at the European Council meeting. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the European Council meeting: opening remarks

This news item shows extracts from the doorstep, roundtable and the press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, at the European Council meeting (26/06). EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss geo-economic challenges and the ongoing developments in Ukraine and the Middle East. European defense and security, migration, preparedness and internal security are also on the agenda.

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates to the European Council meeting (26/06): extracts from the doorstep, roundtable and press conference

European People's Party (EPP) leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06) at the Sofitel, Brussels Hotel.

EPP leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06): arrivals and doorsteps

Renew Europe leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (26/06) at Tour & Taxis, Brussels.

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