European Council

European Council President António Costa invited leaders to the meeting of 20-21 March 2025 in Brussels, during which they will discuss competitiveness, Ukraine, security and defence, migration, and other items. 

President of the European Council António Costa presented the main results of the discussions of the leaders during the EU-South Africa summit held in Cape Town on 13 March 2025.

The President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe, gave a speech at the Hertie School of Governance on  'Europe at a crossroads: navigating the challenges ahead'.

European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa met in Cape Town for the 8th Summit between South Africa and the European Union. The leaders issued a joint declaration.

At the eighth EU-South Africa summit, European Council President António Costa delivered opening remarks and emphasized the importance of this strategic partnership in a changing global landscape. Highlighting shared values of democracy, human rights, and multilateralism, President Costa called for strengthened cooperation to address global challenges such as climate change, security and sustainable development. He expressed support for South Africa's leadership, particularly in its G20 presidency, and emphasised the need for joint action to build a fairer, more secure world.

The President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe, has sent a letter to the President of the Euro Summit, António Costa, to report on the work of the Eurogroup.

Press briefing ahead of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) will take place on Friday 14 March 2025 at 16.00.

European Council President António Costa travelled to Berlin and delivered a speech at the High-level event of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung marking their 100th anniversary.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council will take place on 14 March 2025 at 14.30.

European Council President António Costa met the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, in Berlin. During a press conference following the meeting, President Costa presented the main topics they had discussed, notably competitiveness and European defence.

Ukraine: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union following the Ukraine-U.S. meeting in Saudi Arabia.

The EU issued a statement strongly condemning the attacks by pro-Assad militias against security forces in Syria’s coastal region, and the horrific crimes committed against civilians.

The Council prolonged the mandate of EU CSDP military operation in the Mediterranean - EUNAVFOR MED IRINI - until 31 March 2027.

The President of the European Council, António Costa will travel to Berlin and Cape Town on 12-13 March 2025 to attend the 100th anniversary of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung foundation and represent the European Union at the eighth EU-South Africa summit.

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.

The Council today approved the Commission’s positive assessment of the amended recovery and resilience plans submitted by Ireland and Belgium.

The Council reached a political agreement on new rules (DAC9) to enhance cooperation and information exchange on minimum effective corporate taxation.

The press briefing ahead of the General Affairs Council will take place on Thursday 13 March 2025 at 15.00.

The Council approved conclusions today setting a tax decluttering and simplification agenda to contribute to the EU’s competitiveness.

The Council approved a decision providing the European Investment Bank (EIB) with enhanced flexibility in managing its investment capacity.