Author: Web Master

This badge is intended for journalists residing in Belgium and gives access, during the whole calendar year 2026, to the Council premises during summits and high-level meetings, as well as on regular working days. Application deadline: Friday 27 February 2026 at 14:00 Apply for the one-year badge More information on the one-year badge (PDF) Procedure Before starting the online procedure ple...
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The EU deplores the heavy prison sentence of 20 years imposed on British citizen and media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai by the Hong Kong High Court on 9 February 2026. The EU reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional release of Jimmy Lai, also in consideration of his advanced age and health condition. The politically motivated prosecution of Jimmy Lai and the former Apple Daily executiv...
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In response to an invitation by the Peruvian authorities, the EU will deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the 2026 legislative and presidential elections in Peru. Election day is scheduled for 12 April, with a possible presidential runoff on 7 June. The decision to deploy this EOM reflects the EU’s ongoing partnership with Peru to jointly advance democracy, and in particular an...
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Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Thursday 12 February 09:30       Arrivals and doorsteps (live stream 1 / live stream 2) 10:30       Exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament 11:00       Exchange of views with Mario Draghi 13:00       European Council working lunch 15:00       Exchange of views with Enrico Letta 16:00       European...
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The press briefing ahead of the informal EU leaders' retreat of 12 February 2026 will take place on Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 14.30 in the Justus Lipsius building press room. This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists or journalists accredited for the meeting will be able to participate and ask questions either ...
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The tenth edition of Bright Brussels Festival is fast approaching. From 12 to 15 February 2026, the capital’s historic district will be sublimated by more than 20 light installations and night-time entertainment, not to mention the brand new culinary programme of Bright Brussels Food. A feast for the eyes, and taste buds, of an ever-enthusiastic audience. Read the press release
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High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP), Kaja Kallas, will be in Finland, on 5 February. HR/VP Kallas will meet bilaterally with President Alexander Stubb, as well Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen. Audiovisual coverage of the High Representative/Vice-President’s engagements will be provided on EBS and X.
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Today, the Rafah Crossing Point reopened for a controlled number of passengers in both directions in and out of Gaza. This follows the deployment of the EU civilian Border Mission, EUBAM Rafah, to the Rafah Crossing Point yesterday. At the request of the parties EUBAM Rafah is there to facilitate the traffic of a controlled number of passengers, and to monitor and support the Palestinian border...
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Dear colleagues, I would like to invite you to an informal Leaders’ retreat, on the 12th of February, dedicated to strengthening the single market in a new geoeconomic context. Last year I chose to dedicate an informal brainstorming of Leaders to Defence – that meeting provided a strong boost to the construction of a Europe of Defence. In 2026, I would like us to provide the same political i...
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