Press Releases

Good to see everybody, We have a Gymnich meeting coming up with the Foreign Ministers today. First, of course, everybody will discuss the Leipzig attacks, and also it is clear that it has all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism. The question is, what do we do about this? We have already summoned Russian ambassadors, so have also many Member States, and we will discuss what more can we...
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Heatwaves, wildfires, drought, austerity – Rally on Sunday 6 September from 14.00 to 17.30 on Place de l’Albertine – Albertinaplein in Brussels Following the government’s disastrous handling of this summer’s heatwaves amidst widespread budget cuts, we call upon all affected sectors of society to join us on 6 September to demand that Belgian and European authorities take all necessary measures t...
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Good afternoon, dear Helen. Thank you for hosting us here in wonderful Wicklow, and we have just concluded a good meeting of EU Defence Ministers. First, Ukraine. Russia's war is becoming more ruthless and destructive, but it is unfortunately not closer to ending. Russia's army is bogged down on the ground, and that is why they are killing civilians from the skies. And this is terror by design....
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The meeting of the European Council will take place on 15 and 16 October 2026 in the Europa building in Brussels. Address: Rue de la Loi 155/Wetstraat 155, 1040-Brussels. Registration Media representatives wishing to cover the meeting in person are required to register in advance, following this link. The deadline to register is Friday 18 September 2026 at 14:00 CEST. IMPORTANT: Media r...
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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 18 September 2026 at 14:00 Apply for the one-year badge More information on the one-year badge (PDF) Procedure Before starting the online procedure pl...
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From 1 September, the FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation welcomes a new spokesperson, Maxime Ramon. Together with Florinda Baleci, who has served in this role for two years, he will represent the official voice of the FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation in its relations with the media. Maxime brings a wealth of experience to the position. U...
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We have a full day ahead with the defence ministers of European Union. So first, of course, we will discuss Ukraine. July and August have been the deadliest months for the civilians in Ukraine. Russia is really escalating to hurt the people of Ukraine as much as possible to break them. The Ukrainians, of course, are standing strong, and we have to support them. The main issue is air defence. The...
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On 1 and 2 September, High Representative Kaja Kallas will travel to Wicklow, Ireland, for the informal meetings of EU Defence ministers and of EU Foreign ministers (Gymnich) under the Irish Presidency of the Council. On 1 September, the High Representative will give a doorstep at 08.00 and a joint press conference with Minister for Defence Helen McEntee at 14.30. On 2 September, the High Re...
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Under its Constitution, Kosovo is a multi-ethnic society governed by the rule of law and its justice system must reflect Kosovo’s ethnic diversity. The EU has consistently called on Kosovo to enable the re-integration of Kosovo Serb judicial personnel in line with Kosovo law and Dialogue agreements. The EU welcomed the withdrawal, on 15 July 2026, of the resignations submitted by Kosovo Serb jud...
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The President of the European Council, António Costa, will continue his round of visits to EU member states to meet national leaders. During the "Tour des Capitales", President Costa will engage with the Heads of State or Government on the EU's agenda - with a strong focus on the Union's next long-term budget - and will prepare the ground for upcoming European Council meetings and international...
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