Regarding the international crisis that we are in. First, good news about Ukraine: the €90 billion loan we got done, and also the 20th sanctions’ package. Now we should also revisit the previous red lines that have been there for blocking some of the sanctions, and what more can we do so. Prime Ministers were really pushing to go on with the 21st package of sanctions, as well. It sends a very cl...
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Today is a very good day. We have taken two very important steps in order to strengthen Ukraine:    delivering on our €90 billion loan, in order to support Ukraine for this year and next year, to satisfy their main needs for financial support and to defend themselves against Russian aggression;    and, the second step, increasing the pressure on Russia, with our 20th package of sanction...
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On 23 April, President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a trilateral meeting in Lefkosia, before the informal meeting of the EU Heads of State or Government. Following the European Council's decision in December to provide Ukraine with a support loan of €90 billion for 2026 and 2027...
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The world stands at a critical juncture. The international order we have known for 80 years is under growing pressure. International law is being bent, ignored or openly violated. The institutions designed to uphold peace and security are being challenged — including by those who once helped to build them. From Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, to the wars in the Middle East, Sudan and ...
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Information EU leaders will meet in Lefkosia and Agia Napa (Cyprus) on 23-24 April for an informal meeting of heads of state and government. The leaders will be joined by key regional partners in the Middle East for an informal working lunch on 24 April. The informal meeting will be chaired by the President of the European Council, António Costa, and hosted by the President of Cyprus, Nikos...
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Brussels, 22 April 2026 — Biomethane can help shield Europe from fossil fuel shocks, but current policy momentum remains insufficient to scale them at the required pace. As the European Commission publishes its Accelerate EU communication today, a new report highlights both the strategic value of biomethane and the gap between ambition and implementation. Europe’s exposure to global energy mark...
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The streets of the European capital will be decked out in the colours of the rainbow for Brussels Pride. This year’s event will be the 30th anniversary of this celebration of diversity in Brussels, marking three decades of campaigning and raising the profile of the LGBTQIA+ community. This year, RainbowHouse Brussels has chosen the theme ‘When Times Get Darker, We Shine Brighter’ – a powerful and ...
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Good afternoon. We had just a long but focused meeting of the foreign ministers. First, of course, we discussed Ukraine. Ministers, like always, heard directly from the Ukrainian Minister of the state of play. And although there was Orthodox Easter ceasefire declared, Russia did not keep to it. It actually increased its attacks against Ukrainian civilians. And it shows that Putin has not giv...
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Welcome to Brussels, dear Minister Rahman it is an honour to have you here. We appreciate your visit so early in your tenure. This allows me to congratulate also you and your government, especially as your government tackles the ambitious reforms that you have before you, not least through the Global Gateway and the response to the ongoing Rohingya crisis is also a vital pillar to our ties. ...
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Dear Prime Minister Mustafa, Foreign Minister Eide, dear Espen, It is a pleasure to have you here in Brussels for two important meetings. After this press conference, we will convene Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, and this morning, we already had the Global Alliance for the implementation of the two-state solution. The Middle East stands at the moment of risk and opportunity. The fragile ceasefir...
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