Good afternoon, everybody, We have the Defence Ministers’ meeting coming up, and there is a lot to discuss. First, of course, we have the new Defence Minister Fedorov, of Ukraine, who is known for its defence innovation. He is participating in the meeting. What is important is to know that Russia is not winning this war, the casualty rates are surging, their economy is not doing well. Of course,...
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The press briefing ahead of the Eurogroup meeting will take place on Friday, 13 February at 10.30. The briefing will be "off the record" and will be given by Tuomas Saarenheimo, President of the Eurogroup Working Group. The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person at the Justus Lips...
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The new steps approved by Israel’s security cabinet for the West Bank are counterproductive and incompatible with international law. They risk undermining ongoing international efforts aimed at stabilization and the advancement of peaceful efforts in the region. The EU has a long-standing position of non-recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the territories occupied since June 1967, in line ...
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Last Monday, this icon of Belgian cuisine was once again in the spotlight for the sixth edition of the competition to find the best shrimp croquette in Brussels, powered by èggo. After a blind tasting, the jury, composed of food journalists, the winner of the previous edition and chaired by Lionel Rigolet, made its decision and awarded the prize to Journal. He/she/they will be joining the line-up ...
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The meeting of the European Council will take place on 19 and 20 March 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 27 February 2026 at 14:00 CEST. IMPORTANT: Media repr...
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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 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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