Three fundamental priorities marked the first seven months of our mandate: defence, competitiveness, and Europe’s role in the world. Starting with defence. The Russian invasion of Ukraine was a wake-up call for Europe. It demonstrated that peace without defence is an illusion. NATO is indispensable. But the European Union has a clear added value, in fact it has a fundamental role, and it is rea...
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On 24-25 November 2025, the leaders of the 27 European Union (EU) member states and the 55 countries of the African Union (AU) will meet in Luanda, Angola for the seventh EU-African Union summit. This multilateral summit will be co-chaired by the President of Angola, João Lourenço, and the President of the European Council, António Costa. The EU will also be represented by the President of the Eur...
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The Eurogroup in regular format discussed the euro area fiscal stance ahead of the 2026 budgets and adopted a statement. Ministers also assessed the international role of the euro and reviewed the Commission’s proposal for a Council regulation on Bulgaria’s conversion rate to the euro. The Eurogroup re-elected Paschal Donohoe as its president for the next two-and-a-half-year term. In inclusive for...
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The Eurogroup has today elected by consensus, Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Finance of Ireland, as its President for a third term. His new term, lasting two and a half years, will commence on 13 July 2025. “It has been a great honour and privilege to serve as President of the Eurogroup since 2020. I am very grateful to my fellow ministers for the trust they have placed in me to continue lea...
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The EU strongly condemns the Houthi attack in the Red Sea on 06 July against the bulk carrier MV Magic Seas. The attack endangered the lives of the crew, who had to be evacuated, and risked a major ecological disaster in the region, as the vessel is currently drifting and at risk of sinking. It is the first such attack against a commercial vessel in 2025, a serious escalation endangering mariti...
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The euro area economy remains resilient, despite multiple shocks in recent years. Based on the Commission Spring forecast, euro area GDP growth, expected to be moderate this year, should accelerate in 2026 on the back of solid gains in households’ real disposable income, notwithstanding the current trade tensions. While risks to the growth outlook remain tilted to the downside, amid exceptional un...
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It is a true pleasure to be back in Chişinău. Thank you, Madam President, for your warm welcome and for hosting us today, in our first-ever EU-Moldova Summit, which marks a true milestone in the deepening of our relations. As Moldovans decided democratically, Moldova’s future is in the European Union. This is our common goal, and the European Union is here to support Moldova every step of the w...
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On 4 July 2025, the European Union and Moldova held their first-ever summit in Chișinău. The meeting marked a historic milestone in the EU-Moldova relations, reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, security and prosperity across Europe, and highlighting Moldova’s European future. During the summit, leaders adopted a joint declaration outlining a common vision and concrete deliverables for...
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The Eurogroup in regular format will discuss the euro area fiscal stance ahead of the 2026 budgets and is expected to adopt a statement. Ministers will also assess the international role of the euro and review the Commission’s proposal for a Council regulation on Bulgaria’s conversion rate to the euro. The Eurogroup will elect its president for the next two-and-a-half-year term. In inclusive forma...
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It is a pleasure to be here in Aarhus, to launch the Danish presidency of the Council. Let me start by wishing you, Mette, all the best for this presidency. Denmark has shown unwavering support to Ukraine from day one. You personally have set an example for strong leadership in Europe and to the world. As you rightly said, Ukraine’s fight for freedom is also our fight for freedom. First, the Ru...
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