New sanctions against Russia target 1 individual and 5 entities involved in drone manufacturing. These measures come in response to Russia’s recent deadly strikes on Kyiv and its brutal military campaign deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure. For more information: link.europa.eu/Gkj6Tr

A new installation by Irish artist Richard Malone, alongside exhibitions of Irish artists, photographers and craftspeople, have transformed the Council. 🇮🇪 The theme is memory – something that is continually made, through materials, places and people creating together. 👇

🤝 Agreement reached. Following swift negotiations, the Council and @europarl.europa.eu have agreed to establish a new EU programme (named AGILE) to provide rapid and flexible funding for small and medium-sized enterprises in the defence sector. More information ➡️ link.europa.eu/VKVNg7

The Council agrees its position on the #EUBudget2027: - €191.88 bn in commitments - €202.07 bn in payments The budget should ensure the continuity of policies and programmes, while safeguarding the EU’s ability to cope with crises and challenges. → link.europa.eu/r7MG9N

Enlargement is one of Europe's greatest success stories and we're writing its next chapter with four Intergovernmental Conferences taking place on the same day.

A key step on Albania’s path to EU membership. The EU and Albania have provisionally closed the first negotiation chapters, covering: 🔸 science and research 🔸 education and culture 🔸 external relations See meeting page for more info ➡️ link.europa.eu/DMwnhj

Moldova advances on its path towards EU membership. One month after opening accession negotiations on cluster 1 (fundamentals), the EU and Moldova opened negotiations on cluster 6: 🔸trade & international relations 🔸foreign, security & defence policy More info ➡️ link.europa.eu/YYgBPX

Montenegro takes one step closer to EU membership. One month after their last meeting, the EU and Montenegro have provisionally closed accession negotiations on: 🔸competition policy 🔸customs union More info ➡️ link.europa.eu/mgmctY

I welcome the signing today in Brussels of the EU–UK Agreement on Gibraltar. A historic step that completes the post-Brexit framework.

At #GAC, EU affairs ministers discussed: 📌 priorities of the Irish Council presidency 📌 future work on simplification 📌 annual rule of law dialogue See main results for more info ➡️ link.europa.eu/tp8Dxd

A new milestone for EU–Mexico trade. 🇪🇺🤝🇲🇽 The Council has formally concluded the Interim Trade Agreement, paving the way for its entry into force. Mexico is the EU's second-largest trading partner in Latin America. More on EU-Mexico facts & figures ➡️ link.europa.eu/FJtWpx

Another milestone on Ukraine’s EU path. One month after opening accession negotiations on cluster 1 (fundamentals), the EU and Ukraine opened negotiations on cluster 6, covering: 🔸trade & international relations 🔸foreign, security & defence policy More info ➡️ link.europa.eu/8tQqDk

🇫🇷 Happy national day to all French people! Bonne fête nationale à la France ! The French flag was adopted during the French Revolution in 1794 as a symbol of the Revolution’s ideals. 🔗 link.europa.eu/VhnQTp

EU foreign affairs ministers discussed: 📌Russia’s war against Ukraine 📌the war in Iran and its impact in the region 📌the deteriorating situation in Gaza and Lebanon 📌measures against illegal settlements in the West Bank 📌the Black Sea strategy More: link.europa.eu/XMfvVD

The EU has adopted sanctions in response to: ➡️ Russia's cyberattacks and destabilising actions against the EU and its member states ➡️ Russia's human rights violations against Ukrainian prisoners ➡️ the restriction of freedom of expression in Russia 🔗 link.europa.eu/ChmQwB

We just held a timely meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris to advance our support for Ukraine. Many thanks to President Macron for hosting us.

Ballistic missiles are a growing threat to our security. Europe must strengthen its defence capabilities in this area, also building on Ukraine's expertise.

🇪🇺🇲🇩 The EU has adopted a new assistance measure under the European Peace Facility to enhance Moldova's air defence capabilities. Moldova is the 2nd-largest beneficiary of the facility. Read more on EU-Moldova relations 👉 link.europa.eu/qkXtT4

New sanctions adopted by the EU today introduce a ban on: 🚫 trade in gold from Sudan 🚫 exports to Sudan of chemicals used in gold mining and extraction The aim is to curb financing of the conflict and increase pressure on those fuelling the war. More information: link.europa.eu/PqJd64

The EU has launched a partnership mission in Armenia. The mission will support Armenia in addressing hybrid challenges, including: 📌 cyber threats 📌 foreign information manipulation and interference 📌 illicit financial flows For more information: link.europa.eu/v9w8G4

👩‍🌾 New EU measures to help farmers tackle rising fertiliser & production costs. What this means: 🚜emergency financial aid 🚜faster direct payments 🚜help to manage cash-flow pressures Find out more 🔗 link.europa.eu/xKDmfw

Ireland has just taken over the presidency, so now it's Ireland's turn to make sure four things happen: 📝continuity of the EU’s agenda ⚖️sound law-making 🤝cooperation among member states 🇪🇺 coordination with the other EU institutions More ⬇️ link.europa.eu/XGfWTH

The economy and finance ministers have advanced work on the 2026 European Semester by: ➡️adopting the country-specific recommendations ➡️approving conclusions on the in-depth reviews under the macroeconomic imbalance procedure Find out more about the European Semester: link.europa.eu/QgCqVR

Today, the Council opened an excessive deficit procedure for Bulgaria 🇧🇬. What happens next? And what does it mean for an EU country? Find out here ➡️ link.europa.eu/fdTvWD

The Council has approved a new recovery and resilience plan for 🇭🇺. The EU's recovery and resilience facility supports reforms and investments to accelerate the green and digital transitions, while boosting resilience and sustainable growth. 🔗 link.europa.eu/fgVFrd

My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragic wildfires in Almería, Andalusia. Extreme weather and devastating wildfires are impacting millions of people across Europe.

Ever wondered how Brussels correspondents work? Our new study sheds light on the dynamics, trends and challenges of the Brussels press corps. Read more ➡️ link.europa.eu/J49bqd

On 1 July, Ireland took over the rotating presidency of the Council for six months. What is the Council presidency and how does it work? Find out more 👇

#Eurogroup | Today, euro area finance ministers agreed their work programme until June 2027. Ministers also issued statements on: 📊 the euro area fiscal stance 💳 digital finance 🇦🇹 Austria’s draft budgetary plan for 2027 More 🔗 link.europa.eu/HkwVPw

Thank you, President Erdogan, for the warm welcome to Ankara. The EU and Türkiye are strategic partners, and we are committed to strengthening our relationship. In a more challenging world, our partnership matters more than ever.

What exactly is a digital euro? Our latest explainer video breaks down what the digital euro is, how it would work and why Europe needs it. Watch now ⬇️ 🔗 link.europa.eu/tFVKrg

With President Zelenskyy in Ankara. We are moving forward on Ukraine’s EU accession. The opening of a new negotiating cluster should be coming soon.

Want to receive regular updates from the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU? Join the mailing list to get the latest news ➡️ link.europa.eu/8TWCb3 #Ireland2026EU

New presidency, new look! Ireland has officially taken over the presidency of the Council of the EU! Each country holds the presidency once every 13½ years, helping to ensure the smooth running of the EU. Curious to learn more? Read about Ireland's programme and priorities 👉 Ireland2026.eu

The EU has sanctioned 6 Russian scientists and researchers involved in the development of epibatidine, the toxin which was highly likely the cause of Alexei Navalny's death. The EU is committed to countering the proliferation and use of chemical weapons. 🔗 link.europa.eu/Xg3p8J

Every presidency has a story to tell. What's Ireland's? 🇮🇪 ⭐ Logo: The 27 discs represent EU countries, while the space at the centre forms a star inspired by the EU flag. 📢 Motto: Ní neart go cur le chéile, meaning 'strength with unity' 🔗 More: Ireland2026.eu

Have you ever heard of the EU Law Tracker? This online tool: ✅brings all EU legislative information together in one place ✅helps citizens follow developments throughout the EU legislative process ✅tracks the entire journey of each legislative file 🔗 law-tracker.europa.eu

From today, a €3 customs duty will apply to parcels shipped into the EU from outside the EU and with a value of less than €150. The fee is charged per type of product inside the parcel, not per individual item. 📦 Find out what it means in practice 👉 link.europa.eu/dTqyTH

🇮🇪 🇪🇺 A new chapter starts today as Ireland takes over the Council presidency. We look forward to the next six months! 🔔 More about the presidency programme and priorities: Ireland2026.eu #Ireland2026EU

The Council presidency baton is passing from Cyprus 🇨🇾 ➡️ to Ireland 🇮🇪 Ευχαριστούμε (thank you) @cy2026eu.bsky.social for your leadership over the last six months. On 1 July, we say 👋 Céad míle fáilte (welcome) to the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU. More to come🔜 #CY2026EU #Ireland2026EU

EU ministers approved conclusions on cyber violence against girls and demographic trends in housing policy. Also discussed: 🔹 housing security for students & middle-income households 🔹 fair labour mobility 🔹 EU anti-poverty strategy 🔗 link.europa.eu/vVbKPf

Europe is facing growing wildfire risks driven by climate change 🌡️🔥   Today, the Council agreed on new guidance to help member states better prevent, prepare for and respond to wildfires 🌳   Read more👉 link.europa.eu/Nppypg

The EU is simplifying and streamlining rules on artificial intelligence. The new regulation adopted today will: ✅reduce administrative costs for companies ✅offer greater protection for children ✅strengthen the EU's digital sovereignty Read more here → link.europa.eu/bxJNBC

27 countries. One union. One flag. 🇪🇺 Adopted 41 years ago today by the European Council, the EU flag became the official emblem of what was then the European Communities, and is now the European Union. 💙⭐ 🔗 Learn more here: link.europa.eu/WYyWtP

#Energy | The Council discussed the need to act together to tackle supply and prices of gas/oil in light of events in Middle East 📈 The focus was on: 💪 coordination & a future-proof EU ⛽ increased energy security 🛡️ protection of citizens and the economy More ➡️ link.europa.eu/jkq8pF

A simpler, more transparent and accountable EU budget. The Council has agreed a negotiating position on parts of a new framework to monitor and evaluate the next long-term EU budget 2028-2034, helping simplify reporting and reduce administrative burden. Read more here ⤵️ link.europa.eu/3GR4Pr

Today the Council agreed its position on the European grids package. The revised rules will help achieve climate neutrality by: ⚡ modernising energy infrastructure in the EU ⏩ speeding up permitting procedures 🌍 enhancing cross-border interconnectivity More 👉 link.europa.eu/8HJDcX

The EU is working on an ambitious framework programme for research and innovation for 2028-2034. Horizon Europe is designed to drive scientific excellence, boost economic competitiveness, and tackle global challenges. Read the Council partial position → link.europa.eu/JB3gk9

The Council has renewed the EU economic sanctions against Russia until 31 July 2027. These sanctions target Russia's financial, trade, energy, transport, technology and defence sectors, as well as services provided to Russia or to Russian nationals. 🔗 link.europa.eu/36RYPY

EU customs authorities are delivering results in the fight against organised crime. In 2024-2025, joint actions led to the seizure of 134.5 tonnes of cocaine, 13.1 tonnes of cannabis, €9 million in undeclared cash and more than 18 million cigarettes. ➡️ link.europa.eu/YfhhHX