EU-COUNCIL

EU Council Meetings: AI, Poverty, Human Capital, and Geopolitics

The EU Council has released a forward look detailing key topics for meetings between March 9-22, 2026. Discussions will cover AI's impact on jobs, poverty reduction, economic and financial affairs, foreign policy including Ukraine and the Middle East, energy, environmental standards, and the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

President's Weekly Schedule

The European Council has published the weekly schedule for President António Costa for March 9-11, 2026. The schedule includes a video conference with Middle East leaders, a speech at the Annual Ambassadors Conference, and an official visit to Baku, Azerbaijan.

Social Policy Council Meeting Advisory

The Council of the EU has issued a media advisory for the upcoming Social Policy Council meeting on March 9, 2026. The advisory outlines the indicative programme, including discussions on gender equality, anti-racism strategies, child well-being, and the European Semester.

EU Oil Price Cap FAQs on Russia/Belarus Sanctions

The European Commission has published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the oil price cap on Russian and Belarusian crude oil and petroleum products. These FAQs aim to clarify compliance requirements and address potential circumvention risks associated with the sanctions regime.

EU Law to Protect Vulnerable Adults in Cross-Border Situations

The Council of the EU has agreed on a new law to protect the rights of vulnerable adults in cross-border situations within the EU. This regulation aims to ensure that adults who require support due to conditions like Alzheimer's have their autonomy and choices respected when moving between member states.

EU-GCC Joint Statement on Iran's Attacks Against GCC States

The EU and GCC foreign ministers issued a joint statement condemning Iran's attacks against GCC states and reaffirming their strategic partnership. The statement calls for Iran to cease attacks, reiterates commitments to regional stability, and affirms the GCC's right to self-defense.

EU Farmers' Negotiating Position in Food Supply Chain Strengthened

The EU Council and Parliament have reached a provisional agreement to amend regulations governing agricultural products and the common agricultural policy. This aims to strengthen farmers' negotiating position in the food supply chain through measures like mandatory written contracts and enhanced producer organizations.

EU Statement on Third Countries Aligning with Russia Sanctions

The EU has announced that eight third countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, and Ukraine) have aligned with the EU's restrictive measures concerning Russia. This alignment ensures their national policies conform to the EU's Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/432, which added eight natural persons to the sanctions list.

Press Briefing for Economic and Financial Affairs Council

The Council of the EU has issued a media advisory for a press briefing preceding the Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting on March 10, 2026. The briefing will be held on March 9, 2026, and is open to EU accredited journalists.

EU Sanctions FAQs on Provision of Services

The European Commission's Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union has published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the provision of services in the context of sanctions adopted following Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. These FAQs clarify specific sector-related questions for businesses operating within the EU.