OFAC Venezuela-Related General License 51
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued Venezuela-related General License 51, authorizing certain activities involving Venezuelan-origin gold. This license provides specific exemptions to sanctions regulations for authorized transactions.
European Council President Costa to Visit Baku
The European Council announced that President Costa will visit Baku on March 11 for high-level meetings with Azerbaijani officials. Discussions will focus on energy cooperation and the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, highlighting Azerbaijan's strategic importance to the EU.
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.
António Costa Keynote Speech at Hamburg Matthiae Mahl Event
European Council President António Costa delivered a keynote speech at the Matthiae Mahl event in Hamburg on March 6, 2026. The speech touched upon European history, the role of cities, the EU's commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and the current geopolitical situation, including the conflict in the Middle East.
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.
Media Advisory: Eurogroup and Econ/Fin Council Meetings March 2026
The Council of the EU has issued a media advisory for upcoming Eurogroup and Economic and Financial Affairs (Ecofin) Council meetings scheduled for March 9-10, 2026. The advisory outlines the indicative programmes for these meetings, which will cover macroeconomic developments, fiscal plans, digital finance, and the economic impact of geopolitical events.
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.