EU to use profits from frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine
Windfall net profits generated by immobilised Russian assets will be used to support Ukraine's armed forces, defence industry and reconstruction. These funds will be channelled through the European Peace Facility and other EU programmes.
Adoption of updated Schengen rules
Adoption of corporate sustainability due diligence rules
Agreement on use of super-computing for AI development
Foreign interference: Council advocates safeguarding elections
Rule of law
EU single market
EU achievements in space
Sanctions against Russia, support for Ukraine, the food crisis
Ensuring a secure and sustainable energy supply, developing an integrated internal energy market
Ensuring high-quality, safe and affordable food and high animal welfare standards
European integration and the procedure for becoming an EU member state
Economic policy, taxation issues, the regulation of financial services, and economic relations with third countries
Migration and asylum and border management
Making the EU competitive in the digital market
Relations with third countries, shaping the standing of the EU on the global stage
Peace-keeping operations, military and NATO cooperation, civilian and military missions and operations
Each member state takes its turn to preside Council meetings for six months. Belgium is currently holding the Council presidency until 30 June 2024.
The Council refers to two different EU institutions: the European Council, and the Council of the EU. They have very different roles and membership, although they have similar names and share the same staff.
The European Council consists of the heads of state or government of the EU's member states, together with its President and the European Commission President. It defines the EU's general political directions and priorities.
The Council of the EU represents the member states' governments. Informally also known as the EU Council, it is where national ministers from each EU country meet to adopt laws and coordinate policies.