LIVE: EU's Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa hold briefing

Major milestone in Ukraine's EU accession

The EU opened the first accession cluster for Ukraine with a goal to open more before summer, marking tangible progress toward integration alongside a €19 billion financial assistance package.

Extended sanctions and diplomatic channels

The Council agreed to roll over Russian sanctions for 12 months rather than six and is finalizing a hard-hitting 21st package, while President Costa established a direct diplomatic channel to Moscow to convey EU messages without acting as a mediator.

Unity on negotiation prerequisites

Both leaders emphasized that Ukraine remains in the driver's seat for any negotiations, the EU stands firmly with Kyiv, and a united European message will be essential when Russia eventually comes to the table.

Record trade deficits across all member states

The EU recorded its largest ever trade deficit with China at €360 billion (€1 billion daily), with imports rising 45% over five years and all 27 member states posting deficits for the first time.

Strategic de-risking and defense of markets

Leaders pledged to accelerate 'de-risking' (not decoupling) to prevent weaponized dependencies and use trade defense tools more proactively against overcapacities eroding Europe's manufacturing base.

US-Iran interim agreement welcomed

The EU hailed the interim US-Iran agreement as a breakthrough to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and prevent Iranian nuclear weapons development.

Lebanon sovereignty and alternative routes

The EU supports disarming Hezbollah while demanding Israel respect Lebanese territorial integrity, and plans to deepen engagement with Gulf partners to develop alternative corridors like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

Cyprus presidency delivers major legislation

The outgoing Cypriot presidency secured the Pact on Migration and Asylum, overhauled air passenger rights for the first time in 20 years, modernized the EU customs code, and advanced accession talks with Ukraine, Moldova, Albania, and Montenegro.

Breakthrough on EU budget architecture

The Council reached agreement on the next Multiannual Financial Framework architecture with the first negotiating box containing figures, providing a solid basis for Irish presidency negotiations.