The Brussels Brief

European Council Conclusions of 18-19 June 2026 (explained and annotated)

  1. UKRAINE[A1]
    1. The European Council held an exchange of views with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine.
    1. The European Council reaffirms its continued firm and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The European Union will continue to provide, in coordination with like-minded partners and allies, comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people[A2] .
    1. The European Council welcomes the holding of the Intergovernmental Conference on the accession of Ukraine to the European Union and the opening of the fundamentals cluster on 15 June 2026, and looks forward to the opening of the other clusters, in line with the merit-based approach[A3] .
    1. The European Union supports a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law and underpinned by robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine. Only a solution that respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity can bring about a just and lasting peace. Borders must not be changed by force, the aggressor cannot be rewarded and Ukraine’s long-term security and ability to defend itself must be guaranteed. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. The European Union will decide on matters of its competence or affecting its security.
  1. The European Council underlines the importance of further sustained efforts to provide military support to Ukraine, including through the Ukraine Support Loan, and urgently accelerate the production and delivery of priority equipment, in particular air defence systems, ammunition, drones and missiles, including to help Ukraine protect its civilian population and its energy and critical infrastructure. In this context, further enhancing EU-Ukraine defence industrial cooperation remains crucial.All military support as well as security guarantees for Ukraine will be provided in full respect of the security and defence policy of certain Member States and taking into account the security and defence interests of all Member States.
    1. The European Union remains determined to further increase pressure on Russia and continue weakening Russia’s war economy so that it stops its brutal war of aggression and engages in meaningful negotiations towards peace. The European Council reiterates the importance of further reducing Russia’s energy revenues, curbing its shadow fleet operations and further constraining its banking system. The European Council welcomes the recent adoption of new sanctions, notably targeting the shadow fleet, following the adoption of the 20th sanctions package. It calls for the swift adoption of the 21st sanctions package. Undermining the Russian shadow fleet’s business model requires a ‘whole of route’ approach and coordination among Member States and with partners, including a common approach to addressing the significant environmental, security and maritime safety risks posed by such vessels. The European Council also stresses the importance of continued coordination with G7 and other like-minded partners on sanctions, of strengthening the enforcement of existing measures and closing loopholes, and of further reinforcing the anti-circumvention measures. The European Council stresses that, as long as there is no just and lasting peace in Ukraine, there should not be a normalisation of Russia’s participation in international sports and cultural events[A5] .
  1. The European Council urges all countries to immediately cease any assistance to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine, whether direct or indirect, and notably through the provision of dual-use goods and components. In particular, it strongly condemns the deployment of the DPRK’s military forces in the war against Ukraine as well as the continued military support provided to Russia by Iran, Belarus and the DPRK, among others.The European Council reiterates its urgent call on Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure the safe and unconditional return to Ukraine of all unlawfully deported and transferred Ukrainian children and other civilians. In this respect, it welcomes the commitment made at the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children to step up action to secure their return. Other humanitarian relief efforts and confidence-building measures, notably the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of civilian detainees, must continue as part of the pathway to peace.The European Council also reaffirms the EU’s commitment to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In this context, the European Council welcomes the ratification on behalf of the European Union of the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine as well as progress on the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. It encourages further sustained efforts within the framework of the Council of Europe towards the operationalisation of these two international bodies.In light of the potential threat, including in the longer term, posed to the EU’s internal security by Russian ex-combatants having participated in the aggression against Ukraine, and taking note of the proposal by the Commission and the High Representative in this context, the European Council encourages further technical work to assess possible ways to address this issue, without prejudice to Member States’ competences in this domain.
    1. The European Council will revert to this issue at its next meeting[A6] .
  1. MIDDLE EAST
  2. Iran[A7]
    1. The European Council welcomes the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, which provides an opportunity for regional stability and the full restoration of freedom of navigation and safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz. It welcomes the continued diplomatic efforts in view of reaching a peace settlement and underscores the importance of a negotiated long-term resolution to all outstanding issues, in line with international law. It commends Pakistan, Qatar and other regional partners for their mediation efforts. The European Union will continue to engage, in close coordination with regional partners, in diplomatic efforts and stands ready to support the implementation of the agreement.
    1. The European Council stresses the need to respect freedom of navigation and maritime security in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The European Council welcomes efforts announced by Member States and partners to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, once the conditions are met. Any arrangement related to the Strait of Hormuz must not limit freedom of navigation or alter its governance in any way.
    1. The European Council recalls the role of the EU maritime defensive operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES[A8] , highlights its potential to contribute to stabilising the region, and calls for its reinforcement, in line with its mandate.
  • The European Council reiterates that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. It urges Iran to comply with its legally binding nuclear safeguard obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and to resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. It also calls on Iran to put an end to its destabilising activities, including its ballistic missile programme. In light of the increasing threat from the Iranian intelligence services’ use of criminal networks and other proxies, the European Union and its Member States reaffirm their commitment to cooperating closely to prevent and counter such hostile actions.
    • The European Council calls on the Iranian regime to cease the violence and repression against its own people. It calls for the respect of the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people, including the right to choose their own future. In this regard the European Union will continue to work on further restrictive measures against those responsible.
    • The European Union will continue to work, including with regional and global partners, to mitigate the impact of the crisis and to reduce the global vulnerability to the Strait of Hormuz, including through the diversification of energy supply routes. The European Council takes note[A9]  of the initiatives proposed by the Commission to address the consequences for the EU in terms of energy security, energy prices and global supply chains, including food security, and calls on the Council and the Commission to continue to monitor the situation. It reiterates the importance of ensuring preparedness, including regarding possible future migratory flows, working with countries of origin and transit.


  • Gaza/West Bank
    • The European Council expresses its grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Gaza and the West Bank, including the persistent and devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It calls on Israel to allow immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza, including via the Cyprus Maritime Corridor to supplement land routes, and to enable the UN and its agencies, and humanitarian organisations, to work independently and impartially to save lives and reduce suffering. It also calls on Israel to reopen Gaza border crossings, as well as the medical corridor between Gaza and the West Bank, allow access for international media, and reverse its decision regarding the NGO registration law. The European Council urges Israel to comply with all its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. The protection of civilians needs to be ensured at all times.
    • The European Council reiterates the European Union’s commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders. It recognises the important role played by civil society in peacebuilding efforts and in building the foundations necessary for a negotiated and lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace and in that context welcomes the holding of a dedicated conference in Paris on 12 June 2026.
  • Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council expresses its concern about the lack of progress by all actors in the implementation of the ceasefire and all other provisions of UNSCR 2803. It calls on all actors to fully implement them, in line with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and international political and legal principles. The European Council calls for the permanent disarmament of Hamas and other non-state armed groups, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the deployment of the temporary International Stabilisation Force, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. The European Union firmly rejects Israel’s announcement that it intends to control 70 % of Gaza’s territory.
    • The European Council condemns the mistreatment of detainees, including European citizens, following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters and the behaviour of extremist ministers inciting and promoting human rights abuses. The European Council takes note that the Council will continue examining measures in this regard.
    • The European Union will continue to work on the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict in accordance with UNSCR 2803, including through the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah) and the European Union Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS), as well as on the reconstruction and redevelopment of Gaza, in line with international law. The European Union will continue to support the Palestinian Authority, including in its reform agenda, so that it can securely take back effective control of Gaza. The European Council calls again on Israel to urgently release all withheld clearance revenues and extend the correspondent banking services between Israeli and Palestinian banks, both being necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the Palestinian Authority and the delivery of essential services to the population. The European Council welcomes the recent release of European funds to the Palestinian Authority, including through the PEGASE mechanism.
  • The European Council reiterates its condemnation of Israel’s unilateral actions aiming to expand its presence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion of 19 July 2024 declared to be unlawful. It urges the Government of Israel to reverse the expansion of settlements, including in the E1 area, which are illegal under international law, to abide by its obligations under international law and to protect the Palestinian population of the occupied territories, including Christian communities and other minorities, as well as to ensure the preservation of and respect for the Status Quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites. The European Council stresses that businesses should not bid for construction contracts for E1 or other settlement developments and underlines the legal and reputational consequences for businesses participating in settlement construction, including the risk of serious breaches of international law. The European Council condemns the continued and growing settler violence against Palestinian civilians, calls for accountability and welcomes the adoption of restrictive measures against extremist settlers and entities and organisations that support settler violence against Palestinian civilians. It also welcomes the adoption of further restrictive measures against Hamas. The European Council condemns Israel’s adoption of the death penalty law, which is discriminatory, and calls for its immediate repeal. The European Council takes note of the Commission’s intention to present options before the Council meeting of 13 July 2026, in light of a further deteriorating situation regarding the illegal settlements.
  • Lebanon
    • The European Council expresses its serious concern about continued ceasefire violations and urges all actors to fully implement the ceasefire, to engage constructively in the ongoing talks, to prevent further civilian casualties and displacement and to reach a lasting political solution that ensures peace and security for both Lebanon and Israel. The European Union stands ready to support the implementation of an agreement between Lebanon and Israel. The European Council calls for a permanent end to hostilities, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and full respect of international law, including international humanitarian law.
  • The European Council strongly condemns Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel and the civilian population in northern Israel and calls for the full disarmament of Hezbollah. It calls on Israel to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to withdraw its forces from Lebanon, in line with UNSCR 1701. It also calls on Israel to refrain from further escalation. The European Council reaffirms the EU’s support for efforts to ensure the safety of the Lebanese people and for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It reiterates the EU’s full support for the Lebanese Government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces in view of gaining control of the whole Lebanese territory, and to establish the State’s monopoly on holding weapons. The European Union will continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces, including through a possible CSDP mission and through continued and reinforced support under the European Peace Facility. The European Union will continue to provide sustained support over the long term, in close coordination with international partners.
    • The European Union remains committed to providing emergency aid to the over one million displaced people,in addition to the EUR 100 million humanitarian aid mobilised following the outbreak of hostilities and the humanitarian air bridge operations coordinated with regional partners.
    • The European Council reiterates its call on all parties to fully implement UNSCR 1701. It reiterates its condemnation of the unacceptable and unlawful attacks on UNIFIL personnel and calls for a thorough investigation. The European Council recalls the importance of a continued UN presence in Lebanon in a post-UNIFIL context and reaffirms the EU’s readiness to contribute in this regard in 2027.
  1. NEXT multiannual financial framework[A10]
    1. Following the work by the Cyprus Presidency and the presentation of the Negotiating Box with figures, the European Council held an exchange of views on the new Multiannual Financial Framework.
  • The European Council calls on the Irish Presidency to take the work forward on the Negotiating Box by the October European Council, with a view to a timely agreement. An agreement before the end of 2026 would allow for the adoption of legislative acts in 2027, which is necessary to ensure that EU funding reaches beneficiaries without interruption in January 2028.
  1. cOMPETITIVENESS AND global economic challenges
    1. Against the backdrop of the challenging geoeconomic context, the European Council discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen EU competitiveness and strategic autonomy, increase resilience and economic security, promote technological innovation, sustain Europe’s prosperity and social model and improve living standards.
  • Recalling[A11]  the objectives and timelines set out by the European Council in March 2026, the European Council took stock of progress on the ‘One Europe, One Market’ agenda and its delivery in line with the interinstitutional Roadmap. It underlines the urgency of decisive progress on the Single Market, on simplification and reducing administrative burdens, including on further initiatives to speed up planning and permitting procedures, on affordable energy prices and the Energy Union 2030, on fostering Europe’s industrial renewal and innovation and reducing dependencies, and on mobilising investment, in line with the agreed deadlines. In this context, the European Council recalls the need to accelerate work on lowering energy prices, on the clean transition and decarbonisation, taking into account technological neutrality, and on strengthening our resilience. The European Council takes note of the Commission’s intention to come forward with a concrete proposal by mid-July 2026 on the review of the ETS system, including on free allowances, in line with the March 2026 letter by its President, and, at the same time, to present a separate proposal to address concerns expressed by some industrial sectors on ETS benchmarks, while preserving the essential role of the ETS in the climate and energy transition.
    • The European Council held a strategic debate on the issue of global macroeconomic imbalances.
    • The European Council remains seized[A12]  of the competitiveness agenda and will return to it at its meeting in October 2026.
  • Following the repeated violations of Member States’ airspace, the European Council stresses the importance of ensuring the defence of all EU land, air and maritime borders. In particular, the European Union strongly condemns the grave incident of 29 May 2026 in which a Russian drone carrying explosives crashed into a residential building in Romania, and recognises the immediate threats on the EU’s Eastern flank. The European Union expresses its full solidarity with Romania and all Member States affected by similar incidents. Building on the progress achieved, the European Council calls for an acceleration of efforts to strengthen protection against such threats, including the ongoing work on the ‘Eastern Flank Watch’ project and other initiatives that will contribute to the protection of all EU borders.
    • The European Council also condemns all recent hybrid attacks against the European Union and its Member States. In light of the persistent hybrid campaigns by hostile actors, notably Russia and Belarus, the European Council calls for increased and urgent efforts to strengthen resilience, enhance preparedness, protect critical infrastructure, and prevent, deter and respond to hybrid attacks. It welcomes in this context the work conducted in the Council on the Action Plan on Drone and Counter-Drone Security, that contributes to these objectives and complements ongoing efforts in the field of defence.
    • The European Council recalls that a stronger and more capable European Union in the field of security and defence will contribute positively to global and transatlantic security and is complementary to NATO, which remains, for those States that are members of it, the foundation of their collective defence. The European Council underlines the importance of working together with like-minded partners, who share the EU’s foreign and security policy goals.
  • Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council:
    • welcomes the sizeable and ongoing increase in defence expenditure in Member States, that needs to be accompanied by reinforced efforts to invest better and faster together;
      • welcomes progress in all priority capability areas, which have been identified at EU level in full coherence with NATO, and in particular regarding projects in the area of drone and counter-drone systems; early-warning, air defence, and deep precision strike capabilities; and space assets and services. It calls on Member States to resolutely accelerate work in all capability coalitions. It invites the European Defence Agency (EDA) to continue supporting Member States in coordinating the various work strands on capabilities;
      • reiterates the urgent need to strengthen the European defence technological and industrial base so that it can supply the required equipment at the necessary speed and scale, including the priority equipment in support of Ukraine. Further efforts are needed at all levels to adapt and ramp up production capacities and deliver, through research, new technologies and innovation, the defence industrial transformation necessary to meet the defence readiness objective. The European Council calls on the Member States to strengthen their engagement with the defence industry to that end and, in particular, to ensure close alignment between the capability and industrial dimensions in the work of capability coalitions, with the support of the EDA and, as regards the industrial dimension, the Commission;
      • reiterates the importance of the proper functioning and further integration of the European defence market across the Union, including intra-EU cross-border access to defence supply chains, especially for SMEs and mid-caps. The European Council recalls that the decision to authorise or deny the export of defence-related products is at the discretion of each Member State;
  • underlines that Europe must continue to draw lessons from Ukraine’s experience with new technologies, apply them in innovation and capability development processes, and work with the Ukrainian industry, including in the capability coalitions. It welcomes the initiatives recently undertaken in that regard;
    • calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to make full use of available instruments regarding capability development as well as industrial reinforcement, and to take the further steps needed in the implementation of the SAFE and European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) instruments as a matter of urgency. In this regard, the European Council underlines the importance of rapidly finalising work on the European Defence Projects of Common Interest, that will contribute to the defence readiness of all Member States;
      • welcomes the political agreement on the Defence Readiness Omnibus and calls on the co-legislators to agree by the end of 2026 on:
    • the Programme for agile and rapid defence innovation; and
    • the military mobility proposal;
      • looks forward to the additional proposals announced by the Commission on defence and sensitive security procurement;
      • welcomes the first steps taken in the framework of the EDA to strengthen its support for Member States in the fields of innovation, capability development, including through harmonisation of requirements and aggregation of demand, and common procurement. It invites the EDA and Member States to pursue this work swiftly;
      • invites the European Investment Bank to continue to support defence readiness, in particular by strengthening the European defence industry, including by crowding in private investment.
  • The above is without prejudice to the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States, and takes into account the security and defence interests of all Member States, in accordance with the Treaties.
    • The European Council will return to these issues in October 2026, including on the basis of the annual defence readiness report, to be prepared by the EDA with the support of the Commission and the High Representative[A14] .
  • MIGRATION
    • The European Council took stock of progress in the legislative agenda and in the implementation of its previous conclusions. In the light of the recent letter from the President of the Commission, the European Council calls for the intensified work to continue on all strands, including on the external dimension and comprehensive partnerships, in line with EU and international law.
    • The European Council will hold a strategic discussion on migration at its meeting in October 2026.
  • Illicit drugs
    • To respond to the growing health, social and security challenges linked to the use and trafficking of illicit drugs, the European Council underlines the importance of addressing all aspects of the drugs phenomenon in a comprehensive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach based on evidence, with a coordinated effort across local, regional, national, EU and international levels. This includes enhancing preparedness, protecting public health, strengthening security, preventing drug-related harm, and fostering European and international partnerships and cooperation initiatives, such as the European Coalition Against Drugs, as well as law enforcement cooperation with third countries. The European Council underlines the critical role of prevention, access to treatment and social reintegration measures. It stresses the importance of a globally harmonised and effectively enforced framework for maritime and port security and resilience and calls for coherent action towards third countries that harbour drug traffickers and fail to comply with their obligations under international law. The European Council takes note of the intention of the Commission and the High Representative to present a proposal for a new horizontal sanctions regime targeting transnational organised crime groups. Such a regime should not be prejudicial to law enforcement and judicial procedures and cooperation.
    • The European Council calls for the effective implementation of the EU Drugs Strategy, in line with the implementation framework agreed by the Council. To this end, the European Council urges the Council, the Commission, Member States and relevant EU agencies to strengthen coordination across all relevant policy fields.
    • The European Council will return to this issue as appropriate to assess progress.
  • Enlargement and reforms[A15]
    • In light of the new impetus in the enlargement process, and recalling the Granada Declaration, the European Council will hold a strategic discussion on enlargement and reforms at its meeting in October 2026.
  • Republic of Moldova
    • The European Council welcomes the holding of the Intergovernmental Conference on the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union and the opening of the fundamentals cluster on 15 June 2026, and looks forward to the opening of the other clusters, in line with the merit-based approach. The European Council also looks forward to the EU-Republic of Moldova Summit on 22 June 2026.
  • WESTERN BALKANS
    • The European Council welcomes the holding of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, on 5 June 2026, which contributed to the new impetus in the enlargement process. Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council reiterates that the European Union will continue to work closely with the Western Balkans and support their reform efforts on their paths towards EU membership. The European Council remains committed to advancing the gradual integration between the European Union and the region during the enlargement process itself in a merit-based and reversible manner.
  • Other items

Ebola

  • The European Council expresses its concern regarding the spread of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. It welcomes the swift release of emergency funds by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international and European partners enabling an immediate response, which includes epidemiological surveillance, contact tracing, clinical preparedness and an increase in laboratory capacity. The European Union has activated financial and logistical assistance, as in previous outbreaks, to support the work of the WHO, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and other first-line humanitarian and health responders in the coordination and delivery of urgent containment and response measures.
    • The European Council calls on the Council and the Commission to monitor the situation and its evolution, and as appropriate define and coordinate the related operational priorities.


Armenia

  • The European Council commends the authorities of Armenia for having effectively safeguarded the integrity of the electoral process in line with democratic standards. In this regard, it condemns the sustained attempts by Russia to undermine democratic institutions and societal cohesion in Armenia through economic coercion, pressure, information manipulation and interference and persistent hybrid activities. The European Council reaffirms the European Union’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Armenia and supporting the country’s sovereignty, resilience, democratic institutions, economy and comprehensive reform agenda. The European Council welcomes the first ever EU-Armenia Summit held in Yerevan on 5 May 2026, and the signing of the EU-Armenia Connectivity Partnership. The deepening of EU-Armenia bilateral relations is an investment in peace, stability and prosperity in the South Caucasus and beyond.

Upholding international law

  • Recalling its March 2026 conclusions, the European Council reaffirms the European Union’s support for the institutions upholding international law, including by effectively protecting international courts and their officials from any threats or sanctions, and in this regard underlines the importance of unimpeded access to financial and other services.

Islands and coastal communities

  • The European Council takes note of the Commission Communications on an ‘EU strategy for islands’ and on an ‘EU strategy on resilient, prosperous and liveable coastal communities’.


European Semester

  • The European Council discussed the integrated country-specific recommendations on the basis of a horizontal note, thus allowing the conclusion of the 2026 European Semester.

 [A1]European Council Conclusions reflect the various topics of discussion (although sometimes, the text, having been negotiated beforehand, may also be adopted without discussion). They always start with Ukraine, emphasizing the importance that the European Council attributes to the topic. The different parts of the Conclusions do not necessarily reflect the order of discussion at the meeting.

 [A2]This is standard text related to Ukraine, reiterated in all European Council Conclusions.

 [A3]The European Council of 18-19 June 2026 marked an important moment, namely the opening of the first cluster, cluster 1, of the accession negotiation process for Ukraine. So-called fundamentals, it covers key issues such as the rule of law, fundamental rights, the fight against corruption. The Heads of State and Government also encourage that more clusters be open, which would show that the accession process is well on track. See more on the enlargement process on our blog.

 [A4]Paras 4 and 5 bring elements as regards the EU’s position as regards a possible future peace process with Russia. The key elements are enshrined here: the peace cannot be decided without Ukraine, borders cannot be changed by force etc. The EU also emphasizes the need to be included in the future peace negotiations.

 [A5]Support to Ukraine and pressure on Russia are the two main pillars of EU approach towards Russia’s agression against Ukraine. Previous paragraphs have referred to support for Ukraine (for example, the Ukraine Support Loan). This paragraph focusses on pressure on Russia: sanctions, combatting sanctions circumvention, ensuring that there would be no normalization of Russia’s participation in international sports and cultural events (since Russia was invited to the Venice Biennale and to some sporting events such as gymnastics)

 [A6]The previous paragraphs show that the European Council continues to have in view some of the issues related to the war against Ukraine, even if they have not made the object of the current discussions: Ukrainian children, Special Tribunal etc.

 [A7]Since the MoU between the US and Iran had been agreed over the previous weekend, the section on Middle East starts with Iran and with the European Council welcoming this MoU. The paragraph is also important to reflect the EU’s wish to be engaged in the diplomatic efforts and in the implementation process.

 [A8]One of the EU CSDP missions. Discussions are ongoing about the possibility of extending its mandate to also cover the Strait of Hormuz and actions there such as demining. A key element is the need for resources (ships, technology, human resource), hence the Leaders’ call for reinforcement.

 [A9]Key terms used in European Council Conclusions: welcomes, takes note, calls on. Calls on implies tasking, takes note is a neutral reflection.

 [A10]For one of the important topics of discussion, the text regarding the next Multiannual Financial Framework (next EU budget) is quite short, only two paragraphs. However, it contains the essential at this point:

  • The fact that the Leaders had a discussion based on the Negotiating Box with figures (=text that details how much and where money would be spent);
  • Tasks the Irish Presidency to continue work, while also proposing a clear timeline for the adoption of the next EU budget

 [A11]This dense paragraph gives a reflection of the discussions, which focussed primarily on one of the EU’s main dilemmas: how to continue its green transition, while ensuring that the EU economy remains competitive in the global environment. In this note one should read the text on energy and the Energy Union, technological neutrality and the ETS system.

 [A12]Remains seized, will revert – typical European Council Conclusions language. What it means is that the competitiveness topic remains a priority for the European Council and will make it back to the EUCO agenda in the future (in this case, October 2026)

 [A13]This section on European defence and security has two main components: a background, which includes latest developments (crashing drones in Romania or hybrid attacks, for example) and proposed actions forward (listed in para 45)

 [A14]Some of the elements of these Conclusions already propose the agenda for the October European Council: some of the topics will be internal (security and defence, competitiveness, enlargement, migration-see below), others external (Ukraine and other topics, depending on developments)

 [A15]Paragraphs 53 to 55 reflect recent enlargement-related progress, such as the opening of cluster 1 also with the Republic of Moldova (as with Ukraine), as well as relations with the Western Balkans (also given the recently concluded EU-Western Balkans Summit)

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