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European Council
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- 1EU sanctions ten Russians over Yabloko election ban●Human rights violations in Russia: Council lists ten individuals over the barring of Yabloko from the State Duma elections
The Council of the European Union has imposed restrictive measures on ten Russian individuals in response to human rights violations linked to the exclusion of the liberal Yabloko party from Russia's State Duma elections. The listings mean asset freezes and travel bans within the EU. The move underscores continued European criticism of the shrinking space for opposition politics and electoral transparency in Russia.
- 2EU sanctions 10 individuals and 17 entities over Ukrainian child deportations▼EU sanctions 10 individuals and 17 entities over unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia
The European Union has imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and 17 entities over the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. The measures, announced by the Council of the EU, target those deemed responsible for the forced transfers, which have been a central issue in international criticism of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- 3Strasbourg roundtable to examine Russia's 'fake' Duma elections●Russia’s “fake” Duma elections on menu for roundtable discussion in Strasbourg
A roundtable discussion is being held in Strasbourg under the title 'Russia's fake Duma elections', framing the Russian parliamentary elections as fraudulent. The event, listed by the Council of Europe, signals continued European scrutiny of the legitimacy of Russia's political processes, with participants expected to debate the conduct and credibility of the vote.
- 4EU Council names first five defence projects of common interest▼European defence industry: Council identifies the first five projects of common interest
The Council of the European Union has identified the first five projects of common interest for the European defence industry. The move is part of EU efforts to strengthen European defence capabilities and industrial cooperation, encouraging member states to jointly develop and procure key military equipment.
- 5Greece plans EU deportation centre in Africa for 2027 Council presidency●Griechenland will während EU-Ratsvorsitz Abschiebezentrum in Afrika einrichten Im Sommer 2027 übernimmt Griechenland den
Greece has announced plans to establish a European deportation centre in Africa during its EU Council presidency, which begins in summer 2027. The government says preparations are reportedly already underway. The proposal revives long-debated plans to process returns and deportations outside Europe, a highly contentious idea among EU member states, human rights groups and migration experts.
- 6PACE Awards Nasrin Sotoudeh Václav Havel Human Rights Prize●PACE Awards Iranian Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has awarded Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize. Sotoudeh, known for defending women's rights activists and opponents of mandatory veiling in Iran, has faced repeated imprisonment for her work. The award recognises her longstanding defence of civil liberties and is expected to draw criticism from Tehran.
- 7
The Council of the EU is raising the question of whether Europe needs its own payment system, prompting discussion about reducing reliance on foreign card networks and payment providers. The debate touches on European strategic autonomy, the future of the euro in digital payments, and initiatives such as a potential European payment solution that could compete with dominant international schemes.
- 8EU Council strengthens space threat response framework●Council strengthens EU space threat response architecture
The Council of the European Union has announced measures to strengthen the EU's architecture for responding to threats in space. The move is part of broader European efforts to protect space-based infrastructure, such as satellites and navigation systems, which are increasingly vital to security, communications and the economy. Details of the specific measures were not immediately available, but the announcement underlines growing EU concern about vulnerabilities in orbit.
- 9EU Council adopts overhaul of pharmaceutical rules▼‘Pharma package’: Council adopts new rules for a fairer and more competitive EU pharmaceutical sector
The Council of the European Union has adopted the so-called pharma package, a major revision of the bloc's pharmaceutical legislation aimed at making the sector fairer and more competitive. The reform is intended to modernise rules on medicines' authorisation, availability and affordability across EU member states, and now forms part of the Union's wider health policy agenda.
- 10GRECO publishes compliance reports on Denmark, Hungary, Türkiye and Ukraine●Anti-corruption body GRECO publishes summaries of reports on Denmark, Hungary, Türkiye and Ukraine evaluating compliance with its recommendations
The Council of Europe's anti-corruption body GRECO has published summaries of compliance reports evaluating how Denmark, Hungary, Türkiye and Ukraine have implemented its anti-corruption recommendations. The assessments cover areas such as judicial independence, prevention of corruption among public officials, and transparency, offering the latest picture of each country's progress in meeting the group's standards.
- 11EU extends Rafah border mission mandate to 2027▼The Council of the European Union decided to extend EUBAM Rafah's mandate until 30 June 2027
The Council of the European Union has decided to extend the mandate of EUBAM Rafah, the EU Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah crossing point, until 30 June 2027. The announcement was made by the European External Action Service. The mission concerns the monitoring of the crossing between Gaza and Egypt, and the extension signals continued EU commitment to a border presence in the region.
- 12Prince Albert of Monaco and Portuguese leader to address Council of Europe assembly●Prince Albert of Monaco and President Martins Seguro of Portugal to address Parliamentary Assembly
Prince Albert II of Monaco and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, alongside Martins Seguro of Portugal, are set to address the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The two heads of state will deliver speeches to assembled parliamentarians in Strasbourg, an honour reserved for prominent European leaders on matters of shared concern.