Forward look: 8 – 21 December 2025 17:15 Overview of the main subjects to be discussed at meetings of the Council of the EU over the next two weeks and upcoming media events.[...]

Overview of the main topics and events at the Council of EU and European Council for the coming fortnight.

Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry), 8 December 2025

Ministers of the internal market and industry will discuss the 2025 simplification report, surveillance of e-commerce products, and market barriers.

Justice and Home Affairs Council (Home Affairs), 8 December 2025

Ministers of home affairs aim to reach agreement on the Annual Solidarity Pool, the new mechanism that will lead to a fairer sharing of responsibility in the asylum area. Still in the area of asylum a proposal for a returns regulation and two regulations about safe third country and safe country of origin will also be on the table.

Ministers will furthermore discuss updating the law underpinning the EU's civil protection mechanism, Schengen, security issues and EU drugs policy.

Competitiveness Council (Research and space), 9 December 2025

Research ministers will adopt a position on the EuroHPC regulation and discuss Horizon Europe. Space ministers will discuss the EU Space Act.

Justice and Home Affairs Council (Justice), 9 December 2025

Ministers for justice will exchange views on the fight against impunity regarding crimes committed in Ukraine, adopt conclusions on model provisions for EU criminal law and receive updates on EU drugs policy and simplification in the digital area.

Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 11-12 December 2025

Over the course of the two-day meeting, ministers will aim to reach a political agreement on the proposals covering fishing opportunities in the Atlantic and the North Sea for 2026, 2027 and 2028, and on fishing opportunities for 2026 in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

Ministers will also hold a thematic discussion on the CAP post 2027, focusing on innovation and simplification.

Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 12 December 2025

Among other items, the Council is expected to take stock of ongoing negotiations on the EU customs reform package. Ministers will also discuss the state of play of the single currency package, including the digital euro initiative, paving the way to adoption of a common Council position on the issue.

Foreign Affairs Council, 15 December 2025

The Council will exchange views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after a short intervention of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha via videoconference. They will then hold discussions on the situation in the Middle East, including Syria, and China.

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 15 December 2025

EU energy ministers will seek to reach a partial general approach on the Connecting Europe Facility covering the period 2028-2034. Ministers will also hold a policy debate on the upcoming European grids package and exchange views on the energy-security nexus with the NATO Secretary General.

Environment Council, 16 December 2025

EU environment ministers are expected to approve conclusions on 'Europe's environment - Building a more circular and resilient Europe'. They will also exchange views on the recently adopted EU bioeconomy strategy.

General Affairs Council, 16 December 2025

Ministers for EU affairs will continue preparations for the December European Council and hold a policy debate on the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034. The Council is expected to approve the joint declaration on EU legislative priorities for 2026. The Commission will present its annual progress report on enforcement and implementation, as well as the overview report on implementation and simplification, and ministers will hold an exchange of views. The Council will be also invited to approve conclusions on EU enlargement. Finally, the Danish presidency and the incoming Cyprus presidency will present the roadmap for the 2026 European Semester.

EU-Western Balkans summit, 17 December 2025

The summit between EU and Western Balkans leaders will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the EU membership perspective of the Western Balkans and to reconfirm the strategic partnership's key importance for both regions.

European Council, 18-19 December 2025

EU leaders will discuss Ukraine, Middle East, European defence and security, the next Multiannual Financial Framework, enlargement and reforms, migration, geoeconomy and competitiveness and other items.

Other meetings