European Council

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.

The Council of the EU is highlighting Europe's push to develop its own payment system, reducing reliance on US-dominated networks like Visa and Mastercard. The initiative, long championed by the European Central Bank, includes plans for a digital euro and greater payment sovereignty. The topic is drawing wide attention as discussions over strategic autonomy and financial independence intensify across the continent.

The Council of the European Union has adopted new legislation aimed at making the EU pharmaceutical sector fairer and more competitive. The so-called pharma package reforms the framework for medicines in the bloc, touching on access, availability and the attractiveness of Europe as a place to develop and produce drugs. It marks a major step in the EU's effort to modernise rules that have been in place for two decades.

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 preparatory steps have reportedly already been taken. The proposal touches on the EU's long-debated plans for outsourcing asylum procedures and returns to third countries, and is likely to renew controversy over migration policy.

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.

Prince Albert II of Monaco and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa are set to address the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. The assembly regularly invites heads of state and royal figures to speak on European cooperation, democracy and human rights ahead of its plenary sessions.

The Council of the European Union has announced measures to strengthen the EU's architecture for responding to threats in space. The move reinforces how the bloc detects, assesses and reacts to hazards to its space assets and services, reflecting growing concern among member states over the security of satellites and space infrastructure that underpin communications, navigation and other critical systems.

The Council of the EU is raising the question of whether Europe should develop its own payment system, reducing reliance on US-dominated networks like Visa and Mastercard. The discussion touches on strategic autonomy, with officials weighing the benefits of a European alternative for consumers, banks and businesses, and what it would take to build one at scale.