Press release - European Parliament press kit for the European Council of 18-19 June 2026

European Parliament press kit for the European Council of 18-19 June 2026 This press kit includes a selection of European Parliament press releases outlining MEPs’ key priorities regarding the issues on the summit agenda. Representing the European Parliament at the summit, President Roberta Metsola will address heads of state or government on 18 June at around 18.00. This will be followed by a press conference. When: press conference at around 19.00 on 18 June Where: European Council press room and EbS During the meeting, EU leaders are expected to discuss continued support for Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, including the war in Iran and its wider implications, the next 2028 – 2034 long-term EU budget (MFF), European competitiveness and global economic challenges, defence readiness and security, migration, and illicit drugs and organised crime. Leaders are also expected to review progress on the "One Europe, One Market" agenda aimed at strengthening the Union's competitiveness and economic resilience. On 17 June, MEPs debated their expectations for the European Council with Ms Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, for the Cyprus Council Presidency and European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič. Ukraine Parliament has continued to reaffirm its strong support for Ukraine and has consistently called for unwavering EU support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's continued war of aggression. MEPs say support must remain predictable and long-term, addressing both Ukraine’s immediate defence needs and its broader economic and institutional resilience. In recent months, Parliament has supported continued military assistance, including the delivery of defence equipment and ammunition, while emphasising the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia through robust and effectively enforced sanctions. MEPs have repeatedly called for stronger action to counter sanctions circumvention and Russia’s efforts to evade restrictive measures through third countries. In a resolution adopted on 30 April 2026, Parliament condemned the repeated brutal and deliberate Russian strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine. MEPs voice their firm support for the creation and rapid operationalisation of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine and encourage all EU member states to join. They also commend the work of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, Eurojust and civil society organisations in investigating alleged violations and human rights abuses, supporting accountability, and collecting evidence. Reconstruction remains a key priority. Parliament has called for transparent and accountable mechanisms to support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, aligned with the country’s reform agenda and long-term European integration aspirations. On 11 February 2026, MEPs approved a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine to address urgent financing needs. Of the loan, €30 billion will be made available for macro-financial assistance or budget support, delivered through the EU’s Ukraine Facility. €60 billion will be allocated to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities and support the procurement of military equipment, ensuring timely access to critical defence products. On Thursday 23 April, Council adopted the last piece of legislation allowing for the loan to be disbursed. Further reading - Parliament stands firm with Ukraine - Ukraine: prioritise EU reforms and open negotiation clusters say MEPs - Ukraine: MEPs welcome reform efforts amid ongoing war - MEPs approve “enhanced cooperation” for €90 billion EU support loan to Ukraine - Fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - EU must show leadership in achieving peace in Ukraine European defence and security Following an increasing frequency of threats and drone incursions on the EU’s eastern border, on 16 June 2026 plenary debated EU sovereignty and security and how to enhance European air defences. The debate followed recent security incidents and drone incursions attributed to Russia, affecting several EU countries, including Romania, the Baltic states and Finland. MEPs voted on an accompanying resolution on 18 June, stating that the EU will not be intimidated by Russia's campaign of destabilisation and is determined to defend its security. Russia bears full and unequivocal responsibility for these reckless escalatory attacks which endanger lives, and MEPs add that Russia’s actions constitute a deliberate and systematic threat to the security, resilience, and sovereignty of the EU and its member states. On 10 June, Parliament and Council negotiators agreed on proposals to accelerate defence investment and improve the EU’s responsiveness to security challenges. The package of legislative proposals, forming part of the so-called “Omnibus V” EU simplification measures, is intended to accelerate the approval of permits for defence-related projects and the export of defence equipment between EU countries. It also seeks to simplify security and defence procurement procedures and EU cooperation on defence contracts, ensure that EU chemical regulations adequately reflect defence requirements, and simplify the implementation of the European Defence Fund (EDF).The proposals are designed to support up to €800 billion in defence investment over the next four years under the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 initiative, enabling member states and the defence industry to better respond to growing security challenges. In March 2026, Parliament adopted proposals for a genuine European defence market and addressing critical capability gaps. MEPs have also highlighted the importance of strengthening the Union’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy objectives. They called for greater joint procurement, increased interoperability between Member States’ armed forces, and stronger support for the defence industry, arguing that fragmented national approaches should give way to a more coherent European common defence framework. Parliament also advocated a "buy European" approach to reinforce industrial resilience and reduce strategic dependencies. Further reading - MEPs strike a deal to strengthen Europe’s defence readiness - Defence Omnibus package - MEPs back new measures to strengthen Europe’s defence readiness - Parliament greenlights first-ever European defence industry programme - Parliament condemns Russia’s drone incursions in the EU - Committee on Security and Defence delegation examines EU defence on Eastern Flank Middle East On 16 June 2026, MEPs debated the latest developments in the Middle East with EU High Representative/Vice-President for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. Discussions focussed on the role of the EU in efforts for peace and stability throughout the Middle East after the announced deal between the US and Iran. MEPs have repeatedly called for an immediate de-escalation of violence, the protection of civilians, and full respect for international humanitarian law by all parties. Particular emphasis has been placed on the urgent need for sustained humanitarian access, the protection of aid operations, and the role of international organisations in delivering assistance to affected populations, with particular emphasis on the protection of civilians. Parliament has also underlined the importance of renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further regional spillover and to support a credible political process towards a just and lasting peace. MEPs have consistently stressed that a sustainable resolution must be grounded in international law and accompanied by coordinated engagement with regional and international partners to reduce tensions and contribute to long-term regional security. On April 15, Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee discussed the ongoing events in Iran with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi and representatives from Iranian democratic parties and other democracy advocates. MEPs expressed their solidarity with the Iranian people and their concern for their safety. Watch the full debate here. Further reading - Debate on the situation in the Middle East - Statement by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola at the opening of the March plenary session - David McAllister’s statement on avoiding war in the Middle East - Resolution on the human rights situations in Iran, Türkiye and Uganda - Leading MEPs welcome EU terror listing of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps - Parliament condemns Iran’s brutal repression of protesters - Gaza at breaking point: EU action to combat famine, the urgent need to release hostages and move towards a two-state solution: MEPs debate Enlargement On 17 June 2026, MEPs adopted their annual reports on the EU accession progress of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Georgia, and Türkiye. MEPs welcome Albania’s swift progress in recent years, calling on the country’s authorities to ensure adopted legislation adopted is fully implemented. Parliament says Albania does still face several challenges, such as overcoming internal political polarisation and improving the country’s political culture, strengthening the rule of law, and consolidating anti-corruption reforms. On Bosnia and Herzegovina, Parliament reaffirms its support for the country’s EU accession on the basis of unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. MEPs say reforms are needed to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, fight corruption and organised crime, and guarantee fundamental rights for all citizens. MEPs commend Kosovo’s continued commitment to EU membership, while being concerned about its inability to form a functioning legislature and government for more than a year. On Montenegro, Parliament welcomes the steady progress of the country’s EU-related reforms, underpinned by its ambition to complete negotiations by the end of 2026 and join the EU by 2028. Alongside technical reform benchmarks, MEPs say that a strategic European orientation and unwavering commitment by Montenegro’s political representatives to the country’s independent statehood remain key political criteria in its EU accession process. On 16 June, Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović addressed MEPs in Strasbourg highlighting his country’s readiness to assume the responsibilities of an EU member state. He said that we are in a historic moment, not only for Montenegro but also for the EU’s enlargement policy. Milatović urged the EU to demonstrate that reforms, democratic development and strategic consistency have their rightful place within the European project. Parliament underlines its full support for North Macedonia’s commitment to EU membership, stressing that progress on accession negotiations continues to depend on lasting and in-depth reforms. MEPs regret the lack of progress since 2025’s report, especially on the rule of law, judicial reform, and the fight against corruption. Regarding Georgia and Türkiye, MEPs warn of continued democratic backsliding in both countries and say reforms are needed, as is a stronger EU response. There can be no EU accession progress without reforms, according to MEPs. With serious and continued democratic backsliding in Georgia, MEPs regret the ruling Georgian Dream party’s ifailure to reverse these negative trends. The report says EU and member state engagement with the Georgian authorities should be strictly conditional on their taking tangible and verifiable steps to reverse the course of democratic regression, restrictions and fierce Russian-style anti-EU-disinformation. Although EU enlargement policy is currently regaining momentum eslewhere, MEPs observe that Türkiye is missing this window of opportunity due to a lack of democratic reforms. They call on the Turkish government to tackle persistent deficiencies in the rule of law, human rights, democratic standards, freedom of the press and other fundamental freedoms, as well as to respect good neighbourly relations and international law. Although the accession process has been at a standstill since 2018, Türkiye remains a country of strategic and geopolitical importance and a NATO ally, the report says. Parliament continues to support Ukraine’s EU accession process, highlighting the importance of sustained reforms in areas such as the rule of law, anti-corruption and democratic governance. In a report adopted by the Foreign Affairs Committee on 3 June 2026, MEPs commend Ukraine’s extraordinary efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions and safeguard the separation of powers during wartime. At the same time, MEPs say there is a need to address the recent deterioration in relations between the legislative and executive branches, to foster the division of powers and protect multi-party pluralism. Plenary will vote on its Ukraine report during the July plenary session. In September 2025, Parliament called on the European Commission to open negotiation clusters to advance Ukraine’s EU membership bid as fast as possible, subject to the country’s continued implementation of the EU’s rulebook and the completion of in-progress reforms. Further reading: - Enlargement: MEPs assess the progress of five Western Balkans countries - Georgia and Türkiye: No EU accession progress without reforms - Ukraine: MEPs welcome reform efforts amid ongoing war - Ukraine: prioritise EU reforms and open negotiation clusters say MEPs - President Milatović: Montenegro is ready to be the next member of the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) On 16 June 2026, Parliament’s co-rapporteurs for the multiannual financial framework (MFF) briefed journalists on their reaction to the Council’s recently-released draft negotiating position for the Commission’s proposal for the 2028-2034 EU long-term budget. On 28 April, Parliament adopted its position on the next 2028-2034 long-term EU budget calling for a significantly more ambitious MFF capable of responding to the EU’s growing responsibilities in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. MEPs stressed that the next long-term EU budget must remain an investment tool supporting EU policies, citizens, regions, businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while securing EU added value compared to national spending. They firmly oppose any re-nationalisation, rejecting an “à la carte” approach and warning that the Commission’s “one plan per member state” model could weaken EU policies, reduce transparency and create competition between beneficiaries. MEPs want strong and adequately funded policies, with distinct allocations for policies under the national and regional partnership plans, including the common agricultural policy and fisheries policy, also for the outermost regions, cohesion policy, the European Social Fund and home affairs. They also stress that regional and local authorities should be fully involved in planning and implementing the programmes. MEPs welcome the Commission’s proposal to double funding for competitiveness, defence, innovation, the digital and green transitions, infrastructure, health, education and culture. They call for increased support for key programmes such as the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), Horizon Europe, the Connecting Europe Facility, Erasmus+, AgoraEU and the civil protection mechanism, as well as dedicated funding for EU4Health and LIFE-related actions under the ECF. While supporting increased resources for external action, MEPs consider the proposed level of funding insufficient and call for stronger funding of enlargement, development, support for Ukraine, multilateral cooperation and humanitarian aid. MEPs reaffirm Parliament’s strong commitment to introducing new own resources to repay NextGenerationEU debt and finance the budget. They support the Commission’s proposed “basket approach” and stress new revenue sources should be adopted with the next MFF and generate around €60 billion annually. If some proposals are dropped, they call for alternatives to be considered, such as a digital services levy, an online gambling levy, an extension of the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), or a levy on crypto-asset capital gains. - EU long-term budget: responding to citizens’ expectations and major challenges - Interim report on the proposal for the multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034 - EU long-term budget: European Parliament adopts interim report calling for a significantly more ambitious 20282034 multiannual financial framework - Press Conference on Parliaments negotiation position - National and Regional Partnership Plans: statements by lead MEPs - The EU’s long-term budget explained - Performance framework for the 2028 - 2034 MFF Global economic challenges On 16 June 2026, MEPs gave their final approval to two pieces of legislation implementing EU tariff commitments under the August 2025 EU-US joint statement. The main proposal for a regulation eliminates tariffs on all US industrial goods and provides preferential market access for a wide range of US seafood and agricultural goods. The second proposal for a regulation concerns the prolongation of tariff-free imports of lobster, and now also includes processed lobster. Both proposals were previously agreed by Parliament and Council negotiators, who introduced several elements strengthening the Commission’s original proposal. The main regulation on industrial and agri-food imports will expire on 31 December 2029. By 30 June 2029, the Commission will make a comprehensive assessment of its trade effects on EU industry, agriculture and small and medium-sized enterprises, and of changes in trade patterns with third countries, accompanied by a legislative proposal to prolong the regulation’s duration, if appropriate. On 15 June, MEPs debated safeguarding European economic independence with Stéphane Séjourné, European Commission Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy. On 19 May, plenary approved new EU rules for the screening of foreign investments to prevent security risks. MEPs gave their green light to an agreement with EU member states on the mandatory screening of foreign investments in sensitive sectors such as defence, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, critical raw materials and financial services, in order to identify and address potential security or public order risks while remaining open to foreign capital inflows. Also on 19 May, MEPs approve new measures to protect EU steel market. The new regulation replaces measures due to expire on 30 June 2026 and will help protect the EU steel industry from the negative effects of a global steel surplus. It introduces lower import quotas by limiting tariff-free import volumes to 18.3 million tonnes annually, a 47% reduction compared with 2024 steel quotas. It would also apply a 50% customs duty (instead of the current 25%) to imports above the quota and to steel goods not covered by it. The aim is to help the EU steel industry counter the negative trade-related effects on the steel market of global overproduction once the current safeguards, in place since 2018, expire on 30 June 2026. Recent parliamentary work has also examined the impact of artificial intelligence on Europe’s economy and creative industries, the need for regulatory simplification, and measures to strengthen the Union’s economic resilience while preserving social and environmental standards. On 16 June, MEPs voted on postponing the application of certain parts of the 2024 AI Act, and remove overlapping obligations from certain products already covered by sectoral safety rules. As a result, legal obligations for AI systems considered to have a high-risk use case will apply from 2 December 2027, and obligations on AI systems used as safety components from 2 August 2028. Further reading - Protecting EU strategic sectors from risky foreign investments - Simplified rules for small mid-cap companies - MEPs approve new measures to protect EU steel market - Protecting copyrighted work and the EU’s creative sector in the age of AI - The Draghi report on EU competitiveness One Europe, One market In recent months, Parliament has focused on measures to boost competitiveness, deepen the single market and improve the EU’s economic security. During recent plenary sessions, MEPs debated ways to remove barriers within the single market, reduce administrative burdens and create a more favourable environment for investment, innovation and business growth. On 24 April the presidents of the European Parliament, Council and Commission signed a Joint Declaration committing to achieve the “One Europe, One Market” roadmap. This agreement demonstrates the resolve of the three institutions to move forward together on a clear path. Against the backdrop of sustained geopolitical and economic volatility, this roadmap represents a decisive step to urgently strengthen Europe's competitiveness, with concrete actions and targets for agreements, at the latest by end 2027. Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament said: “This roadmap reflects what the European Parliament has been calling for: a stronger, more competitive and resilient Europe. It is ambitious, it strengthens our capacity to withstand shocks, and it provides predictability to our citizens and businesses. We said we would take bold decisions and we are doing it. This is Europe responding to what it needs.” Further reading - EU Institutions agree Roadmap to achieve “One Europe, one Market” by end of 2027 - Tackling single market barriers Migration On 17 June 2026, MEPs approved the EU returns policy reform, based on the provisional political agreement reached by Parliament and Council negotiators. The reform introduces new obligations for third-country nationals to cooperate with return authorities, allow detention for up to 24 months – and potentially longer under certain conditions, strengthen the mutual recognition of return decisions across the EU, and allow the possibility of using “return hubs” in countries outside the EU. With regard to the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which entered into application on 12 June. MEPs have emphasised the importance of ensuring that the new rules deliver an effective, fair and sustainable approach to migration management across the Union, balancing responsibility and solidarity among member states while ensuring full respect for fundamental rights and international obligations. As the implementation phase begins, Parliament is expected to maintain close scrutiny of the new migration and asylum framework, with particular attention to solidarity mechanisms, border procedures, returns policy and the protection of vulnerable persons. Parliament has underlined that the effectiveness of the new system must go hand in hand with compliance with EU law, international obligations and the protection of fundamental rights. Parliament has further emphasised the importance of addressing irregular migration through coordinated European action, while maintaining legal migration pathways and supporting access to international protection for those in need. Further reading - New EU system for return of illegally staying third country nationals - Council and Parliament reach deal on returns of illegally staying third-country nationals - Safe countries of origin and safe third countries - MEPs debate the Migration and Asylum Pact ahead of its entry into force European Semester On 11 March 2026, MEPs adopted their reports on the European Semester for economic policy coordination 2026, calling for smart defence spending, better implementation of EU economic governance rules, and measures to address poverty and social exclusion. The resolution on economic priorities notes some worrying economic trends, notably in public debt, economic growth and inflation. MEPs point to the fact that the so-called “escape clauses” in the EU’s revised economic governance rules - which allow for the temporary suspension of the rules - have already been invoked by member states only a year after the rules came into force. They also note the persistence of a tax gap (expected versus actual tax revenues) in several member states. In its resolution on employment and social priorities, Parliament calls for stronger integration of social objectives into the core of EU economic governance. MEPs want the European pillar of social rights to be fully implemented and its action plans to be at the core of the European Semester by having them as benchmarks in the Semester’s assessments. MEPs have also continued to call for stronger democratic accountability within the European Semester process and for a more substantial role for the European Parliament in shaping the Union’s economic policy priorities. Parliament considers transparent scrutiny and regular economic dialogue essential to ensuring effective and accountable economic policymaking at EU level. The European Semester remains a key element of the EU’s broader economic policy coordination framework. Recent parliamentary work has focused on strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, productivity and long-term economic resilience. MEPs have highlighted the importance of fostering innovation, closing investment gaps, supporting skills development and enhancing the Union’s capacity to respond to growing geopolitical and economic challenges. Parliament has underlined that fiscal sustainability should go hand in hand with adequate public and private investment in strategic priorities, including defence, research and innovation, energy security, digitalisation and the green transition. MEPs have also stressed the need to improve the conditions for sustainable growth while ensuring that the Semester remains aligned with long-term priorities, including sustainable growth, social cohesion and upward social convergence across the EU. Further reading Contacts: - Neil CORLETT Head of the Media Relations Unit - Delphine COLARD Spokesperson and Head of Spokesperson's and Information Integrity Unit - Jüri LAAS Spokesperson of the President