Forward look: 15 – 28 December 2025 19:15 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.

The next issue of the Forward Look will be published on 9 January 2026.

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 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 meeting, and hold a policy debate on the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034. In addition, the Council will be invited to approve conclusions on EU enlargement. The Commission will also present its annual progress reports on simplification, implementation and enforcement. The Council is expected to approve a joint declaration on EU legislative priorities for 2026. Finally, the Danish presidency together with 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