Relief, concerns and warnings at the end of an extraordinary European Council meeting in Brussels.
Extraordinary European Council: Brussels projects an image of unity in the face of a US threat
Friday, 23 January 2026RSS

Context & Explainers

The European Council (Conselho Europeu) brings together EU heads of state or government to set the bloc’s overall political direction and priorities; it does not adopt ordinary legislation. Its president, Charles Michel, has chaired meetings since December 2019, and the Council’s political endorsement is important for major trade and investment deals, so those following EU policy should note its stance on agreements like the EU–Mercosur deal.

