The European Council this Thursday and Friday was intended to focus on European competitiveness, but the topic will be overshadowed by the impact of the war in Iran and its economic consequences, especially due to rising energy prices. And António Costa has pushed for greater urgency for the meeting, promising the joint approval of support measures.
Another European Council overshadowed by a crisis. Energy and Kyiv set the agenda
Thursday, 19 March 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.
