Having a busy month? You're not alone: today and tomorrow, for the second time in October, the leaders of all EU member states will be gathering in Brussels.
For this edition, we have picked some of the main topics on their agenda: pushing the EU's climate neutrality goal, managing the coronavirus pandemic and preparing for the future relationship with the United Kingdom. We also take an exclusive behind the scenes look at how our interpreters and translators work during a European summit.
Happy reading!
Five facts about the EU’s climate neutrality goal (08/10/2020)
Nearly a year ago, EU leaders pledged to make our continent climate neutral by 2050. Here are the facts you need to know when following their debate in Brussels this week.
One continent – one map (08/10/2020)
EU ministers this week agreed on a common way to coordinate travel measures in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic. How will the green-orange-red system work from now on?
You're invited … to meet the Council's policy experts (08/10/2020)
How is climate policy actually made? How do ministers from 27 countries come to a joint decision? Book a virtual information session where our experts will share their knowledge and experience of what it's like to work in the house of the member states.
How not to get lost in translation? (08/10/2020)
They work under enormous time pressure. Outside, they are sworn to secrecy. But thanks to them, leaders at the European Council can communicate in their own languages. Meet our translators and interpreters.
A step-by-step timeline of negotiations on EU-UK relations (08/10/2020)
With only 11 weeks of the transition period remaining, EU leaders will assess where we stand on shaping future relations with the UK. Wonder how we got here? Here's
our timeline of EU-UK relations.
We hope you enjoyed your summer vacation or staycation depending on how COVID-19 affected your plans.
In Brussels, the summer was hot not only in terms of the weather. In July, it took European leaders four days and nights to find common ground on the next EU long-term budget. In this edition, we decipher the figures for you and unveil how the EU budget machinery works.
Autumn has started with a focus on the Mediterranean. In the last two days, the President of the European Council Charles Michel has visited Greece, Cyprus and Malta, ahead of the special European Council meeting to be held next week.
Enjoy the reading!
New EU long-term budget – what does it mean for you? (11/09/2020)
The future EU budget and the recovery fund are the main European tools to rebuild our economy impacted by COVID-19. We’ve scanned the budget tables for figures that could be important for you.
Let’s talk about money: how does the EU budget work? (11/09/2020)
Broadband internet, eco-products and student exchanges may all be partially or totally funded by the EU. But where does the money come from? Read on to understand what the EU long-term budget is and how it is decided.
Get on the move with the European Week of Sport (11/09/2020)
The COVID-19 lockdown made physical activity challenging with gyms, pitches and parks closed for weeks. The upcoming European Week of Sport is an excellent opportunity to renew our acquaintance with a more active lifestyle.
Thinking of a career in Brussels? Join us as a trainee! (15/09/2020)
Do you want to become the next trainee at the General Secretariat of the Council? Time is running out! Applications for the spring 2021 session close on 28 September 2020 at 12.00 midday Brussels time.
Summer means the start of the holidays for some of us, but work is just about to begin for others. This month, Germany has taken over the presidency of the Council of the European Union and we have taken a closer look for you at their programme and how the presidency works.
The first big milestone is fast approaching; next week EU leaders meet to discuss the EU’s recovery plan and long-term budget. Watch out for first proposals being presented by European Council President Charles Michel later this week.
If you prefer a different way of tuning into the German presidency, listen to our Spotify list!
The German presidency of the Council: focus on youth (03/07/2020)
Fighting COVID-19 and supporting the economic recovery are key priorities of the current presidency. But Germany has also prepared several actions tailored to the needs of young Europeans.
An artist's take on climate action: Do you speak Earth? (03/07/2020)
Artist Olafur Eliasson’s latest project gives a voice to young people – and to our planet. Listen and watch how children speak up about shaping our world for the future.
How do journalists report on virtual Council meetings? (03/07/2020)
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, physical Council meetings have been replaced by video conferences. The virtual format is a game-changer for everyone, including the press. Take a closer look at how they work.
Re-open EU – a website making travelling easier (03/07/2020)
Are you wondering if COVID-19 restrictions might impact your summer plans? The EU has just launched 'Re-open EU', a web platform where you can find all the information you need.
Committed to fighting racism (03/07/2020)
After the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis, thousands of European citizens have come out in support of the Black Lives Matter protests, showing solidarity with the American movement. The protests shine a spotlight on the fact that systemic racism is also an issue here in Europe.
The Council presidency (03/07/2020)
Every six months, another EU country takes over the Council presidency. From July until the end of December, it is up to Germany to drive forward the Council’s work. But what is the Council presidency and how does it work?
My COVID summer season - EU plans for safe travels (25/05/2020)
With summer approaching, many of us are keen to get away for some European sunshine and culture, and catch up with loved ones, in our own country or abroad. What is the EU doing for a safe holiday season?
Being a trainee during lockdown (22/04/2020)
What is it like to be a trainee at the General Secretariat of the EU Council when a pandemic means you can’t go to work? We spoke to four trainees about a very different type of work experience.
Inviting the EU into your classroom (25/05/2020)
During the coronavirus pandemic many students in Europe are being taught online instead of at school. Find out how you can follow this trend and virtually welcome one of our staff into your classroom.
What is the EU’s recovery plan after Corona? (25/05/2020)
To tackle the social and economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis, the EU is putting in place a €750 billion recovery plan called "Next Generation EU". We explain what this plan consists of.
How COVID-19 is changing the world: getting the numbers right (25/05/2020)
COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting our lives, from economic and environmental fluctuations to the impact on our income, education and employment? Read the insights revealed in this UN study.
Welcome to the second edition of The Pulse. Your newsletter from the Council of the EU.
Do you recognize us? We are excited to appear in a new look today - share with us what you think about the new layout.
In this edition, we are looking at how Europe is moving out of the lockdown: how is COVID-19 going to impact your summer holiday plans? What's behind the EU's economic recovery plan? And - because it's World Environment Day - where do we stand with the EU's objective of becoming climate neutral by 2050? Can Europe's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic be a green one?
War, peace and rivals: the birth of European solidarity (06/05/2020)
This weekend is the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. It established peace and solidarity as the founding principles of the EU. Here is the story of former rivals uniting for a common future.
10 things the EU is doing to fight the coronavirus (06/05/2020)
Find out what the European Union is doing to reduce the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, protect people and the economy and promote solidarity.
What is the IPCR, the Council's response to a crisis? (06/05/2020)
That's right - another EU acronym! Don't worry, we'll explain exactly what it means. IPCR stands for 'Integrated Political Crisis Response'.
Virtual decision-making as the new coronavirus reality for EU leaders (06/05/2020)
How has the Council adapted to the disruptive effects of coronavirus on working practices to ensure that it can still operate and take decisions?
Let's pay tribute to today's European heroes (05/05/2020)
70 years after the Schuman Declaration we pay tribute to those of us who are making history today by fighting the virus.
"It's never a happy moment when someone leaves but we are opening a new chapter. We will devote all our energy to building a stronger, more ambitious EU."
Tweet by President Charles Michel on 31 January 2020 ahead of the UK leaving the European Union.
North Macedonia and Albania to wait longer (25/11/2019)
"Please do not give up. I fully understand your frustration, because you did your share and we haven't."
Former President Donald Tusk speaking after the October EU summit that failed to approve the opening of talks with North Macedonia and Albania about joining the EU.
