Luxembourg, 2 October 2026
Combating racism and related forms of hatred and discrimination
Ministers approved conclusions on combating racism and related forms of hatred and discrimination in the EU. The conclusions recall that racism is incompatible with the EU’s core principles and values and undermines social cohesion, equality and the full participation of all persons in society. They address the damage that racism and related forms of hatred and discrimination inflict upon people and societies and prioritise ways to do so.
Racism, hatred and discrimination have no place in our societies. Yet they remain a harsh reality for millions of people across the EU. Today we reaffirm our commitment to fighting racism and building cohesive and equal societies that protect everyone’s rights and dignity. These conclusions were a key ambition for the Irish Presidency, under the values pillar of our Programme, and I am pleased we have delivered on this today.
Jim O’Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration of Ireland
The conclusions invite member states to implement the EU Anti-Racism Strategy for 2026-2030, stressing the importance of promoting education, awareness and prevention, combatting hatred both online and offline, and strengthening democratic resilience.
In a subsequent exchange of views, ministers took stock of the existing EU toolbox for combating racism, discrimination and hatred, emphasising the need to implement the existing range of measures in this area.
- Council conclusions on combating racism and related forms of hatred and discrimination in the European Union
- Fundamental rights in the EU (background information)
EU agency for criminal justice cooperation
In a public session, ministers held a policy debate on the revision of Eurojust’s mandate, the EU agency for criminal justice cooperation based in The Hague. Eurojust supports cooperation between national authorities in investigating and prosecuting transnational crime. Ministers provided guidance for further work towards reaching a Council negotiating position, especially as regards the agency’s governance and the way it cooperates with third countries in countering organised crime.
The proposal to revise the agency’s mandate, put forward by the Commission in June 2026, aims to strengthen Eurojust’s capacity to support national authorities, with stronger capabilities, further support in emerging areas of crime such as cybercrime, a revised governance framework and stronger international engagement.
- EU Law Tracker – Proposal for a regulation on the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust)
- Fighting crime (background information)
Protecting civil society and journalists
Over a working lunch, ministers exchanged views on the protection of civil society and journalists. Recognising the essential role journalists and civil society play in protecting and fostering the rule of law, ministers acknowledged the challenges they face, from abusive litigation, physical and online threats to underfinancing and foreign interference. Ministers discussed whether further EU measures would be needed to better protect civil society and journalists. Among the issues discussed, ministers touched upon the need to protect media freedom, open justice and judicial independence. They also discussed the need to ensure transparency of funding for civil society organisations while avoiding unnecessary restrictions to their work.
- Media freedom in the EU (background information)
- Rule of law: why it matters (background information)
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: fight against impunity
The Commission and Eurojust updated ministers on actions taken on the fight against impunity regarding crimes committed in Ukraine, presenting the latest developments.
The EU, its member states and international bodies have established various initiatives, such as a joint investigation team between Ukrainian and several EU member states’ judicial authorities, to investigate international crimes allegedly committed in Ukraine.
When it comes to reparations, the Council of Europe has established a register of damage caused by the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Preparatory work is ongoing towards setting up an international claims commission, which will adjudicate on the claims submitted via the register and determine the compensation due.
Other business
Under other business, ministers received updates on several issues:
- The European Commission informed ministers about its annual progress report on simplification, implementation and enforcement.
- The Commission presented its report on the implementation of a 2023 recommendation on pre-trial detention, issued on 23 September 2026. The recommendation provides guidance on the rights of suspects and accused people who are subject to pre-trial detention, in relation both to their procedural rights and to material detention conditions.
- France provided information on the topic of data retention.
Meeting files
- List of A items, legislative deliberations
- List of A items, non-legislative activities
- Provisional agenda
- Background brief
- Provisional list of A items
Outcome documents
Source – EU Council