On 26 June 2026, the Council of the European Union (Transport, Telecommunications and Energy) adopted four non-legislative decisions in Luxembourg, covering foreign assistance measures and research cooperation. The decisions include support for the Togolese Armed Forces under the European Peace Facility, backing for the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT), a project to reduce ammunition safety risks in Ukraine, and authorisation to open negotiations with India for its participation in Union programmes and association to Pillar II of Horizon Europe.
The decisions were adopted as 'A' items without debate, having been approved by Coreper (the Committee of Permanent Representatives) in preceding days. The Togo, ICSANT, and Ukraine decisions were cleared by Coreper Part 2 on 24 June 2026, while the India negotiation mandate was approved by Coreper Part 1 on 17 June 2026, based on a European Commission proposal.
Foreign assistance measures
The Council decision on Togo provides an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility to support the Togolese Armed Forces, though the specific financial envelope and scope were not detailed in the published list. The ICSANT decision commits EU support for universalisation and implementation of the nuclear terrorism convention, a longstanding non-proliferation priority. The Ukraine decision funds a project focused on reducing ammunition safety risks, continuing EU security assistance to Ukraine amid the ongoing war.
Research cooperation with India
The Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with India for an agreement on India's participation in Union programmes and its association to Pillar II of Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation framework programme. This move aims to deepen scientific collaboration with India, a key strategic partner, and follows similar association agreements with other non-EU countries.
Stakeholder impact - EU defence and security sector: The Togo and Ukraine decisions provide direct funding for military capacity-building and ammunition safety, benefiting defence contractors and security agencies involved in implementation. - EU research institutions: The India Horizon Europe association opens opportunities for joint research projects, potentially increasing competition for EU research grants but also expanding collaboration networks. - EU taxpayers: The non-legislative decisions commit EU funds without detailed public debate, raising accountability concerns for some civil society groups. - Togolese and Ukrainian armed forces: Direct beneficiaries of the assistance measures, receiving equipment, training, or infrastructure support.
Institutional follow-up The decisions are effective upon adoption. The Commission will now begin negotiations with India on the Horizon Europe association agreement, which will require Council approval once concluded. The European Parliament is not formally involved in non-legislative CFSP decisions but will be informed. No further Council action is scheduled on these items.