Weekly European Agenda 09/03/2026

This week, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will gather in Strasbourg for plenary debates and votes on several issues, including gender equality and the situation in the Middle East. On Tuesday, EU Commissioners will gather in Strasbourg to unveil a set of energy initiatives, including a Clean Energy Investment Strategy and a Citizens Energy Package. On Wednesday, ministers in the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) will exchange views on the EU Savings and Investments Union and on the economic impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. On the same day and on Thursday, the Cypriot Presidency will host an informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), during which Defence Ministers will discuss current and emerging security challenges.

European Parliament

On Monday, MEPs will engage in a debate on the gender pay and pension gap in the EU, focusing on the state of play, the challenges ahead, and the way forward. They will also discuss the development of guidelines for better evaluation and fairer remuneration of work in female-dominated sectors. On Tuesday, MEPs will receive statements from the Council and the Commission on the Single Market and will discuss how to move from an incomplete single market towards one market for one Europe. On the same day, they will also hold several speeches to mark the celebration of International Women’s Day. On Wednesday, they will debate the preparation of the upcoming European Council meeting and the situation in the Middle East, following statements from the Council and the Commission. On Thursday, MEPs will debate rail transport safety in the EU following a statement from the Commission.

Council of Ministers

On Monday, ministers in the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) will discuss child well-being, social inclusion, human capital, and exchange views on AI and quality jobs. On Tuesday, ministers in the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) will debate the EU savings and investment union and exchange views on the economic impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. On Wednesday and Thursday, the Cypriot Presidency will host an informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Lefkosia, where Defence Ministers will discuss current and emerging security challenges, focusing on defence readiness and coordinated EU responses in a changing security environment.

European Commission and High Representative

On Monday, High Representative Kaja Kallas will come together with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels. On Wednesday, Commissioner Hadja Lahbib will meet with European civil society representatives in New York City. On Thursday, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen will meet with Antti Herlin and representatives of the Climate Leadership Coalition in Finland. On the same day, Commissioner Hadja Lahbib will be in New York City to meet with UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous.