Weekly European Agenda 23/03/2026

This week, multiple European Parliament’s committee meetings will take place in Brussels along with a two-day plenary session, which will be held on Wednesday and Thursday. On Wednesday, EU Commissioners will gather in Brussels to unveil two new initiatives: a Communication on Integrated Wildfire Risk Management and the Instrument for Agile and Rapid Defence Innovation (AGILE). On Thursday and Friday, ministers in the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) are expected to approve Council conclusions and agree on the EU’s position on MC14 binding decisions, ensuring a unified EU stance in global trade negotiations.

European Parliament

On Monday, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) will address the phase-out of Russian nuclear energy as part of broader efforts to end dependence on Russian energy sources. On Tuesday, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) will focus on establishing the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), including a dedicated programme for defence research and innovation. On Wednesday, MEPs will turn to the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 19–20 March 2026, as well as broader discussions on energy security, independence and supply in a shifting geopolitical context, with Council and Commission statements highlighting the need to ensure market stability and affordable energy for both industry and citizens.

Council of Ministers

On Thursday and Friday, ministers in the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) will gather alongside the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. They will discuss shaping the future of the multilateral trading system, including efforts to modernise the WTO’s architecture and processes. Ministers are expected to approve Council conclusions and agree on the EU’s position to support legally binding decisions from MC14, helping to ensure a unified EU stance in global trade negotiations.

European Commission and High Representative

On Monday, High Representative Vice President Kaja Kallas will meet Yusuf Tuggar, Foreign Minister of Nigeria, in Abuja. On Tuesday, Commissioner Hadja Lahbib will come together with Barham Salih, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Brussels. On Thursday, Commissioner Andrius Kubilius will sign Secure Connectivity agreements with Kingdom of Norway and Iceland in Brussels.