Weekly European Agenda 31/08/2026

This week, European Parliament committees will discuss, among other priorities, trade policy, public health, human rights, digital and energy policy, and the EU’s 2027 budget. From Monday to Wednesday, the Irish Presidency will host informal meetings of EU Defence and Foreign Affairs Ministers, with discussions covering support to Ukraine, security and defence, geopolitical developments and the EU’s international role. Later in the week, Financial Counsellors and European Affairs Ministers will meet to discuss economic priorities, the EU’s long-term budget, enlargement and democratic resilience. On Friday, President Ursula von der Leyen will chair a College seminar in preparation for the State of the Union address.

European Parliament

On Tuesday, ITRE will discuss the Irish Presidency’s priorities on telecommunications, cybersecurity, energy, research and innovation, while voting on the 2027 EU budget and budget performance rules. FEMM will examine the implementation of the EU’s Gender Action Plan and preparations for its post-2027 successor. On Wednesday, SANT will focus on cross-border healthcare, childhood cancer and the future of drug discovery. From Wednesday to Thursday, INTA will discuss EU trade policy, WTO developments, industrial subsidies, economic coercion and ongoing trade negotiations with Côte d’Ivoire, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates, while DROI will address human rights priorities, developments in Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Egypt, and the protection of religious minorities.

European Commission and High Representative

On Monday, Commissioner Dubravka Šuica will participate in the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia. On Thursday, Commissioner Glenn Micallef will address the international Art & Resilience forum in Lviv, while Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva will take part in the Central and Eastern Europe AI Summit in Prague. On Friday, President Ursula von der Leyen will chair a College seminar in preparation for the State of the Union address, with discussions involving experts on climate impact and industrial AI.