Weekly European Agenda 19/10/2026

This week, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will gather in Strasbourg for plenary debates and votes on several issues, including the 2027 EU budget, Erasmus+, passenger rights, cohesion policy and preparations for COP31. On Monday, employment and social affairs ministers will discuss housing exclusion and homelessness, the Quality Jobs Act, equality and the European Semester. On Tuesday, the College of Commissioners will meet in Strasbourg to discuss the Commission Work Programme for 2027. On Wednesday, President Ursula von der Leyen will participate in the European Parliament debate on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15–16 October. On Thursday and Friday, the Irish Presidency will host an informal meeting of EU trade ministers in Dublin, focusing on free trade agreements, market diversification, economic resilience and European competitiveness.

European Parliament

On Monday, MEPs will resume the parliamentary session and debate the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and amendments to the Critical Raw Materials Act. On Tuesday, discussions will focus on the 2027 EU budget, the Commission Work Programme for 2027, Erasmus+ for 2028–2034 and foreign affairs, alongside votes on passenger rights, VAT fraud and high-speed rail. On Wednesday, MEPs will vote on the 2027 EU budget and discuss the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15–16 October, chemical legislation and preparations for COP31. On Thursday, they will focus on skills and vocational education and training, while voting on cohesion policy and territorial resilience.

Council of Ministers

On Monday, employment and social affairs ministers will discuss housing exclusion and homelessness, the upcoming Quality Jobs Act, equality and non-discrimination, and the European Semester. They will also consider possible EU action to support people excluded from the labour market. On Thursday and Friday, the Irish Presidency will host an informal meeting of EU trade ministers in Dublin, focusing on free trade agreement negotiations, trade relations with major partners, market diversification, economic resilience and European competitiveness.

European Commission and High Representative

On Monday, President Ursula von der Leyen will meet European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Strasbourg. On Tuesday, the College of Commissioners will meet in Strasbourg to discuss the Commission Work Programme for 2027. On Wednesday, President von der Leyen will participate in the European Parliament plenary debate on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15–16 October. On Thursday, Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will participate in the informal meeting of Trade Ministers in Dublin. On Friday, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen will meet Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez.