19 – 23 January 2026

EU News

Monday, 19 January 2026

European Commission

Commissioner Kubilius holds a videoconference with Mr Philippe Baptiste, Minister for Higher Education and Research of France (Brussels, Belgium).
Commissioner Hansen presents the Commission proposal on the National and Regional Partnership Fund to the European Parliament, Joint Committees on Budgets, Regional Development, and Agriculture and Rural Development (Strasbourg, France).
High Representative / Vice-President Kallas meets Mr Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany (Strasbourg, France).
Executive Vice-President Fitto participates in an exchange with the European Parliament Committees on Budgets, Regional Development, and Agriculture and Rural Development (Strasbourg, France).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen receives Ms Samantha Holman, President of IFRRO (Brussels, Belgium).
Commissioner Síkela participates in the World Economic Forum (19–21 January) (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Ribera meets Mr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (Paris, France).
Commissioner Lahbib participates in the International Conference “Towards a more resilient future – the EU’s engagement in fragile and conflict-affected settings”.
Executive Vice-President Ribera meets Mr Benoît Cœuré, President of the French Competition Authority (Paris, France).
Commissioner Albuquerque attends the Eurogroup meeting (Brussels, Belgium).
Commissioner Dombrovskis participates in the Eurogroup meeting (Brussels, Belgium).
Commissioner Roswall participates in the European Parliament plenary session (19–20 January) (Strasbourg, France).
Commissioner McGrath speaks during a plenary debate on the 28th Regime in the European Parliament (Strasbourg, France).
Commissioner Lahbib participates in the European Parliament plenary session (19–20 January) (Strasbourg, France).
Commissioner Albuquerque meets Mr Lars Klingbeil, German Federal Minister of Finance (Brussels, Belgium).
Commissioner McGrath exchanges views with Members of the LIBE and JURI Committees of the European Parliament (Strasbourg, France).
Commissioner Lahbib participates in the European Parliament plenary debate on Humanitarian aid in a time of polycrisis – reaffirming our principles for a more effective and ambitious response to humanitarian crises (Strasbourg, France).

European Parliament

President’s Agenda

16:15 – President Metsola receives Johann Wadephul, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany.

17:00 – President Metsola presides over the opening of the plenary session.

18:00 – President Metsola presides over the European Parliament’s Bureau.

20:00 – President Metsola receives Antonio Tajani, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy.

Plenary Session (Strasbourg)

17:00 – 22:00 Plenary debates, including ReArm Europe budget investments, CAP amendments, access to medicines, and EU–Saudi Arabia relations (Strasbourg).

17:00 – 22:00 | Debates

Resumption of the session and order of business

The 28th Regime: a new legal framework for innovative companies

(2025/2079(INL)) – Report: René Repasi (JURI)

Framework for strengthening the availability and security of the supply of critical medicinal products

(2025/0102(COD)) – Report: Tomislav Sokol (SANT)

Just transition directive in the world of work: ensuring the creation of jobs and revitalising local economies

(2025/2131(INL)) – Report: Jana Toom (EMPL)

Motion of censure on the Commission

(2026/2002(INS))

Short presentations

Safeguarding and promoting financial stability amid economic uncertainties

(2025/2051(INI)) – Report: Johan Van Overtveldt (ECON)

Humanitarian aid in a time of polycrisis

(2025/2085(INI)) – Report: Leire Pajín (DEVE)

One-minute speeches (Rule 179)

Parliamentary Committees

BUDG – REGI – AGRI (Joint Meeting)

Debate

Establishing the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural development, fisheries and maritime policy, prosperity and security for the period 2028–2034

(2025/0240(COD)) – Presentation by the Commission

19:30 – 21:00 | JURI – LIBE (Joint Meeting)

Exchange of views with Commissioner Michael McGrath on the Justice Programme for the period 2028–2034

19:30 – 21:30 | ENVI Committee

Votes

Detergents and surfactants – adoption of draft recommendation for second reading

Amendment of the Climate Law – vote on the provisional interinstitutional agreement

Debate

Exchange of views with Commissioner Jessika Roswall on:

Simplification of administrative burdens in environmental legislation (Environmental Omnibus)

Strategic Framework for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy

Council of the European Union

Eurogroup meeting (Brussels).

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

European Commission

Executive Vice-President Mînzatu meets Denis Machuel, CEO of Adecco Group, and Bettina Schaller, Head of Group Public Affairs (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Mînzatu participates in the Stakeholder Dialogue “Workers in the Driver’s Seat” (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Mînzatu participates in the multilateral meeting “Securing a Future-Ready Workforce for the Next Industrial Era” (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Mînzatu meets Gina Vargiu-Breuer, Chief People and Culture Officer, Labour Director and Member of the Executive Board (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Mînzatu participates in the World Economic Forum Opening Dinner (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Mînzatu meets Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Mînzatu meets Arthur Mensch, CEO of Mistral AI (Davos, Switzerland).
President von der Leyen delivers a Special Address at the World Economic Forum (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Hoekstra attends the World Economic Forum (20–22 January) (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Kos participates in the European Parliament plenary session (Strasbourg, France).
Commissioner Šuica meets Mr François-Xavier Bellamy and Ms Céline Imart, Members of the European Parliament (Strasbourg, France).
Commissioner Šuica attends the inauguration reception of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union (Strasbourg, France).
Commissioner Šuica meets Mr György Hölvényi, Member of the European Parliament (Strasbourg, France).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen participates in the European Parliament plenary debate “Commission statement – Presentation of the Cybersecurity Act” (Strasbourg, France).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen participates in the European Parliament plenary debate “Council and Commission statements – Tackling AI deepfakes and sexual exploitation on social media by making full use of the EU’s digital rules” (Strasbourg, France).
Commissioner Albuquerque receives Mr Bas Eickhout and Mr Markus Ferber, Members of the European Parliament (Strasbourg, France).
Commissioner Dombrovskis participates in the Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN) Council meeting (Brussels, Belgium).
Commissioner McGrath meets with Mr Krzysztof Śmiszek, Member of the European Parliament (Strasbourg, France).
Commissioner Lahbib meets Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions (Strasbourg, France).
Commissioner Zaharieva meets Presidents of universities from the Grand Est region (Strasbourg, France).
Commissioner Albuquerque attends the meeting of the College of Commissioners (Strasbourg, France).
Commissioner Tzitzikostas participates in the European Parliament debate on Air Passenger Rights (Strasbourg, France).
Commissioner Roswall delivers the opening address at the “New European Bauhaus Impulse” exhibition at the European Parliament (Strasbourg, France).

European Parliament

President’s Agenda

10:00 – Visit of the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, to the European Parliament for the presentation of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council’s priorities.

President Metsola greets President Christodoulides:

Bilateral meeting
Address by President Christodoulides to the European Parliament
Joint press conference

14:45 – President Metsola signs legislative acts.

Plenary Session (Strasbourg)

09:00 – 10:30 | Debate

Tackling AI deepfakes and sexual exploitation on social media by making full use of the EU’s digital rules

(2026/2561(RSP))

10:30 – 11:50 | Debate

Presentation of the programme of activities of the Cyprus Presidency

(2025/3011(RSP))

12:00 – 13:00 | Votes

Framework for strengthening the availability and security of supply of critical medicinal products

(2025/0102(COD)) – SANT

The 28th Regime: a new legal framework for innovative companies

(2025/2079(INL)) – JURI

Just transition directive in the world of work

(2025/2131(INL)) – EMPL

Safeguarding and promoting financial stability amid economic uncertainties

(2025/2051(INI)) – ECON

Humanitarian aid in a time of polycrisis

(2025/2085(INI)) – DEVE

Reform of the European Electoral Act

(2025/2028(INI)) – AFCO

Objection under Rule 114(3) – Solvency II delegated regulation

(2025/2963(DEA))

Murder of Mehdi Kessaci – European action against drug trafficking

(2025/3020(RSP))

13:00 – 15:00 | Debates

Territorial integrity and sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark

(2026/2562(RSP))

Air passenger rights

(2013/0072(COD)) – TRAN

15:00 – 22:00 | Debates

Presentation of the Cybersecurity Act

(2026/2563(RSP))

Brutal repression against protesters in Iran

(2026/2565(RSP))

Situation in Venezuela following the extraction of Maduro

(2026/2564(RSP))

Joint CFSP/CSDP debate (Article 36 TEU):

Implementation of the CFSP – Annual Report 2025 (AFET)

Implementation of the CSDP – Annual Report 2025 (SEDE)

Human rights and democracy in the world – Annual Report 2025 (AFET)

Pending approval of the Hungarian national SAFE plan

(2026/2566(RSP))

Explanations of votes

Council of the European Union

Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN) Council (Brussels).

European Economic and Social Committee

4th DAG-to-DAG meeting under the EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement

The EU and the Viet Nam Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs), established under the Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) chapter of the EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement, meet for a DAG-to-DAG meeting.

Wednesday, 21 January 2026

European Commission

Executive Vice-President Mînzatu meets bilaterally with H.E. Mr Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy of the Head of the Interim Government of Bangladesh (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Mînzatu participates in the Strategy Session “Jobs, Growth and Geoeconomics: Building a New Prosperity Agenda” (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Mînzatu meets Omar Abbosh, CEO of Pearson (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Kos participates in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 (21–22 January) (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Fitto participates in the New Year’s Forum 2026 (Rome, Italy).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen participates in the European Parliament plenary debate “Topical debate requested by a political group (EPP) – Restoring control of migration: returns, visa policy and third-country cooperation” (Strasbourg, France).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen participates in the European Parliament plenary debate “Commission statement – Presentation of the Digital Networks Act” (Strasbourg, France).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen participates in the World Economic Forum (21–22 January) (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner McGrath speaks at the World Economic Forum event “Media, Entertainment and Sports” (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Tzitzikostas attends the World Economic Forum (21–22 January) (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Ribera attends the breakfast of the Renew ENVI Working Group (Strasbourg, France).
Commissioner Dombrovskis participates in the World Economic Forum (21–23 January) (Davos, Switzerland).
President von der Leyen participates in the European Parliament plenary debate on: The conclusions of the European Council meeting of 18 December 2025, and a stronger and more sovereign Europe amid rising geopolitical tensions and continuous threats to the rules-based order (Strasbourg, France).

Commissioner Roswall meets Mr Fabrizio Palermo, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Acea (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Roswall meets Ms Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Lahbib meets Sania Nishtar, CEO of GAVI (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner McGrath meets Aaron Webster, Global Chief Risk Officer, and Richard Nash, Vice-President and Head of Global Government Relations, PayPal (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Tzitzikostas meets Mr Shri Rammohan Naidu, Minister for Civil Aviation of India (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Zaharieva participates as a panellist in the Scaleup Europe Fund Launch Briefing at the World Economic Forum (Davos, Switzerland).

European Parliament

President’s Agenda

11:15 – Ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Union.

President Metsola greets His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain and His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal
Bilateral meetings
Addresses by His Majesty King Felipe VI and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa

15:15 – President Metsola receives the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Bernardito Auza.

Plenary Session (Strasbourg)

09:00 – 11:50 | Key Debate (Joint Debate)

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 18 December 2025

(2025/3002(RSP))

A stronger and more sovereign Europe amid rising geopolitical tensions and continuous threats to the rules-based order

(2026/2575(RSP))

12:00 – 12:30 | Formal Sitting

40th anniversary of the accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Union

12:30 – 13:30 | Votes

Request for an opinion from the Court of Justice on the EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement and Interim Trade Agreement

(2026/2560(RSP))

Air passenger rights

(2013/0072(COD)) – TRAN

EU–Bosnia and Herzegovina Agreement on Frontex operational activities

(2024/0305(NLE)) – LIBE

Implementation of the CFSP – Annual Report 2025

(2025/2164(INI)) – AFET

Implementation of the CSDP – Annual Report 2025

(2025/2165(INI)) – SEDE

Human rights and democracy in the world – Annual Report 2025

(2025/2166(INI)) – AFET

EU–US political relations

(2025/2084(INI)) – AFET

Addressing impunity through EU sanctions (EU Global Human Rights sanctions regime)

(2025/2049(INI)) – AFET

13:30 – 22:00 | Debates

Restoring control of migration: returns, visa policy and third-country cooperation

(Topical debate – Rule 169)

Presentation of the Digital Networks Act

(2026/2576(RSP))

Preparations for the EU–India Summit

(2026/2567(RSP))

Attempted takeover of Lithuania’s public broadcaster and threats to democracy

(2026/2568(RSP))

Online piracy of sports and live events

(2026/2569(RSP))

Debates on breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150):

Presidential elections in Honduras

Case of Joseph Figueira Martin (Central African Republic)

Conviction and imminent sentencing of Jimmy Lai (Hong Kong)

Explanations of votes

Council of the European Union

Informal meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers (21–23 January).

European Economic and Social Committee

Wednesday 21 January – Thursday 22 January 2026

602nd Plenary Session, including:
- Priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus
- Debate on artificial intelligence
- European Citizens’ Initiative “My Voice, My Choice: For Safe and Accessible Abortion”

Thursday, 22 January 2026

European Commission

Commissioner Hansen receives representatives of the C.I.B.E. – International Confederation of European Beet Growers (Brussels, Belgium).
Commissioner Hansen chairs the 5th meeting of the European Board on Agriculture and Food (Brussels, Belgium).
Commissioner Jørgensen receives representatives of the European Biogas Association (Brussels, Belgium).
Commissioner Jørgensen receives representatives of Euromines (Brussels, Belgium).
Executive Vice-President Fitto attends the conference “Il Futuro dell’Acqua”, organised by the Astrid Foundation, for the presentation of the book Acqua per Tutti? by Mario Rosario Mazzola (Rome, Italy).
Executive Vice-President Fitto attends a roundtable discussion with representatives of the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) (Rome, Italy).
Executive Vice-President Fitto attends a roundtable discussion with representatives of Federterziario (Rome, Italy).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen meets Ms Margarita Louis-Dreyfus, Global Chairperson of Louis Dreyfus Company (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen meets H.E. Ms Maryam Alhammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen participates in the Stakeholder Dialogue “Is Europe’s Tech Sovereignty Feasible?” (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen meets Mr Cristiano Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen meets Mr Fabricio Bloisi, CEO of Prosus (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen meets Mr Tim Cook, CEO of Apple (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen meets Mr Per Franzén, CEO of EQT (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen meets H.E. Mr Abdullah AlSwaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Saudi Arabia (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen meets Mr Thomas Saueressig, Member of the Executive Board, SAP Customer Services and Delivery (Davos, Switzerland).
Executive Vice-President Virkkunen meets Mr Sassine Ghazi, CEO of Synopsys (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Lahbib delivers a speech at the event “New Alliances for Aid and Development” (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Tzitzikostas participates in the panel “Velocity of the Blue Economy” at the World Economic Forum (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Roswall gives an address at the multilateral meeting “Circularity’s Renewal Moment” (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Lahbib participates in the European Commission–World Economic Forum dialogue “From Fragility to Resilience” with Sheba Crocker, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner McGrath meets Lisa Monaco, President of Global Affairs at Microsoft (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Tzitzikostas meets Mr Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller–Maersk (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Roswall participates in the panel discussion “Will We Ever Have a Global Plastics Treaty?” (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Micallef meets representatives of Euroleague Basketball (Brussels, Belgium).
Commissioner Lahbib meets David Miliband, CEO of the International Rescue Committee (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner McGrath meets Bill Ready, CEO of Pinterest (Switzerland).
Commissioner Lahbib meets Mr Barham Salih, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Albuquerque meets Mr Joe Portelli, Chairman, and Mr Simon Zammit, CEO of the Malta Stock Exchange (Valletta, Malta).
Commissioner Roswall meets Mr Kris Licht, CEO of Reckitt Benckiser (Davos, Switzerland).
Commissioner Micallef meets Mr Roko Sikirc, President of the Confédération Européenne de Volleyball (Brussels, Belgium).

European Parliament

President’s Agenda

10:00 – President Metsola presides over the Conference of Presidents.

Plenary Session (Strasbourg)

09:00 – 11:50 | Debates

Drones and new systems of warfare – the EU’s need to adapt to be fit for today’s security challenges

(2025/2088(INI)) – SEDE

Report: Reinis Pozņaks

A new action plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights

(2025/2980(RSP))

12:00 – 14:00 | Votes

Motion of censure on the Commission

(2026/2002(INS))

Presidential elections in Honduras

(2026/2571(RSP))

Case of Joseph Figueira Martin (Central African Republic)

(2026/2572(RSP))

Conviction and imminent sentencing of Jimmy Lai (Hong Kong)

(2026/2573(RSP))

Detergents and surfactants

(2023/0124(COD)) – ENVI

Drones and new systems of warfare

(2025/2088(INI)) – SEDE

Choice of performance indicators for audit and budgetary control

(2025/2034(INI)) – CONT

European technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure

(2025/2007(INI)) – ITRE

Brutal repression against protesters in Iran

(2026/2565(RSP))

Attempted takeover of Lithuania’s public broadcaster

(2026/2568(RSP))

15:00 – 16:00 | Debates

Joint action addressing the increased use of the death penalty

(2026/2570(RSP))

Explanations of votes

Council of the European Union

Informal meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers (21–23 January).

European Economic and Social Committee

Wednesday 21 January – Thursday 22 January 2026

602nd Plenary Session, including:
- Priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus
- Debate on artificial intelligence
- European Citizens’ Initiative “My Voice, My Choice: For Safe and Accessible Abortion”

European Ombudsman

Guest speaker at a breakfast meeting with Members of the European Parliament, presenting the role and main activities of the European Ombudsman.

Friday, 23 January 2026

European Commission

Commissioner Hansen receives Board members of European Coordination Via Campesina (ECVC) (Brussels, Belgium).
Commissioner Jørgensen receives Mr Rasmus Helveg Petersen, Head of Communication of Vattenfall (Brussels, Belgium).
Executive Vice-President Fitto attends the event “Dall’Europa ai territori: come utilizzare i fondi UE per lo sviluppo locale” (Viterbo, Italy).
Executive Vice-President Fitto attends remotely the International Tourism Forum, session “L’UE e i piccoli centri”.
Commissioner Albuquerque meets with social partners and trade unions of Malta (Valletta, Malta).
Commissioner Micallef delivers a video address at the 50th anniversary event of CulTurMedia (Venice, Italy).
Commissioner Albuquerque meets with banking federations (Valletta, Malta).
Commissioner McGrath speaks at the Intervarsity Law Summit (Cork, Ireland).
Commissioner Albuquerque meets with insurance associations (Valletta, Malta).
Commissioner Micallef meets with representatives of Heritage Malta and the International Atomic Energy Agency (Brussels, Belgium).
Commissioner Albuquerque meets with Mr Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta (Valletta, Malta).
Commissioner Albuquerque meets with Mr Clyde Caruana, Minister for Finance of Malta (Valletta, Malta).
Commissioner McGrath speaks at the Cork Person of the Year Awards (Cork, Ireland).