This week, social affairs ministers approve conclusions on investing in children and exchange views on breaking the poverty cycle; Ecofin discusses the EU’s savings and investment union agenda; the EU Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism takes place in Brussels; and MEPs in plenary debate the US-Israel military operation against the Iranian regime, vote on an EU single market for defence, an update of the Package Travel Directive to protect travellers and protecting copyrighted work in the age of AI, and mark International Women’s Day. The week’s events in the European Union including EU Council, Commission and Parliament meetings from 9- 14 March 2026.
Monday 9 March
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
Plenary session and committee meetings
Strasbourg
Migration/Return Regulation: the Civil Liberties Committee will adopt its position on the proposed update of the system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the EU, known as the Return Regulation.
Monday 9 March
Council of the EU | Political meetings | Social policy
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council
Brussels
Employment and social affairs ministers will approve conclusions on investing in children and exchange views on breaking the poverty cycle. Also on the agenda are the European Semester cycle, a recommendation on human capital, and the use of AI to strengthen quality jobs and workers’ rights. Over lunch, the Council will discuss housing solutions in a changing demographic landscape.
Monday 9 March
Council of the EU | Political meetings | Economy | Energy
Eurogroup
Brussels
Ministers will discuss economic developments and prospects for the euro area, assess the Belgian draft budgetary plan for 2026, and discuss energy prices and their implications for the euro area economy.
Tuesday 10 March
Council of the EU | Political meetings | Economy
Economic and Financial Affairs Council
Brussels
Ministers will have the opportunity to discuss the market integration and supervision package – part of the EU’s savings and investment union agenda. The Council will also adopt a recommendation regarding the medium-term fiscal-structural plan of Ireland.
Tuesday 10 March
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
Plenary session and committee meetings
Strasbourg
Tackling Europe’s housing crisis: in a debate and vote on Tuesday, MEPs will set out their recommendations to promote decent, sustainable, and affordable housing across the European Union.
EU single market for defence: following a debate on Tuesday, Parliament will outline on Wednesday its proposals to move towards a genuine EU single market for defence and close critical EU defence capability gaps.
“Energy package”/North Sea energy outlook: MEPs will discuss the Commission’s proposed “energy package”, and on Wednesday, they will debate the need for clean, independent, and secure energy sources, following January’s North Sea summit.
Tackling single market barriers: in two debates, on Tuesday and Wednesday, MEPs, the Commission and the Council will debate reducing bureaucracy, removing obstacles and unleashing the single market’s full potential, including for financial services.
Protecting copyrighted work in the age of AI: MEPs are expected to call for measures to protect the EU’s creative sector against exploitation by artificial intelligence.
International Women’s Day: to mark International Women’s Day, on Tuesday MEPs will hear the testimony of Jackie Fox, who campaigns in memory of her daughter, a victim of cyberbullying. In a separate debate on Monday, MEPs will review progress on addressing the gender pay and pension gaps in the EU, followed by a vote on Wednesday.
European Order of Merit: President Metsola will announce the first laureates of the European Order of Merit, honouring significant contributions to European integration and European values. Up to 20 laureates will be appointed each year to the Order. The ceremony of conferral will take place during the May plenary session.
Wednesday 11 March
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Agriculture
Seminar: Ensuring the right to stay for young farmers and rural youth
Brussels
The seminar offers an opportunity to exchange on how to turn the EU Strategy for Generational Renewal into concrete actions, fostering dialogue and partnerships for rural youth and young farmers.
The event will concentrate on priorities that drive change, including access to land, farm succession, skills and innovation, rural attractiveness, and youth as policy co-designers. Through plenary sessions and Youth-Led Policy Labs, participants will collaborate on practical solutions to help young people stay and thrive in rural Europe.
Wednesday 11 March
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
Plenary session and committee meetings
Strasbourg
Iran war/EU summit: MEPs will debate the US/Israeli military operation against the Iranian regime, its consequences and the need to support the people of Iran. They will also discuss their expectations for the 19-20 March EU summit.
Traveller protection: following a debate on Wednesday, MEPs are expected to confirm on Thursday an update of the Package Travel Directive to clarify holidaymakers’ rights to assistance and compensation in cases of travel disruption.
Child sexual abuse online: Parliament will vote on prolonging an exemption to privacy legislation allowing for the voluntary detection of child sexual abuse material online.
Armenia/formal sitting: the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, will address MEPs in a formal sitting.
Wednesday 11 March
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Radicalisation | Terrorism
European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism
Brussels
The annual EU Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism brings together victims of terrorism from across the EU, their representative associations, and high-level representatives of the Member States. The event, which marks ten years since the terrorist attacks of 22 March 2016, pays tribute to the victims of terrorism in Europe and provides updates on the European Commission’s efforts to address terrorist threats and to support victims.
Thursday 26 February – Thursday 26 March
Other bodies and agencies | Training and workshops | Climate change policy | Transport policy | Energy policy | Economy
Sustainable mobility and transport perspectives from UTM cities
Online only
The Urban Transitions Mission (UTM) and the Driving Urban Transitions Partnership (DUT) will host a four-part webinar series from February to March 2026 on sustainable mobility and transport. City representatives and experts from around the world will share practical solutions for decarbonising transport, promoting active and inclusive mobility, and leveraging digital tools for smarter, more connected urban travel.
