EU Agenda: Week Ahead - 27-31 May 2024
This week, farm ministers discuss the current crisis in the agricultural sector; the foreign affairs Council discusses Russian aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East; energy ministers meet to approve conclusions on advancing sustainable electricity grid infrastructure; the Commission holds conferences on crime and security, and implementation of the Instant Payments Regulation; and the European elections campaign continues. The week's events in the European Union including EU Council, Commission and Parliament meetings from 27 to 31 May 2024.
Monday 27 May
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
European elections
Brussels
The European Parliament concluded its final plenary session of its 9th term on 25 April. The European elections will take place on 6 - 9 June.
On 9 June, the last day of voting, Parliament will host an Election Night in Brussels where the election results will be published. The plenary chamber will be converted into a pressroom with a stage area and will space for live TV positions.
Monday 27 May
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | International cooperation
8th Brussels Conference on "Supporting the future of Syria and the region"
Brussels
With nearly 800 participants attending, the Brussels Conference has over the years become an invaluable opportunity to engage and deepen dialogue with Syrian civil society (from Syria, the neighbouring countries and the diaspora), main UN stakeholders and agencies, EU Member States, third countries representatives as well as international NGOs. The event reaffirms the international community's support to the Syrian people and to the UN Special Envoy's efforts for a negotiated political solution to the conflict, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The Ministerial Conference also aims at mobilising vital financial support to alleviate the crucial needs of Syrians and their host communities in neighbouring countries, particularly Jordan, Lebanon and Türkiye, as well as Egypt and Iraq.
Monday 27 May
Council of the EU | Conferences and summits | Agriculture
Agriculture and Fisheries Council
Brussels
Agriculture ministers will discuss the current crisis situation in the agricultural sector, focusing in particular on two strands: the responses that have already been provided and those that are currently envisaged, as well as the future of crisis management.
The Council will also exchange views on the market situation, in particular following the invasion of Ukraine.
Monday 27 May
Council of the EU | Conferences and summits | Russia | Ukraine | Middle East
Foreign Affairs Council
Brussels
The Foreign Affairs Council will discuss Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and current affairs.
Tuesday 28 May
Council of the EU | Conferences and summits | Defence | Ukraine
Foreign Affairs Council (Defence)
Brussels
The Foreign Affairs Council, in its defence configuration, will discuss support to Ukraine and the EU's defence readiness.
Tuesday 28 May
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Institutional affairs | Green transition | Competitiveness
European Economic Area Council
Brussels
The EEA Council will discuss the overall functioning of the EEA Agreement and hold an orientation debate on 'The role of the green transition in Europe's competitiveness: challenges and opportunities'.
Tuesday 28 May
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Organised crime | Terrorism | Radicalisation | Europol
EU versus Crime - Conference on Security
Brussels
The conference will present the internal security achievements of the current Commission, reflect on future challenges and celebrate Europol's 25th anniversary.
Wednesday 29 May
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Environment
Green Week 2024 Conference: Towards a water resilient Europe
Brussels
Faced with recurrent water-related crises, this edition of the annual conference will debate what is needed to make the EU more water resilient, today and tomorrow.
At the conference, guest speakers will discuss various aspects of integrated water management. This includes topics such as: fostering a water smart economy within the EU; addressing the challenges of restoring and safeguarding the disrupted water cycle; ensuring widespread access to clean and affordable water and; sanitation and international water cooperation.
Wednesday 29 May
Other bodies and agencies | Training and workshops | Financial services | Payment
Second workshop on the implementation of the Instant Payments Regulation
Brussels
To facilitate a common understanding of the provisions of the Instant Payments Regulation and to assist payment service providers (PSPs) in their efforts to begin implementation work as early as possible, the Commission will organise a second online implementation workshop.
The workshop will focus on questions on the interpretation of legal provisions and obligations laid down in the Regulation and not on purely technical aspects or internal adjustments that may have to be made in order to comply with the obligations.
Wednesday 29 May
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Environmental policy | Biodiversity
European Natura 2000 Award Ceremony
Brussels | Live streaming available
Winners will be announced for the five Award categories: Conservation on land, Marine conservation, Communication, Working together for nature, and Cross-border cooperation.
This year's Ceremony is extra-special: the Natura 2000 Award is celebrating its 10-year anniversary! For a decade, the Award has been celebrating those who tirelessly manage and protect the Natura 2000 network, create added value for local economies and increase public awareness about our natural heritage.
Thursday 30 May
Council of the EU | Conferences and summits | Trade | Competitiveness
Foreign Affairs Council (Trade)
Brussels
The Foreign Affairs Council, in its Trade configuration, will discuss trade and competitiveness and the future of EU trade policy, the state of play of trade and investment relations between the EU and Africa, and the follow up to the 13th World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference (MC13).
Thursday 30 May
Council of the EU | Conferences and summits | Electricity
Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy)
Brussels
EU energy ministers will meet in Brussels to approve conclusions on advancing sustainable electricity grid infrastructure and will discuss the future of RePowerEU. They will also exchange views on how the European Green Deal can help transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy.
Thursday 30 - Friday 31 May
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Blue economy
European Maritime Day 2024
Svendborg, Denmark
The European Maritime Day (EMD) is an annual two-day event where Europe's maritime community gathers to discuss and collaborate on maritime affairs and sustainable blue economy. It is a platform for ocean leaders to connect, share knowledge, and plan for the future. The event features speakers, workshops, and pitch sessions for professionals from various sectors and EU citizens interested in the sea.