This week, EU leaders meet to discuss competitiveness, Ukraine and the next Multi-annual Financial Framework; Environment ministers discuss a proposed review of the EU’s emissions trading system; the European Commission holds Horizon info days, as well as workshops on creating venture builder roles in universities and research organisations, preparation of the Biotech Act II, and the 2026 Trade Policy Day to discuss the future of EU trade policy; the European Parliament hosts the Gulf Cooperation Council speakers’ conference; and we have the European Week of Regions and Cities. The week’s events in the European Union including EU Council, Commission and Parliament meetings from 12 to 17 October 2026.
Monday 12 October
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
European Parliament committee and political group meetings
Brussels
Competitiveness and fair labour mobility: the Employment and Social Affairs Committee will host European Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné to discuss industrial policy and the competitiveness agenda, followed by a debate with Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu on the fair labour mobility package, which focuses on cross-border work, recognition of qualifications, and social security rights.
Plenary preparations: the political groups will be preparing for the 19-22 October plenary session, where MEPs will assess the outcome of the October European Council meeting and mark the international day for the eradication of poverty. They will also debate and vote on their positions on: the 2027 EU budget, the 2028–2034 Erasmus+ programme, Parliament’s demands for the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 31), amendments to the critical raw materials act, and simplification of EU waste legislation and rules on cosmetics, fertiliser and labelling. MEPs will also debate the Commission’s 2027 work programme and vote on better passenger rights enforcement, Europe’s high-speed rail connectivity, the fight against value added tax fraud, and guidelines for the member states’ employment policies.
Monday 12 October
Council of the EU | Political meetings | Climate change | Emissions trading | COP31
Environment Council
Luxembourg
Environment and climate ministers will meet in Luxembourg to discuss the proposed review of the EU’s emissions trading system. They will also seek to approve conclusions on the EU’s main negotiating positions ahead of the United Nations climate change (COP31) and biodiversity (COP17) summits.
Monday 12 October
Council of the EU | Political meetings | Russia’s war of aggression | Enlargement
Foreign Affairs Council
Luxembourg
The Council will exchange views on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and escalating hybrid campaign targeting the EU and its member states and the situation in the Middle East in light of the latest developments. Ministers will also discuss about the impacts of enlargement on the EU’s security and, under current affairs, Georgia.
Monday 12 – Wednesday 14 October
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Cities | Cohesion policy
European Week of Regions and Cities 2026
Brussels
Under this year’s motto, Strong regions, strong Europe, The European Week of Regions and Cities will bring together stakeholders from cities and regions across Europe. In Brussels in October, they will showcase their capacity to create growth and jobs, implement European Union Cohesion policy, and prove the importance of the local and regional level for good European governance.
Monday 12 October
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Migration | Integration of migrants
EMN Netherlands national conference: Early integration of applicants for international protection
The Hague, Netherlands
The conference ‘Early integration of applicants for international protection: European and Dutch experiences in promoting employment, language learning and cultural orientation’ is organised by the European Migration Network Netherlands (EMN Netherlands) will provide insights into research on early integration measures by EU Member States and EMN Observer Countries, and on the challenges in implementing these measures.
Monday 12 October
Other bodies and agencies | Training and workshops | Biotechnology
Stakeholder Workshop on Biotech Act II
Brussels
This workshop will bring together stakeholders to discuss preliminary policy options for Biotech Act II and explore how to strengthen the EU industrial biotechnology and biomanufacturing sector.
Tuesday 13 October
Council of the EU | Political meetings | EU Budget | Rule of law in Hungary
General Affairs Council
Luxembourg
Ministers for European affairs will meet to continue preparations for the October European Council by discussing draft conclusions and will hold a policy debate on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034. The Council will also receive an update on the rule of law situation in Hungary in the context of the Article 7 procedure and will be invited to approve conclusions on inclusive democratic participation and community resilience.
Tuesday 13 October
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | the EU’s international role | International cooperation | Global Gateway
EU-Malaysia Business Forum
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The EU-Malaysia Business Day 2026 is a flagship trade and investment forum hosted by the EU Delegation to Malaysia, the Selangor State Government, Invest Selangor, and EU business chambers. It aims to deepen EU-Malaysia economic ties through the Global Gateway strategy, highlighting Selangor’s €10B+ EU business ecosystem—home to 500+ European firms.
Tuesday 13 October
Other bodies and agencies | Training and workshops | Climate change
Innovation Fund webinar – IF26 SME call
Online only
The IF26 SME call is a new call dedicated to small-scale projects from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), designed to make Innovation Fund support more accessible. It introduces a simplified application process: including reduced information requirements, a simplified GHG calculator, more pass/fail criteria, lighter reporting and monitoring, and two cut-off dates (two application deadlines per year). This one-hour session will present the essentials of the IF26 SME call.
Wednesday 14 October
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Defence policy
Defence Investment Forum
Luxembourg
Under the theme “From angels to institutions: a cross-capital investment opportunity for defence”, the forum will bring together private and public investors to explore how capital can support the development of Europe’s next generation of defence and dual-use capabilities.
Wednesday 14 October
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Schengen Agreement
EMN Austria national conference 2025: The future of Schengen
Vienna, Austria
This year’s EMN Austria national conference is dedicated to exploring the future of Schengen. T
Wednesday 14 October
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Trade policy
Trade Policy Day 2026
Brussels – Live streaming available
Join us for the 2026 edition of Trade Policy Day to discuss how trade policy can help promote stability, resilience and growth in an uncertain world, balance strategic openness with greater autonomy, and keep EU industry competitive while avoiding protectionism.
Wednesday 14 – Thursday 15 October
Other bodies and agencies | Info days | Digital, Industry and Space
Horizon Europe info days—Cluster 4
Online only
Learn more about funding opportunities in the Cluster 4 areas – Join the Horizon Europe Cluster 4 info days on 14 and 15 October 2026 to learn more about the topics of the 2027 Work Programme.
Wednesday 14 October
Other bodies and agencies | Training and workshops | Knowledge management
Creating venture builder roles in universities and research organisations
Brussels and online
This workshop aims to collect inputs, best practices and experiences from venture builders, universities, research organisations, research and technology infrastructures, researchers and innovators to advance the development of EU policy supporting the creation of venture builders’ roles in universities and research organisations.
Thursday 15 – Friday 16 October
European Council | Political meetings | Ukraine | Defence
European Council
Brussels
EU leaders will gather in Brussels to discuss competitiveness, Ukraine, the next Multiannual Financial Framework, Middle East, European defence and security, migration, enlargement and reforms.
Thursday 15 October
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Artificial Intelligence
AI in Science Summit 2026
Belfield, Ireland
AIS26, coordinated by University College Dublin and Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland, will bring together scientists, industry leaders, investors and policymakers to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on scientific discovery — and how Europe can drive this transformation with a distinctive and responsible approach.
Thursday 15 October
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Energy policy
5th European Energy Efficiency Day
Brussels
At a pivotal moment for Europe’s clean energy transition, and the ongoing global fossil energy crisis, this event convenes European policymakers, industrial leaders, civil society, and youth advocates to address how energy efficiency underpins European industrial competitiveness, affordability, and energy security.
Friday 16 October
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
European Parliament committee and political group meetings
Brussels
EP and Gulf Cooperation Council speakers’ conference: the European Parliament will host Gulf Cooperation Council speakers, and representatives from Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, to discuss how to advance strategic partnership and parliamentary cooperation. Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, as well as security in Europe and the wider impact of Russia’s war on Ukraine, will also be discussed. Parliament’s president, Roberta Metsola, will chair the conference, which will be wrapped up by a joint statement.
Friday 16 October
Other bodies and agencies | Info days | Nature | Research
Horizon Europe info day: Horizontal Activities Nature and Bridging calls
Online only
The session will provide participants with targeted guidance on the policy context, supporting applicants in understanding the objectives and opportunities of the Nature and Bridging calls.
