This week, European affairs ministers discuss the EU Budget framework 2028-2034, and the Competitiveness Council debates the chips act 2.0 and revision of merger control guidelines; the Commission holds the EU Access to Space Conference, an event on the EU advanced materials ecosystem, the EU Organic Awards Ceremony 2026 and launches the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform; MEPs on delegations visit Iceland over foreign affairs, South Korea over artificial intelligence, USA over taxes, Greenland over transport and gender equality, Finland over culture and civil protection and Greece over railway safety; and we have the European Week of Sport. The week’s events in the European Union including EU Council, Commission and Parliament meetings from 21 to 26 September 2026.
Monday 21 September
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
European Parliament delegations
Iceland/foreign affairs: a delegation from the Foreign Affairs committee will travel to Iceland for talks on foreign policy, security and the future of EU-Iceland relations in the aftermath of the 29 August referendum. (Monday to Wednesday).
South Korea/artificial intelligence: an Internal Market and Consumer Protection committee delegation will be in South Korea to explore how the country regulates new digital technologies, artificial intelligence and deepfakes, and enforces online trade rules. The visit follows the recent conclusion of the EU–South Korea digital partnership. (Monday to Thursday)
USA/taxes: MEPs from the Subcommittee on Tax Matters will travel to Washington DC and Delaware to discuss EU-US relations in the field of taxation, how to combat tax evasion and progress at global level on various tax issues. They will meet with representatives of the US Department of the Treasury, Congress, the Council of Economic Advisors, and the Internal Revenue Service, as well as with stakeholders from the private sector, experts, and civil society. (Monday to Wednesday)
Greenland/transport and gender equality: MEPs from both the Transport and Tourism and the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality committees will visit Greenland. Transport MEPs and local authorities will discuss EU-Greenland cooperation on transport infrastructure projects, maritime, air connectivity, and sustainable tourism in the Arctic. Gender equality MEPs will visit Ilulissat and Nuuk to learn about the situation of indigenous women and girls and discuss gender-based violence, access to healthcare and education, and the impact of climate change on indigenous communities. (Monday to Thursday)
Finland/culture and civil protection: a Culture and Education committee delegation will go to Oulu, Finland, the 2026 European Capital of Culture, to discuss sustainable development, cultural diversity and resilience. At the same time MEPs on the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs committee will explore the Finnish model of preparedness and civil protection in meetings with national authorities and stakeholders in Helsinki. (Monday to Wednesday)
Greece/railway safety: a delegation of the Petitions committee will go to Greece, to review the lessons learned from the 2023 passenger and freight trains crash near Tempi, which claimed 57 lives. MEPs will meet national and regional authorities to be updated on steps taken to improve railway safety. (Monday to Wednesday)
Monday 21 September
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Water protection | Water pollution | Water | Environmental protection | Water supply | Drinking water
Launch of the water resilience stakeholder platform
Brussels
On 21 September, the European Commission will launch the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform at the headquarters of the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
The Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform will bring together experts from across sectors to help guide the EU’s journey towards water resilience.
Tuesday 22 September
Council of the EU | Political meetings | EU Budget | Rule of Law
General Affairs Council
Brussels
Ministers responsible for European affairs will hold a policy debate on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 and start preparations for the October European Council. The Commission will present a letter of intent and the Council will hold an exchange of views on EU’s legislative programming for 2027. As part of the annual rule of law dialogue, ministers will hold a horizontal discussion on general developments related to the rule of law situation in the EU and exchange views on the general trend of the rule of law situation in selected candidate countries.
Tuesday 22 September
Other bodies and agencies | Training and workshops | Knowledge management | Research infrastructure | Industrial research
Improving access for industrial users to research and technology infrastructures
Online only
Join us to hear how one of the leading research and technology organisations in Europe, CEA (French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission), has built successful collaboration with start-ups and SMEs. The webinar demonstrates how cross-border access, simplified contracts, or tailored support can drive breakthroughs.
Wednesday 23 September
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Space industry
2nd EU Access to Space Conference
Brussels
The Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) is pleased to announce the second edition of the EU Access to Space Conference, a yearly event convening leaders from the space ecosystem. This edition will focus on translating policy ambitions into actionable strategies for ensuring Europe’s sovereign, resilient, and cost-effective Access to Space.
Wednesday 23 -Wednesday 30 September
Other bodies and agencies | Campaign launches | Sport
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European Week of Sport
Brussels
Everyone’s invited! From 23-30 September, join people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Locally, regionally, nationally, or across borders. In schools, workplaces, parks, clubs, and public spaces all over Europe.
Wednesday 23 September
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Advanced materials | Industrial research
The EU advanced materials ecosystem
Brussels
This event will bring together stakeholders to discuss the findings of three new studies on advanced materials in support of the forthcoming EU Advanced Materials Act.
Wednesday 23 September
Other bodies and agencies | Competitions and award ceremonies | Organic farming | Organic product | Bio-based product
EU Organic Awards Ceremony 2026
Brussels
The EU Organic Awards represent an opportunity to recognise the work of various actors along the organic value chain.
This year’s edition will put the winners in the spotlight by giving them a chance to share their expertise and what sets apart their products and contribution to the EU organic sector. The event will also provide a forum for discussion and debate, while offering an opportunity for networking.
Thursday 24 September
Council of the EU | Political meetings | Chips | Mergers
Competitiveness Council
Brussels
Internal market and industry ministers will hold debates on the chips act 2.0 and on the revision of merger control guidelines. They will be informed about current legislative proposals (the industrial accelerator act, the 28th regime, and the European competitiveness fund).
Thursday 24 – Friday 25 September
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Agricultural research | Sustainable agriculture | Rural development | Forestry policy
The EU AgRI 2040 Conference
Brussels
The conference will focus on the recently adopted Communication, “New Strategic Approach to Research and Innovation for competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture, forestry, rural areas and food systems: Future-proofing EU agri-food through AgRI 2040 and Food 2040”.
The two-day event, on 24 & 25 September in Brussels, is a chance to connect with key stakeholders and help shape the priorities of the next Horizon Europe EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme and the future European Competitiveness Fund.
Thursday 24 September
Other bodies and agencies | Training and workshops | Health technology assessment
Health technology assessment: Webinar for patients and clinical experts
Online
In this webinar, Chairs and Co-chairs of the Member State Coordination Group on Health Technology Assessment and its subgroups will explain the process for joint clinical assessments and joint scientific consultations. The webinar will focus on how patients (or their carers) and clinical experts can be involved in these processes.
