12 October – The Foreign Affairs Council will meet in Luxembourg, chaired by High Representative Kaja Kallas. Ministers will discuss Russia’s war against Ukraine and its escalating hybrid campaign against the EU and its Member States, following an informal exchange with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The focus will be on strengthening support for Ukraine, responding to Russia’s intensified hybrid actions and maintaining pressure on Moscow.
Ministers will also address the situation in the Middle East, including Iran, Gaza and the West Bank, and preparations for the EU-GCC summit, Georgia, the security implications of EU enlargement, and efforts to counter foreign information manipulation and interference.
The Environment Council will meet in Luxembourg to discuss key EU climate and environmental priorities. Ministers will address the review of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), climate action ahead of COP31, and biodiversity ahead of COP17. Other topics include packaging waste, recycled plastics, water quality and the integration of nature protection into EU policies.
13 October – The General Affairs Council will meet in Luxembourg to prepare for the European Council meeting of 15–16 October and discuss the EU’s legislative priorities and the One Europe, One Market roadmap. Ministers will hold, in public session, a policy debate on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. They will receive an update on the rule of law situation in Hungary as part of the Article 7 TEU procedure triggered by the European Parliament’s reasoned proposal of September 2018. The Council will also consider conclusions on inclusive democratic participation and societal resilience under the European Democracy Shield.
14 October – Ireland will host the International AI Summit in Dublin. Under the theme “Harnessing AI to Revolutionise Europe’s Competitiveness”, the Summit will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and researchers to explore how AI can drive Europe’s competitiveness, growth and societal well-being, with a focus on talent, research and innovation, business adoption, public services and a trusted regulatory framework that safeguards citizens and European values. Taoiseach Micheál Martin will open the Summit, and Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, will then give a keynote on Europe’s vision for AI. The Summit will conclude with a keynote address from Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, on building a trusted digital economy.
14 October – EP President Roberta Metsola will meet the MFF Contact Group and European Council President António Costa, before chairing the Conference of Presidents.
15 October – EP President Roberta Metsola will address EU leaders at the European Council, followed by a press conference.
15–16 October, Brussels – European Council meeting
According to the annotated draft agenda dated 14 September 2026, EU leaders are expected to address competitiveness, including accelerated implementation of the inter-institutional roadmap to deliver the One Europe, One Market agenda and global macroeconomic imbalances; Ukraine, covering Russia’s war of aggression in all its dimensions, peace efforts and the Union’s continued support for Ukraine and its people; the next Multiannual Financial Framework, following the presentation of an updated draft Negotiating Box by the Irish Presidency; developments in the Middle East; European Defence and Security, focusing on progress in implementing Europe’s defence readiness agenda and providing guidance as needed; migration, through a strategic discussion; and enlargement and reforms, focusing on enlargement and the EU’s internal reforms. Following the General Affairs Council’s discussions from 13 October, the President of the European Council will draw up the provisional agenda.
19 October – The Employment and Social Policy Council will meet to discuss key EU priorities in employment and social policy. Ministers will be expected to adopt a recommendation on fighting housing exclusion and homelessness, as part of the European Affordable Housing Plan, and exchange views on the forthcoming Quality Jobs Act, with a focus on addressing the needs of both workers and employers. They will also seek to approve conclusions on equality as a driver for economic growth and competitiveness. Discussions will further address how to advance equality and non-discrimination across the EU, endorse key employment and social policy messages under the European Semester, and explore possible EU action to activate people excluded from the labour market.
20 October – possible adoption of the European Commission’s 2027 Work Programme
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