Forward look: 18 – 31 May 2026
Overview of the main topics and events at the Council of EU and European Council for the coming fortnight.
Foreign Affairs Council (Development), 18 May 2026
The Foreign Affairs Council, in its Development configuration, will focus on the future of the EU’s external action in light of geopolitical developments. Ministers will also exchange views on the role of the Global Gateway strategy in the EU’s external action, as well as on the impact of the war in Iran on development across the world.
Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 22 May 2026
During the Foreign Affairs Council, in its Trade formation, EU trade ministers will review the state of play of economic security and the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on trade. Ministers will then exchange views on the state of play of WTO reform and the follow-up to the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), held in Yaoundé from 26 to 30 March 2026. Over lunch, ministers will discuss the current status of ongoing trade negotiations.
Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 26 May 2026
Agriculture ministers will exchange views on availability and affordability of fertilisers in the EU. They will also discuss trade-related agricultural issues.
General Affairs Council, 26 May 2026
Ministers for EU affairs will start preparations for the June European Council and hold a policy debate on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034. The Council will also discuss the state of play of the EU-UK relations. In the context of the annual rule of law dialogue, the Council will hold country-specific discussions concerning France, Italy, Latvia and Croatia. Over an informal breakfast, ministers will discuss the future of Europe.
Competitiveness Council (Internal market and Industry), 28 May 2026
On May 28, during the session on the internal market and industry, Ministers will engage in a policy debate on the Industrial Accelerator Act. Interventions will focus on how to best leverage access to the single market through European preference and low-carbon requirements. Ministers are expected to approve conclusions on building a sustainable and competitive tourism for the future.
Competitiveness Council (Research and Space), 29 May 2026
On May 29, Ministers responsible for space policy will hold an exchange of views on space for economic security. The presidency is expected to present a progress report on the EU space act.
