The Week Ahead 19 – 25 October 2026

2026 Sakharov Prize. Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola will announce the laureate of the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought on Thursday, following the selection by the Conference of Presidents of one of three candidates short-listed by the Foreign Affairs and Development committees on Monday.

European Council. On Wednesday morning, MEPs will assess the outcome of the 15-16 October European Council meeting, in a debate with Presidents Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa.

Russian drone strikes. On Tuesday, MEPs will debate Russian drone incursions and strikes on EU territory, and on Black Sea shipping in particular, with the Irish Council Presidency and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. They will vote on a resolution on Thursday.

Houthi attacks. On Tuesday, MEPs and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas will discuss the escalation of Houthi attacks and their implications for regional security. A resolution will be put to a vote on Thursday.

International Criminal Court. On Tuesday, Parliament will debate the EU’s support for international justice and the response to US sanctions against the International Criminal Court.

EU-UK and EU-Canada relations. On Tuesday, MEPs will debate the 20 November EU-UK summit and the future of EU-UK relations and on Wednesday, they will discuss their expectations for the 29-30 October EU-Canada summit, with representatives of the Irish Council Presidency and the European Commission.

Erasmus+. On Wednesday, MEPs will debate the priorities and budgetary needs of the 2028-2034 Erasmus+ programme, followed by a vote on Thursday.

Passenger rights. On Tuesday, Parliament is expected to give its final green light to updated EU rules to improve passengers’ protection and the information they receive in cases of travel disruption. A press conference will take place after the vote.

Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism. On Wednesday at 18.00, the winner of the 2026 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be announced in a special ceremony. The jury has shortlisted 10 investigations for this the award’s sixth edition. Parliament’s press service is organising a media seminar ahead of the ceremony. Plenary will debate the rule of law in Malta, nine years after the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, also on Wednesday.

Committee meetings

Global Europe programme. On Monday, the Foreign Affairs and Development committees will vote on the 2028-2034 Global Europe instrument, the EU’s primary funding mechanism for external action. MEPs are likely to reject cuts proposed by the Council and push for a more ambitious budget than originally proposed by the Commission, call for a minimum level of funding for humanitarian aid, and promote the defence of democracy and human rights in partner countries.

President’s diary. Parliament President Roberta Metsola will meet the Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Kian Peng Seah, on Tuesday. On Wednesday, she will sign legislative acts and open proceedings at the award ceremony for the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism.

Last-minute briefing. On Monday at 16.30, Parliament will hold a press briefing on the plenary session, which starts at 17.00. Political group briefings will take place on Tuesday.