This Week in Foreign Affairs — Brussels (#14, 2026)
Commission launches Mediterranean Pact Action Plan; Parliament budget committee proposes 10% MFF increase; SEDE issues opinions on defence and infrastructure; Council discusses Ukraine, Middle East.
April 12, 2026 to April 18, 2026
Commission launches Mediterranean Pact Action Plan; Parliament budget committee proposes 10% MFF increase; SEDE issues opinions on defence and infrastructure; Council discusses Ukraine, Middle East.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): On April 20, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Structured Dialogue on the Commission Work Programme: Exchange of views with Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement.
- Foreign Affairs Council: On April 21, the EU Council's Foreign Affairs Council configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
Commission presents first Action Plan under the Pact for the Mediterranean
On 16 April 2026, the European Commission outlined the first Action Plan under the Pact for the Mediterranean to representatives from EU Member States and the Southern Mediterranean. The Action Plan launches 21 concrete initiatives for 2026, structured around three pillars: People, Economies, and Security/Preparedness/Migration Management. Key actions include the Mediterranean University Initiative, a Youth Parliamentary Assembly, the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy and Clean-Tech Cooperation Initiative (T-MED), the establishment of a regional European Firefighting Hub in Cyprus, and operational support to combat organized crime and strengthen border management. The Pact, developed jointly by the European Commission and the European External Action Service, was adopted in October 2025 and officially launched on 28 November 2025. The Action Plan will be updated regularly, with the next version expected in autumn 2026. High Representative Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Dubravka Šuica stressed the importance of co-creation, investment, and security partnerships across the region.
EU Council
Foreign Affairs Council discusses Russia, Middle East, South Caucasus, and Sudan
On 21 April 2026, the Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Ministers also discussed the situation in the Middle East, EU-South Caucasus relations, and developments in Sudan.
EP Committee Work
Committee on Security and Defence opinion on European Competitiveness Fund
On 17 April 2026, the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) adopted its opinion on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), including the specific programme for defence research and innovation activities (2025/0555(COD)). Rapporteur Riho Terras (ECR) introduced amendments focusing on support for defence industry capacity, reduction of strategic dependencies, and the development of dual-use infrastructure, with a specific emphasis on Member States bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The opinion covers cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and the need for robust supply chains, aligning ECF implementation with the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence and defence capability priorities.
Committee on Security and Defence opinion on the Connecting Europe Facility (2028-2034)
On 17 April 2026, SEDE adopted its opinion on the regulation establishing the Connecting Europe Facility for 2028-2034 (2025/0221(COD)), Rapporteur Petras Auštrevičius (Renew). The opinion addresses military mobility, strategic transport corridors, dual-use infrastructure, and the reinforcement of the EU’s Eastern borders. It introduces amendments to increase funding for military mobility, ensure interoperability with NATO, and enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure against hybrid threats. The opinion also calls for extending military mobility corridors into Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans.
Committee on Development opinion on amendments to the Critical Raw Materials Act
On 15 April 2026, the Committee on Development (DEVE) adopted its opinion on the proposal to amend Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 (Critical Raw Materials Act), Rapporteur Marit Maij (S&D). The opinion focuses on strengthening risk preparedness for large companies, promoting supply chain transparency, and ensuring alignment with international standards for responsible business conduct. Amendments call for conflict-sensitive risk analysis, engagement with local communities and civil society, and consideration of environmental and human rights risks in supply chains.
Committee on Budgetary Control draft opinion on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism
On 15 April 2026, the Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) published its draft opinion on the proposal for a regulation concerning the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (2025/0223(COD)), Rapporteur Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left). The opinion emphasises transparency, traceability, auditability, and the prevention of double funding in the implementation of the Mechanism. It proposes amendments to ensure robust financial management, annual reporting, and full audit rights for European institutions, especially for funds implemented in third countries.
