This Week in Foreign Affairs — Brussels (#16, 2026)
MEPs adopt accountability resolution on Ukraine; EU-Armenia summit announced; Mercosur tariff quotas enter into force; Uzbekistan enhanced partnership agreement published; Sanctions on Myanmar/Burma renewed.
April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026
MEPs adopt accountability resolution on Ukraine; EU-Armenia summit announced; Mercosur tariff quotas enter into force; Uzbekistan enhanced partnership agreement published; Sanctions on Myanmar/Burma renewed.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📝 EP Motions & Questions
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): On May 04, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; 2025 Commission report on Albania; 2025 Commission report on Georgia.
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): On May 05, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; 2025 Commission report on Albania; 2025 Commission report on Georgia.
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): On May 05, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Establishing Global Europe.
- Committee on Development (DEVE): On May 05, the European Parliament's Committee on Development (DEVE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Establishing Global Europe.
- Committee on Development (DEVE): On May 05, the European Parliament's Committee on Development (DEVE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Decision (EU) 2021/1764 on the Association of the Overseas Countries and Territories with the European Union including relations between the European Union on the one hand, and Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark on the other; Chair’s announcements.
- Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI): On May 06, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Chair’s announcements concerning coordinators’ decisions.
- Committee on International Trade (INTA): On May 06, the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Addressing the negative trade-related effects of global overcapacity on the Union steel market; Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the Union and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan relating to the modification of concessions on all the tariff rate quotas included in the EU Schedule CLXXV as a consequence of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union; A new era of EU mini-trade deals.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE): On May 06, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Agreement between the European Union and Canada laying down the conditions for the participation of Canadian legal entities and products originating in Canada to procurement under the SAFE Instrument; Chair’s announcements; *** End of electronic vote ***.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE): On May 06, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Framework of measures to facilitate the transport of military equipment, goods and personnel across the Union.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE): On May 06, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Chair’s announcements concerning coordinators’ decisions; Coordinators’ meeting.
European Commission
Commission adopts temporary State aid framework in response to Middle East crisis
On 28 April 2026, the European Commission adopted the Middle East crisis Temporary State aid Framework (METSAF), enabling Member States to support sectors most exposed to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, specifically agriculture, fishery, transport, and energy-intensive industries. The framework, which will remain in place until 31 December 2026, permits compensation of up to 70% of extra costs arising from fuel and fertiliser price increases, as well as simplified aid procedures for small and micro-enterprises. The METSAF also temporarily adjusts the Clean Industrial Deal State aid Framework (CISAF), allowing higher aid intensities to address electricity price volatility. Member States are required to notify measures under METSAF for fast-track approval. The Commission’s initiative follows European Council conclusions of 19 March 2026 calling for targeted, temporary measures to address spikes in imported fossil fuel prices.
Commission refers seven Member States to Court of Justice over critical entities resilience directive
On 28 April 2026, the European Commission referred Bulgaria, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and Sweden to the Court of Justice of the EU for failing to transpose Directive (EU) 2022/2557 on the resilience of critical entities (CER Directive) by the 17 October 2024 deadline. The CER Directive requires regular risk assessments and resilience measures in sectors such as energy, transport, health, and banking. The Commission is seeking financial sanctions for each non-compliant Member State. The CER Directive forms part of the EU’s broader legislative package to strengthen infrastructure protection and cybersecurity.
First EU-Armenia Summit to deepen partnership and launch new connectivity initiatives
The first EU-Armenia Summit is set for 4–5 May 2026 in Yerevan, with President Ursula von der Leyen, Council President António Costa, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in attendance. The summit agenda includes reviewing progress in bilateral relations and launching the EU-Armenia Connectivity Partnership, covering transport, energy, and digital cooperation. The two sides will also take steps to deepen security and defence cooperation, including the establishment of the new EU Partnership Mission in Armenia. A working arrangement between Frontex and Armenia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs will be initialled during the summit.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Interim Mercosur-EU trade agreement: Commission amends tariff quotas
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/996 of 29 April 2026 amends Implementing Regulations (EU) 2020/761 and (EU) 2020/1988 to create, amend, and manage tariff quotas following the entry into force of the Interim Agreement on Trade between the EU and Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay). The regulation introduces new and amended tariff quotas for various agricultural products and sets transitional provisions for 2026. It enters into force on 1 May 2026 and reflects the provisional application of the trade agreement.
Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Uzbekistan published
The Official Journal L 2026/918 of 30 April 2026 publishes the full text of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU (and its Member States) and the Republic of Uzbekistan. The agreement covers political dialogue, justice and security, trade, intellectual property, competition, and sustainable development. It includes provisions on democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and detailed chapters on trade in goods, services, government procurement, and dispute settlement.
EU extends sanctions regime on Myanmar/Burma
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/927 of 27 April 2026 extends restrictive measures on Myanmar/Burma until 30 April 2027, amending Decision 2013/184/CFSP. The annex updates entries for 33 persons and nine entities subject to asset freezes and travel bans, and removes one deceased individual.
EU extends mandate for Iraq and Somalia security missions
The Political and Security Committee extended the mandates of the Head of Mission for EUAM Iraq (Decision (CFSP) 2026/925) and EUCAP Somalia (Decision (CFSP) 2026/920). Mr. Ralf Schröder remains Head of EUAM Iraq until 31 October 2026; Mr. Kęstutis Lančinskas continues as Head of EUCAP Somalia until 28 February 2027.
eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu
European Parliament
Parliament adopts resolution demanding justice for civilian victims of Russian attacks in Ukraine
On 30 April 2026, the European Parliament adopted a resolution addressing Russia’s continued attacks against civilians in Ukraine. MEPs called for Russia to end systematic strikes on residential areas, energy infrastructure, and hospitals, and supported the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression Against Ukraine. Parliament also urged further expansion of EU sanctions and effective coordination of accountability mechanisms.
Parliament approves new EU-Iceland PNR data agreement
On 29 April 2026, the European Parliament approved the recommendation (A10-0072/2026) for the EU-Iceland Agreement on the transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, supporting cooperation to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute terrorist offences and serious crime.
EU Council
EU-Armenia summit on 4–5 May to focus on connectivity and security
On 4 May 2026, the European Political Community will meet in Yerevan. Leaders will discuss European peace and stability, with President Costa stating the need for a 360º vision for European security in the current geopolitical context.
EP Motions & Questions
Joint motion for a resolution on shortcomings of Venezuela’s Amnesty Law tabled by PPE, ECR, Renew
On 29 April 2026, MEPs from the PPE, ECR, and Renew groups tabled a joint motion for a resolution (RC-B10-0217/2026) on the Amnesty Law in Venezuela, citing its limited scope, lack of independent monitoring, and failure to guarantee unconditional release of political prisoners. The motion calls for full accountability and reforms to ensure political reconciliation.
Left Group motion condemns US military intervention and calls for Maduro’s release
On 28 April 2026, The Left Group tabled a motion for a resolution (B10-0219/2026) condemning the US intervention in Venezuela and the abduction of Nicolás Maduro. The motion urges respect for Venezuelan sovereignty, calls for the release of all detainees, and highlights the importance of human rights monitoring for the Amnesty Law’s implementation.
EP Committee Work
DEVE opinion supports termination of EU-Liberia timber agreement
On 28 April 2026, the Committee on Development (DEVE) adopted its opinion (PE785.189v02-00, rapporteur: Barry Andrews) supporting the draft Council decision to terminate the Voluntary Partnership Agreement on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) in timber products between the EU and Liberia. The opinion, addressed to the Committee on International Trade, recommends approval of the termination.
