This Week in Foreign Affairs — Brussels (#17, 2026)
EU-Japan deepen digital and trade ties; Sudan sanctions expanded; €135m EU-Jordan partnership; Pact on Migration implementation; MFF reforms for Ukraine support.
May 03, 2026 to May 09, 2026
EU-Japan deepen digital and trade ties; Sudan sanctions expanded; €135m EU-Jordan partnership; Pact on Migration implementation; MFF reforms for Ukraine support.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Foreign Affairs Council: On May 11, the EU Council's Foreign Affairs Council configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
- Foreign Affairs Council (Defence): On May 12, the EU Council's Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) configuration is scheduled to hold an ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
EU-Japan High-Level Economic Dialogue addresses supply chains, economic security
On 7 May 2026, the European Commission hosted the 7th EU–Japan High-Level Economic Dialogue in Brussels, co-chaired by Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. The Dialogue, which included Japanese ministers Akazawa Ryosei and Horii Iwao, focused on reinforcing trade and industrial policy cooperation and deepening economic security. Both sides addressed concerns regarding economic coercion and recent expansion of export restrictions, reaffirming commitments to rules-based trade and supply chain resilience, particularly for critical minerals, batteries, and clean technologies. Discussions also covered joint projects under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), the EU-Japan Competitiveness Alliance, and the role of the European Investment Bank and Japan Bank for International Cooperation. Ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation on economic security, technology transfer risk assessment, and the automobile and battery sectors.
EU and Jordan advance Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership with €135 million agreements
On 6 May 2026 in Amman, Commissioner Dubravka Šuica signed €135 million in financing agreements with Jordan’s Minister Zeina Toukan under the EU–Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership (SCP). The agreements allocate €30 million for technical and vocational education, €25 million for integrated border management and internal security, and €80 million for Syrian refugees and host communities. An additional €12.3 million, supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus, will expand the Aqaba Digital Hub’s data capacity. These actions are part of the SCP’s €3 billion commitment (2025–2027) to Jordan, focusing on human capital, migration, security, economic resilience, and political relations.
Pact on Migration and Asylum: Commission reports on implementation progress
The European Commission published its latest report on the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum on 7 May 2026, noting that Member States have advanced in adapting national legislation and operational structures ahead of the Pact’s entry into application on 12 June 2026. Key measures include the establishment of mandatory screening and border procedures, the new Eurodac biometric system, and the first Annual Solidarity Pool. Ongoing efforts are needed to close remaining gaps, particularly regarding border infrastructure, secondary movements, and operationalising legal safeguards. The Commission has allocated €3 billion for implementation in cooperation with EU agencies such as EUAA, Frontex, and eu-LISA.
President von der Leyen marks 50 years of EU-Canada diplomatic relations
On 5 May 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen released a video message celebrating 50 years of EU diplomatic presence in Canada, referencing the growth in bilateral trade following the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and Canada’s accession to the SAFE defence initiative. She underlined the strategic partnership’s resilience in the context of global challenges, with further cooperation planned at the next EU–Canada summit.
Europe Day 2026: Institutions open doors to citizens, mark 40 years since Iberian enlargement
The European Commission, Parliament, Council, and other EU bodies celebrated Europe Day on 9 May 2026 with public events, open days, and activities across Member States and delegations worldwide. The 76th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration coincided with 40 years since Portugal and Spain joined the EU, and the first official Europe Day. President of the European Council António Costa and Parliament President Roberta Metsola participated in ceremonies, and new Eurobarometer survey data showed record-high support for EU membership and common defence.
Commission presents Eurobarometer: EU seen as source of stability and security
On 7 May 2026, the Commission published the Standard Eurobarometer 105 survey. Nearly three-quarters of Europeans believe their country benefits from EU membership, with 75% feeling EU citizenship and 81% supporting a common defence and security policy. The survey reflects continued public backing for the EU’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and growing support for diversifying trade relations.
EU and Japan accelerate cooperation on AI, data, quantum and semiconductors
At the fourth EU-Japan Digital Partnership Council meeting on 4 May 2026 in Brussels, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen and Japanese ministers agreed new steps for joint action on data flows, AI, quantum research, and semiconductor supply chains. The parties launched a Data Strategy Working Group, announced the expansion of the EU adequacy decision on Japan for academic and research data, and confirmed ongoing projects in quantum science (Q-Neko) and 6G networks. Further cooperation will address AI safety and online platform regulation.
EU and UK discuss Ukraine support and innovation cooperation
On 3 May 2026 in Yerevan, President Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a joint statement following their meeting at the European Political Community summit. Topics included UK participation in the EU’s €90 billion loan for Ukraine and launching negotiations for UK participation in the European Innovation Council Fund. Both parties reiterated support for Ukrainian sovereignty and discussed ambitions for the forthcoming EU-UK summit.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2026/1049 and Regulation (EU) 2026/1051: Restrictive measures on Sudan updated
On 7 May 2026, the Council adopted Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2026/1049 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1051, amending Decision 2014/450/CFSP and Regulation (EU) No 747/2014 concerning restrictive measures on Sudan. Following UN Security Council Resolution 1591(2005), three individuals were added to the EU’s sanctions lists. These measures enter into force upon publication in the Official Journal (OJ L 2026/1049, 2026/1051).
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1028: European Peace Facility support for Senegal
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1028 of 5 May 2026 establishes an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility for the Armed Forces of Senegal within the Yaoundé Architecture. The €15 million measure will finance operational, educational, and mobility equipment for Senegal’s navy to enhance maritime security and support regional stability in West Africa.
Regulation (EU) 2026/995 amends NDICI for more efficient External Action Guarantee
Regulation (EU) 2026/995, adopted on 29 April 2026, amends Regulation (EU) 2021/947 on the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI – Global Europe). The changes aim to increase efficiency in the External Action Guarantee by reallocating surpluses, adjusting guarantee coverage levels, and simplifying reporting and auditing requirements for implementing partners.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/913: Definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of adipic acid from China
On 4 May 2026, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/913 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of adipic acid from the People’s Republic of China. The regulation sets duty rates for named companies and provides for the definitive collection of provisional duties. The measure was published in OJ L 2026/913.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1029: EU position at IMO on MARPOL and SOLAS amendments
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1029 of 27 April 2026 sets the EU position for the International Maritime Organization’s MEPC 84 and MSC 111 sessions. The Decision authorises Member States to support amendments to MARPOL Annex VI for the North-East Atlantic Emission Control Area, and to SOLAS and related codes for safety and digital communications, aligning international law with EU legislation on maritime emissions and safety.
EU Council
Foreign Affairs Council discusses Ukraine, Middle East, and EU threat analysis
On 11 May 2026, EU foreign ministers exchanged views on Russia’s war against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and relations with the Western Balkans. The Council was briefed on the updated EU threat analysis and participated in high-level meetings on the return of Ukrainian children and dialogue with Syria.
Eurogroup assesses impact of Middle East conflict on EU economy
On 4 May 2026, the Eurogroup evaluated the effects of the Middle East conflict on economic stability and discussed operational resilience in banking, focusing on cyber security and artificial intelligence.
EP Committee Work
AFET adopts reports on Western Balkans progress and countering transnational repression
On 5 May 2026, the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) adopted reports on the Commission’s 2025 reports for Georgia (rapporteur Rasa Juknevičienė, PPE), Albania (Andreas Schieder, S&D), and Montenegro (Marjan Šarec, Renew), as well as a legislative initiative report on countering transnational repression (rapporteur Hannah Neumann, Verts/ALE). The committee held an exchange with Members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on EU accession and discussed the establishment of the Global Europe instrument.
DROI hearing examines forced exile, removal of nationality, and statelessness
On 6 May 2026, the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) organised a public hearing on forced exile, removal of nationality, and statelessness. Expert speakers included Wendy Flores (Colectivo Nicaragua Nunca Más), Lucky Karim (Refugee Women for Peace and Justice), Bronwen Manby (University of London), and Amal de Chickera (Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion), with participation from the Commission and EEAS.
BUDG hearing analyses EU financing for Ukraine’s reconstruction through the 2028–2034 MFF
On 6 May 2026, the Committee on Budgets (BUDG) held a public hearing on financing Ukraine’s reconstruction using the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034. Speakers included Jana Kobzova (ECFR), Pietro Bomprezzi (Kiel Institute), Domenico Campogrande (FIEC), Matteo Rivellini (EIB), and Elena Višnar Malinovská (European Commission), who discussed funding needs, aid modalities, and the role of EU budgetary instruments.
