This Week in Foreign Affairs — Brussels (#23, 2026)
Major foreign policy agreements ratified; EU–Canada SAFE Instrument deal enters force; Convention for Ukraine Claims Commission approved; UN Cybercrime Convention adopted; new trade talks with Korea start; comprehensive sanctions on Russia, Belarus, and Moldova expanded.
June 14, 2026 to June 20, 2026
Major foreign policy agreements ratified; EU–Canada SAFE Instrument deal enters force; Convention for Ukraine Claims Commission approved; UN Cybercrime Convention adopted; new trade talks with Korea start; comprehensive sanctions on Russia, Belarus, and Moldova expanded.
📋 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
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): On June 22, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Ukraine Support Loan Dialogue - Exchange of views with the Commission.
- Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI): On June 22, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Ambassadors' slot: Exchange of views with Ambassador Javier Helamán Reyes Menjivar, Head of Mission of the Republic of El Salvador to the European Union; Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings.
- Committee on International Trade (INTA): On June 22, the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards the extension of its scope to downstream goods and anti-circumvention measures; Chair’s announcements.
- Committee on International Trade (INTA): On June 22, the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Ukraine Support Loan Dialogue - Exchange of views with the Commission.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE): On June 22, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Ukraine Support Loan Dialogue - Exchange of views with the Commission.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE): On June 22, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, following the Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence Session on 19 May 2026; Chair’s announcements; Chair’s announcements concerning coordinators’ decisions.
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Political, Economic and Cooperation Strategic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the United Mexican States, of the other part; Date of next meetings.
- Committee on Development (DEVE): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on Development (DEVE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; *** End of electronic vote ***.
- Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI): On June 23, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Ambassadors' slot: Exchange of views with Ambassador Javier Helamán Reyes Menjivar, Head of Mission of the Republic of El Salvador to the European Union; Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings.
- Committee on International Trade (INTA): On June 23, the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Political, Economic and Cooperation Strategic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the United Mexican States, of the other part; Date of next meetings.
European Commission
Commission and High Representative mark World Refugee Day, renew global commitment
Ahead of World Refugee Day, the European Commission and the High Representative issued a joint statement on 18 June 2026 recognising the resilience of more than 117 million forcibly displaced people globally. The EU reaffirmed its role as the world’s leading humanitarian donor, providing support in crisis regions and ongoing assistance to 4.8 million people who have fled Russia’s war against Ukraine. The statement presents the EU’s Integrated ‘Approach to Fragility’ and underscores investments in long-term solutions, including education and social cohesion. The EU’s recent Joint Communication on Humanitarian Action strengthens its focus on tackling the root causes of displacement, and the EU Asylum and Migration Management Strategy sets a vision for a comprehensive approach to migration and asylum.
‘Europe for Culture, Culture for Europe’ declaration underlined by EU leaders
On 17 June 2026, the presidents of the European Commission, Parliament, and Republic of Cyprus, representing the rotating Council Presidency, signed a joint declaration committing to place culture at the heart of EU policy. The declaration lists twelve overarching principles to protect artistic freedom, promote fair working conditions in the arts, foster inclusive access to culture, and support young and vulnerable artists. The commitments address social and environmental benefits of culture, including its role in regional development, mental health, and digital heritage preservation. The document specifies pledges to protect linguistic diversity in line with national competences and tasks the institutions to encourage innovation and funding for cultural and creative sectors.
Von der Leyen and President Zelenskyy hold talks ahead of European Council
On 17 June 2026, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the Commission, joined President Zelenskyy in Brussels on the eve of the European Council meeting. Von der Leyen congratulated Ukraine on opening its first negotiation cluster and reiterated EU support through a EUR 90 billion loan facility for 2026–2027. The statement refers to Ukraine’s ongoing reforms and increased cooperation in air defence, including work on a ‘drone wall’ for frontline states. The Commission positioned continued support for Ukraine as a central message to Russia, as digital censorship there intensifies.
EU commits over €338 million to global ocean protection at ‘Our Ocean’ Conference in Kenya
On 16 June 2026, Commissioner Costas Kadis announced an EU commitment exceeding €338 million at the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa. The funding will support ocean sustainability, strengthen maritime security—including in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa—and boost international partnerships like OceanEye and BlueInvest Africa. Key initiatives address illegal fishing, marine pollution, marine protected areas expansion, and coastal economic development in Africa. This aligns with the EU’s Coastal Communities Strategy and the Global Ocean Observing System, and follows previous ocean sustainability pacts.
Commission presents Channel migration management plan, expands UK cooperation
On 15 June 2026, the Commission presented an action plan to address irregular migration on the Channel route. The measures range from migration diplomacy and disrupting smuggling networks, to reinforced border controls and joint operations with the UK, building on the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling and EMPACT. The plan includes new roles for Europol, Frontex, Eurojust, and the UK-France Calais intelligence cell, as well as expanded situational awareness through digital surveillance. The announcement follows a reported 44% decrease in illegal Channel crossings compared with 2025, but maintains focus on ongoing risks.
EU details budget performance for 2025, underscores focus on security, competitiveness, and Ukraine
On 15 June 2026, the Commission published its Annual Management and Performance Report (AMPR) for 2025. The report notes the budget’s impact on crisis response, defence cooperation, innovation through Horizon Europe and STEP, and continued support for Ukraine via €10.7 billion under the Ukraine Facility. In 2025, cohesion policy reallocated €15 billion toward competitiveness and funded renewable energy and broadband access projects. The Security Action for Europe programme and the European Defence Fund launched major innovation and ammunition projects. The AMPR outlines measures to protect EU budget integrity and anti-fraud mechanisms, and proposes a more agile long-term budget for 2028–2034.
Commission responds to G7 on global economic stability, sanctions, and Ukraine
At the 2026 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Evian, France (16–17 June), the Commission issued a statement covering international security, migration, technology, public health, and Ukraine. EU representatives discussed unity on global imbalances, the largest EU trade deficit with China, and the necessity for ‘de-risking’ rather than decoupling amidst record trade deficits. The G7 session also addressed support mechanisms for Ukraine, the impact of Middle East tensions on supply chains, and cooperation on frontier technologies and AI adoption.
Von der Leyen addresses the G7: EU unity on trade strategy, Ukraine support, and digital safeguards
On 14 June 2026, President von der Leyen addressed the G7 in Évian, emphasising EU responses to structural trade imbalances, sanctions on Russia, and energy security following Middle East developments. The statement outlines the need for alternative energy corridors, support for Ukraine's reforms and defence, and the strategic use of AI in manufacturing and regulatory oversight. Additional topics included digital protections for children, and the development of new international agreements on critical raw materials.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council approves UN Convention against Cybercrime and related decision
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1347, adopted 4 June 2026 (OJ L 2026/1347, 19.6.2026, CELEX: 32026D1347), ratifies the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime. The Decision sets out EU reservations to ensure compatibility with Union law and data protection standards, clarifies jurisdiction, and establishes frameworks for law enforcement and judicial cooperation in cybercrime cases.
Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine enters into force
The Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine (OJ L 2026/1327, 17.6.2026, CELEX: 32026X1327) enables claims for reparation due to internationally wrongful acts by the Russian Federation in or against Ukraine after 24 February 2022. The instrument establishes a legal basis for assessing and awarding compensation, incorporates the Register of Damage of the Council of Europe, and provides for the EU and its Member States to participate as members and funders.
Council Decision on EU–Canada SAFE Instrument procurement partnership
On 15 June 2026, the Council approved Decision (EU) 2026/1381 (OJ L 2026/1381), enabling the EU and Canada to cooperate on procurement under the SAFE Instrument. The Decision applies provisionally from April 2026, and regulates defence industrial participation and market access for Canadian legal entities and products in EU security and defence contracts.
Council authorises trade negotiations with Republic of Korea on conformity assessment
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1372 of 8 June 2026 (OJ L 2026/1372) authorises opening negotiations with South Korea for an agreement on mutual recognition of conformity assessments, certificates, and markings. The negotiation aims to facilitate trade in goods subject to technical regulation, with an explicit mandate for engagement by the Commission.
UN Convention against Cybercrime: EU publishes full text
The full text of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime was published in OJ L 2026/1348 on 19 June 2026 (CELEX: 32026X1348). The Convention defines offences, procedural measures, conditions for international cooperation, and data protection obligations for evidence-sharing.
EU Council
European Council discusses Ukraine, Middle East, EU budget, enlargement, competitiveness
At its 18 June 2026 meeting, the European Council addressed topics including Ukraine, the Middle East, the multiannual financial framework, competitiveness, defence, migration, illicit drugs, enlargement, reforms, and external relations including with the Republic of Moldova and the Western Balkans.
Foreign Affairs Council reviews Ukraine, Middle East, China relations
On 15 June 2026, the Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on Russia’s war against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and EU–China relations. Ministers met with their Armenian counterpart before the session.
G7 Summit affirms Ukraine backing, notes US–Iran agreement
At the G7 summit in Evian on 15 June 2026, leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine and welcomed the US–Iran agreement on Middle East maritime security.
EP Committee Work
LIBE votes on new system for returns of third-country nationals illegally staying in the EU
On 15 June 2026, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) voted on the provisional agreement for a common system regulating the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the EU. The legislation, reported by Malik Azmani (Renew), repeals Directive 2008/115/EC and related acts and introduces new procedures on cooperation, detention, and alternative measures.
AFET holds exchange with Andrzej Poczobut, Sakharov Prize co-laureate
The Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) held an extraordinary joint meeting on 15 June 2026, including an exchange of views with Andrzej Poczobut, Sakharov Prize co-laureate for 2025. The session, held with the Delegation for relations with Belarus, focused on human rights, political repression, and freedom of the press in Belarus.
PECH draft opinion on the 2027 EU general budget
On 17 June 2026, the Committee on Fisheries (PECH) published its draft opinion, rapporteur Giuseppe Lupo, on the general budget of the EU for the financial year 2027. The document assesses budget priorities for the fisheries sector.
EMPL draft opinion on the 2027 EU general budget
On 16 June 2026, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) published a draft opinion, rapporteur Romana Tomc, concerning the general budget of the European Union for 2027, with a focus on employment and social affairs programmes and priorities.
DEVE committee schedules session with shadow rapporteurs
The Committee on Development (DEVE) scheduled a session with shadow rapporteurs on 17 June 2026 in Strasbourg. The agenda included discussion on ongoing and upcoming development files.
