This Week in Foreign Affairs — Brussels (#24, 2026)
New EU-Mexico global agreement endorsed; Council agrees foreign investment screening reform; Solidarity with Ukraine reaffirmed at Recovery Conference; Enhanced strategic focus on East Asia.
June 21, 2026 to June 27, 2026
New EU-Mexico global agreement endorsed; Council agrees foreign investment screening reform; Solidarity with Ukraine reaffirmed at Recovery Conference; Enhanced strategic focus on East Asia.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): On June 29, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings.
European Commission
EU steps up support for Ukraine's recovery and defence at Recovery Conference 2026
At the Ukraine Recovery Conference held in Gdańsk on 25–26 June 2026, co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine, President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the EU's enduring commitment to Ukraine. She confirmed the first disbursement of €3.2 billion in budgetary support and announced the imminent release of €6 billion for defence-related drone procurement under the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan (Regulation (EU) 2026/467). New agreements worth over €1.1 billion were signed through the Ukraine Investment Framework with financial institutions, including the European Investment Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The European Flagship Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, a new equity vehicle, was also launched, aiming to mobilise up to €1 billion over time. The EU's overall support to Ukraine and its citizens has reached €211.3 billion since February 2022.
Commission disburses first €3.2 billion to Ukraine as part of €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan
On 24 June, at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, the European Commission announced the release of €3.2 billion to Ukraine, marking the first instalment of macro-financial assistance under the new Ukraine Support Loan (Regulation (EU) 2026/467). The loan, approved in February 2026, provides up to €90 billion in economic and defence aid to Ukraine for 2026 and 2027. The first disbursement follows fulfilment of key policy conditions by Ukraine, covering public financial management, tax reform, and customs legislation. Additional disbursements, including further budget support and defence industry funding for drone procurement, are scheduled for later in 2026.
Commission proposes extension of temporary protection for those fleeing Ukraine
On 25 June, the European Commission proposed prolonging temporary protection for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion by one year, until 4 March 2028. The proposal maintains legal certainty for the 4.4 million Ukrainians benefiting from EU protection while explicitly restricting new arrivals whose departure from Ukraine is not authorised due to military obligations. The Commission will work with member states and Ukraine to pilot voluntary return and recovery programmes. Council adoption of the proposal is pending.
Commission, Europol, and Council Presidency publish analysis of EU’s most threatening criminal networks
A new Europol report presented on 25 June analyses data from over 700 criminal networks across Europe, comprising more than 400,000 members from 118 countries. The analysis highlights the increasing use of legal business structures, digital tools, and cross-border cooperation in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, and fraud. The Commission used the occasion to present its legislative proposal to strengthen Europol’s mandate, in line with the EU’s internal security strategy and to equip Member States with tools for combating digital and transnational crime.
Joint statement on EU readiness for emergency support after Venezuela earthquakes
On 24 June, High Representative Kaja Kallas, Commissioner Jozef Síkela, and Commissioner Hadja Lahbib issued a statement extending condolences for the victims of recent earthquakes in Venezuela. The EU stands ready to mobilise assistance through the Civil Protection Mechanism once requested by Venezuelan authorities, and the Copernicus system has been activated for emergency mapping. Dialogue with humanitarian partners continues as needs assessments proceed.
Commission to issue €80 billion in EU-Bonds during second half of 2026
The European Commission announced it will issue up to €80 billion in EU-Bonds in H2 2026, in line with a full-year target of €180 billion. The funds will cover programmes including NextGenerationEU, the Ukraine Support Loan, and the Security Action for Europe instrument. Syndications and auctions are planned; NextGenerationEU Green Bonds continue to be issued according to Member States’ reported green expenditure.
EU and Benin deepen partnership on economy, security, and sustainability
On 23 June, President Ursula von der Leyen met Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to sustainable economic development and regional stability in West Africa. Three priority areas were set: economic transformation, territorial development and security, and sustainable finance—particularly through the Global Green Bond Initiative. Progress was noted on mobilising up to €20 billion for sustainable infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries.
EU and Kazakhstan commit to enhanced connectivity, raw materials, and visa facilitation
During a 22 June visit to Brussels, President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa welcomed Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. New agreements were signed on aviation, connectivity, and critical raw materials. Negotiations were concluded on Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements, supporting connectivity between Central Asia and the EU. The meeting aligns with the 2025 EU–Central Asia strategic partnership.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Foreign Investment Screening: Regulation (EU) 2026/1386 adopted
Regulation (EU) 2026/1386, adopted on 17 June and published 26 June, repeals and replaces Regulation (EU) 2019/452 to strengthen and harmonise the EU framework for screening foreign investments. It mandates all Member States to implement screening mechanisms, expands scope to include intra-EU investments controlled by third-country entities, and sets harmonised deadlines and criteria for notification and cooperation. The regulation requires ex ante screening of foreign investments in sectors such as defence, AI, quantum technologies, financial market infrastructure, and critical raw materials. It enters into force 20 days after publication, with main provisions applicable from 17 January 2028.
Generalised Scheme of Preferences overhauled for next decade with Regulation (EU) 2026/1395
Regulation (EU) 2026/1395, adopted 17 June and published 22 June, updates the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries. The new scheme, running from 2027 to 2036, introduces changes to economic vulnerability criteria, expands monitoring requirements on human and labour rights, and links preferential access to effective implementation of international conventions. It establishes country graduation thresholds and extends the Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme for least-developed countries with enhanced transitional measures.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1437 extends Russia sanctions under Decision 2014/512/CFSP to July 2027
On 25 June the Council extended the EU's restrictive measures against Russia for a further 12 months, until 31 July 2027, via Decision (CFSP) 2026/1437. The measures target key sectors and individuals in response to actions destabilising Ukraine, and the renewal follows United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-11/7.
Modernised steel safeguard: Regulation (EU) 2026/1384 introduces revised quotas and defence provisions
Regulation (EU) 2026/1384, signed 17 June and published 24 June, renews and adapts EU safeguard measures on steel imports, replacing Regulation (EU) 2019/159 as of 1 July 2026. The regulation sets volume-based tariff quotas for all third-country imports and raises the out-of-quota duty from 25% to 50%, with new mechanisms for quota distribution and carry-over, strategic autonomy, and monitoring of 'melt and pour' origin.
Definitive anti-dumping duties imposed on 1,4-Butanediol from China, Saudi Arabia, and USA
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1373, published 24 June, imposes final anti-dumping duties on imports of 1,4-Butanediol from China (up to 113.7%), Saudi Arabia (52.4%), and the USA (up to 142.5%). The measure follows a detailed investigation into injury and causation for the Union industry, with provisions for undertaking requests rejected and no retroactive collection triggered.
European Parliament
Committees endorse modernised EU-Mexico partnership agreement
On 23 June, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committees endorsed the EU–Mexico Modernised Global Agreement (MGA), which expands trade access, strengthens climate and labour rights provisions, and includes enforceable commitments on public procurement and geographical indication protection. The MGA is expected to increase EU exports by up to 75% and potentially save €100 million in annual duties for EU companies. The accompanying resolution underlines the agreement’s binding democratic, rule of law, and human rights clauses. A plenary vote is scheduled for July 2026.
Parliament committees back new EU defence innovation programme AGILE
On 25 June, the Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and Security and Defence (SEDE) Committees adopted their negotiating position for the pilot Programme for Agile and Rapid Defence Innovation (AGILE). The initiative, with a €115 million envelope under the current MFF, aims to accelerate delivery of emerging and disruptive defence technologies, support armed forces innovation uptake, and streamline access for SMEs and start-ups. The pilot programme is designed to inform future defence innovation under the next multiannual financial framework. Trilogue negotiations with Council will commence after the Council adopts its stance.
Committees support new rules to facilitate military mobility across the EU
On 23 June, the Security and Defence (SEDE) and Transport (TRAN) Committees adopted draft rules to streamline military mobility. The regulation introduces a digital system for military transport permissions, infrastructure upgrades for dual-use and energy 'hotspots', and establishes a solidarity pool for transport capabilities that will include Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. The proposal advances interoperability with NATO and sets out the European Military Mobility Enhanced Response System (EMERS) for crisis scenarios. Interinstitutional negotiations are expected to begin in July.
EU Council
Council agrees position on European grids package and holds discussions on post-2030 decarbonisation
At the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) on 26 June, energy ministers adopted the Council’s negotiating mandate for the European grids package. Ministers also conducted two exchanges of views: one on energy decarbonisation efforts beyond 2030, and another on the implications of recent Middle East developments for energy security.
EU-Moldova Summit acknowledges reform progress and readiness for accession path
At the bilateral EU–Moldova Summit on 22 June, EU and Moldovan leaders noted Moldova’s substantial reform achievements and underscored support for the country’s EU integration trajectory.
EP Committee Work
AFET Committee adopts report calling for closer ties with East Asia democratic partners
On 24 June, the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) adopted a report advocating deeper EU engagement with East Asian democracies—Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan—to enhance security, competitiveness, and supply chain resilience. The report cites growing regional authoritarianism and economic coercion, and calls for new cooperation frameworks with a focus on technology, semiconductors, and joint military-industrial projects. The text also recommends enhanced policy alignment on China, responses to North Korea’s threats, and increased EU–East Asia coordination on global security. The draft moves next to plenary.
FEMM Committee holds hearing on gender apartheid and rights of Iranian and Kurdish women
On 23 June, the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) conducted a public hearing, bringing together experts such as Metra Mehran (End Gender Apartheid Campaign), Shukria Barakzay (Women's Coalition for Justice), Jino Victoria Doabi (Hiwa), and Aida Ghajar (senior journalist). The hearing focused on gender oppression, legal discrimination against women in Iran and among Kurdish populations, and international advocacy to recognise gender apartheid as a crime under international law. The discussion was chaired by Lina Gálvez Muñoz.
DEVE Committee adopts resolution on EU actions in humanitarian aid and upholding international humanitarian law
On 25 June, the Development Committee (DEVE) approved a resolution that condemns the obstruction and politicisation of humanitarian aid and the increasing attacks on humanitarian workers. The text stresses EU responsibility to unequivocally denounce violations and support accountability mechanisms in international humanitarian law. The resolution further addresses concerns over the global humanitarian funding crisis and calls for reinforced EU action to support both displaced and host communities with a focus on bridging humanitarian and development responses.
