This Week in Foreign Affairs — Brussels (#29, 2026)
EU lifts Hungary rule of law budget measures; EU, UK sign new competition law pact; Korea thermal paper duties renewed; Strategic raw materials projects recognised; Canada/US poultry zones restricted.
October 19, 2026 to October 25, 2026
EU lifts Hungary rule of law budget measures; EU, UK sign new competition law pact; Korea thermal paper duties renewed; Strategic raw materials projects recognised; Canada/US poultry zones restricted.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Agreement between EU and UK on cooperation in competition law enforcement
The Council approved, on 9 October 2026 (Council Decision (EU) 2026/2304), an Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom regarding cooperation on the application of their respective competition laws (OJ L 2026/2305). The agreement, signed 25 February 2026, establishes a framework for cooperation and information-sharing between the European Commission, national competition authorities of EU Member States, and the UK Competition and Markets Authority. It supplements Article 361(4) of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, specifying procedures for notifications, coordination, and confidentiality regarding enforcement activities. The agreement enters into force following ratification by both parties.
eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu
Council lifts conditionality mechanism measures on Hungary for EU budget
On 13 October 2026, the Council adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2324, lifting measures for the protection of the Union budget against breaches of the principles of the rule of law in Hungary and repealing Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/2506. The Council concluded that Hungary’s remedial actions, including legislative reforms on public interest trusts, anti-corruption, public procurement, and participation in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, address previous systemic deficiencies and risks to the EU budget. The conditionality measures, including the suspension of Cohesion Policy funds, are now revoked.
Commission maintains anti-dumping duties on heavyweight thermal paper from Korea
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2311 of 19 October 2026 renews the definitive anti-dumping duty of 15.8% on imports of certain heavyweight thermal paper from the Republic of Korea. The expiry review, covering 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, found continued dumping and material injury to the EU industry, with non-cooperation from Korean producers. The regulation confirms that, absent duties, injurious dumping would likely recur. The measure remains in force from the day after publication.
Commission repeals anti-dumping and countervailing duties on solar glass from China
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2314 (anti-dumping) and (EU) 2026/2310 (countervailing) of 19 October 2026 terminate the respective duties on imports of solar glass originating in China. The expiry review found that, as of early 2025, all Union production of solar glass had ceased, with no prospects for resumption. The Commission concluded the absence of a Union industry and thus no likelihood of injury recurrence, repealing the measures and allowing repayment of duties collected since the review’s initiation.
eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu
Commission recognises 46 critical raw materials projects as 'Strategic Projects'
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/2349 of 9 October 2026 recognises 46 projects as Strategic Projects under Regulation (EU) 2024/1252, the Critical Raw Materials Act. The projects, located across the EU, cover extraction, processing, recycling, and substitution of strategic raw materials. The selection followed a call launched in May 2024, expert assessment, and no objections from concerned Member States. Recognition as Strategic Projects grants access to streamlined permitting and financing mechanisms.
Commission restricts poultry imports from new HPAI zones in Canada and the US
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2328 of 14 October 2026 amends Annexes V and XIV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404, suspending the entry into the Union of consignments of poultry, germinal products of poultry, and fresh meat of poultry and game birds from newly affected highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) zones in Alberta and Manitoba (Canada) and Minnesota (US). The regulation also corrects a previous date for a US zone reauthorisation.
Commission updates EU defence-related products list in line with Common Military List
Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2026/2325 of 10 July 2026 amends Directive 2009/43/EC to update the Annex listing defence-related products, aligning it with the Common Military List of the European Union as adopted on 23 February 2026 (OJ C/2026/1640). Member States must transpose the updated list by 31 January 2027.
Commission imposes anti-dumping duty on imports of heavyweight thermal paper from Korea
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2311 maintains a 15.8% anti-dumping duty on heavyweight thermal paper imports from South Korea, following an expiry review. The review, covering July 2024–June 2025, confirmed continued dumping and material injury to the EU industry.
EU and UK conclude Agreement on competition law cooperation
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2304 approves the 2026 EU-UK Agreement on cooperation and coordination in competition matters, supplementing Article 361(4) of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. It establishes procedures for notifications, coordination, and the sharing of confidential information between the European Commission, national competition authorities, and the UK Competition and Markets Authority.
eur-lex.europa.eu | eur-lex.europa.eu
EU Council
EU-Gulf Cooperation Council summit held in Saudi Arabia
The second summit between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council took place on 24 October 2026 in Saudi Arabia. The summit was expected to address regional security, energy, and economic cooperation, though outcomes have not yet been published.
Upcoming EU-Canada summit set for late October
The next EU-Canada summit is scheduled to take place in Canada on 29 and 30 October 2026. Leaders are expected to discuss trade, strategic partnership, and foreign policy coordination.
