This Week in Foreign Affairs — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission speech on EU competitiveness and trade; UK-EU Protocol I amendment for Erasmus+; Angola investment facilitation rules adopted; Entry into force of Lebanon-EU PRIMA agreement.
August 24, 2026 to August 30, 2026
Commission speech on EU competitiveness and trade; UK-EU Protocol I amendment for Erasmus+; Angola investment facilitation rules adopted; Entry into force of Lebanon-EU PRIMA agreement.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): On August 31, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; *** End of electronic vote ***.
- Informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers - Gymnich: On September 01, the EU Council's Informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers - Gymnich configuration is scheduled to hold an informal meeting ministerial meeting in Brussels.
European Commission
Von der Leyen Addresses European Competitiveness, Trade, and Strategic Autonomy
On 26 August 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a speech at 'La Rencontre des Entrepreneurs de France 2026', addressing the shifting dynamics of global trade, energy, and technology. Von der Leyen outlined the Commission’s priorities to restore fair competition, reduce administrative burden by 25% for all companies and 35% for SMEs by 2029, and strengthen Europe’s industrial capacity. She cited the 'savings and investment union' and proposed unlocking up to EUR 470 billion in additional investment. The speech also referenced ongoing trade deficit concerns with China, new trade defence investigations, and the need for robust industrial and AI strategies. Von der Leyen detailed the Electrification Action Plan, measures to support decarbonisation, and the scaling up of the single market, as well as EU action on critical raw materials and energy independence. The address highlighted recent legislative initiatives and France’s influence on EU industrial and energy policy.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
EU-UK Protocol I Amended for Erasmus+ Participation
Decision No 1/2026 (CELEX: 32026D1962), adopted on 15 April 2026 by the Specialised Committee on Participation in Union Programmes, amends Protocol I to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The amendment adjusts the contribution key for the United Kingdom’s participation in Erasmus+ under the multiannual financial framework 2021-2027 and outlines terms for any future participation beyond 2027, ensuring financial balance between the parties. The Decision enters into force upon adoption and applies from 1 January 2027.
EU-Angola Investment Facilitation Rules of Procedure Adopted
The Committee on Investment Facilitation established by the Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement between the EU and Angola adopted Decision No 1/2026 (CELEX: 32026D1957) on 3 March 2026. The Decision formalises the Rules of Procedure for the Committee, following Article 44(2) of the Agreement, and was signed in Luanda on 17 November 2023. The rules enter into force on the date of adoption.
Entry into Force of EU-Lebanon PRIMA Research Agreement
The agreement amending the EU-Lebanon scientific and technological cooperation agreement for Lebanon's participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) entered into force on 17 June 2026. The accord was signed on 8 December 2025 and formally recognised in the Official Journal (CELEX: 32026X1951) on 24 August 2026.
Restrictive Measures Updated for ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1965 (CELEX: 32026R1965) amends, for the 360th time, Council Regulation (EC) No 881/2002. The update reflects changes decided by the UN Sanctions Committee on 18 August 2026, modifying 21 entries related to ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida. The Regulation enters into force the day after publication in the Official Journal.
EU Council
Upcoming Informal Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers (Gymnich)
The Foreign Affairs Council will hold an informal Gymnich meeting on 1 September 2026.
Upcoming Informal Meeting of Defence Ministers
Defence ministers under the Foreign Affairs Council are scheduled to meet informally on 31 August 2026.
