This Week in Foreign Affairs — Brussels (#29, 2026)
New EU sanctions on Russia and Belarus; further restrictive measures on Ukraine war; €2.9bn Ukraine Facility disbursed; enlargement progress in Western Balkans; EU-EEA energy alignment.
September 28, 2026 to October 04, 2026
New EU sanctions on Russia and Belarus; further restrictive measures on Ukraine war; €2.9bn Ukraine Facility disbursed; enlargement progress in Western Balkans; EU-EEA energy alignment.
📋 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 Development (DEVE): On October 05, the European Parliament's Committee on Development (DEVE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Amending Decision (EU) 2021/1764 on the Association of the Overseas Countries and Territories with the European Union including relations between the European Union on the one hand, and Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark on the other; Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings.
- Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI): On October 05, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: A tribute to Anna Politkovskaya 20 years after her assassination - The struggle for fundamental freedoms and against impunity in Russia; Chair’s announcements; Chair’s announcements concerning coordinators’ decisions.
- Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET): On October 07, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Presentation of the Communication on the pre-enlargement policy reviews by Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement.
European Commission
Commission disburses €2.9 billion under Ukraine Facility
On 1 October 2026, the European Commission released €2.9 billion to Ukraine under the Ukraine Facility to support financial stability and ongoing reforms. This brings total EU support under the Ukraine Plan to over €32 billion, with the latest instalment including €800 million under the Ukraine Support Loan, and a top up from the additional €8.35 billion for 2026. The disbursement followed Ukraine's implementation of reforms in strategic sectors such as judiciary, business environment, and the green transition. The Commission confirmed that Ukraine had fulfilled key reform steps linked to several instalments. For the remainder of 2026, €33.7 billion remains available for Ukraine, with €29.3 billion under the Ukraine Support Loan and €4.4 billion under the Facility. The Commission reiterated its commitment to the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan for 2026-2027.
Statement by President von der Leyen with Prime Minister of Montenegro Spajić
On 30 September 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen met Prime Minister Milojko Spajić in Podgorica, Montenegro, and announced the inauguration of the National Coordination Centre, preparing Montenegro’s borders for EU standards. Von der Leyen reaffirmed support for Montenegro’s accession process with the goal of joining by 2028, referencing provisionally closed negotiation chapters and progress on the rule of law. She highlighted the Growth Plan, SEPA integration, reduced roaming charges, and EU investments. The Commission is preparing pre-enlargement policy reviews and financial transition measures. Work is advancing on the accession treaty following the financial package proposed in June 2026.
Statement by President von der Leyen at press conference with Kosovo Prime Minister Kurti
On 30 September 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen visited Pristina for discussions with Prime Minister Albin Kurti. Von der Leyen addressed institutional stability, the importance of reconciliation, and Kosovo’s European integration. She reviewed support under the Growth Plan, including pre-financing of €62 million and future opportunities in SEPA and roaming charge reductions. Von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s commitment to Kosovo’s European future and the importance of reforms and a multi-ethnic society. She also noted progress on missing persons and agreements with the Kosovo-Serb community.
Statement by Commissioner Lahbib on the siege of Oleshky, Ukraine
On 1 October 2026, Commissioner Lahbib issued a statement on the humanitarian crisis in Oleshky, Ukraine, where civilians remain trapped under siege by Russian forces. The Commission called for immediate humanitarian access and fulfillment of Russia's obligations under international law. The EU is coordinating with partners to support civilians in temporarily occupied territories and is prepared to facilitate assistance. Humanitarian partners are ready to deliver aid pending safe passage.
G7 Leaders' Statement on global energy security and market stability
On 1 October 2026, G7 leaders, including the EU, held a virtual meeting to address volatility in oil markets. The group agreed on coordinated measures to stabilise energy supplies and strengthen global energy system resilience. Actions include a coordinated release of 100 million barrels of oil via the IEA, refraining from export restrictions within the G7, and monitoring the impact on market stability. The statement condemned attacks by Iran affecting trade and energy security and reaffirmed continued sanctions against Russia.
Commission approves €170 million Bulgarian State aid for farmers
On 1 October 2026, the Commission approved a €170 million Bulgarian State aid scheme for farmers impacted by increased fuel and fertiliser prices, under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted on 29 April 2026. The scheme, running until 31 December 2026, provides direct grants up to €50,000 per company. The Commission found the scheme necessary and proportionate under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and METSAF provisions.
Joint statement by the European Commission and Ukraine
On 30 September 2026, the European Commission and Ukraine jointly announced the identification of funding means for Ukraine’s 2026 budget and defence needs. They agreed on steps toward a €45 billion allocation for 2027 under the Ukraine Support Loan, subject to established conditions, and committed to monthly coordination meetings.
Commission decides to refer Finland to the Court of Justice for failing to align with the Seveso III Directive
On 30 September 2026, the Commission referred Finland to the Court of Justice of the EU (INFR(2020)2218) for not fully transposing Directive 2012/18/EU (Seveso III Directive) on the prevention of major accidents involving dangerous substances. The referral cites shortcomings in inspections, access to information, and coordination of enforcement. Finland’s rules do not allow partial disclosure of non-confidential data or effective coordination of inspections as required.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2223 on the EEA Joint Committee position on gas transmission capacity allocation
On 2 October 2026, Council Decision (EU) 2026/2223 established the EU position within the EEA Joint Committee regarding the amendment of Annex IV (Energy) to the EEA Agreement, incorporating Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/459 on network code for capacity allocation mechanisms in gas transmission systems. The decision aims to align EEA energy rules with EU standards.
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2231: EPF support for the Balkan Medical Task Force
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2231 of 1 October 2026 established an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility, allocating €10 million to equip medical units of the Balkan Medical Task Force—covering Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—with communications, vehicles, and field hospital equipment. The measure is valid for 42 months.
Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2229: Additional Norwegian contribution to Ukraine Facility
Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2229 of 24 September 2026 amends Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1447 to include an additional NOK 1 billion (approx. €93 million) from Norway as non-repayable support under the Ukraine Facility. The contribution will be allocated to Ukraine’s eleventh quarterly instalment, subject to conditions.
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2233: EU position on transport of dangerous goods
Council Decision (EU) 2026/2233 of 28 September 2026 sets the EU position regarding amendments to the ADR (road) and ADN (inland waterway) agreements on the transport of dangerous goods. The decision ensures EU law remains consistent with international updates.
EU Council
Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) discusses EU military support for Ukraine
On 28 September 2026, the Foreign Affairs Council with defence ministers discussed ongoing EU military support for Ukraine, including an informal exchange with the Ukrainian counterpart. The Council also reviewed the Middle East situation, Russia’s hybrid actions, and defence procurement.
Justice and Home Affairs Council reviews migration cooperation and early warning
On 1 October 2026, home affairs ministers discussed enhanced cooperation with non-EU countries on readmission, improved migration situational awareness, and implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Agriculture and Fisheries Council agrees on post-2027 fisheries support
On 28 September 2026, ministers reached a partial negotiating mandate on future EU fisheries support and discussed amendments to the Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.
