This Week in Foreign Affairs — Brussels (#34, 2026)
Von der Leyen condemns Leipzig attack; EU sets steel import proof rules; EU-Iran G20 stance; NextGenerationEU deadline; EU-Swiss ETS update; Monaco medical device alignment;
August 30, 2026 to September 05, 2026
Von der Leyen condemns Leipzig attack; EU sets steel import proof rules; EU-Iran G20 stance; NextGenerationEU deadline; EU-Swiss ETS update; Monaco medical device 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 Foreign Affairs (AFET): On September 10, the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: A new co-ownership for the future of Euro-Mediterranean relations – the Pact for the Mediterranean; Chair’s announcements; Conclusion of a broad package of agreements to consolidate, deepen and expand the bilateral relations with the Swiss Confederation.
European Commission
President von der Leyen condemns attack in Leipzig and details EU-NATO response
On 1 September, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the press following a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, focusing on the foiled Russian-attributed attack on cargo planes at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Von der Leyen characterised the incident as an escalation of Russian hostile activity on EU soil, pledging reinforced solidarity with Germany. She outlined the EU’s preparedness measures, including rapid response teams and further sanctions capability. Discussions with Member States are ongoing regarding a multi-billion-euro support package for Ukraine, encompassing air defence systems and military equipment. Von der Leyen also referenced the FREYA project on European anti-ballistic missile defences. The Commission is advancing an €800 billion defence investment plan, aiming for a more integrated and responsive EU security infrastructure.
Commission sets evidence criteria for steel imports under new transparency rules
On 28 August, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1963, establishing documentation standards importers must provide to prove the country of 'melt and pour' for imported steel, as mandated by Regulation (EU) 2026/1384. The Mill Test Certificate, which tracks steel production origin, is required when available; alternative documentary evidence such as invoices or quality certificates may also be used. Customs authorities will verify evidence provided, especially where the Mill Test Certificate is not available. Failure to supply verifiable information may result in rejection of imports. The measures enter into force following their Official Journal publication and are applicable from 1 October 2026, with transitional rules through September 2027.
Commission statement reaffirms EU’s position on Iran ahead of G20 finance meetings
Ahead of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meetings in Asheville, US, the Commission restated the EU’s position on Iran, calling for limitations on its nuclear and missile programmes and cessation of destabilising activities. The EU noted ongoing sanctions aimed at preventing Iran’s access to global financial resources for hostile actions. Officials confirmed readiness to adopt further measures, particularly to ensure maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement referenced sustained coordination with the United States and other partners to maintain diplomatic and economic pressure on Iran.
Von der Leyen recognises EU emergency response mechanism achievements
On 30 August, President Ursula von der Leyen visited the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) and thanked staff for their 24/7 response to crises, including wildfires, earthquakes, and health emergencies. Since April, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated 10 times to assist eight countries with wildfires, deploying aircraft, ground teams, and Copernicus satellite mapping. For the first time, Ukrainian firefighters participated in EU response efforts. Von der Leyen highlighted the growing complexity and frequency of emergencies, noting that adaptability and prevention remain core to the ERCC’s mission.
NextGenerationEU Recovery and Resilience Facility reaches key deadline
On 30 August, the Commission confirmed the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the central instrument of NextGenerationEU, reached its implementation deadline. Member States have until 30 September 2026 to submit final payment requests, with all disbursements concluding by 31 December 2026. €440 billion has already been disbursed. The Commission approved Sweden's final payment request, noting successful completion of all planned investments and reforms. The RRF supported various policy objectives, including energy transition and economic resilience, with the Commission continuing to monitor final project delivery.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
EU-Swiss Emissions Trading Systems link updated to reflect new climate rules
Decision No 1/2026 (CELEX: 32026D1993) of the Joint Committee established under the EU-Swiss agreement on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems, published 4 September, updates Annex I to account for changes in Directive 2003/87/EC and its amendments—Directive (EU) 2023/958 and Directive (EU) 2023/959. The revision aligns both parties’ ETS with commitments to cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and maintains system compatibility and market integrity.
EU and Monaco amend agreement on medical devices and health products
Decision No 1/2026 of the EU-Monaco Joint Committee (CELEX: 32026D1964), adopted 28 July and published 4 September, replaces the Annex to the agreement to include updated Union rules on medical devices and diagnostic medical devices. The decision also addresses the conduct of joint inspections in Monaco.
Corrections to EU dual-use export control regime published in multiple languages
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1405 (CELEX: 32026R1405), published 1 September, amends the Hungarian, Lithuanian, Slovak, Swedish, Dutch, Greek, Slovenian, and Irish language versions of Regulation (EU) 2021/821. Corrections affect definitions related to nuclear reactors and specifications in Annex I, as errors previously affected those provisions.
EU position set for implementation meeting of amended International Health Regulations
Council Decision (EU) 2026/1966 (CELEX: 32026D1966), adopted 27 August and published 2 September, instructs Member States to support the adoption of terms of reference for the States Parties Committee under the amended International Health Regulations (2005) at its first meeting. The decision aims to enable EU participation as an observer and concerns coordination of health threat responses.
EU Council
Informal Foreign Affairs Council ministers discuss EU external actions
Foreign Affairs Council ministers held an informal 'Gymnich' meeting on 1 September to examine current developments in EU foreign policy.
Defence Ministers meet to discuss security priorities
On 31 August, Foreign Affairs Council convened a meeting of EU Defence Ministers to coordinate on defence policy.
General Affairs Council informal session held on EU legislative agenda
An informal session of the General Affairs Council took place on 3 September.
