From Ukraine to AI: The EU’s big challenges for 2026
From global diplomacy and trade to defence and rapid technological development, the EU has its work cut out as it navigates the transition into a year of high-stakes challenges.
EU agrees to provide Ukraine with €90 billion
EU leaders meeting in Brussels agreed on a plan to finance Ukraine in its defence against Russia’s war of agression for the coming years.
EU agrees to new rules to deport asylum seekers to third countries
Amid pressure from right-wing and populist forces, the EU has taken the next step to tighten its migration rulebook.
EU calls on Western Balkans to step up reforms for membership
Geopolitical tensions are driving EU enlargement forward. In the Western Balkan region, Albania and Montenegro are making rapid progress towards membership.
Solidarity and deportation: EU moves to get a grip on migration as pressure mounts
The EU is tightening the screws on irregular immigration and on returns for migrants whose asylum claims are denied. To better share responsibilities, member states have agreed on solidarity measures – though some of the more restrictive governments are sceptical.