Forward look: 16 - 29 March 2026 17:00 Overview of the main subjects to be discussed at meetings of the Council of the EU over the next two weeks and upcoming media events.[...]

Overview of the main topics and events at the Council of EU and European Council for the coming fortnight.

Foreign Affairs Council, 16 March 2026

The Council will exchange views on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East following the outbreak of war between the US, Israel and Iran, and the EU-Southern Neighbourhood relations.

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 16 March 2026

EU energy ministers will hold a policy debate on the European grids package. At the same meeting, they will also exchange views on the implementation of the action plan for affordable energy and discuss energy security and lessons learned from Ukraine and Moldova.

Environment Council, 17 March 2026

EU environment ministers will hold a policy debate on C02 emission standards for cars and vans and exchange views on decarbonisation efforts in the post-2030 climate framework. The Council will also approve conclusions on bioeconomy and explore ways to enhance strategic EU collaboration in global environmental diplomacy.

General Affairs Council, 17 March 2026

Ministers responsible for European affairs will meet in Brussels to continue preparations for the March European Council meeting by discussing draft conclusions. Ministers will also hold an exchange of views on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and focus on the 2026 European Semester. Finally, the Council is expected to agree in principle on an amendment to the European Electoral Act and request the European Parliament's consent on this file.

European Council, 19-20 March 2026

EU leaders will discuss Ukraine, Middle East, Competitiveness and Single Market, the Next Multiannual Financial Framework, European defence and security, Migration, and other items.

Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 26-29 March 2026

The Foreign Affairs Council, in its Trade configuration, will be held on the margins of the 14th ministerial conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Trade ministers will seek the approval of conclusions at both the start and the end of the conference, and they are expected to adopt a decision on the position to be taken on behalf of the EU at the MC14.

Other meetings