EU–Canada relations, Russian attacks, Erasmus+ and the 2027 budget feature prominently on the October 19–22 plenary agenda.
European security, international relations and decisions affecting citizens’ daily lives will dominate the European Parliament’s plenary session on October 19–22, 2026. The announcements of the Sakharov Prize and Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism winners will also be key moments of the session.
On Wednesday, October 21, MEPs will assess the outcome of the October 15–16 European Council meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.
The same day, Parliament will discuss the objectives of the EU–Canada summit scheduled for October 29–30. A debate on the November 20 EU–UK summit will take place on Tuesday, October 20.
Foreign policy discussions with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas will address Russian drone attacks against the EU, particularly in the Black Sea, and the escalation of Houthi attacks. These issues feature on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s programme. On Tuesday, MEPs will also debate the EU’s response to US sanctions against the International Criminal Court.
Measures directly affecting citizens include a vote on updating passenger rights on Tuesday, October 20, and a debate and vote on Erasmus+ for 2028–2034 on Wednesday and Thursday. Recommendations for improving the high-speed rail network will also be put to a vote on Tuesday.
Parliament will establish its position on the EU’s 2027 budget and its priorities for the COP31 UN climate summit in Antalya. Other business includes securing supplies of critical raw materials, simplifying rules on chemicals and suspending certain obligations on businesses concerning the management of their products once discarded.
Press freedom will be in the spotlight on Wednesday, October 21, when the winner of the 2026 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism will be announced at a special ceremony. An earlier debate will examine the judicial investigation into the Maltese journalist’s murder.
On Thursday, October 22, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will announce the winner of the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, following the Conference of Presidents’ selection.
