Eurobarometer shows that a great majority of Europeans see benefits from EU membership and the EU as a pillar of stability and security
Published ahead of Europe Day, the new Eurobarometer survey shows nearly three quarters of Europeans believe their country has benefited from being a member of the EU. In a challenging global context, Europeans increasingly see the EU as a source of stability, alongside record-high backing for a common defence and security policy. Three quarters of respondents (75%) say they feel they are citizens of the EU, matching the highest level ever recorded in spring 2025.
The EU – a pillar of stability and security
Europeans strongly view the EU as a stabilising force in an uncertain world (73%, +6 percentage points). With 81% (+2 pp), support for common defence and security policy among Member States is back to the highest level in the past two decades. Around eight in ten Europeans think the EU should diversify its trade relations (80%) and build partnerships with countries outside the EU (79%).
Continued strong support for the EU’s response to the war in Ukraine
The survey shows that 76% of respondents agree that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a threat to the security of the EU. Support for the EU’s response to the invasion remains strong at 55% (+2 pp). A large majority of Europeans backs key measures, including welcoming people fleeing the war (80%), providing financial and humanitarian support (75%), and maintaining sanctions against Russia (70%). Overall, 76% agree that the EU should continue supporting Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved. Furthermore, 57% approve of the EU granting candidate status to Ukraine, and 56% agree with the EU financing the purchase and supply of military equipment to Ukraine.
Trust in the EU strengthens as optimism holds firm
A majority of Europeans trust the EU (51%), three percentage points higher than in the Autumn 2025 survey. Trust has increased the most in France (+11 pp), Denmark (+9 pp), and Portugal (+8 pp), and reached its highest level among young people aged 15-24 (61%). The protection of democracy and fundamental values is indicated as the main reason to trust the EU (42%), followed by the protection against external threats (33%), and the view that the EU is the right level to address global challenges (31%). Optimism about the future of the EU has slightly increased (60%, +1 pp). The most optimistic are the young aged 15 to 24 (68%). Almost six in ten EU citizens (57%) are satisfied with the way democracy works in the EU. According to the interviewees, the values that best represent the EU are peace (41%), democracy (32%), respect of rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights (28%).
Global situation and cost of living are top concerns
Concerns among Europeans are increasingly shaped by global developments. At EU level, the conflict in the Middle East is now the top concern (25%), ahead of the broader international situation (23%) and Russia’s war against Ukraine (20%). At the same time, the cost of living remains the dominant concern at national and personal level, with respectively 36% and 52%.
EU citizens’ negative opinion of the United States has risen sharply (74%, +14pp) outnumbering by far the positive opinion of the United States (24%). Meanwhile, 61% have a negative opinion of China while 33% have a positive one; and 83% have a negative opinion of Russia against 14% with positive views. At the same time, 48% have a positive opinion of India while 41% have a negative one.
Europeans strongly support the euro amid economic uncertainties
Support for the euro in the EU remains at 74%, maintaining the highest level since its introduction in January 2002. In the euro area, this figure is even higher with more than eight in ten interviewees (82%) expressing support for the common currency. In Bulgaria, the latest country to join the euro area, support has increased significantly since the previous Standard Eurobarometer survey (+13 pp), with a majority now in favour (55%).
At the same time, perceptions of the economic situation have weakened slightly, with 44% of interviewed Europeans considering the EU economy to be in a good state. A relative majority of citizens (42%) think the European economic situation will remain the same in the next 12 months versus 36% who think it will be worse and 15% who think it will be better.
In terms of priorities for investments from the EU budget, more than two in five EU citizens (41%) would like the EU budget to be spent firstly on employment, social affairs and public health. Security and defence rank second at EU level (38%), followed by education, training, youth, culture and media ranks third at EU level (37%)
Background
The Standard Eurobarometer 105 (spring 2026) was conducted between 12 March and 5 April 2026 across the 27 Member States. Overall, 26,415 EU citizens were interviewed face-to-face. Interviews were also conducted in nine candidate and potential candidate countries (all except Ukraine) and the United Kingdom.
For more information
Standard Eurobarometer 105
ANNEX
Benefit from being a member of the EU
Three quarter of Europeans feel they are citizens of the EU
The EU – a pillar of stability and security
Continued strong support for the EU’s response to the war in Ukraine
Trust in the EU strengthens as optimism holds firm
Global situation and cost of living are top concerns
Europeans strongly support the euro amid economic uncertainties
(For more information: Paula Pinho – Tel.: +32 2 292 08 15)?
EU, Brazil and China launch coalition to boost integrity and effectiveness of carbon markets
Yesterday, the European Commission, on behalf of the European Union, together with Brazil and China, officially launched the Open Coalition on Compliance Carbon Markets in a signing ceremony in Florence, Italy. The new international initiative aims to strengthen global cooperation on carbon pricing. It follows the declaration endorsed by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at COP30 in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025.
The Coalition will enhance the effectiveness, transparency and integrity of domestic carbon markets worldwide, supporting the delivery of the Paris Agreement. It sends a strong signal of the shared commitment to this global agreement and renewed multilateral cooperation. It reinforces the role of carbon markets as a central pillar of the global transition to climate neutrality, while supporting economic modernisation and competitiveness.
With the adoption of the related terms of reference, the Open Coalition will provide a platform for cooperation on the development and strengthening of domestic carbon markets and carbon pricing policies. Its work will focus on key elements such as robust monitoring, reporting and verification systems, sound carbon accounting methodologies and the potential use of high integrity offsets to promote environmental integrity.
It is now open to countries with nationwide compliance carbon markets, such as emissions trading systems or a carbon tax. Subnational authorities operating a carbon pricing scheme can participate as observers. New Zealand and Germany are the first countries to join as members, following the EU, Brazil and China’s lead, with several others expected to follow. Brazil will chair the Coalition for the first two years, with China and the Commission as Co-Chairs. Next steps include establishing the Coalition’s Secretariat and developing a work plan to be adopted at the Carbon Market Conference taking place on 15 September 2026 in Wuhan, China.
More information on the Open Coalition on Compliance Carbon Markets is available online.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)
Commission reports on progress in implementing Pact on Migration and Asylum
Today, the European Commission reports on the state of play on the Pact on Migration and Asylum’s implementation. Member States have significantly advanced in implementing the Pact, with the key pillars of the new system now in place. However, continuous efforts are needed to complete all building blocks, in view of the Pact’s full entry into application.
Adopted in May 2024, the Pact overhauls the EU’s migration and asylum framework, opening a new chapter in European migration management. It provides a common framework with stronger external border protection, fair and firm asylum rules, and a balance between solidarity and responsibility.
Implementing this complex set of reforms with ten interlinked legislative acts requires significant legal and operational work, and overall, considerable progress has been made on all fronts. Most Member States are on track to adapt their national legislation, to set up mandatory screening and border procedures, including with independent fundamental rights monitoring mechanisms, and to reach sufficient reception capacity. Member States have also advanced in reinforcing their capacity to process transfers to the Member State responsible for an asylum application and to implement solidarity pledges. At EU-level, the decisive step of the Council to establish the first Annual Solidarity Pool has put the implementation of the solidarity mechanism on track.
At the same time, further efforts are needed to close remaining gaps, with a focus on the procedures and infrastructure most needed for the Pact to function. With readiness varying between Member States, additional work is required to finalise in particular:
Testing and putting in place the new Eurodac system, the central biometric database supporting the Pact;
Facilities for screening and the border procedures;
Measures to effectively prevent absconding and secondary movements;
Rules on responsibility and transfers, alongside the operationalisation of the first Solidarity Pool;
Operationalising legal safeguards and guarantees, including the fundamental rights monitoring mechanism.
While the Pact’s entry into application on 12 June 2026 is an important step, it is not the end of the process. Sustained efforts will need to continue well beyond June to operationalise the Pact on Migration and Asylum as part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to asylum and migration management.
The Commission supports Member States in implementing the new framework together with EU agencies – the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), eu-LISA, Frontex, Europol and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). The Commission has made available pound 3 billion to support the implementation of the Pact and to cater for temporary protection for Ukrainians.
Background
The Commission has set out the way forward for the next years in its European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy earlier this year. Since 2024, important steps have been taken at EU level to further operationalise, strengthen and complement the Pact framework. This includes the adoption of rules on safe third countries, to ease pressure on national asylum systems and reduce incentives for illegal migration, the first EU-wide list of safe countries of origin, to process asylum claims that are likely to be unfounded faster and more efficiently, and the proposal for a new Common European System for Returns, which is currently negotiated by co-legislators.
Alongside the Pact, the Commission’s sustained efforts on migration diplomacy with third countries continue to deliver strong results. Illegal border crossings at the EU’s external borders fell by 26% in 2025, compared to 2024.
After a transition period of two years following its entry into force, the Pact will start applying on 12 June 2026. Based on the Common Implementation Plan, Member States, the Commission and the EU agencies have been working closely together to translate the new legislative framework into operational reality, enabling effective migration management across the Union, based on a balance between fairness and control, shared responsibility and solidarity among Member States. This work will also ensure preparedness and resilience for the Union amidst the increasingly complex geopolitical context.
The Commission has adopted three reports – including this current one – to monitor the implementation of the Pact. The first State of play report was adopted on 11 June 2025 and the second State of play report was adopted on 11 November 2025, together with the European Annual Migration and Asylum Report 2025.
For more information
Report on the state of play on the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum
Report on the implementation of the Employers Sanctions Directive
Report on the implementation of the Seasonal Workers Directive
First report on the State of play on the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum
Second report on the State of play on the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum
Common Implementation Plan for the Pact on Migration and Asylum
Quote(s)
The Pact on Migration and Asylum stands as a major milestone in building a common European framework on migration and asylum. With just one month to go before its entry into application, implementation is well on track, with solid progress already achieved. The Pact will strengthen solidarity and responsibility across Member States through a more coherent and effective system, balancing fairness and control. It is now time to address the remaining priorities to ensure full readiness. Sustained commitment and continued joint efforts from all actors will remain essential beyond June, as implementation moves into its next phase to ensure full and effective delivery.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy
We are on the final stretch of the largest reform of the European asylum and migration system. It will significantly strengthen the protection of our external borders, putting in place the most modern border management system in the world. Asylum procedures will be swifter and more effective, protecting those in need while preventing abuse. We are also strengthening cooperation with third countries to manage migration along the route, using new and more flexible tools to stop illegal migration. While we are on the right track, there is still work ahead to ensure we are gaining full control over who can come to the EU and who must leave. The Pact is not the end of the process – it is the start.
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Fiorella Boigner – Tel.: +32 2 299 37 34)
Commission issues guidance for EU transport sector affected by Middle East crisis
Today, the European Commission has adopted guidance to the EU transport and tourism sector amid ongoing fuel supply disruptions and the closure of certain air and shipping routes linked to the Middle East crisis. The guidance focuses on aviation, addressing in particular the impacts of potential jet fuel scarcity should the conflict continue. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has also issued a Safety Information Bulletin to inform aviation and fuel supply stakeholders about the safe usage of Jet A aviation fuel in Europe.
Specifically, the guidance clarifies existing EU rules on fuel uplift obligations, fuel surcharges, airport slots, public service obligations, and air passenger rights.
Passengers affected by cancellations continue to benefit from air passenger rights. They are entitled to reimbursement, re-routing, or return, assistance at the airport and compensation for last-minute cancellations. Airlines may only be exempt from paying financial compensation if they can prove that the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as a local fuel shortage. The Commission considers that high fuel prices should not be considered as constituting extraordinary circumstance.
To ensure transparent pricing of air fares, the Air Services Regulation requires airlines to display final ticket prices upfront. This is to ensure that passengers are not faced with unexpected costs. Therefore, charging additional fees retroactively such as fuel surcharges is not allowed. For holiday packages, the Package Travel Directive may allow organisers to increase the price retroactively, if stated in the contract and only under specific circumstances.
To help avoid the closure of certain routes, airlines can be exempted from the 90% fuel uplift rule under the ReFuelEU Aviation. This applies where safety rules require carrying extra fuel from the departure airport, which could otherwise prevent the airline from undertaking its next flight if fuel is insufficiently available at the destination EU airport. On airport slots, airlines may be exempt from the usual landing and take-off slot obligations due to fuel supply issues at airports. When applying the ‘justified non-use of slots’ under the Slot Regulation, airlines are not penalised for not using their allocated slots.
More information on the guidance is available online.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Anni Juusola – Tel.: +32 2 296 09 86)?
Commission reports on the implementation of the Employers Sanctions Directive and the Seasonal Workers Directive across the EU
Today, the European Commission adopted reports on the implementation of two key instruments setting out common EU rules for migrant workers in the EU – the Employers Sanctions Directive (adopted in 2009) and the Seasonal Workers Directive (2014).
Both are important elements of the EU’s comprehensive approach to migration: they help prevent and deter illegal migration and illegal employment of migrant workers, while providing lawful pathways for labour mobility. They also contribute to the EU’s priorities on competitiveness, notably in sectors such as agriculture and tourism, which rely heavily on seasonal workers.
The Seasonal Workers Directive provides a robust framework for the orderly admission of seasonal migrant workers. Since its entry into force in 2014, it has led to more streamlined labour mobility pathways, helping to reduce incentives for illegal employment and undeclared work. The Commission will continue to monitor its implementation across the EU.
Under the Employers Sanctions Directive, Member States have stepped up targeted inspections in high-risk sectors – almost 600,000 in 2024 – increasing the detection of irregular migrant workers (up by more than 28,000 in 2023 and 2024). Member States have also applied increasingly dissuasive sanctions against employers hiring irregular migrants, with financial sanctions exceeding pound 200 million per year in 2023 and 2024. However, implementation remains fragmented across Member States. The Commission will launch an evaluation of the Employers Sanctions Directive in 2026, to assess whether it remains fit for purpose and how its effectiveness can be improved.
When revising the European Labour Authority mandate later this year, the Commission will review how the Authority can further address abuses of working conditions for migrants. In parallel, the Commission will support Member States with additional funding, targeted actions to promote cooperation, data exchange, and shared best practices.
Labour mobility and the fight against illegal employment and migrant exploitation are priorities under the five-year European Asylum and Migration Strategy published in January 2026. The Strategy sets out the way forward to achieve three main objectives: to prevent illegal migration and break the business of criminal smuggling networks, to protect people fleeing war and persecution while preventing abuse of the system, and to attract talent to the EU to boost the competitiveness of our economies.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Fiorella Boigner – Tel.: +32 2 299 37 34)
Commission opens consultation on draft guidelines for AI transparency obligations
From 2 August 2026, people in the European Union will have to be informed when they are interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) systems or exposed to certain AI-generated or manipulated content. Today, the European Commission published draft guidelines on these transparency obligations for stakeholder feedback, ahead of adoption.
Under the AI Act, AI providers will have to inform people when they are interacting with an AI system and add machine-readable marks to enable the detection of AI-generated or manipulated content. Deployers will also have to inform people when they are exposed to deep fakes, AI-generated publications on matters of public interests, and emotion recognition or biometric categorisation systems.
The draft guidelines take into account input from previous consultations and aim to clarify the scope of these obligations and help providers and deployers comply with them. A code of practice drafted by independent experts will complement the guidelines. The final code, expected in June 2026, will be a voluntary tool to help demonstrate compliance.
Stakeholders, including providers and developers of AI systems, businesses and public authorities, academia, research institutions and citizens, are invited to share their views by 3 June 2026.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic – Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
EU and Japan strengthen economic ties at the 7th High-Level Economic Dialogue
The European Union and Japan held their 7th High-Level Economic Dialogue in Brussels yesterday, marking the first meeting under its reinforced format to cover cooperation on trade, industrial policy, and economic security.
Co-chaired by Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné, and Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefcovic alongside Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Akazawa Ryosei, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Horii Iwao, the talks highlighted the long-standing strategic relationship between EU and Japan. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order, including their ongoing efforts to reform the World Trade Organization (WTO), and cooperation under plurilateral initiatives, notably within the G7 and through dialogue between the EU and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
They also addressed pressing shared challenges and concerns, like economic coercion by third countries and unjustified export restrictions. In this context, EU and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to jointly work on enhancing supply chains, delivering on the EU-Japan Competitiveness Alliance established at the EU-Japan Summit in July 2025.
Both sides also agreed on reinforcing cooperation under the upgraded EU-Japan Working Group on Economic Security and Related Emerging Trade and Economic Issues, highlighting the need for closer engagement on the promotion and protection of critical and emerging technologies. This will encompass joint work on technology transfer risk assessment, mitigating measures, coordinated responses and structured engagement with private sector and technology holders.
More information is available in this joint press statement.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Siobhan McGarry – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 98; Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero – Tel.: +32 2 296 37 70; Rya Perincek – Tel.: +32 2 299 49 03)
Europeans celebrate unity, values and democracy on Europe Day 2026
On 9 May, Europeans will celebrate Europe Day. This year marks the 76th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundations for the European Union as we know it today, and led to an unprecedented era of peace, democracy, prosperity, integration and cooperation across the continent.
In 2026, Europe Day also marks two important milestones: 40 years since Portugal and Spain joined the EU, and 40 years since the first official Europe Day celebrations.
To mark the occasion, many events will take place across EU Member States and beyond, bringing together citizens from all walks of life. The EU institutions will open their doors to visitors, offering educational activities about their work, as happens every year.
Landmark buildings and monuments across Europe and around the world will be illuminated in the EU colours.
In a rapidly changing world, the EU and its institutions are working to protect democracy, boost prosperity and strengthen security. Europe Day is an opportunity for citizens and their institutions to come together to celebrate their shared community and achievements.
The European Parliament invites citizens to discover how EU legislation shapes everyday life and how they can influence Europe’s future, under the motto ‘Come and See Democracy in Action.’ Doors open at 10:00 CEST in Brussels with a performance by the European Parliament Choir, followed by a solemn opening ceremony at 11:00 CEST in the Hemicycle, with addresses by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Vice-President Sophie Wilmès. Visitors can take part in quizzes, presentations and discussions, enjoy family-friendly activities, and follow a live music stage on the Esplanade. In Luxembourg, activities will include guided tours of the Europa Experience and an exhibition on the fight against disinformation. The following day, a rich cultural programme is planned in Wiltz, in the presence of H.R.H. the Grand Duke of Luxembourg.
The European Council / Council of the European Union will open its doors for guided tours in the Justus Lipsius building in Brussels, offering a rare look at where key European decisions are made. Each of the 27 Member States will host a stand showcasing their culture, traditions and culinary specialties. Children will enjoy a treasure hunt and a fun fact quest, while a photo booth will allow visitors to take a selfie on the red carpet, in the shoes of an EU leader.
The European Commission will open its iconic Berlaymont building in Brussels to the public starting at 10:00 CEST with an address by Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera. Under the slogan ‘Europe’s Moment’, visitors will explore interactive thematic spaces covering democracy and values, climate, prosperity, social justice, security and Europe’s global role, alongside an art and architecture trail. The celebrations will continue into the evening with free live music from 18:30 CEST at Place des Palais in Brussels.
The European Central Bank will take part in Frankfurt’s Europa-Fest on the historic Römerberg market square, alongside the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority and the Anti-Money Laundering Authority, where visitors will meet experts and enjoy interactive games. The European Central Bank will also be present at the Europa Building in Brussels, where experts will answer questions about the euro, the new banknote redesign and the digital euro project.
The European External Action Service will open its Brussels headquarters from 10:00 CEST to 18:00 CEST, inviting visitors to ‘Step inside EU Diplomacy.’ The programme includes interactive exhibits, meetings with EU ambassadors, and live video calls with EU staff worldwide. The event will also feature ‘The World in One Day’, a cultural celebration with music, dance, freestyle football, crafts and family activities. An opening ceremony will take place at 11:00 CEST in the presence of representatives of partner countries and international organisations.
The European Committee of the Regions will open its doors in Brussels on Europe Day, inviting visitors to discover how the institution representing Europe’s regions and cities works, and what regional and local elected politicians do for them. Visitors will learn about the Committee’s role and activities, explore its political groups, and experience European cultural diversity at the Festival of Regions and Cities, which will showcase projects, arts and crafts, and offer tastings of local produce.
The European Economic and Social Committee will welcome the public to its Brussels premises at rue Belliard 99-101 from 10:00 CEST to 18:00 CEST. Visitors will meet members and staff, join guided tours in different EU languages, and discover how civil society shapes EU policies. The programme includes thematic stands, a puzzle sticker game, a caricaturist, a postcard station, live music and children’s activities. French EESC members will also take part in the ‘Fête d’Europe’ in Paris.
The European Investment Bank Group Permanent Representation will showcase the Group’s role and activities in the Europa building in Brussels. Interactive quizzes and videos will highlight investments across the 27 EU Member States. On 10 May, colleagues from headquarters in Luxembourg will host the same stand at the EU Village in Wiltz, Luxembourg.
In Strasbourg and Luxembourg, EU institutions will also open their doors in May. The European Parliament’s Strasbourg Open Day will take place on 17 May, with visits to the hemicycle and a full civic and cultural programme. Luxembourg will mark Europe Day on 9 May with cultural events and information stands at the Parliament’s Grand Duchy premises.
Across the EU and around the world, in every Member State, European Commission Representations and European Parliament Liaison Offices will organise local Europe Day events – from public debates and school visits to exhibitions and cultural gatherings. Beyond Europe, EU delegations will mark the occasion with public events and outreach worldwide. Landmark buildings across the globe will be illuminated in EU colours.
Background
Today, the European Commission published a new Eurobarometer survey, which shows that a great majority of Europeans see benefits from EU membership and see the EU as a pillar of stability and security. Nearly three quarters of Europeans believe their country has benefited from being a member of the EU. In a challenging global context, Europeans increasingly see the EU as a source of stability, alongside record-high backing for a common defence and security policy. Three quarters of respondents (75%) say they feel they are citizens of the EU, matching the highest level ever recorded in spring 2025.
For more information
Europe Day 2026
Europe Day – European Parliament
Europe Day – European Council/Council of the European Union
Europe Day – European Commission
Europe Day – European Central Bank
Europe Day – European External Action Service
Europe Day – European Committee of the Regions
Europe Day – European Economic and Social Committee
Europe Day – European Investment Bank Group
Surveys – Eurobarometer
EU, Ukraine and Canada to co-host high-level meeting on return of Ukrainian children
On Monday, 11 May, High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, on behalf of the EU, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada Anita Anand, will co-host the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
The event will gather ministers and senior representatives from around 50 countries and international organisations to further support Ukraine’s efforts to trace, return, and reintegrate the children that were forcibly transferred and unlawfully deported by Russia, while ensuring accountability for Russia’s actions. Participants will also discuss ways to step up coordinated sanctions against those responsible for these heinous acts.
The high-level meeting will open at 17:00 CEST with video messages from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney. These will be followed by a ministerial roundtable discussion with Coalition members, as well as representatives from around 20 guest countries. The meeting will conclude with closing remarks from the co-chairs.
The entire event will be livestreamed on EBS, alongside a joint press conference with High Representative Kallas, Commissioner Kos, Minister Sybiha and Minister Anand at +/-16:40 CEST.
Earlier in the day, a screening of the documentary ‘After the Rain: Putin’s Stolen Children Come Home’ will take place, followed by a panel discussion featuring the film’s director, Ukrainian representatives and other distinguished speakers. The film will also be available for viewing on the audiovisual portal for one month free of charge.
More information on efforts by the EU and international community to bring Ukrainian children home is available online.
(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Anouar El Anouni – Tel: +32 2 291 35 80; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel: +32 2 296 27 16)
EU and Syria meet to take their relations and cooperation forward
On Monday, 11 May, the European Union and the Syrian Transitional Authorities will convene two high-level meetings in Brussels to reinforce EU-Syria relations and discuss ways to support Syria’s socio-economic recovery, reconstruction, and long-term stability.
After the fall of the Assad regime, the EU opened a new chapter in its relations with Syria, engaging with the Syrian Transitional Authorities and supporting the country’s political transition. As the recent visit of President Ursula von der Leyen and President Antonio Costa to Damascus in January highlighted, Syria is now opening a path to reconciliation and recovery. The EU is ready to support it with a new framework of cooperation. The two high-level meetings on Monday therefore represent a steppingstone for bilateral cooperation.
In the morning, a meeting of the Syria Partnership Coordination Forum will take place. It will bring together international stakeholders to align efforts on aid, reconstruction, and development. The meeting will be co-chaired by Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, and Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. Senior representatives from Member States, G7 countries, Arab countries, the United Nations, and major financial organisations will also participate.
Later in the day, following the Foreign Affairs Council, the High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas will co-chair the first EU-Syria High Level Political Dialogue, alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. This dialogue marks a strategic shift, moving from a crisis response to a long-term partnership built on a shared vision for stability, recovery, and prosperity. Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, and Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib will also join the meeting.
These events will be the opportunity for the EU to reaffirm its firm commitment to Syria’s inclusive and peaceful transition – one that reflects the aspirations of all Syrians, ensuring long-term stability and prosperity for the country and the wider region.
(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Luca Dilda – Tel.: +32 2 295 21 53)
Commissioners Kubilius and Serafin visit Poland and Lithuania to sign first SAFE agreements
Today, Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius and Commissioner for Budget Piotr Serafin are in Poland for the signature of the first Security Action for Europe (SAFE) loan agreement. With pound 43.7 billion available for Poland under SAFE, and pound 150 billion available in total, the agreement marks a major step for Europe’s Defence Readiness and a concrete delivery under the first pillar of the European Commission’s ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 plan, which aims to unlock over pound 800 billion in defence investment across the Union.
The signing ceremony will be attended by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, co-signed by Deputy Prime Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz and Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski.
Tomorrow, Commissioners Kubilius and Serafin will be in Lithuania for the signature of the country’s SAFE loan agreement, making pound 6.4 billion available to strengthen its defence readiness. The signing ceremony will be attended by Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekunas and National Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas.
After this, Commissioner Serafin will meet with the Finance Minister to discuss the next multiannual financial framework in light of the upcoming Lithuanian Presidency of the Council in the first half of 2027. Commissioner Kubilius will meet with Health Minister Marija Jakubauskiene to discuss crisis preparedness in health institutions.
Both visits highlight the importance of cooperation as well as investment as key pillars for a credible deterrence on the Eastern Flank, strengthening the European pillar of NATO and advancing the future of European defence in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel: +32 2 299 10 99; Marine Strauss – Tel: +32 2 298 91 03)
Commissioner Lahbib in Lebanon to reiterate EU’s strong humanitarian commitment and welcome EU’s seventh humanitarian flight
Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, is in Lebanon this Friday and Saturday to welcome the seventh humanitarian flight landing in Beirut. This Humanitarian Air Bridge will deliver essential health and shelter items – from the EU’s own stock and its partners – to the most vulnerable, reaffirming the European Union’s solidarity with Lebanon and steadfast humanitarian support to the country.
The Commissioner is meeting with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri, as well as humanitarian partners on the ground: United Nations agencies, local and international humanitarian actors, and women-led associations. The Commissioner is also visiting EU-funded projects, including shelters, a reception centre for Syrian refugees, a children’s hospital, a Palestinian refugee camp, and heavily affected areas.
Since the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon in March 2026, the EU has mobilised substantial support. It has provided pound 100 million in humanitarian assistance to Lebanon in 2026, bringing total humanitarian assistance to the country to pound 1 billion since 2011. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism – which Lebanon has activated, as any country worldwide can do in times of crisis – has also facilitated the delivery of critical items from Member States, including Belgium, Germany, France, and Romania. Finally, the EU and its partners have delivered assistance via six EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flights to date. The emergency humanitarian aid provided so far has included food, medical kits, shelter materials, and clothing kits.
Three million people -over half of the Lebanese population- were already in need of humanitarian assistance before the recent hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Thousands have since been killed or injured, over one million have been displaced, and nearly one in four are expected to face acute food insecurity between April and August this year. The EU remains fully in solidarity with the people in Lebanon and stands ready to deliver more humanitarian supplies, with additional operations scheduled in the coming weeks.
(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)
Commissioner Hoekstra in Lisbon to discuss EU’s clean transition and competitiveness
Next Monday and Tuesday, 11 and 12 May, Commissioner for Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra, will be in Lisbon, Portugal, to discuss the clean transition and competitiveness in the EU with government representatives and industry.
On Monday, the Commissioner will start his visit with a roundtable discussion on clean tech and innovation with stakeholders and business associations from energy intensive industries and clean technology companies. Later in the afternoon, he will meet with the Minister of State and Finance, Joaquim Miranda Sarmento.
On Tuesday, Commissioner Hoekstra will hold a meeting with the Minister for Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, followed by a press point for local media indicatively at 10:15 CEST Brussels (9:15 WEST). Together, they will also visit the LK2BM, an innovative project in the pulp sector funded by the Innovation Fund that aims to power a lime kiln with biomass instead of fossil fuels. Thanks to this conversion in the existing natural gas-fired lime kiln, the pulp mill will secure a cleaner industrial process and reduce up to 76% of direct greenhouse gas compared to a conventional technology.
In the afternoon, he will be at the Portuguese Parliament to exchange views with members of the European Affairs and Environment and Energy Committees.