Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) - European Parliament

This paper analyses the European Union’s (EU) evolving engagement with the Sahel region, with particular attention to the Alliance of Sahelian States – Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Drawing on interviews with EU officials and external experts, as well as academic and policy literature, this paper examines three interrelated dimensions. Firstly, it reviews the EU’s past approaches to the region since 2011, highlighting how shifting strategic logics, strong Member State influence and limited responsiveness to local political dynamics have shaped EU engagement. Secondly, it assesses the current political and security context in the Sahel. This is characterised by military rule, worsening jihadist violence and a strategic realignment towards non-Western partners, such as Russia, Türkiye and Gulf states, all aspects which influenced the partial rupture with the EU. Finally, it analyses the EU’s recently adopted renewed approach to the Sahel and the challenges of re-engaging in a volatile and competitive geopolitical environment. The paper concludes with policy options for a more pragmatic and differentiated EU engagement in the region, emphasising the need for flexible policies, connecting with the populations and lowered ambitions.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

INTERIM REPORT in view of the consent procedure on the Political, Economic and Cooperation Strategic Partnership Agreement between the EU and Mexico
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Committee on International Trade
Borja Giménez Larraz, Javi López

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Length of video : 65'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On Thursday 25 June (11.15-12.15), the Members of the AFET Committee, jointly with its sub-Committee on Human Rights (DROI), will hold an exchange of views with Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to discuss global human rights challenges and efforts to ensure their promotion and protection worldwide.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

DRAFT REPORT on strategic political relations with Australia – potential for deeper ties in the face of a volatile international order
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Željana Zovko

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

RECOMMENDATION on the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Political, Economic and Cooperation Strategic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the United Mexican States, of the other part
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Committee on International Trade
Javi López, Borja Giménez Larraz

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Length of video : 40'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Length of video : 20'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

MEPs want the EU to expand diplomatic relations, security cooperation and economic partnerships with like-minded partners in East Asia amid a shifting geopolitical situation.
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

REPORT on the 2025 Commission report on Ukraine
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Michael Gahler

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Length of video : 210'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

REPORT on the 2025 Commission report on Moldova
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Sven Mikser

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

REPORT on the 2025 Commission report on Serbia
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Tonino Picula

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Next AFET committee meeting will be held on:

Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 June 2026, room ANTALL 4Q2, Brussels

Monday 29 June 2026, room ANTALL 4Q2, Brussels - extraordinary "in camera"

Meetings are webstreamed with the exception of agenda items held "in camera".

AFET - DROI calendar of meetings 2026
Meeting documents
Webstreaming
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Length of video : 75'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On Tuesday, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade committees endorsed the upgraded EU-Mexico partnership, paving the way for closer political ties and expanded trade.
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Committee on International Trade

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Length of video : 30'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Length of video : 90'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP