European Union

The EU issued a statement on the situation in Ethiopia, urging immediate de-escalation in the country amid rising violence and tensions with Eritrea, calling for civilian protection, humanitarian access, respect for sovereignty and renewed diplomatic efforts.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Eurogroup meeting of 8 October will take place on Wednesday, 7 October 2026 at 13.15.

On 5 October 2026, the European Union and the Republic of Moldova held their 10th Association Council Meeting where EU and Moldova reiterated their strong partnership and announce the disbursement of €157 million under Growth Plan funding.

Press briefing ahead of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council will take place on 6 October at 17.00. The briefing will be "off the record".

President António Costa travelled to Warsaw (Poland) to attend the opening ceremony of the academic year 2026/2027 of the College of Europe (Natolin campus), where he delivered a speech.

Following a G7 video conference meeting on 2 October 2026, leaders issued a statement on global energy security and market stability.

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 5-11 October 2026.

The Council adopted an assistance measure worth €10 million under the EPF that will benefit the Balkan Medical Task Force.

The Council gave its final green light to new EU rules enabling more effective returns for those with no right to stay in the EU.

Thursday 8 October

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Thursday 8 October

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On the third anniversary of the Hamas attack, Israel is commemorating the victims. On October 7, 2023, terrorists from the Gaza Strip invaded Israel, murdering 1,221 people and taking 251 hostage. Israel reacted with a war which has claimed at least 70,000 lives in the Palestinian territories. Commentators explore how that day changed the country and its people.

After the AfD's election victory in Saxony-Anhalt, a member of the party – which is classified there as far-right extremist – has, for the first time in Germany, been elected as parliamentary speaker in the state parliament. Tobias Rausch received 48 out of 82 votes during the parliament's first constituent session. In addition to the AfD and BSW parliamentary groups, four representatives from other parties also voted for Rausch. Commentators take stock and examine the possibility of the AfD forming a government.