Forward look: 19 January - 1 February 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[...]

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

Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 20 January 2026

The Cyprus presidency will present its work programme in the field of economic and financial affairs. As part of the European semester 2026, the Council is expected to approve conclusions on the 2026 alert mechanism report. Ministers will be invited to adopt a decision opening a new excessive deficit procedure (EDP) concerning Finland and a recommendation outlining the steps that Finland should follow to put an end to its excessive deficit.

Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 26 January 2026

The Council will begin with a public session, during which the Cyprus presidency will present its work programme for the first half of 2026. Ministers will then exchange views on amending the organic farming regulation and on the EU Bioeconomy Strategy. The latter will provide input for the draft Council conclusions on the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy, to be approved by the Environment Council.

General Affairs Council, 26 January 2026

Ministers for European affairs will hear a presentation of the Cyprus presidency priorities and hold a country-specific discussion in the framework of the annual rule of law dialogue. The Council will also hold a policy debate on the European Democracy Shield.

Foreign Affairs Council, 29 January 2026

The Council will exchange views on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and in the Great Lakes Region. Furthermore, EU foreign affairs ministers will informally discuss the outlook for 2026 over breakfast and exchange views with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk over a working lunch.

Other meetings