European Union

For the first time since January 2022, the German and Russian foreign ministers met in person on Saturday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. However, there was apparently no convergence of positions during the 20-minute meeting between Sergey Lavrov and his German counterpart Johann Wadephul. The media discuss the diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine.

Pope Leo XIV is visiting France from 25 to 28 September. The trip has taken him to Paris, Lourdes and Metz. Church services attended by hundreds of thousands of people, discussions about abuse within the Church and a message on European integration were all on the agenda. Europe's media take a positive view of the visit.

China's President Xi Jinping was received with great pomp by Donald Trump in Washington last week. Both sides emphasised the "friendship" and "progress" in their relations. It was announced today, Monday, that an agreement had been reached on tariff cuts totalling 30 billion dollars and the establishment of a trade council to meet at regular intervals. A forum for dialogue on regulating AI is also to be set up.

On 29-30 September, MEPs, national parliamentarians, EU experts, and civil society representatives will discuss strategies to strengthen democracy and reinforce citizens' trust.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On 29-30 September, MEPs, national parliamentarians, EU experts, and civil society representatives will discuss strategies to strengthen democracy and reinforce citizens' trust.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.