BRUSSELS, September 30 — The story begins with a quiet hum in the corridors of the European Parliament as autumn settles over Brussels. From 28 September to 3 October, the EU’s institutional agenda unfolds with a focus on the rhythms of daily life — education, health, culture, and the quiet struggles of communities across the continent. At its heart lies a push to renew and expand Erasmus+, the programme that has long opened doors for students, trainees, and young people seeking to learn beyond borders.
MEPs in the Committee on Culture and Education are set to decide on the 2028-2034 generation of Erasmus+, with proposals to include volunteering and increase its financial envelope. This is not merely a budget line — it is a lifeline for those who believe exchange builds understanding.
In the same week, the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety will assess the EU’s cancer plan, examining stricter tobacco labelling, limits on online alcohol advertising, and broader efforts to curb alcohol abuse as a preventable risk factor. Democracy itself is under discussion. The EU Parliamentary Democracy Forum, running from Tuesday to Wednesday, brings MEPs face to face with national parliamentarians, civil society voices, and academics.
Their task: to deliberate on strengthening democratic resilience and rebuilding citizens’ trust in institutions. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will deliver the closing remarks, anchoring the dialogue in the Parliament’s own commitment to openness.
Economic stability shares the agenda. The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs will hold its regular monetary dialogue with ECB President Christine Lagarde, reviewing the central bank’s recent actions and weighing how artificial intelligence and inflation dynamics shape monetary policy. These are not abstract debates — they touch mortgages, wages, and the cost of living in homes from Lisbon to Łódź.
Looking ahead, preparations intensify for the 5-8 October plenary session. There, MEPs will outline priorities for the mid-October European Council and vote on a range of files. Among them: the new AGILE defence innovation programme, valued at €115 million; EU-China political relations; the upcoming anti-corruption strategy; and measures to counter Islamist entryism and the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood network.
Votes are also expected on rules to protect workers from dangerous substances and to address psychosocial risks and stress in the workplace — a recognition that mental well-being is part of occupational safety. The ‘This is Europe’ debate series will feature Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, joining a conversation on Europe’s challenges and its future.
In the Council of the EU, fisheries ministers will seek a partial general approach on post-2027 support for fisheries, aquaculture, and the ocean pact, while also discussing the post-2027 common agricultural policy and current market conditions. Defence ministers will exchange views on EU military support for Ukraine and hybrid threats, with High Representative Kaja Kallas chairing the European Defence Agency Steering Board in the margins. Justice ministers will aim to approve conclusions on combating racism and related hatred and discrimination.
Meanwhile, the European Commission hosts events on coal regions’ transition, innovation uptake, the Digital Product Passport for Batteries, and the automotive industry’s path forward. The Connecting Europe Days conference will gather politicians, financiers, industry, and transport stakeholders to shape a competitive, resilient, safe, and sustainable transport sector.
Specialised gatherings round out the week: a CERIS workshop on innovation in security solutions in Brussels, an online training on standards in knowledge management, and in Bochum, Germany, a two-day event on the accelerated and just transition of coal regions — bringing researchers, policymakers, industry, and regional practitioners together.
