STRASBOURG, October 7 — The story begins this week in Strasbourg, where the European Parliament opened its doors to a series of debates that reach into the quiet corners of daily life — from the cost of keeping a roof overhead to the safety of children scrolling online. What unfolded over five days was not just a calendar of meetings but a deliberate effort to connect policy with the rhythms of ordinary existence.
On Monday, MEPs debated the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and paid tribute to Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya on the 20th anniversary of her assassination, with her granddaughter Anna Victoria Politkovskaya scheduled to speak — a moment that carried personal weight amid broader geopolitical tensions. At its heart, the week’s agenda sought to address pressures felt in households across the Union.
On Tuesday, discussions turned to making housing affordable amid rising living costs, followed by a debate on the cost-of-living crisis on Wednesday. The same day, MEPs examined Commission proposals related to the so-called ‘KIDS Act’, which aims to delay social media access for children and ensure online platforms provide safe, age-appropriate services. Also on Tuesday, a conference on EU funding for tourism and national building renovation plans took place alongside deliberations on the Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Earlier in the week, the plenary session voted on the EU’s new defence innovation programme (AGILE), worth €115 million (approximately US$125 million), designed to support emerging and disruptive defence technologies. On Thursday, MEPs are set to vote on a resolution concerning the undemocratic parliamentary elections in Russia held on 18–20 September 2026, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas participating in the Tuesday debate.
Throughout the week, Parliament engaged in discussions with Council and Commission representatives on the need for an ambitious 2028–2034 EU long-term budget to strengthen Europe’s resilience. The Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro, is scheduled to address Parliament and debate with MEPs during the week. Other events include a webinar for European Citizens’ Initiative organisers on leveraging social media and influencers, and a conference in Brussels organised by the European Migration Network on migrant integration, inclusion, and social cohesion.
The Finance Council is also expected to finalise its position on the market integration and supervision package, a component of the EU’s savings and investments union. All events are part of the official EU agenda for the week of 5–10 October 2026. As the sessions conclude, attention turns to how these debates will translate into concrete action — particularly on housing, youth protection, and fiscal resilience — in the months ahead.
