Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) - European Parliament

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine created renewed momentum for EU enlargement. As the European Parliament highlights, enlargement is a key driver for long-term stability, security and economic development. Economic output per person has increased over the past two decades across the Western Balkans, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. However, convergence with the EU remains low. Without stronger reform and investment, full convergence and integration could be delayed by several decades. Foreign direct investment as a share of gross national product is generally higher in the enlargement countries examined than in the EU, but not consistently directed to sectors that support long-term growth. Trade integration with the EU has deepened significantly, supported by existing agreements. The EU remains the main trade partner for the enlargement countries examined, and has benefited from these relations, including agricultural trade with Ukraine. Trade patterns across countries and sectors remain uneven, and exposure to other global actors, particularly China, has increased in some cases. Enlargement countries perform well in terms of digital infrastructure. However, significant gaps remain in regulatory frameworks and innovation capacity, which is critical to adopting artificial intelligence. Progress in aligning with the EU acquis and deeper integration into the EU market and programmes could support increased trade and investment, while contributing to faster economic convergence.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

A delegation of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) visited Seoul and Tokyo from 31 March to 2 April, led by Committee Chair David McAllister (EPP, Germany).
During the visit, MEPs discussed how to further strengthen the EU's strategic cooperation with South Korea and Japan, two of its key like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Discussions focused on issues of mutual interest against the backdrop of a rapidly shifting global landscape and challenges to the rules-based international order, shaped by evolving dynamics across the Indo-Pacific region, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and conflict in the Middle East.
Press release
Mission report : [EN]
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

DRAFT REPORT on EU-Syria political relations
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Nathalie Loiseau

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

DRAFT REPORT on a new co-ownership for the future of Euro-Mediterranean relations – the Pact for the Mediterranean
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Nicola Zingaretti

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

OPINION on the proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive (EU) 2015/637 on the coordination and cooperation measures to facilitate consular protection for unrepresented citizens of the Union in third countries and Directive (EU) 2019/997 establishing an EU Emergency Travel Document
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Nacho Sánchez Amor

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

MISSION REPORT following the mission to the Republic of Korea and Japan from 30 March to 2 April 2026
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

OPINION on the Council Decision amending Decision (EU) 2021/1764 on the Association of the Overseas Countries and Territories with the European Union including relations between the European Union on the one hand, and Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark on the other
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Urmas Paet

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Next AFET committee meeting will be held on:

Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 June 2026, room ANTALL 2Q2, Brussels

Meetings are webstreamed with the exception of agenda items held "in camera".

AFET - DROI calendar of meetings 2026
Meeting documents
Webstreaming
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

African and European parliamentarians will meet in Eswatini from 12 to 14 May to discuss possible ways to cooperate on security, youth policy and critical raw materials.
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

REPORT on the 2025 Commission report on Türkiye
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Nacho Sánchez Amor

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

RECOMMENDATION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, of the other part
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Ilhan Kyuchyuk

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

REPORT containing a motion for a non-legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, of the other part
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Ilhan Kyuchyuk

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Length of video : 60'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Length of video : 60'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Length of video : 90'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Length of video : 30'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Length of video : 75'

Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On 4 May (15.30–16.30), DG ENEST will engage with the AFET committee on Ukraine's progress on reforms and disbursement of funds under the Ukraine Facility. A day later, on 5 May (10.00–11.30), the members of the AFET Committee will discuss with members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine the situation in Ukraine and the country’s path towards EU accession in the context of Russia’s war of aggression and continued attacks across the country.
Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP