Europe’s Parliamentary Pulse

The European Parliament has announced an extensive agenda for the week of February 23 to March 1, 2026, focusing on significant international and internal issues, including the four-year mark of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

On Tuesday, February 23, the Parliament will convene an extraordinary plenary session to discuss and vote on Europe’s contributions toward a just peace and sustained security for Ukraine. This session will coincide with the anniversary of the Russian invasion, highlighting its ongoing impact on regional stability. The same day, discussions will extend into the realm of human rights with debates on the actions of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the EU’s role in upholding human rights internationally.

Economic and trade matters are also on the agenda, with the International Trade Committee set to vote on two legislative proposals related to the EU-US Framework Agreement, known as the Turnberry Deal. This includes adjustments to customs duties on goods imported from the U.S., with a subsequent press conference scheduled for 1:00 PM. Additionally, the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee will engage in its first “monetary dialogue” of the year with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, to discuss the latest monetary policy decisions.

Other key discussions include votes on EU-wide definitions of rape, based on the absence of consent, and the appointment of the new European Chief Prosecutor, Andrés Ritter. These discussions are part of a broader effort to enhance legislative actions and uphold civil liberties across the EU.

The week will also feature the European Parliamentary Week 2026, a conference gathering MEPs and parliamentarians from EU member states and candidate countries to debate economic direction, budgetary choices, and social priorities. This event will be inaugurated by EP President Roberta Metsola and Annita Demetriou, President of Cyprus’ House of Representatives.

Overall, the upcoming week in the European Parliament will address a spectrum of critical issues from international trade to human rights, reflecting the EU’s ongoing commitment to addressing both internal and global challenges.