The European Parliament will focus on industrial competitiveness, labour mobility and international cooperation during the week of Oct. 12–18, 2026, as political groups prepare for the institution’s next plenary session. The Employment and Social Affairs Committee will meet European Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné to discuss industrial policy and competitiveness. Members will also debate the Commission’s proposed fair labour mobility package with Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, including cross-border work, recognition of qualifications and social security rights. On Friday, Parliament will host speakers from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Discussions are expected to cover parliamentary cooperation, navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, European security, and the wider effects of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Parliament President Roberta Metsola will chair the conference, which is scheduled to conclude with a joint statement. Political groups will also prepare for the Oct. 19–22 plenary session. Planned topics include the 2027 EU budget, the 2028–2034 Erasmus+ programme, climate policy ahead of COP31, critical raw materials, waste legislation, passenger rights, high-speed rail and measures to combat value-added tax fraud. Metsola is also scheduled to meet European Council President António Costa and address EU leaders during their meeting on Thursday. Post navigation MEPs Back Pregnancy Proxy Voting Ukraine, Estonia Expand Defense Cooperation