The last week of January marks the return to Brussels of Members of the European Parliament, with a packed committee agenda with the ITRE Committee that will tackle dossiers on energy networks, nuclear, digital and cybersecurity, with the participation of members of the Cypriot Presidency. Key highlights from the Commission include the presentation of the annual report on the Single Market and competitiveness by Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné.
DIGITAL
Monday 26 January. The Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) will take stock of the implementation and enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), through updates from the respective working groups, with a focus on enforcement and outstanding challenges.
On the same day, an exchange of views is scheduled on the protection of minors from AI-generated sexual content, with attention to the implications under the DSA.
Wednesday 28 January. In the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), an exchange of views will take place with representatives of the Cypriot government: Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michael Damianos, and the Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, covering defence industry, energy and SMEs, research and innovation, digital, cybersecurity and space. On the same occasion, a structured dialogue is planned with Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen, including an exchange of views on the Digital Networks Act and the Cybersecurity Act.
Thursday 29 January. ITRE will hold a thematic debate on “Fusion energy: the energy source of the future or an unattainable vision?”.
This will be followed by a public hearing on cyber defence and cybersecurity, jointly organised by ITRE and the Security and Defence Committee (SEDE).
SUSTAINABILITY
Monday 26 January. IMCO, together with the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), will examine the proposal on circularity requirements for vehicle design and the management of end-of-life vehicles. Rapporteurs for the file are Jens Gieseke (EPP – Germany) and Paulius Saudargas (EPP – Lithuania).
Wednesday 28 January. During a joint debate in ITRE, the European Commission will present two initiatives in the nuclear field: the proposal to establish a new instrument for cooperation on nuclear safety and decommissioning for the period 2028–2034, and the Euratom research and training programme for 2028–2032, which will complement Horizon Europe and define the EU’s contribution to the ITER project. The rapporteur for the latter dossier is Sophie Wilmès (Renew – Belgium).
On the same day, an exchange of views is scheduled with European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen on the European Grids Package.
HEALTH
Tuesday 27 January. The Committee on Public Health (SANT) will hold a debate with European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Olivér Várhelyi on public health policy frameworks and their implementation.
On the same day, SANT will discuss the proposal on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and EU support for preparedness and response to health emergencies, which also includes the repeal of the current legal framework. The rapporteur for the file is Leire Pajín (S&D – Spain).
OTHER EVENTS
Monday 26 January. The General Affairs Council will meet in Brussels: ministers responsible for European affairs will hear the presentation of the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency, with a focus on dossiers under the Council’s remit.
Tuesday 27 January. European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will represent the Union at the 16th EU–India Summit in New Delhi, hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a focus on trade, security and defence, the green transition and people-to-people cooperation.
Thursday 29 January. The Foreign Affairs Council will meet in Brussels, chaired by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, preceded by an informal breakfast on the outlook for 2026. Ministers will discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine following an intervention via videoconference by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, as well as the situation in the Middle East and the Great Lakes region (with a focus on eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo). During a working lunch, an informal exchange on human rights is scheduled with UN High Commissioner Volker Türk. This will be followed by the EU–Morocco Association Council.
Thursday 29 January. Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy Stéphane Séjourné will present the 2026 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report, identifying regulatory barriers and reform priorities for the Single Market and European competitiveness.
On the same day, EVP Henna Virkkunen will present the European Migration and Asylum Strategy and the EU Visa Strategy, initiatives aimed at strengthening border controls and cooperation with third countries on returns and readmission, including through a more strategic use of visa policy.
