Major Political Events in Europe 2025

The first foreign ministers’ gathering of the year sets the tone for EU diplomacy in 2025, with a focus on Ukraine, the Middle East and the EU’s eastern and southern neighbourhood. No formal decisions are taken, but the discussion heavily shapes the agenda of upcoming Foreign Affairs Councils.

EU leaders adopt political guidance for the 2025–2030 period, covering security, competitiveness, enlargement and the green and digital transitions. The outcome provides a “road map” for all major EU initiatives in the coming years.

Defence ministers review military support to Ukraine and take stock of the EU’s defence industrial base, including ammunition production and joint procurement schemes. Coordination with NATO and partner countries is central to the discussions.

Ministers examine the annual rule-of-law reports for each member state and hold a first structured exchange on the mid-term review of the EU’s multiannual financial framework (MFF). The meeting defines the political lines of conflict ahead of more detailed budget talks later in the year.

ECOFIN looks at how reformed fiscal rules are applied in practice and how national budgets accommodate higher defence and energy spending. Ministers also assess the performance of post-crisis recovery tools.

The Spring summit reviews the EU’s economic outlook, climate trajectory and competitiveness agenda. Leaders debate how to keep European industry attractive while delivering on climate goals.

Foreign ministers focus on the Eastern Partnership, the Western Balkans and the security of the EU’s neighbourhood. The meeting revisits enlargement commitments and the resilience of partner countries.

Interior and justice ministers discuss the practical rollout of the new Pact on Migration and Asylum and the state of Schengen governance. Internal security, including organised crime and terrorism, is also reviewed.

The EPC summit gathers EU and non-EU leaders in a flexible format to discuss security, energy and connectivity across the continent. Though not a formal EU body, it has quickly become a key stage for broad European political coordination.

Ahead of the summer summit season, foreign ministers discuss ties with key partners in the G7, G20 and Indo-Pacific region. The goal is to align EU diplomacy with broader coalitions on security, climate and trade.

NATO leaders meet to review deterrence and defence posture, with Ukraine and eastern flank security at the top of the agenda. The summit also looks at burden-sharing, innovation and resilience.

The mid-year European Council takes stock of the EU’s progress on Ukraine, energy, competitiveness and enlargement. Leaders use the meeting to adjust priorities for the rest of the year.

A new member state takes over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU, setting priorities for all Council formations for the second half of 2025. Its programme shapes the pace and focus of negotiations.

The UNGA high-level week brings together leaders from across the globe to debate climate, development, peace and security. EU and European leaders use the occasion for high-density summit diplomacy.

The autumn European Council revisits migration, energy prices and competitiveness, and follows up on commitments made earlier in the year at EPC and NATO meetings.

General Affairs ministers dive into the mid-term review of the EU’s long-term budget and revisit the link between rule-of-law concerns and EU funding. The meeting is often a preview of the compromises — or deadlocks — leaders will face at year-end.

The final European Council of the year reviews delivery on 2025 priorities and sketches the EU’s political agenda for 2026. It is also a moment to unlock pending budget and legislative compromises.