15–16 Oct
2026
Leaders’ summit
European Council
EU heads of state and government meet to set the bloc’s political agenda for the final quarter.
Brussels, Belgium
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Latest analysis · 22 September 2026
The Commission proposes laws, enforces EU rules and manages programmes. It does not legislate alone—and its claim to political independence has defined limits.
Country files
Political calendar
Confirmed dates from official institutions. Schedules can change; each entry links to its source record.
15–16 Oct
2026
Leaders’ summit
EU heads of state and government meet to set the bloc’s political agenda for the final quarter.
Brussels, Belgium
17–18 Dec
2026
Year-end summit
The final scheduled leaders’ summit of 2026 closes the Council year and sets priorities for 2027.
Brussels, Belgium
1 Jan
2027
Council presidency
Lithuania begins its six-month term chairing Council formations and shaping the legislative timetable.
EU-wide · Vilnius
18 Apr
2027
First round
France votes in the first round of a presidential contest with direct consequences for Europe’s political balance.
France
2 May
2027
Second round
The scheduled second round determines France’s next president when no candidate wins an outright first-round majority.
France
1 Jul
2027
Council presidency
Greece takes the rotating presidency, placing Mediterranean security, migration and enlargement on the agenda.
EU-wide · Athens
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