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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What the European Commission actually controls in EU politics
The Commission proposes laws, enforces EU rules and manages programmes. It does not legislate alone—and its claim to political independence has defined limits.
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Dates shaping Europe
Confirmed dates from official institutions. Schedules can change; each entry links to its source record.
17–18 Dec
2026
Year-end summit
European Council
The final scheduled leaders’ summit of 2026 closes the Council year and sets priorities for 2027.
Brussels, Belgium
1 Jan
2027
Council presidency
Lithuanian Council presidency begins
Lithuania begins its six-month term chairing Council formations and shaping the legislative timetable.
EU-wide · Vilnius
18 Apr
2027
First round
French presidential election
France votes in the first round of a presidential contest with direct consequences for Europe’s political balance.
France
2 May
2027
Second round
French presidential runoff
The scheduled second round determines France’s next president when no candidate wins an outright first-round majority.
France
1 Jul
2027
Council presidency
Greek Council presidency begins
Greece takes the rotating presidency, placing Mediterranean security, migration and enlargement on the agenda.
EU-wide · Athens
MEGA EU events
Meet the desk in person
22 October 2026
Reader evening
MEGA EU Newsroom Evening
An open evening with the editorial desk on how we source, label and fact-check European political coverage, followed by questions from readers.
Brussels, Belgium · Venue confirmed by email one week before
12 November 2026
Briefing
Sweden After the Election: Reader Briefing
A working session on Swedish parliamentary arithmetic, the shifting right and what it means for Sweden's position in Council negotiations.
Stockholm, Sweden · Central Stockholm · address sent with confirmation
3 December 2026
Panel
The Right in Germany: Evidence and Argument
A moderated panel on how Germany's conservative and nationalist right is reported, with counterarguments presented on stage rather than in footnotes.
Berlin, Germany · Mitte · venue confirmed with your ticket
28 January 2027
Forum
Sovereignty and the Single Market Forum
Where does national competence end and EU competence begin? A forum on subsidiarity, industrial policy and energy costs with readers and researchers.
Vienna, Austria · Inner city · address with confirmation
18 April 2027
Watch party
French Election Night Watch
Live first-round results with running commentary from the political desk, constituency maps and a written wrap sent to attendees the next morning.
Paris, France · Venue confirmed by email
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