European delegation

The European Commission is highlighting energy-focused events at the COP31 climate summit, underlining the role of energy transition talks in this year's negotiations. Discussions are expected to centre on phasing down fossil fuels, scaling renewables and financing the shift for developing countries. Delegates and observers are watching closely to see what concrete commitments emerge from the energy agenda.

The President of the Congress of the Council of Europe has reaffirmed support for a democratic Belarus during a meeting with a new delegation of Belarusian representatives. The talks signal continued European engagement with democratic forces from Belarus, and the Congress pledged to maintain its backing for the country's democratic movement.

The seed industry is turning its attention to the Euroseeds Congress 2026, which will be held in Valencia, Spain. Trade coverage is already asking what outcomes and takeaways the sector can expect from the event, with discussion focused on what innovations, policy debates and partnerships delegates will bring home from the congress.

Björn Seibert, a German EU official who has served as a close foreign policy aide to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, has been named head of the EU delegation for upcoming negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. The appointment is being shared in European security and geopolitics discussions, with observers watching what role the EU will play in any peace process.

A Council of Europe delegation is visiting Bulgaria to assess the country's execution of a wide range of judgments, including rulings from the European Court of Human Rights. The visit is part of ongoing supervision of Bulgaria's compliance with international court decisions, covering a broad variety of cases.

A delegation of Members of the European Parliament is set to travel to China for talks on trade challenges and opportunities between the two economies. The visit comes as the EU and China grapple with tensions over market access, subsidies and supply chains, while both sides remain major trading partners. Details of the delegation's itinerary and the officials it will meet have not yet been made public.

A Slovak delegation has arrived in Moscow, deepening friction between Bratislava and the European Union. The EU has already condemned Slovakia for exchanging military attachés with Russia, even though several other European countries still maintain their own military attachés in Russia. Critics see a double standard, while supporters frame the visit as pragmatic diplomacy with Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is ready for peace but will not surrender the Donbas region, according to RaiNews reporting. A new diplomatic calendar sets further negotiating rounds starting next week in Europe, where Ukrainian delegates will meet European partners and special envoys, as the question of territorial control remains the central sticking point.

Austria's parliamentary leadership is taking part in a Council of Europe conference in Rome, with a focus on diplomacy and cybersecurity. The Austrian delegation is using the gathering to underline the importance of multilateral cooperation and digital security among European states. Further details about specific outcomes or statements from the conference have not yet been reported.