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Between 26 May and 1 June 2026, the EU institutional agenda intensifies ahead of the June European Council, with foreign ministers gathering for the informal Gymnich meeting on 27-28 May, the Competitiveness Council debating the Industrial Accelerator Act on 28-29 May, and the EU-Western Balkans summit setting strategic enlargement direction.

Brussels-watchers face an exceptionally dense agenda this week: the Competitiveness Council convenes on 28 May for Internal Market and Industry under Cypriot chair Michael Damianos, followed by Research and Space on 29 May. The European Innovation Council Summit 2026 runs in parallel, while preparations begin for the 23-24 June European Council.

Police deployed water cannon in Belfast after officers came under sustained attack from crowds throwing bricks, bottles and wooden debris. The disorder erupted at a major roundabout following a knife attack in the area.

England’s new GCSE curriculum faces major revisions after teachers raised serious concerns about workload and burnout. Ofqual has confirmed it supports scaling back ambitious reforms affecting nine subjects.

The leaders of Plaid Cymru, the SNP and Sinn Féin have united to warn that Westminster’s era of centralised control is drawing to a close. Their joint message signals a coordinated push for constitutional change across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

EU defence ministers met this week to discuss reinforced military support for Ukraine and EU defence readiness as Middle East conflict reshapes the security landscape.