European Week: The Best of the EU and Italy in Europe
By EU Video News
This week in Brussels and across Europe: from Europe Day celebrations in Rome to diplomatic summits on global conflicts, covering sustainable mobility, human rights in the Middle East, and the new frontiers of health research. A detailed account of the events that shaped the political agenda from May 9 to 13.
The week kicked off with a celebration of our shared identity. On Saturday, May 9, Rome’s Piazza del Campidoglio lit up for “Luci d’Europa,” the central event of Europe Day 2026. In the presence of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Commission Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the evening brought together politics and culture. Accompanied by Parliament Vice-Presidents Pina Picierno and Antonella Sberna, big names such as Andrea Bocelli, Francesca Michielin, Nicola Piovani, and Aurora Ramazzotti paid tribute to the European dream in a high-profile institutional setting.
On Monday, May 11, the political focus shifts to the diplomatic front with the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC). Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reiterated Italy’s position on the most pressing issues—Russia and Iran—and confirmed Italy’s willingness to carry out mine-clearing operations to restore crucial maritime routes. Meanwhile, at the Berlaymont Building, Commission spokesperson Balazs Ujvari outlined the next steps for Ukraine: the macro-financial assistance plan is entering its final phase, with the goal of releasing €9 billion by June to support defense and stability. On the health front, spokesperson Eva Hrncirova discussed the monitoring of Hantavirus cases across the continent.
On Tuesday, May 12, Volt MEP Kai Rasmus Tegethoff presented the initiative “Single European Ticket: One Continent, One Ticket” to the European Parliament, aiming for a radical simplification of cross-border mobility. Also in Brussels, Commission spokespersons Guillaume Mercier and Markus Lammert spoke on foreign policy, addressing rescue operations in the Mediterranean and aid to the Afghan people, respectively.
In the afternoon, during the conference “Infrastructure as a Weapon of War,” Lucia Annunziata and Nicola Zingaretti (PD) presented a report on the West Bank, denouncing the escalation of attacks by settlers and the use of infrastructure as a weapon of war.
On Wednesday, May 13, the European agenda intersects with social and health issues. Salvatore De Meo, MEP of Forza Italia, organized the important discussion titled “PANS and PANDAS: A Bridge Between Science, Healthcare, and European Policies.” The event, organized for the PANS PANDAS BGE OdV Parents’ Association, brought pediatric neuropsychiatric syndromes to the forefront of the European debate, calling on Brussels institutions to raise awareness and develop common policies to ensure inclusion and therapeutic support for children and families affected by these conditions.
©️ European Union, 2026