On 16 December, the European Commission proposed measures to improve the health of Europeans while ensuring the competitiveness of the sector. These measures include, among other things, a law on biotechnology that will encourage companies to conduct research and production in Europe, speed up clinical trial authorisations in all countries, and develop new cutting-edge therapies using AI. They also include the Safe Hearts plan, which is the EU's first comprehensive approach to improving the prevention, detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

On 21 December, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides presented the programme and priorities of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 January to 30 June 2026, under the motto 'An autonomous Union. Open to the world'. The approach focuses on strengthening the Union's autonomy, particularly in terms of security and competitiveness.

On 18 December, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that Poland had failed to fulfil its obligations, as the Polish Constitutional Court had declared certain interpretations of the Treaties to be contrary to the Constitution and described the case law of the European Court of Justice on effective judicial protection as ultra vires, in disregard of the principles of primacy, autonomy, effectiveness and uniform application of EU law, as well as the binding nature of CJEU decisions.

The traditional New Year's Concert will be held on 1 January at 11:15 a.m. This year, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The ceremony will be broadcast live on several media outlets around the world.

On 17 December, the EU-Western Balkans summit, chaired by European Council President Antonio Costa, was an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the strategic relationship between the European Union and the Western Balkans. The declaration, signed at the end of the meeting by all parties except Serbia, emphasises that regional cooperation, reconciliation and good neighbourly relations are essential, and reaffirms their support and solidarity with Ukraine. The next meeting will be held in June 2026.

On 18 December, the Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) decided to keep key interest rates unchanged. At the press conference, Christine Lagarde and Luis de Guindos emphasised that monetary policy would remain dependent on incoming economic data, with all instruments available to ensure price stability and address global uncertainties, while mentioning the risks related to the external environment and wage pressures. The updated macroeconomic projections indicate that inflation is expected to fall below 2% in 2026-2027, while GDP growth remains moderate but positive in the coming years.

On 18 December, European leaders decided to provide a €90 billion loan to Ukraine for 2026 and 2027, which will be based on Union borrowing on the capital markets. Then, given the intensification of the hybrid warfare campaign by Russia and Belarus, they called for accelerated efforts to strengthen the Union's resilience and protect its critical infrastructure. Finally, they stressed the need to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2803 to end the conflict in Gaza and allow for the immediate, unimpeded and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid. They also mentioned the need to preserve economic stability and security in Lebanon and reiterated their support for a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria.

On 19 December, the European Commission gave a positive assessment of Cyprus' fifth payment request for €70.5 million. This request is part of NextGenerationEU. Details of the implementation of this plan are available on the Foundation's website.

French President Emmanuel Macron took the opportunity of the traditional Christmas celebration with the armed forces in the United Arab Emirates on 21 December to announce the construction of a new aircraft carrier to replace the Charles-de-Gaulle, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026. This 'new generation' ship is scheduled to enter service in 2038.

The European Union disturbs authoritarian regimes with its model based on law and values. Despite criticism from certain elites, it is supported by its citizens and remains a success. In the face of Russian aggression, it has been able to unite, impose sanctions and effectively help Ukraine. Stopping self-denigration would help Europeans to strengthen their influence and credibility.

The European News Journal offers specialised analysis on geopolitics, security and defence. It publishes articles, interviews and commentaries by international correspondents and experts on topics such as global tensions, European defence cooperation, space, and the growing challenges of climate change and protecting populations. The first issue has just been published.

On 18 December, the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission set out their legislative priorities for 2026: strengthening the European Union's competitiveness and resilience, protecting citizens and businesses, while pursuing ambitious simplification objectives. Priority will be given to policy objectives for a new era of European defence and security, to ensure Europe's sustainable prosperity, competitiveness and simplification.

On 18 December, negotiators from the Council and the European Parliament reached an agreement on an overhaul of asylum laws concerning the conditions for applying third-country safe status to asylum seekers who are not nationals of those countries. This new agreement extends the possible grounds for the rejection of asylum applications under three conditions with a view to making these procedures more efficient.

On 18 December, negotiators from the Council and the European Parliament reached an agreement on new rules to protect European investors in financial markets. The new measures will enable retail investors to make informed decisions that suit their needs, while ensuring that they are treated fairly and offered products that are good value for money.