On 22 May, Eurogroup ministers met to discuss the latest macroeconomic developments in the euro area, based on the European Commission's spring 2026 economic forecast. They also discussed the various economic challenges and policy options relating to affordable housing. Finally, they reviewed progress on the digital euro.

On 22 May, European trade ministers exchanged views on the impact of the situation in the Middle East on the European economy and on the strategic responses required, with a focus on diversifying supply sources. They extended sanctions against Iran, particularly against entities and individuals involved in the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. They suspended customs duties on certain fertilisers and adopted stricter rules on trade preferences for certain developing countries.

On 22 May, the leaders of the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, France, Canada, Australia and New Zealand issued a joint statement on the situation in the West Bank. They reiterate that, under international law, Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a territory of Palestine occupied since 1967, are illegal. They therefore call on the Israeli government to halt the expansion of settlements and its administrative powers, and to ensure that settlers who commit acts of violence are held to account. Finally, they reiterate their unwavering commitment to a negotiated two-state solution, comprising Israel and Palestine.

On 22 May, leaders from the European Union and Mexico met in Mexico City for their eighth summit. The meeting was marked by the signing of the new comprehensive agreement between the European Union and Mexico, designed to deepen trade and strategic cooperation between the two partners. Discussions also focused on several shared priorities, including energy security, the fight against organised crime, climate transition, innovation, and major international geopolitical issues against a backdrop of significant global tensions.

On 13 May, the new government led by Peter Magyar was sworn in. It comprises 17 ministers, including four women. On 19 and 20 May, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar travelled to Poland for his first overseas visit. After stopping in Krakow, he travelled to Warsaw where he met his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk, as well as the President, Karol Nawrocki. On 21 May, Peter Magyar travelled to Austria, where he met with Chancellor Christian Stocker. The two heads of government emphasised the historically close ties between their countries. They also spoke in favour of strengthening regional cooperation and the enlargement of the Union to include the Western Balkans.

On 20 May, Moldovan President Maia Sandu travelled to the Netherlands for a visit that aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and support Moldova's accession process to the European Union. At the same time, Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund on a new three-year cooperation programme. This is intended to support the country's macroeconomic stability, underpin structural reforms and strengthen the resilience of the Moldovan economy in a regional context marked by the consequences of the war in Ukraine and energy tensions.

On 21 and 22 May, the foreign ministers of NATO member countries met in Sweden. Among other things, they discussed increased defence spending, boosting defence industrial production, continued support for Ukraine, ways to strengthen NATO and to ensure fairness among its members, as well as the situation in the Middle East. Their discussions also helped lay the groundwork for the Organisation's next summit, to be held in Ankara in July.​

On 19 May, MEPs approved new rules on the mandatory screening of foreign investments in sensitive sectors such as defence, semiconductors, financial services and critical raw materials. Essential for European economic security, this new regulation is expected to strengthen cooperation between national screening authorities and lead to greater harmonisation of procedures. An initial screening regulation came into force in October 2020, and the Commission had proposed a review in 2024

On 21 May, MEPs approved new rules strengthening legal support and protection measures for victims in criminal proceedings. They adopted the establishment of a European helpline for victims and the use of digital tools to report criminal offences online. To strengthen victims' rights during criminal proceedings, a new right to privacy and the non-disclosure of a victim's details to the offender have been approved. Finally, access to healthcare for victims of sexual violence is guaranteed.

On 22 May, the Slovenian Parliament approved, by 51 votes out of 90, the appointment of Janez Janša, leader of the Democratic Party (SDS), as Prime Minister, paving the way for a new government committed to introducing tax cuts, business-friendly reforms and changes to pension funding. This would mark Janez Janša's fourth term as head of government (2004–2008, 2012–2013, 2020–2022)

On 18 May, the European Commission published its fifth report on the state of the Schengen Area. The 2026 edition notes that the Schengen Area continues to demonstrate resilience and highlights several significant achievements. The number of illegal border crossings fell by 26%, evidence of improved protection of external borders, whilst the return rate reached its highest level in the last ten years, at 28%. The full launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES) in April enabled greater digitalisation of the Schengen Area. The Union's first visa strategy was also adopted in January.

On 21 May, the 2026 edition of the publication on European Demography was released by Eurostat. Bringing together a range of data on the 451 million citizens of the European Union, this publication allows readers to explore trends in European demographics, as well as their diversity and structure, through a series of interactive visualisations.

On 25 May, Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical—a solemn letter from the Pope addressed to the entire Catholic Church—was made public. Entitled "Magnifica Humanitas" (Magnificent Humanity), it is the first major doctrinal text of his pontificate. Running to over a hundred pages, this text sets out a Catholic doctrine on artificial intelligence, combining a critique of technological capitalism, geopolitical reflections on war and anthropological questions regarding humanity's place in an automated world. In particular, the Pope asserts that artificial intelligence must be disarmed and freed from the logic that turns it into an instrument of domination, exclusion or death.