On 13 May, the European Commission proposed three measures to improve the flow of interregional travel across Europe. Passengers will now be able to book single tickets from multiple rail operators in a single transaction. The single ticket will provide better protection of passengers' rights, particularly in the event of a missed connection, through assistance, a refund or compensation. Finally, platforms must meet certain obligations to ensure fair and neutral access to the various travel options. These proposals aim to respond to a Eurobarometer survey, which called for a reliable European booking system.

On 11 and 12 May, ministers agreed on a position regarding the Erasmus+ regulation for the period 2028–2034 with a view to negotiations with the European Parliament. They adopted conclusions on the status of teachers in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). They agreed on general guidelines for the new AgoraEU programme, aimed at supporting Europe's cultural diversity, and adopted conclusions on sports tourism as a driver of sustainable development.

On 12 May, the Defence Ministers exchanged views on defence industrial cooperation with Ukraine. They agreed to find ways to mobilise funds from the European Peace Facility (EPF). Discussions also focused on the situation in the Middle East, in particular the possibility of extending Operation ASPIDES, as well as the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), whose mandate expires at the end of 2026, and the possibility of a European mission. Finally, they approved €15 million in assistance under the EFP to strengthen the military capabilities of the armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On 15 May in Chisinau, the Secretary-General, Alain Berset, presented his 2026 report entitled 'The New Democratic Pact for Europe in Times of Upheaval'. In particular, he calls for a legal and democratic framework on which European security can be sustainably built, and for the restoration of trust in institutions. In his view, the manipulation of information and foreign interference, combined with the erosion of trust in democratic systems, are undermining both the rule of law and social stability, thereby endangering European democracies from within.

On May 13, the foreign ministers of the Council of Europe announced the adoption of a new treaty aimed at strengthening the recovery of criminal assets. This treaty aims to improve member states' effectiveness in freezing, seizing, and confiscating assets derived from illicit activities, particularly in cases involving organized crime, corruption, and money laundering. In this context, the Council of Europe is promoting an instrument designed to address existing legal gaps and harmonize national practices, as illicit financial flows remain a major concern at the European level.

On 15 May, the foreign ministers of the Council of Europe member states adopted a declaration in Chişinău reiterating their commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights, the principle of subsidiarity and the role of the European Court of Human Rights. The declaration places particular emphasis on migration issues and the exploitation of migration by hostile states or actors. Member states nevertheless reassert their right to control their borders and migration policy, in accordance with the obligations set out in the Convention.

On 16 May, the singer Dara, representing Bulgaria, won Eurovision with her song 'Bangaranga'. With a total of 516 points, she won both the public vote and the national juries' vote, allowing her country to win this annual European song contest – which has been held since 1956 – for the first time. Israel came second in the rankings; its participation prompted a boycott of the contest by Slovenia, the Netherlands, Iceland, Ireland and Spain. Romania came third. Bulgaria will host the 2027 edition of the contest.

On 11 May, the Foreign Ministers discussed the Western Balkans, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. Ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit on 5 June, they held a debate on geopolitical developments and partnerships in the fields of security and defence. They adopted new restrictive measures against individuals and entities responsible for the deportation of Ukrainian children. Finally, regarding the situation in the Middle East, they explored options for strengthening Operation ASPIDES.

The European Inventor Award, presented by the European Patent Office, recognises inventors across a range of disciplines, celebrating their individual contributions as well as the European patent system, which protects inventions and encourages innovation. This year, the Award will be presented on 2 July in Berlin. In the run-up to the event, you can contribute to the Public Choice Award by voting for your favourite finalists.

On 14 May, Finnish President Alexander Stubb visited Lithuania to mark the 105th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 35th anniversary of their restoration. The meeting with his counterpart Gitanas Nauseda focused on the security situation in the region, strengthening NATO's deterrence and collective defence, and the protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. They also discussed bilateral economic and defence cooperation between their countries, closer coordination within the European Union, and support for Ukraine.

On 14 May, the Charlemagne Prize award ceremony took place in Aachen, honouring the former President of the European Central Bank and former Prime Minister of Italy, Mario Draghi. This award, which has been presented since 1950, recognises individuals committed to European unity. The organisers praised Mario Draghi's role in preserving the stability of the eurozone, as well as his commitment to the competitiveness of the European Union. Meanwhile, the European Charlemagne Youth Prize was awarded to the Estonian project ATHENA, which focuses on women's leadership; the French project POL, dedicated to combating disinformation and promoting citizen participation; and the Spanish project Guanxi, which analyses relations between the European Union and China.

On 15 May, the foreign ministers of the Council of Europe member states adopted an expanded partial agreement on the Special Tribunal tasked with adjudicating the crime of aggression against Ukraine. 34 of the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, Australia, Costa Rica and the European Union have announced their intention to adhere to this agreement and to define the operating and funding arrangements for the Special Tribunal. Based in The Hague, it will be responsible for investigating, prosecuting and adjudicating those responsible for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

On 11 May, representatives from the European Union, Ukraine and Canada organised a meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children Illegally Transferred to Russia. Together with representatives from some 60 countries, they reiterated their shared commitment to stepping up efforts to ensure the return of every Ukrainian child who has been illegally deported. At the Foreign Affairs Council on the same day, new restrictive measures were adopted against a further 16 individuals and seven entities responsible for the illegal and systematic deportation of Ukrainian minors. Since the start of the war, Russia has deported and forcibly transferred nearly 20,500 Ukrainian children.