On 8 February, António José Seguro won the second round of the Portuguese presidential election, securing a large majority with 66.8% of the votes cast, against 33.18% for the leader of the Chega party, André Ventura. This election, marked by a turnout of 50.11% of voters, sees the return of a centre-left president to the head of the Portuguese state, succeeding Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who was at the end of his second term. Antonio Seguro will take office on 9 March.

On 3 February, the European Commission gave a positive assessment of the Netherlands' third payment request, amounting to €551 million, the Czech Republic's fifth payment request, amounting to €614 million, and Croatia's eighth payment request, amounting to €896.9 million, under NextGenerationEU. Details on the use of the recovery plan are available on the Foundation's website.

On 9 February, the non-profit public interest association One Market, One Law was launched in Brussels. Its mission is to contribute to a general mobilisation of European civil societies to strengthen the single market, achieve a savings and investment union, simplify legislation and increase European competitiveness with the aim of establishing a European business code.

On 4 February, as part of World Cancer Day, the European Commission unveiled an update to the European Code Against Cancer. The revised code sets out practical ways to help prevent the disease. World Cancer Day also marks the 5th anniversary of the European plan to beat cancer, which has had a significantly positive impact across Europe. As part of this plan, more than €2.7 billion has been invested in actions to improve prevention, early detection, treatment and care.

On 5 February, the European Commission presented measures to strengthen submarine cable security and combat the risk of sabotage. €347 million has been earmarked to fund strategic submarine cable projects that will strengthen cable repair capacity and equip them with sensors and monitoring and telecommunications components. This is the first phase of a broader initiative planned for all of the Union's maritime zones.

On 6 February, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the 20th package of European sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow by weakening its ability to finance its war. It covers three areas: energy, with a complete ban on maritime services for Russian crude oil to further reduce its energy revenues and make it more difficult to find buyers; financial services, with restrictions targeting payment channels and entities facilitating the circumvention of sanctions; and trade, with limitations on the export and import of specific goods.

On 2 and 3 February, ministers responsible for competitiveness examined the growth potential of Europe's industrial and technological defence base and its growing strategic importance. They agreed on the need to make use of all EU instruments to promote cooperation and joint industrial investment at European level. Finally, as part of the Competitiveness Compass, they examined ways of overcoming persistent structural barriers, such as the low uptake of AI by SMEs and the regulatory and financing constraints faced by European start-ups.

On 3 February, housing ministers emphasised the importance of ensuring that all people on low and moderate incomes and those in vulnerable situations have access to decent, affordable and sustainable housing. They also pointed to the need to increase the supply of affordable housing through environmentally friendly and sustainable construction methods and the renovation of existing buildings, in addition to the reallocation and reuse of underutilised housing stock, particularly in urban areas.

On 5 and 6 February, environment ministers examined ways in which legislation and finance could be better aligned to strengthen resilience to climate change and water scarcity in the European Union. They also discussed how to strengthen European effectiveness in international climate negotiations, emphasising the importance of a more strategic, coordinated and political approach. Finally, they mentioned the importance of circular economy policies in strengthening competitiveness, reducing strategic dependencies and supporting the Union's broader objectives of resilience and strategic autonomy.

On 4 February, the Council agreed on the legal form and conditions of the €90 billion loan to Ukraine for the years 2026 and 2027, following the European Council meeting on 18 December 2025. It is now working to reach an agreement with the European Parliament so that the first instalment can be made at the beginning of the second quarter of 2026. €30 billion will be provided as macroeconomic support to Ukraine. €60 billion will be used to support Ukraine's capacity to invest in defence industrial capabilities and purchase military equipment.

On 5 February, the Court of Justice of the European Union handed down the Fidenato ruling, confirming that Member States may ban the cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on their territory, following a specific procedure validated by EU law. This mechanism, introduced in 2015, allows a Member State to request a restriction on the cultivation area without providing any specific justification: if the authorisation holder does not object within 30 days, their consent is deemed to have been given, making the ban immediately applicable by the European Commission.

On 5 February, the Court of Justice of the European Union annulled the judgment of the General Court and the decisions of the European Parliament concerning the waiver of immunity of MEPs Carles Puigdemont, Antoni Comín and Clara Ponsatí, who were charged in March 2018 by the Spanish Supreme Court with alleged offences of rebellion and misappropriation of public funds. This annulment is justified in particular by the fact that the Parliament's decisions were adopted on the basis of reports that should have been considered null and void, as the appointment of the rapporteur was contrary to the requirement of impartiality.

On 5 February, the Governing Council decided to leave the three key interest rates of the European Central Bank (ECB) unchanged. Its updated assessment confirms once again that inflation is expected to stabilise at its 2% target in the medium term. The economy continues to hold up well in a challenging global environment. The governors welcomed Bulgaria's integration as the 20th member of the euro area and emphasised that the euro area economy was showing resilience, with growth of 0.3% in the last quarter of 2025, driven by the services sector and a strong labour market, with an unemployment rate of 6.2%.

On 3 February, cooperation between the authorities of several countries (Italy, Romania, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, Kosovo and South Korea), as well as Eurojust and Europol, led to the seizure of multiple illegal streaming services. Thirty-one suspects are alleged to have engaged in the unauthorised distribution of pay-TV content, illegal access to computer systems, computer fraud and money laundering.

On 2 February, Mario Draghi gave a speech entitled 'The Foundations of New Europe' at KU Leuven University, in which he called on the European Union to overcome its confederal structure and become a true political federation capable of acting as a global power. He warned that the old world order was in crisis and that Europe could find itself subordinate and fragmented if it did not consolidate its strategic integration, particularly in the areas of defence, foreign policy and industry. He emphasised the need to maintain diversified trade partnerships and to strengthen solidarity among Member States.

On 6 February, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot and Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand inaugurated two consulates in Nuuk, Greenland, marking a strengthening of the two countries' diplomatic presence in the Arctic. With expanded powers, these representations will assist their nationals, support scientific initiatives and promote bilateral cooperation on security and trade. This decision sends a strong political signal of support to Greenland and Denmark in a tense geopolitical context.

On 2 February, Benjamin Haddad, French Minister for European Affairs, met with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. They discussed strengthening European security, supporting Ukraine, increasing pressure on Russia, as well as transatlantic and bilateral relations. A roadmap for the Franco-Estonian strategic partnership for the period 2026–2030 was signed, setting out common priorities in the areas of security, innovation, European affairs and cultural cooperation. The visit also highlighted the historical dimension of Franco-Estonian relations, particularly during the commemoration of the Treaty of Tartu.

On 3 February, the Presidents of the Estonian, Lithuanian and Latvian Parliaments met with Alexandru Munteanu, Prime Minister of Moldova. They reaffirmed their support for Moldova's European integration process, in particular by sharing their own experience of accession and providing the expertise needed to implement reforms, welcoming the progress made by Moldova. They also discussed the regional political situation and efforts to counter Russian interference and disinformation. In addition, Estonian Parliament Speaker Lauri Hussar announced the opening of an Estonian embassy in Chișinău, making Estonia the 18th European Union Member State to do so.

On 3 February, Swedish and Danish Defence Ministers Pål Jonson and Troels Lund Poulsen announced a joint procurement process for TRIDON Mk2 mobile air defence systems to support Ukraine in the face of Russian attacks. This initiative is intended to provide short-range anti-aircraft capability capable of neutralising drones, missiles and helicopters. According to the ministers, this cooperation aims to fill gaps in Ukraine's air defence and strengthen the protection of particularly vulnerable civilian, military and energy infrastructure. Delivery of this equipment to Ukraine will begin later this year, with the possibility of accelerating production if other countries wish to co-finance this effort.

On 5 February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to Kyiv. Discussions focused on energy cooperation, with a view to securing networks and increasing supplies of liquefied natural gas. They also discussed defence and security, signing a letter of intent for the production of drones and military equipment. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying economic, energy and military cooperation. This visit symbolises the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two countries and is part of a broader framework of European partnerships for stability and the reconstruction of critical infrastructure damaged by the war.

On 5 and 6 February, Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna visited Kyiv, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha. They discussed measures to increase pressure on Russia, agreeing that only strong and sustained pressure and a policy of isolation will lead to a just and lasting peace. The Estonian Minister said that his country will continue to provide military aid to Ukraine and announced that it will support Ukraine in the face of the energy crisis.

On 4 February, the European Environment Agency and Eurofound, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, published a report on the experiences of climate impacts among a sample of 27,000 European citizens. It reveals that more than 80% of respondents have experienced at least one climate impact in the last five years, with heat being the most common risk. While 52% are concerned about future temperatures, 22% of households do not yet have any protective measures in place at home. The report recommends moving from planning to concrete action through nature-based solutions, such as urban greening. It is recommended that the visibility of financial aid, which is ignored by 60% of citizens, be improved.

On 4 February, the NGO Human Rights Watch published its annual report on human rights around the world. It describes an international system 'in peril', marked by a 'democratic recession' that now places 72% of the world's population under autocratic regimes. It calls on governments committed to freedoms to form a strategic alliance to preserve the rules-based international order. This collective mobilisation is presented as a vital counterpoint to the growing influence of illiberal models.

On 2 February, the European Court of Auditors published a report analysing the European strategy for securing critical raw materials. Faced with major dependencies, particularly on China, the EU has mobilised more than €1.8 billion since 2014. To strengthen European resilience, the Court recommends removing the financial and administrative barriers that hinder domestic production. It recommends ensuring that efforts to diversify imports lead to increased security of supply, addressing financing difficulties, managing resources more sustainably and increasing the added value of strategic projects.

On 6 February, the Spinelli Group, which brings together federalist MEPs, published its manifesto 'The European Moment is now', calling on the European Union to move from a confederation to a federation so that it can become a geopolitical power. Faced with the erosion of the multilateral order, they advocate transforming current vulnerabilities into strategic sovereignty so as to end transatlantic dependence. Among the recommendations is the abolition of the unanimity rule through a reform of the treaties in the areas of defence, taxation and diplomacy. The group also proposes the establishment of a common European defence and the strengthening of the eurozone to ensure the Union's resilience.

The exhibition 'Bernini and the Barberinis' is being held at the Barberini Corsini National Galleries in Rome until 14 June. The exhibition explores the extraordinary relationship between Italian sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Maffeo Barberini, his first and most influential client, who was elected Pope in 1623 under the name of Urban VIII. It also provides an opportunity to rethink the birth of the Baroque through the artistic, political and personal dialogue between these two men.

Until 10 May, the Musée d'Orsay in Paris is hosting the exhibition 'Northern Lights: Scandinavian and Dutch Drawings'. It features a selection of 19th-century Scandinavian and Dutch drawings and offers visitors an immersion into the poetic and luminous world of Northern Europe, with its symbolist Nordic landscapes and peaceful domestic scenes.

Until 22 February, Tallinn is hosting the 19th annual Winter Festival, a musical event offering a rich programme of classical concerts in iconic venues across the city. True to its tradition, it combines artistic performances and educational concerts for young audiences, highlighting its roots in local cultural life. This event helps to brighten up the Estonian winter and strengthen Tallinn's cultural influence on the European scene.

From 13 to 15 February, the city of Trenčín in Slovakia, which has been designated European Capital of Culture for 2026 alongside the city of Oulu in Finland, will inaugurate the launch of this cultural year. Over the course of a weekend, this Slovakian city with its rich heritage will offer a varied programme combining concerts, artistic performances and exhibitions, bringing together local heritage and cultural innovation. Under the theme 'Awakening Curiosity,' the project aims to transform the city and its region in a sustainable way by strengthening creativity, citizen participation and the cultural attractiveness of the country, and aims to generate long-term positive effects such as social cohesion, education and the European influence of the territory.

On 7 February, the Nederlands Fotomuseum reopened its doors in the Santos warehouse, a national monument in Rotterdam. The museum displays the works of renowned Dutch photographers, covering a period from the invention of photography around 1839 to the present day. With a collection of more than 6.5 million photographic objects, it also distinguishes itself by housing more than 175 complete photographic archives and more than 300,000 images in its image bank.

Until 29 March, London is hosting the 24th edition of Kinoteka, the Polish film festival. It presents a selection of contemporary and classic films, documentaries and special events in London's leading cinemas. By bringing together the works of major figures in Polish cinema, the festival invites audiences to reflect on the unique ability of the seventh art to bear witness to history, humanity and the responsibilities of the present. Together, these works reveal Europe not as an abstract idea, but as a lived history, shaped by trauma, displacement and moral choices.

Until 3 May, the Canal Foundation is hosting an exhibition on urban art. It traces its development through more than sixty original works by leading artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Banksy, organised around five historical stages: from the early practices of self-affirmation linked to graffiti, to the gradual sophistication of languages, techniques and discourses, which have enabled it to occupy a central place in the world of contemporary art. These five sections are complemented by a monograph devoted to the Banksy paradigm, a major figure in understanding the media and symbolic dimensions of urban art in the 21st century.

Until 10 January 2027, the Helsinki Art Museum (HAM) is unveiling a new gallery dedicated to the work and artistic legacy of Tove Jansson and her family of artists. Featuring an immersive scenography spread across three rooms, the exhibition invites the public to explore the creative universe of this figure of Finnish art and literature, best known as the creator of the famous 'Moomins'. The 'Artist Family Jansson' exhibition brings together more than 140 rare works and an original selection of drawings, frescoes, sculptures, photographs and models, offering a fresh perspective on this artistic dynasty whose influence continues to this day.

Until 21 June, the Musée de l'Illustration Jeunesse in Moulins is hosting an exhibition celebrating Pinocchio. With its carefully designed scenography and richly illustrated catalogue, the exhibition invites visitors of all ages to dive into the world of this iconic character, revisiting his journey of initiation and his universal cultural influence. This exhibition traces the origins of the wooden puppet created by Carlo Collodi in 1881 and highlights contemporary artistic reinterpretations. Throughout the exhibition, visitors will find illustrations, puppets and masks, offering a fresh perspective on this seminal tale.