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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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.