On 20 May, the European Commission allocated €49 million to Albania, €44.2 million to Montenegro and €65.7 million to North Macedonia under the Reform and Growth Facility. This follows the Commission's positive assessment of the reform measures implemented in the areas of business competitiveness and innovation, education and digitalisation. Under this financial instrument, which has a total budget of €6 billion as part of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia have received €212.8 million, €89.3 million and €142.1 million respectively.

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 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, MEPs voted in favour of a resolution expressing their concern at the deterioration of the rule of law in Slovakia. They want the Commission to determine whether there is a clear risk of a serious breach of the Union's values. To protect these values, they are calling for the activation of the EU's rule of law conditionality mechanism. This is the second resolution voted on by MEPs regarding the rule of law in Slovakia in less than a month.

On 19 May, MEPs adopted new measures to protect the European steel industry from the negative effects of the global steel surplus. These measures provide for a reduction in import quotas alongside an increase in customs duties, in full compliance with World Trade Organisation rules. They introduce a so-called 'melting and casting' rule to improve the traceability of steel and limit circumvention via third countries. Recognising that the steel industry is strategic for European defence capabilities, MEPs are thus replacing the measures due to expire on 30 June 2026 to ensure greater resilience in the face of global steel overcapacity.

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 21 May, the European Commission published its Spring 2026 Economic Forecast, predicting a slowdown in economic activity within the eurozone due to the conflict in the Middle East. Growth is set to slow, with a rate not expected to exceed 0.9% in 2026, whilst inflation is expected to rise, peaking at 3%. The energy crisis is placing a further strain on household bills and public finances. The risk of shortages could worsen and compound the uncertainties surrounding trade relations between the European Union and the United States, as well as those relating to artificial intelligence. The unemployment rate is expected to remain at 6% of the labour force in the European Union.

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.