Annual growth in the European Union is expected to reach 1.4% in 2025 and 2026, then accelerate to 1.5% in 2027, according to the autumn economic forecasts published by the European Commission on 17 November. It indicates that European economic growth exceeded expectations in the first nine months of the year, with GDP growth higher than anticipated in the spring. It was supported by a surge in exports ahead of expected tariff increases, but also by more dynamic than expected investment in equipment and intangible assets. Inflation is expected to continue to decline in 2025, falling to 2.1% in the eurozone. In the European Union, it is expected to reach 2.2% in 2027.

The new digital guidelines presented by the European Commission on 19 November are designed to help businesses spend less time on administrative tasks and compliance, and more on innovation and development. At the heart of these measures is a harmonisation of the rules on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data. The aim is to simplify the obligations with which companies must comply.

On 19 November, the Council approved the Commission's proposal for a Regulation implementing the bilateral safeguard clause in the Partnership Agreement with the Mercosur countries and the Interim Trade Agreement for agricultural products. This regulation strengthens protection for EU farmers and introduces into European law the safeguard provisions for agricultural products set out in the two agreements.

On 24 November, the Council adopted the budget for 2026 with total commitments set at €192.8 billion and payments at €190.1 billion. The European Parliament is due to give its final approval in plenary on 26 November.

On 19 November, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) annulled the European Commission's decisions rejecting the requests for review submitted by three environmental associations concerning the extension of three plant protection products: boscalid, dimoxystrobin and glyphosate.

On 12 November, G7 Foreign Ministers pledged their continued support for Ukraine, calling for an immediate ceasefire and condemning military assistance to Russia by several states. In the Indo-Pacific, they denounced China's coercive actions and committed to strengthening maritime security, economic resilience, energy security and the reliability of critical mineral supply chains.

Delegations from 194 countries struggled to reach an agreement at the close of COP30 on 22 November in Brazil, but the outcome seems disappointing, particularly as regards fossil fuels. It does not provide any real impetus to speed up implementation of the commitments made in the Paris Agreement, which was adopted ten years ago.

On 13 November, French President Emmanuel Macron commemorated the attacks of 13 November 2015 in Saint-Denis and Paris. The aim of the day was to pay tribute to the victims, the wounded and the survivors, as well as all the emergency services. On this occasion, many institutions joined France in remembering that night. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said in her statement that the Parliament remained determined to fight terrorism. Europol Director Catherine de Bolle reaffirmed Europol's commitment to the fight against terrorism.

Europeans like rules. They rightly believe that the law, which is equal for all, is necessary for life in society. Our various codes are constantly expanding. Our nations continue to legislate, and the second level of democracy that we have organised with the European Union finds expression in this, as it is based on the rule of law. However, the weight of European regulations is partly responsible for the 20% loss in productivity that Europe has suffered over the last 30 years compared to the United States. If the Union and our national governments made more of an effort to think long term instead of acting on a whim, they would succeed in preserving the European model without ruining its industry, i.e. simplification without rolling back, through incentives rather than constraints.

On 13 November, the European Central Bank (ECB) published a report analysing trade and investment between the European Union and the United Kingdom since Brexit. The report indicates that Brexit has resulted in significant economic costs, mainly due to the emergence of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and increased trade costs. Estimates suggest that UK exports to the European Union contracted by 40% after the transition period. Finally, until 2023, total foreign direct investment (FDI) flows from the European Union to the United Kingdom decreased by 3.9% and those from the United Kingdom to the Union by 4%.

The OECD published its Health at a Glance report on 13 November. According to the study, countries have generally recovered from the pandemic, but major challenges remain. In particular, obesity rates continue to rise in most countries, while harmful alcohol consumption and smoking remain major public health problems among both adults and children. Finally, although life expectancy has recovered and is rising again, it will still be below its pre-pandemic level in 13 countries in 2023.

On 19 November, negotiators from the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement aimed at harmonising train management on the rail network. This agreement will lead to more frequent and reliable rail passenger and freight services. Finally, the Member States will be able to provide strategic guidelines to take account of the situation of each of their rail networks.

On 15 November, negotiators from the Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on the European Union's budget for 2026, before the end of the conciliation period. The budget will strengthen competitiveness, Europe's defence preparedness and tackle migratory pressures, with an overall level of commitment appropriations of €192.8 billion. At the same time, the budget will provide the necessary flexibility to respond quickly and effectively to needs and crises.

During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Athens, Ukraine and Greece signed an agreement on 16 November for the delivery of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Kyiv between the Greek company DEPA and the Ukrainian company Naftogaz for the winter period from December 2025 to March 2026.

On 21 November, the European Investment Bank announced the use of €15 million for Ukraine to help restore essential local and social services, such as hospitals and schools, damaged by the Russian war of aggression.