On 3 October, the Council decided to extend the individual restrictive measures against those responsible for Russia's destabilising actions abroad by one year, until 9 October 2026. On 8 October 2024, the Council adopted a framework of restrictive measures and a sanctions regime targeting actors and policies of the Government of the Russian Federation that undermine the fundamental values of the European Union and its Member States, their security, stability, independence and integrity.

Until 26 January 2026, the exhibition 'Berthe Weill. Avant-garde Gallery Owner' is being held at the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris. A visionary art dealer who was forgotten after her death, Berthe Weill helped launch the careers of some of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The exhibition features several masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani, Otto Freundlich and Diego Riviera.

Until 8 March 2026, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (MRBAB) are hosting the exhibition 'Georges Meurant-Bonolo Kavula'. A new series of presentations dedicated to contemporary and modern art establishes a dialogue between works from the collections and pieces from external collections. Georges Meurant is best known for his dynamic use of colour, while the young artist Bonolo Kavula is renowned for her weavings and engravings.

Until 11 January 2026, the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich is hosting the exhibition 'Thomas Scheibitz, a tribute to Hermann Glöckner'. Thomas Scheibitz, painter and sculptor, is one of the leading figures of his generation. His iconography oscillates between the two major themes of abstraction and figuration. He combines architectural references and facets of landscape perspectives with elements from the contemporary press, advertising and, above all, everyday culture.

From 9 to 12 October, IFEMA Madrid will host the Estampa exhibition: 'The Contemporary Art Fair'. The aim of this event is to create, promote and disseminate the art market in Spain by showcasing Spanish and Portuguese collections to collectors and professionals in the field.

Until 11 January 2026, La Piscine, André Diligent Museum of Art and Industry in Roubaix, is hosting the exhibition "Odette Pauvert. Painting as ambition in the Art Deco era." To mark the centenary of the first Grand Prix de Rome awarded to a woman, La Piscine pays tribute to Odette Pauvert, who had a resolutely classical and decorative ambition throughout her career. This exhibition aims to study her work by questioning the place of women in the academic curriculum of the Beaux-Arts at that time. At the same time, La Piscine is hosting the exhibition: 'Folles années. Un vestiaire années 20' (Roaring Twenties. A 1920s wardrobe) to showcase a selection of 'gems' from its Textile and Fashion collections, until 15 February 2026.

The Kiasma Museum in Helsinki is presenting an exhibition on Sarah Lucas, from until 3 March 2026. Known for her provocative use of satire in her sculptural practice, the British artist offers a comprehensive overview of her career to date, through a selection of sculptures, photographs and installations created over the last four decades.

On 2 October, the 47 members of the European Political Community (EPC) met in Copenhagen. The purpose of this forum is to discuss common security issues, particularly those relating to security and defence, in relation to Russia. At this seventh meeting, EPC members structured their cooperation in the fight against cyberattacks, disinformation and foreign interference. In addition, French President Emmanuel Macron agreed with his partners to strengthen the policy of obstruction against the Russian ghost fleet. Finally, they reasserted their determination to continue supplying Ukraine with defence equipment, mainly drones and long-range missiles.

The Czech general election on 3 and 4 October 2025 was won by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš's populist ANO party, which won 34.52% of the vote and 80 seats, strengthening its position compared to the previous election in 2021. The outgoing Spolu coalition, led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala, suffered a setback with 23.36% of the vote and 52 seats. The former Prime Minister plans to govern alone or with ad hoc alliances. Despite his victory, uncertainties remain about his ability to form a stable government, particularly due to his political isolation and a new trial currently underway.

With just a few weeks to go before the early parliamentary elections on 29 October, polls place Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) in the lead with 31 seats out of 150 in the Second Chamber, despite its role in the fall of the government. It is followed by the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) with 25 seats, then by the Green Left–Labour Party (GL-PvdA) coalition with 23 seats. The liberal Democrats 66 (D 66) are expected to win 15 seats and the liberal People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) 14 seats. The New Social Contract (NSC), a former coalition partner, could disappear from parliament. This campaign has been marked by strong voter concern about housing, health and immigration, issues on which Geert Wilders is trying to impose his agenda.

On 6 October, less than 24 hours after announcing the composition of his government, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced his resignation, which French President Emmanuel Macron accepted. Pending the formation of a new government, the ministers appointed on 5 October will continue to handle day-to-day affairs.

The European Union has strongly criticised the local elections held on 4 October 2025 in Georgia, denouncing a climate of repression marked by arbitrary arrests, laws against civil society and pressure on independent media. The opposition boycott and low turnout challenged the legitimacy of the vote. The refusal to allow international observation, particularly by the OSCE, compromised the transparency of the electoral process. The Union calls for the release of political prisoners, respect for fundamental freedoms, and open political dialogue. It also condemns the disinformation campaigns targeting its role and the attacks against its ambassador in Georgia.

On 3 October, French President Emmanuel Macron travelled to Saarbrücken to celebrate 35 years of German reunification. Not only was he the only head of state invited to the event, symbolising the rapprochement between France and Germany, but it was also the first time in 25 years that a French head of state had been invited to the state of Saarland. Emmanuel Macron spoke to restate Franco-German support for Ukraine and called for the re-creation of a 'Europe of peace' and the rule of law.

On 2 October, for the first time since the Covid pandemic, Italy achieved the European Union's target of reducing its public deficit to 3% of GDP. This fiscal discipline should help the country exit the European excessive deficit procedure. Italy has better control over its public finances and a steady decline in its public deficit, which fell from 7.2% in 2023 to 3.4% in 2024, well below the initial target of 3.8%.

On 3 October, Luxembourg celebrated the accession of a new sovereign: Grand Duke Guillaume. He is now at the head of this monarchy, following the abdication of his father, Henri, after a 25-year reign. A gala dinner was held in the evening, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier, among others. Festivities took place throughout the country until 5 October to mark the 'Trounwiessel' ('change of throne' in Luxembourgish).

On 3 October, Sarah Mullally became the first woman to be appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, the highest religious authority in the Church of England and spiritual leader of Anglicans. She was appointed following the resignation of Justin Wellby in November 2024, due to his handling of a physical and sexual assault scandal. She was appointed by a college of electors comprising members and non-members of the Anglican clergy, and approved by King Charles III, Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

In a joint letter dated 30 September, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called on the European Commission and Member States to guarantee long-term financing for Ukraine. Ukraine's needs are estimated at €130 billion between 2026 and 2027, with a shortfall from mid-2026 onwards. In particular, they recommend using the frozen assets of the Russian central bank to guarantee a loan that will only have to be repaid once Moscow has paid reparations.