BRUSSELS – EU leaders gathered in Brussels this morning for the two-day European Council summit. The press release notes that in the face of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, the leaders will focus on issues relating to the economy and on delivering answers to challenges to European competitiveness, including energy prices.
In addition, the leaders will discuss the EU’s long-term budget 2028-2034, continued support for Ukraine, hybrid attacks in Europe linked to Russia, migration, enlargement and reforms and the situation in the Middle East.
“The leaders will discuss the way forward on enlargement and reforms, taking into account the Commission’s communication entitled ‘Preparing for a wider Union”, the press release remarks.
In that context, President of the European Council António Costa stressed in his invitation to leaders that the European Council’s debate would highlight the ongoing work on the accession treaty with Montenegro and the aim of concluding negotiations by the end of 2026.
On energy prices, EU leaders will provide guidance to the Commission on targeted and temporary short-term measures to alleviate the impact of high energy prices, protecting EU citizens and businesses.
They will also discuss Europe’s long-term strategy to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels.
The leaders will also review progress on the ‘One Europe, One Market’ agenda, including its implementation in 2026 and 2027.
“We need to ensure that additional progress is made, so that the ambition at leaders’ level – and the expectations that have been raised – are matched by concrete outcomes”, President Costa stressed.
