EU leaders are meeting in Brussels (June 26 and 27) to discuss geoeconomic challenges and the ongoing developments in Ukraine and the Middle East.

European defence and security, migration, preparedness and internal security are also on the agenda.

Ukraine

EU leaders will take stock of recent developments regarding Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

To this end, they will discuss how to further support efforts towards peace, together with partners, including putting more pressure on Russia to accept a meaningful ceasefire and show a genuine will to negotiate. They will also address Ukraine’s path towards EU membership.

The European Council welcomes all efforts towards achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. To date, the EU has provided almost €158.6 billion to Ukraine, including €59.6 billion in military support.

Middle East

EU leaders will address the latest developments in the Middle East, notably the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the dangerous escalation that threatens to destabilise the region.

The EU is speeding up efforts to strengthen its defence readiness to deal with immediate and future challenges.

At the latest European Council meeting, leaders called for the acceleration of all aspects of work to ramp up Europe’s defence readiness by 2030.

EU leaders are expected to follow up on ongoing work to build up defence capabilities and to strengthen the EU’s defence industry, as well as on the outcome of the June NATO summit for those member states that are also NATO allies.

The interplay between a challenging international context and the EU's internal economic priorities, such as completing the single market, is more important than ever. Leaders will discuss the geoeconomic challenges Europe is facing, addressing the place of the EU in the world and EU’s competitiveness in a single debate.

Leaders will debate global economic developments and the relationship the EU seeks with key partners, including in view to important upcoming international summits. They will also discuss opportunities for strengthening the international role of the euro and for deepening the single market.

Migration

Migration and the strengthening of security at external borders remain key priorities for the European Council.

At the meeting, leaders will follow up on past conclusions and review progress in the light of the input from the President of the Commission in her letter.

Moldova

EU leaders will discuss the situation in Moldova and the country’s EU accession process, in view of the first EU-Moldova summit, to be held in Chișinău on 4 July.

The EU firmly supports Moldova’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, resilience and economic development.

Western Balkans

The leaders will exchange views on the situation in the Western Balkans, particularly the EU’s support for the partners’ reforms efforts and their European paths.

The discussion follows a visit President Costa made to the region from 12 to 16 May 2025.

Internal security, preparedness and hybrid activities

The European Council will discuss enhanced efforts as regard the European Union’s internal security, its preparedness in the face of crises and risks, as well as hybrid activities.