Key facts
- EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss Ukraine, China's economic threat, and the bloc's next seven-year budget.
- Divisions exist among EU member states regarding budget priorities, with some advocating for increased defense and innovation spending, while others seek to protect traditional agricultural and cohesion funds.
- The EU is considering a more assertive stance on trade imbalances with China, though some nations fear economic retaliation.
- The proposed seven-year EU budget is €2 trillion, with debates centering on the allocation of funds for agriculture, regional development, defense, and innovation.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is attending the summit to discuss peace negotiations and EU accession.
Leaders of the 27 European Union member states convened in Brussels for a summit addressing critical issues including the war in Ukraine, economic challenges posed by China, and the bloc's next seven-year budget.
The summit followed a G7 meeting where leaders secured a joint statement from US President Donald Trump to increase military support for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia, a diplomatic win for Europeans amid transatlantic alliance fractures.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was expected to join the leaders to discuss peace negotiations and EU accession, advocating for a fast-tracked membership process, though some EU officials expressed concerns about maintaining the integrity of the accession methodology and securing public buy-in.
Discussions on China focused on the unsustainability of EU-China trade, with a growing trade deficit and fears of de-industrialization. While some member states favored a more assertive stance to correct trade imbalances, others, like Germany, Spain, and Greece, were hesitant due to potential retaliation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is seeking political feedback to guide actions, potentially including new trade instruments, to address accusations of blackmail and weaponization by China.
The debate on the next seven-year EU budget, proposed at a record €2 trillion, highlighted divisions between member states. Some, dubbed 'modernisers,' proposed cuts to agriculture and regional funds to reallocate resources to defense, innovation, and industrial competitiveness. Others, the 'cohesion' camp, argued for preserving traditional funding.