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European Union leaders began a two-day summit in Brussels to discuss the bloc's budget, energy prices, the Russia-Ukraine war, developments in the Middle East, enlargement and migration. European Council President Antonio Costa announced the opening on the social media platform X, saying the gathering would launch with a "Single Europe, Single Market" agenda and that the goal is to deliver more jobs, stronger businesses and a better life for Europeans.

Energy security featured prominently. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said that as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukraine, the worst thing Europe could do is look away, and she called for tougher, broader sanctions. Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden urged faster expansion of renewable energy and greater diversification of both supply routes and energy sources. European Commission foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the enlargement process should not be driven by bilateral disputes, asked member states to send more ships to the Aspides operation in the Red Sea, and confirmed work is under way on a 22nd sanctions package against Russia.

On the budget, Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa put the chances of agreement this year on the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework at no more than 35 percent, citing widely divergent national positions. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said the latest negotiation package, though smaller in overall volume, meets his country's expectations. Day two of the summit is due to cover Ukraine, the Middle East and migration.

Key Takeaways

• EU leaders are weighing energy prices, the 2028-2034 budget, Ukraine, the Middle East, enlargement and migration over two days in Brussels.
• Metsola called for tougher sanctions on Russia, while Kallas said a 22nd EU sanctions package is being prepared.
• Slovenia's Jansa sees less than a 35 percent chance of a budget deal by year end; Croatia's Plenkovic calls the package favorable.