European Union leaders ended a two-day summit in Brussels on October 16 without agreement on the bloc’s next long-term budget, and facing a new €70 billion gap in funding for Ukraine, Euronews reported. The European Council, chaired by António Costa, adopted conclusions on competitiveness, the 2028-2034 budget, Ukraine, the Middle East, defence, migration and enlargement.
1. The budget is still open
Talks were based on an Irish presidency proposal from October 10. Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said before the meeting that the overall level was still too high, according to Lovguiden. Ireland’s European affairs minister said a deal was still possible by Christmas.
2. Ukraine’s money problem
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined the leaders to press for financing and military aid as US support falters. The Commission and Ukraine launched a joint task force on rule-of-law and anti-corruption reforms after Hungary lifted its veto, allowing two negotiating clusters to open. Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar met Zelenskyy to reset relations.
3. Energy prices
Leaders called for coordinated action on energy costs and fuel supplies as the war in the Middle East keeps prices high. The EU’s carbon pricing system divided the room, with some leaders arguing it hurts competitiveness. France and Germany struck a deal requiring carmakers to cut CO2 emissions by 90% by 2035.
4. Migration clash
Denmark, Italy and Poland pushed for tougher language. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged scrutiny of Spain’s plan to regularise around 600,000 migrants, while Spain’s Pedro Sánchez defended it. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged full implementation of the EU migration pact.
5. Trade and enlargement
Leaders discussed new trade defence tools aimed at China, Montenegro’s accession path and progress for Ukraine and Moldova.
Why it matters for Pakistan
The EU is one of Pakistan’s largest export markets under the GSP+ scheme, and stricter migration policies affect Pakistani workers and students. Follow our Europe coverage.
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