Developments in the Middle East, continued support for Ukraine, strengthening European defence and the competitiveness of the European economy will be at the centre of the European Council summit on 19 March in Brussels, according to the invitation letter sent to EU leaders by António Costa.
Also invited to attend is António Guterres, while Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to address the leaders.
In his letter, Costa stresses that the military escalation in the Middle East is already having consequences for Europe.
“The military escalation in the Middle East is causing global instability and its negative consequences are already being felt in Europe,” he wrote, announcing that leaders will discuss the situation in Iran and the wider region, as well as the European response to the geopolitical and economic repercussions.
Energy prices and energy security will also feature prominently in the discussions.
“We must jointly identify the tools we need to mobilise to ensure a timely, coordinated and effective response that protects our citizens and businesses, while working towards de-escalation and stability in the region,” Costa noted.
Competitiveness And Strategic Autonomy
Costa also emphasised that the European Union must keep its competitiveness strategy at the forefront. Discussions among leaders are expected to translate into a new agenda titled “One Europe, One Market”, including concrete measures and ambitious timelines.
“The overall objective of this agenda is to strengthen European competitiveness, improve our strategic autonomy and reinforce the foundations of our social model,” he said, adding that implementing these measures would enhance citizens’ prosperity and make the Union more resilient to future crises.
EU Budget And Ukraine Support
A central topic will also be the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), the EU’s long-term budget.
Costa said the new financial framework would be a key instrument for implementing the Union’s shared strategic goals.
“I would like us to discuss the contribution of the new long-term EU budget to the competitiveness agenda, as it will be the main tool we have for joint strategic action,” he wrote, stressing the need for “an honest discussion on how our ambitions can be matched with the appropriate level of funding.”
The summit will begin with remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who will brief EU leaders on developments on the battlefield.
“The European Union will reaffirm its steadfast support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russian aggression and pursue a just and lasting peace,” Costa wrote, adding that increasing pressure on Russia remains necessary until it engages in meaningful peace negotiations.
Regional Security And Migration
EU leaders will also review the deteriorating situation in Lebanon, as well as developments in Gaza and the West Bank.
In this context, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has been invited to attend a working lunch with leaders to discuss the international situation and the EU’s role, together with its partners, in defending multilateralism.
Costa also highlighted the need to accelerate efforts to strengthen European defence readiness, including the industrial dimension of defence.
“The current geopolitical environment once again demonstrates the urgency of strengthening Europe’s defence, including its industrial capacity,” he wrote, describing defence as a core pillar of the Union’s strategic autonomy.
Leaders will also assess progress on migration, which Costa described as “a political priority for all,” noting that the worsening situation in the Middle East underlines the importance of advancing the EU’s agenda on asylum and migration.
The summit will begin with the customary exchange of views with Roberta Metsola.
Later, during a Euro Summit in extended format, economic analysis will be presented by Christine Lagarde and Kyriakos Pierrakakis.
Costa concluded in his letter that he intends for the summit’s work to be completed within a single day, “if discussions allow,” reflecting his usual approach of avoiding lengthy technical negotiations on conclusions at leaders’ level.