European Council holds summit in Brussels on EU budget and Ukraine support

The European Council summit took place in Brussels on June 18-19, 2026, featuring discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034, Ukraine, and the Middle East. The Cypriot Presidency presented a first negotiating framework, or 'nego-box,' containing numerical data for the budget, which proposes approximately 2 trillion euros. Negotiations aim for a final agreement by the end of 2026 to ensure funding continuity by January 2028, with the Irish Presidency tasked to advance the process by October. EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine militarily and economically, noting the recent start of EU accession negotiations for Kyiv. Regarding the budget, debates continue over the total volume, with tensions between net contributors and recipient nations over funding allocations for agriculture, cohesion, and innovation. Furthermore, leaders addressed global economic challenges, EU-China relations, and the situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for peace and nuclear non-proliferation. The meeting also marked a transition in the Council Presidency from Cyprus to Ireland starting July 1, 2026.