EU leaders discuss energy, budget and Ukraine support at Brussels summit

European Union leaders gathered in Brussels for a summit on October 15–16. Energy prices, the 2028–2034 budget and continued support for Ukraine are on the agenda, according to European Council documents.

The official agenda includes short-term measures to soften high energy prices and a longer-term reduction in reliance on fossil fuels. European Council President António Costa urged progress towards a budget agreement by the end of 2026.

Ireland, which holds the Council of the EU presidency, proposed a €1.62 trillion budget. RBC reported that the compromise was below the European Commission’s request, but Germany and Sweden still considered it excessive. Proposed reductions have also drawn objections in the European Parliament.

Talks about support for Kyiv are taking place against the backdrop of Donald Trump’s October 9 announcement about future Russian diesel supplies. Kirill Dmitriev said on October 14 that contacts with the United States about signing contracts were continuing. The transaction remains under preparation rather than constituting completed deliveries.

Leaders will also discuss migration, EU enlargement and reforms, and the Middle East. Maritime security and its importance for energy, food and fertiliser supplies are included in the official agenda.