EU leaders face budget divisions, discuss Ukraine at Brussels summit

France 24 · 16/10/2026 09:20:46

European Union leaders gathered in Brussels on Thursday for a two-day summit to discuss the bloc’s next long-term budget, continued support for Ukraine and measures to strengthen Europe’s economic competitiveness amid rising energy prices and geopolitical uncertainty. They voiced strong opposition to a new proposal for the bloc’s long-term budget, raising serious doubt about whether the key spending package will be agreed by the end of year. FRANCE 24's Dave Keating reports from Brussels.