President of the European Council Antonio Costa has called two high-level meetings for December, bringing EU leaders together to discuss the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and a wide range of strategic priorities for the bloc.
In a letter sent to EU member states on Monday, Costa confirmed that leaders will gather on 18–19 December to address what he described as “critical decisions” related to European security, financial planning, and geopolitical stability. He also announced that leaders will meet a day earlier, on 17 December, for a dedicated EU–Western Balkans Summit.
Focus on Ukraine: Funding, Security, and Pressure on Russia
Costa reminded leaders that they had previously committed to addressing Ukraine’s urgent financial needs for 2026–2027, including support for its military and defense sector.
“At our next meeting, we must decide how to implement the commitments we have taken,” Costa wrote, adding that diplomatic efforts are ongoing to secure a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
He stressed that the EU must consider how to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position and increase pressure on Russia, noting the intensification of hybrid threats from both Russia and Belarus across the continent.
Long-Term EU Budget: New Framework Needed by 2026
A key point on the December agenda will be the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. Costa stated that significant preparatory work has been completed under the current Danish presidency.
“Intensive work will be required to reach an agreement by the end of 2026,” he noted, emphasizing the need to ensure new EU funding programs can begin on schedule in 2028.
Enlargement: A Strategic Investment Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Costa underscored that the current geopolitical environment makes EU enlargement a crucial geostrategic investment in peace, stability, and prosperity.
He highlighted that some candidate countries have made sufficient progress in their accession processes and may meet membership criteria “in the not-so-distant future.” The December summit, he said, will be an important opportunity to discuss next steps in the enlargement agenda, especially as the Western Balkans summit takes place the day before.
Geo-Economics, Competitiveness, and Strategic Autonomy
Costa also wants leaders to exchange views on the EU’s position in a rapidly changing global economic landscape.
“European competitiveness does not exist in a vacuum,” he wrote, calling for discussions on both the pressures and opportunities created by rising global geo-economic competition. He emphasized the importance of trade diversification, strategic autonomy, and shielding the EU from external economic and political pressures.
Security, Defense, Migration, and the Middle East
The agenda further includes:
- Assessing progress on strengthening EU defense readiness by 2030
- Reviewing the implementation of migration-related decisions
- Discussing the situation in the Middle East, including efforts to secure full implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza
Costa emphasized that the top priority of the December meetings will be securing decisions on financing for Ukraine, describing it as essential for Europe’s long-term stability.
