This EPC Update and Post-summit Briefing will analyse the outcome of the informal European Council meeting in Copenhagen on 1 October 2025, where EU leaders will discuss three critical priorities: strengthening common defence readiness, increasing support for Ukraine, and sustaining momentum on enlargement.

Leaders are expected to focus on accelerating joint capability development while ensuring credible support for member states on the eastern flank, as Russia escalates tensions. At the same time, they face the challenge of increasing support for both the enlargement agenda and Ukraine – deepening cooperation with its defence industry, stepping up sanctions on Russia, and crafting security guarantees.

This online event will assess the outcomes of the Copenhagen meeting and explore their wider significance for EUrope’s security. It will consider whether EU leaders are ready to match ambition with delivery – balancing NATO and EU frameworks, financing requirements and political trade-offs – as they gear up for the routine EU summit in Brussels at the end of October.

Participation is open to EPC members, the media, and EU officials