As EU leaders prepare to meet on 15–16 October, they face a demanding agenda shaped by intensifying geopolitical pressures, growing economic and financial concerns, and difficult choices about the Union’s future direction. The next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), as well as enlargement and reforms, will be key issues on the October Summit agenda. Discussions will also address Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, European defence and security, competitiveness and migration.

Can the EU maintain momentum on enlargement while also achieving progress on potential governance reforms required for a larger Union? Will EU leaders be able to move forward on the next MFF, and does a compromise by the end of 2026 remain achievable given severe divisions over spending priorities and financing? Will the European Council sustain or even decide to increase support for Ukraine while advancing discussions on its future place within the European family? And will it succeed in matching its ambitions on competitiveness, defence and security with the resources and political commitments needed to deliver them?

This event welcomes the participation of EPC member organisations, EU officials and media representatives. 

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