As EU leaders meet informally in Cyprus on 23-24 April, they face a strategic landscape buffeted by simultaneous shocks: the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and a deteriorating economic outlook. Their discussions will focus on how to respond to this challenging geopolitical environment and on providing political guidance for work on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034.

How can Europe help de-escalate the crisis in the Middle East and secure freedom of navigation? What instruments do the EU and member states have to contain the economic fallout of a prolonged conflict? How can the Union respond to the challenging geopolitical and security environment, including through the potential use of Article 42(7) TEU, the EU’s mutual defence clause?

Turning to the next MFF, can the EU27 back their ambitions with the necessary financing? How can the long-term budget reinforce the Union’s competitiveness agenda – and can the European Council reach an agreement in time this year?

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

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