BRUSSELS

Leaders of EU member states will meet in Brussels on Thursday to discuss rising Middle Eastern tensions, US-Israeli attacks on Iran, and the impact of the conflict on energy prices and security in the aftermath of Tehran's retaliatory attacks targeting US interests in Middle Eastern countries.

European Council President Antonio Costa will preside over a meeting of heads of state or government from the 27 EU member states, which will also include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU's foreign affairs and security chief Kaja Kallas.

EU leaders will first meet with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola before welcoming UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the summit.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also attend the summit via video conference to provide the latest updates on the ground position in the war with Russia.

The leaders will hold an economy-focused session with the participation of European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde and Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis.

Except for Hungary, the leaders are expected to send a strong message of support to Kyiv as the Russia-Ukraine war enters its fifth year.

The EU and its member states provided €194.9 billion (about $224.9 billion) in support to Ukraine, including $80.4 billion in military aid. In December 2025, EU leaders agreed to provide a $103.8 billion loan for 2026-2027.

However, Budapest and Bratislava accuse Kyiv of failing to make sufficient efforts to ensure the continuation of oil shipments after they were disrupted due to an attack on the Drujba oil pipeline, which is critical to Hungary and Slovakia.

Hungary is vetoing the $103.8 billion loan to Ukraine until oil flows resume via the pipeline, while both Budapest and Bratislava are blocking the implementation of the 20th sanctions package against Moscow.

The summit’s other main agenda item is expected to be the developments in the Middle East, as leaders are expected to discuss what efforts can be made to minimize the impact of joint US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

EU leaders are expected to strongly advocate for de-escalation while discussing the impact of Iran and regional developments on the EU's energy prices and security.

Leaders are expected to convey support for Lebanon amid Israel’s attacks on the country while addressing developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

The summit may also explore a solution to the Strait of Hormuz problem similar to the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

The summit is expected to focus on the importance of multilateralism alongside UN chief Guterres, while pressure on international law is also expected to be on the agenda.

The eurozone economy will also be discussed to assess progress toward economic and monetary union, the euro's global role, the savings and investment union, and the digital euro.

The summit will also address the bloc's competitiveness, resilience, and strategic sovereignty in the current environment, as well as the deepening and strengthening of the single market and integration, simplifying rules and reducing administrative burdens, ensuring affordable energy and transitioning to green energy, promoting industrial renewal and innovation, reducing dependencies, and mobilizing investments.

Future budget, security, defense, and migration issues are also expected to be discussed.

*Writing by Emir Yildirim in Istanbul