The situation in the Middle East, continued support to Ukraine, migration challenges and the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework are the main issues that will concern European leaders at the Summit today and tomorrow in Brussels.

European Union heads of state and government will call for the establishment of “humanitarian corridors and pauses” in hostilities to allow humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip, according to the final draft of the joint communique to be put up for approval at the EU summit on Brussels.

“The European Council expresses its gravest concern at the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and calls for continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and assistance to reach those in need through all necessary measures, including humanitarian corridors and pauses “, the text states.

“The European Union will work closely with partners in the region to protect citizens, provide assistance and facilitate access to food, water, medical care, fuel and shelter, ensuring that this assistance is not misused by terrorist organizations ».

At the same time, the European leaders are expected to emphasize that “regional scaling must be avoided” and to cooperate with partners, including the Palestinian Authority. They are also expected to emphasize that “the resumption of the peace process at its base two-state solution it’s the only way forward.”

For Ukraine

As for her Ukraine, the 27 will discuss as usual, via video conference, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and according to the draft conclusions, they are expected to promise additional support, especially military. “The EU will continue to provide strong economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as needed,” the draft conclusions state. Charles Michel in his letter points out that developments in the Middle East require immediate attention, “but they should not distract us from our continued support for Ukraine.”

Also, the European leaders will consider its issue immigrationespecially in its external dimension, as well as the returns of migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected in the EU. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her letter to European leaders links the issue of returns to the recent terrorist attacks, stating: “recent terrorist attacks in France and Belgium have revealed the need to strengthen cross-border law enforcement cooperation and information sharing, as well as step up efforts to ensure the rapid and effective return of irregular migrants.”

Economy

In addition, the 27 will discuss the interim revision of the multiannual financial framework (MDP) 2021-2027. Last June, the European Commission proposed an additional €65.8 billion to deal with the unforeseen costs caused by the war in Ukraine and its consequences (inflation, energy crisis), as well as to fund migration management.

General agenda

The leaders are also expected to discuss the Serbia-Kosovo relations, on the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and on “the continued deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation” in the Sahel region. The second day of the Summit is dedicated exclusively to economic and eurozone issues, with the presence of ECB President Christine Lagarde and Eurogroup President Pascal Donahue.