Supporting Ukraine with the “rapid supply and delivery of ammunition”, European security and defence, the Middle East and the agricultural issue are among the main topics of the Summit taking place in Brussels on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 March.

“Our main task is the rapid provision of military aid to Ukraine and, based on recent initiatives such as that of the Czech Republic, the rapid supply and delivery of ammunition to Ukraine,” European Council President Charles Michel said in his letter of invitation to EU leaders. He points out that the EU needs to focus “on the effective implementation and enforcement of sanctions” as well as promoting efforts to use profits from frozen assets.

On defense, Mr. Michel notes that “we need to help the defense industry access private and public resources and reduce regulatory burdens and barriers. Building this strategic security mindset requires strong leadership and an understanding of the urgency of the threats we face.”

“It is imperative that we address the situation in the Middle East. The atrocities of the October 7 attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza have crossed the lines of inhumanity. Too many civilians have lost their lives. Too many innocent lives are at risk due to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the raging hunger,” he emphasizes, adding that “international law must be fully respected. A sustainable ceasefire is urgently needed to protect civilians, to allow the hostages to return safely and to ensure that humanitarian aid can be delivered as needed.”

At the same time, the president of the European Council states that efforts must be intensified to prevent regional escalation especially in Lebanon and the Red Sea.

Regarding agriculture, Charles Michel notes that “our European farmers expressed their concerns loud and clear. We must act decisively on the challenges they face. This means taking stock of the work that has been done so far and ensuring that progress is made without delay, particularly regarding the place of farmers in the food supply chain and fair competition, both within the internal market and globally.”

On the table will also be the account of preparations for enlargement and reforms, “bearing in mind that the two strands must proceed in parallel to ensure that both the future Member States and the EU are ready by the time of accession”, as Mr Michel explains.

“We will also look at the immigration situation and look at various foreign relations issues,” he adds.

Finally, on Friday, the Euro Summit will take place where the economic and financial situation will be discussed.