EU, signs of a new political normality: conclusions on Ukraine agreed by all 27 member states at the leaders’ summit

Brussels – The only new development is a return to normality, with conclusions on Ukraine once again approved by all 27 Member States, following almost two years of what has now become established practice: voting as 26 without Hungary on matters relating to support for Kyiv and its path towards EU accession. The summit of EU heads of state and government scheduled for this week (18 and 19 June) has, in this political context, only one truly noteworthy development, for a meeting of leaders devoted more to dialogue than to action. 

The issues on the agenda are by no means trivial; however, matters such as the war in Iran, relations with China, and the EU’s multiannual financial framework (MFF 2028–2034) are too complex to expect any real, concrete, and operational decisions to be taken straight away. On these issues, so-called “round-table discussions” will be needed—discussions aimed at seeking and establishing the initial foundations for a consensus to be finalised in future sessions. Well-informed sources believe that relations with Israel, in light of the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, will form part of the debate, “but it is not known in what terms.” In short: the EU lacks a shared position, and the President of the European Council, António Costa, “does not intend to delve into the details of the decision-making method (that is, whether by unanimity or qualified majority) but rather to focus on unity among the 27 member states and a firm stance.”

 The search for a common purpose and position is the common thread running through a European Council summit where leaders arrive with differing views, including on the financial framework for the next seven years. On the multiannual budget, “positions have not yet fully converged,” and therefore “this discussion is intended to pave the way for an agreement by the end of the year.” The same applies to Iran: the idea of a naval coalition in the Strait of Hormuz “is intended to be made operational when the right conditions are in place, though it remains to be seen when that will be.” Similarly, according to the same sources, “it remains to be seen who will be part of it.” It is emphasised that the EU intends to contribute to the safety of navigation and stability in the area “not to please the US but because we believe it is in the EU’s interest to play a role in this, as soon as the conditions are right”. 

https://www.eunews.it/en/2026/06/11/european-council-costa-says-agenda-covers-competitiveness-ukraine-middle-east-and-anti-drug-efforts/ 

In short, everything has been put on hold. The leaders’ summit will produce vague, general commitments and promises to take action—but not straight away. There is the issue of relations with China, which are seen as increasingly unbalanced, but the 27 Member States are undecided about what to do: should they continue using the existing tools? Extend their scope? Devise new ones? These are all questions which, at best, should result in a mandate for the European Commission to explore possible measures to counter Beijing’s unfair competition. 

On the budget, “the Irish Presidency will need to develop and deepen the debate, ahead of the European Council summit in October.” Issues such as immigration and defence are also being deferred to the October summit for proper discussion, and the same applies to enlargement in general—the broadest and most comprehensive form, encompassing the whole of the Western Balkans. 

On this agenda, which is the subject of discussions, Ukraine is emerging as the only topic of interest for the EU heads of state and government to showcase. The opening of the first chapters of the negotiations, which signifies the start of the actual accession process, will be a cause for celebration and an opportunity to demonstrate that the EU has credibility. “We expect to reach conclusions among the 27,” insiders reveal. This is the real news from a summit that would otherwise risk offering little else, apart from the presence of the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, who is expected to attend in person. If all goes well, there could be commitments or indications as to when to open further negotiation chapters to Kyiv’s advantage, but this remains to be seen and, at least for this, there will be time: the European Council summit will be spread over two days, contrary to the change introduced by Costa. Here too, a return to normality.