Key Takeaways
- European Union leaders will debate the size and priorities of the bloc's next long-term budget.
- Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the meeting to seek support.
- The EU aims to reach an agreement by Christmas to avoid future dealmaking disruptions.
European Union leaders are set to clash over the size and priorities of the bloc's next long-term budget, with no immediate deal in sight, according to sources from FRANCE 24.
The budget discussions will take place on Thursday in Brussels, Belgium, and will also cover support for Ukraine, as President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the meeting on Friday.
The EU is under pressure to reach an agreement by Christmas, as any future dealmaking could be derailed by potential eurosceptic wins in upcoming elections, particularly in key powerhouses like France.
The meeting is expected to be contentious, with leaders from the 27-nation bloc facing tough decisions on revenue sources and spending priorities.
FRANCE 24's Europe Editor Armen Georgian reports that the discussions will be crucial for the future direction of the EU, with the bloc aiming to secure a deal before the French presidential election next year.
The urgency of the situation is highlighted by the need to avoid any potential disruptions to the budget process, which could be caused by the results of upcoming elections across the bloc.
The EU is keen to ensure that any future dealmaking is not hampered by the rise of eurosceptic parties, particularly in France, where the upcoming election could have significant implications for the bloc's future.
President Zelensky's attendance is seen as a bid to rally support for Ukraine, as tensions with US President Donald Trump continue to simmer.
