EU leaders convene in Brussels to shape 2028‑2034 budget and strengthen security

European Council ministers gathered in Brussels for the final day of their summit, focusing on the EU’s multi‑year budget for 2028‑2034 and a range of security issues. The Commission has proposed a roughly €2 trillion budget that would continue subsidies for agriculture and cohesion regions while expanding spending on competitiveness and defence. German leaders and other wealthier member states are urging a substantial reduction in size, and the Council is expected to debate new revenue options such as taxes on digital services, online gambling and crypto‑transactions, as well as an expansion of the EU carbon levy.

The agenda also covers eastern‑border security after recent Russian drone incursions, increased defence readiness, and the start of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will address the summit, while Bulgaria will be represented by Prime Minister Rumen Radev. Additional topics include the Middle‑East situation, rising energy prices, migration and economic competitiveness.