European Union leaders face deadlock over migration and budget

The European Council summit in Brussels has faced significant deadlock over two major issues: migration policy and the long-term EU budget.

Disagreements regarding irregular migration surfaced as Denmark, Italy, and Poland demanded stricter language in summit conclusions. These nations sought to prevent national policies from incentivizing irregular migration, specifically targeting Spain’s program to regularize approximately 600,000 undocumented residents. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized these divisions, stating that the lack of coordination undermines collective European responses.

Simultaneously, negotiations for the 2028–2034 multiannual budget have stalled. Member states remain divided over the total budget amount, proposed reforms, and own-resource funding. European Council President Antonio Costa is tasked with presenting a new proposal within weeks to meet a December deadline. The urgency is driven by upcoming elections in several major nations, where leaders face pressure from populist movements seeking to reduce European contributions or weaken EU institutions.