The main topics of the agenda of the critical meeting that starts tomorrow, the president wanted to present with statements, but also letters. In her speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the president of the Commission appealed to them to reach an agreement on its financing, while in a letter she described her priorities regarding the . A “battle” is expected at the Summit, not only on the aforementioned issues, but also on Mercosur, , enlargement, the and others.
Pressure from von der Leyen on the frozen funds
More specifically, von der Leyen, in her speech to the European Parliament, described in particularly dark colors the situation in Ukraine, the difficult position in which Europe has found itself due to the American attitude as well as Russian aggression, aiming primarily to convince the leaders of the member countries to support the Commission’s proposals, both in terms of its strategy for financing Ukraine, and more broadly for ensuring European defense.
More specifically, the president of the European Commission argued that: “We have proposed two alternative solutions for the financing of Ukraine. One is based on the use of assets and the other on EU borrowing. We will have to decide which way we want to go.”
As he emphasized, one point is absolutely clear: “We have to take a decision in this European Council on the financing of Ukraine for the next two years.” Underlining the need to strengthen European defense capabilities, he added: “Europe must take responsibility for its own security. This is no longer a choice; it is a necessity. We must be ready. There is no more important act for the defense of Europe than supporting the defense of Ukraine. The next few days will be a decisive step in securing it. Our task at this week’s meeting is to show that we are acting on our own strategy, our own interests and our own priorities.”
. Belgium – but also a relatively large group of countries that now includes Giorgia Meloni’s Italy – appears wary, fearing it may be forced to pay back the full amount if Russia makes a legal claim to the money.
In her speech to MEPs, von der Leyen stressed that most of the money Ukraine needs to continue the war should come from Europe. “The IMF and our own estimates show that Ukraine’s financing needs for the years 2026 and 2027 amount to approximately 137 billion euros. Europe will have to cover two-thirds, that is about 90 billion euros,” he said.
Mercosur, immigration, housing, Gaza and enlargement on the agenda
The Commission president also referred to the need to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness, diversify the economy and shield supply chains, noting that “the era of European independence must be unstoppable”.
Without naming US President Donald Trump, he responded to criticism from abroad: “We cannot allow other people’s perceptions of the world to define us. And let’s say it clearly: it wouldn’t be the first time that it turns out that the estimates for Europe are outdated.” In closing, von der Leyen warned Europeans: “Yesterday’s peace is gone. We can no longer afford to wallow in nostalgia.”
In addition to her speech, the president of the European Commission presented in a letter to the leaders of the member states the main priorities of the EU in immigration. As mentioned, the Union implements a coherent strategy that combines justice and control, shared responsibility and solidarity, as well as close cooperation with partner countries. Over the past year, illegal crossings have fallen by more than 25%, but further strengthening of measures is required due to increased flows in the Central and Western Mediterranean.
With six months to go until the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the priority is to complete critical structures such as Eurodac, border procedures and reception capabilities. Particular emphasis is expected to be placed on the effectiveness of returns, as the percentage in the EU remains low (24%), with a new common legal framework and a strengthened role of Frontex.
The letter reflects the EU’s determination to fight smuggling, strengthen cooperation with the UK and expand cooperation with third countries, including Turkey, Jordan, Egypt and countries in North Africa and the Western Balkans. At the same time, safe returns and legal migration routes are promoted.
Ursula von der Leyen specifically mentioned this issue in her speech, arguing among other things that a free trade agreement with the South American bloc Mercosur will restore faith in rules-based trade agreements, which has been lost since the advent of the second Trump administration.
The plan needs the support of the so-called qualified majority of member states, i.e. 15 countries representing at least 65% of the bloc’s population. The signing of the agreement has already caused reactions from the agricultural world of Europe and farmers are preparing for demonstrations in Brussels, while it has also brought reactions from several European governments with France and Italy leading the effort to avoid signing the agreement immediately.
The Summit will also attempt to provide a solution to the housing crisis, which is a key topic of discussion in all European capitals. C, aiming to address one of the most “pressing needs of European citizens, access to affordable, sustainable and quality housing”.
The truce in Gaza will also be on the agenda, as well as the expansion of Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while on the sidelines of the meeting today there will be a separate EU-Balkan Summit (in) on the issue of enlargement.
Governments are getting ready, Meloni is taking a hard line
Von der Leyen’s statements, as well as the announcements from the Commission, have received separate responses from several governments as all sides prepare for this crucial Summit. Of particular interest is the attitude of the Italian government to the issues on the agenda, and this is because the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, appears willing to play a decisive role in the developments and processes of the session.
More specifically, the Italian Prime Minister, in her speech at the parliament in Rome, referred to her country’s positions ahead of tomorrow’s European Union Summit, placing particular emphasis on the issue of Ukraine, but without omitting the other issues on the agenda, such as Gaza, immigration and enlargement.
As he said: “At the Berlin Conference on Ukrainian, the atmosphere was constructive. The path to peace needs a close relationship between Europe and the United States, which is not competitive, although there is no total coincidence of views. The pressure on Russia must be maintained. We need Moscow’s will to contribute to the negotiation process, which has not been forthcoming so far.” Regarding the territorial negotiation, Meloni underlined that “every decision must be taken by the interested parties, without anyone imposing their will”.
Georgia Meloni made it clear again that her country is not going to send troops to Ukraine while she believes that “in terms of security guarantees, progress was made at the Berlin Conference.” Regarding the use of frozen Russian funds, he emphasized that “Italy does not yet support any relevant decision”, because “Russia must pay for the attack that Ukraine received, but it needs a solid legal basis”.
“If the decision under discussion is taken, we should not only focus on the Russian funds located in Belgium, but also on those located in other European countries,” the head of the government in Rome emphasized.
Referring to the Middle East, she recalled that a few days ago she met with the president of the Palestinian National Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, who “asked for a substantial effort by Italy to implement the peace plan elaborated by the United States.” “We must all do our part for humanitarian aid, for reconstruction, but also for the disarmament of Hamas,” Meloni said. He also emphasized the need to fight anti-Semitism and protect Jewish communities in European cities, following the terrorist attack in Sydney.
Regarding immigration, the Italian Prime Minister stated that “the new European framework is strong and will allow the protection of national initiatives, such as the repatriation centers that Italy created in Albania.” “Albania’s model, which many European countries are watching with interest, will work and I am certain that it will lead to a reduction in irregular flows,” pointed out Georgia Meloni.
Finally, regarding the enlargement of the Union to new member states, he emphasized that “a strong message in this direction is needed tomorrow” and that the enlargement process towards the Western Balkans should not be postponed. “The progress made by Albania and Montenegro shows that these two countries have substantial possibilities for integration in the near future,” concluded the head of the Italian government.
