EU Summit Addresses Ukraine Aid, Hungary Shift, China Trade, and MFF 2028-2034

EU leaders convened for a two-day summit in Brussels, the last before Ireland assumes the EU presidency. A significant development was the presence of Péter Magyar, the pro-EU conservative who replaced former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Magyar's appointment led to Hungary lifting its block on Ukraine's EU accession process and unfreezing EU funds.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended, meeting with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Zelenskyy had earlier urged NATO leaders to increase purchases of US arms for Ukraine, specifically anti-ballistic capabilities, citing Russia's reliance on missile attacks. Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden committed to contributing to two US weaponry packages worth $1 billion (€872.52 million).

The summit's agenda included discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034, a nearly €2 trillion long-term budget. This MFF allocates €131 billion for Europe's defence, security, and space fund—five times the previous allocation—and €34 billion for migration management, including border strengthening.

Discussions also focused on China's economic threat, particularly the surge in Chinese exports impacting European industry. Leaders debated implementing sector-specific tariffs on China, with France advocating for them while others expressed caution about potential retaliation. The summit concluded with talks on the Middle East, with Ireland's Taoiseach emphasizing the need to address war crimes in Gaza and the EU exploring trade restrictions with Israeli settlements. EU enlargement was also discussed, with Montenegro expected to advance its accession during Ireland's presidency, followed by Ukraine and Moldova, aiming for 2030.