European Union Summit (June 2025)

European Council Summit was a multilateral meeting held in Brussels on 26 June 2025, at which heads of state and government of the member countries of the European Union (EU) made decisions on current international crises economic issues and security policies. This summit marked the final leaders’ meeting under Poland’s six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Agenda and Overall Framework

The European Council Summit held in Brussels on 26 June 2025 was the final leaders’ meeting during Poland’s six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The summit provided a platform for assessing progress made under the theme “A Secure Europe.” It took place immediately after the NATO Summit concluded on 25 June in The Hague Netherlands. Following discussions at the NATO Summit on defense spending commitments and other security matters EU leaders traveled to Brussels to attend the European Council Summit.

Among those in attendance was Germany’s new chancellor Friedrich Merz. This summit marked Merz’s first participation at the level of the Council of the European Union. The agenda covered a broad range of topics including the war in Ukraine the humanitarian situation in the Middle East strengthening Europe’s defense capacity trade tensions with the United States energy security countering irregular migration political developments in Moldova and the Western Balkans and internal security and crisis preparedness.

Reports prepared by the European Commission and the Presidency of the Council were reviewed at the summit. Leaders discussed diplomatic economic and military priorities to enhance the EU’s global influence. They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateralism and adherence to international law. At the conclusion of the summit a declaration was adopted outlining policy priorities to be pursued until the next European Council meeting scheduled for autumn 2025.

Foreign Policy and Security Agenda

Support and Aid Packages for Ukraine

The European Union has provided a total of €158.6 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine. This package includes humanitarian aid macro-financial support and direct budgetary contributions. At the summit it was emphasized that this financial support must continue uninterrupted and sustainably. A decision was made to coordinate aid delivery with international partners. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated via video conference and presented his country’s current situation and expectations to the leaders.

Security Guarantees and Military Assistance

The European Union has provided approximately €59.6 billion in military assistance to Ukraine. At the summit new contributions from member states were requested to meet Ukraine’s urgent military needs. Air defense systems anti-drone technologies to counter unmanned aerial threats and ammunition procurement were prioritized on the agenda. Decisions were also taken to support the development of Ukraine’s defense industry its integration into European defense supply chains and the training of Ukrainian armed forces. Member states reached consensus on continuing preparations for security guarantees for Ukraine.

Ukraine’s EU Accession Process

The summit assessed Ukraine’s progress in its European Union accession process. The European Commission issued a positive opinion stating that Ukraine is ready to open negotiations on its “core agenda” topics. EU leaders called for intensified cooperation between the Ukrainian government and the Commission to accelerate the accession process taking into account the pace of Ukraine’s reforms. Member states requested the European Council to define the next steps regarding Ukraine.

Sanctions Against Russia and Discussions on the 18th Sanctions Package

The European Union has imposed 17 sanction packages against Russia to date. Discussions on the 18th sanctions package were central to the summit. The new package is designed to target Russia’s energy finance and maritime sectors. Proposals include restricting the so-called “shadow fleet” of tankers transporting Russian oil lowering the current price cap on Russian crude oil from $60 to $45 and introducing new transaction bans on Russian banks. Hungary and Slovakia objected to sanctions targeting certain energy sectors and requested additional concessions. Leaders decided to adopt additional measures to prevent circumvention of sanctions via third countries. The European Council plans to finalize its decision on the 18th package by July 2025.

Middle East Developments

Call for a Ceasefire in Gaza and Humanitarian Situation

The European Council Summit included comprehensive assessments of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Leaders called for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. The European Council described the number of civilian casualties and levels of hunger in the region as “unacceptable.” It urged Israel to fully lift its blockade on Gaza and allow immediate uninterrupted and sustained humanitarian aid flows. It also demanded that all necessary access permissions be granted to the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to enable them to operate independently and impartially in Gaza. The summit reiterated the call for Hamas to release remaining hostages.

Review of the EU-Israel Partnership Agreement

The European Union presented to the summit its ongoing assessment of the EU-Israel Partnership Agreement launched in May 2025 with regard to compliance with human rights obligations. The review found serious indications that Israel has violated its obligations under Article 2 of the agreement. Leaders urged the Council to take further decisions in July based on this assessment. Some member states notably Ireland and Spain advocated suspending the Partnership Agreement. However no final decision was reached during the summit.

Violence in the West Bank and Sanctions Discussions

The European Council addressed violent incidents in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Leaders condemned rising Israeli settler violence the expansion of illegal settlements and Israeli military operations. The European Council called for accelerated Council work to impose additional sanctions on extremist settler groups and individuals or entities supporting them. It also called for the preparation of new restrictive measures against Hamas.

Israel-Iran Ceasefire and Iran’s Nuclear Program

The summit assessed the ceasefire process between Israel and Iran facilitated by the United States. The European Council welcomed the cessation of hostilities and urged both parties to respect international law exercise restraint and avoid steps that could lead to further escalation. Regarding Iran’s nuclear program the European Union reiterated that Iran must fully comply with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The EU emphasized that it will continue diplomatic efforts and affirmed that the issue can only be resolved through negotiations.

Developments in Syria Lebanon and the Sahel Region

At the summit the European Union reviewed the process for the phased and reversible lifting of its economic sanctions on Syria. The EU stressed the need to support an inclusive and peaceful political transition in Syria. The terrorist attack on the Mar Elias Church in Damascus was condemned and those responsible were called upon to be held accountable.

On Lebanon EU leaders reaffirmed their support for efforts to restore economic and security stability in the country. The stabilizing role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was emphasized and all parties were urged to comply with the terms of the ceasefire agreement of 27 November 2024.

In the Sahel region the European Council drew attention to the deteriorating security environment and affirmed that the EU’s contributions to stability in the region will continue. It was decided to support security and development initiatives in Sahel and neighboring coastal states.

European Defense and Security Policies

The European Council Summit comprehensively addressed measures to enhance Europe’s defense and security capacity. The European Union launched a new financing mechanism called the European Defense Action Fund (EDAF). The summit confirmed that necessary regulatory adjustments have been completed to rapidly initiate investments under the EDAF program. It was announced that flexibility provisions known as the “escape clause” under the Stability and Growth Pact will be activated to enable member states to increase defense spending. Additionally the European Investment Bank’s funding capacity was called upon to be expanded to incentivize private investment in defense.

Leaders welcomed the political agreement reached in the Council on the European Defense Industry Programme (EDIP). The program is intended to enhance the defense industrial capacities of EU member states and accelerate supply chains. The summit also stressed the need to accelerate negotiations on the “Defense Preparedness Omnibus” proposals. Support measures are planned to increase production capacity among small and medium-sized enterprises.

The European Council emphasized that the EU’s defense policies must be fully aligned with NATO. It reaffirmed that for EU member states that are also NATO members collective defense remains anchored in NATO. In line with the 5 percent defense spending target adopted at the NATO Summit in The Hague EU member states were urged to meet their respective obligations. Consensus was reached that defense spending must be carried out more effectively quickly and jointly.

The summit called for accelerating logistics infrastructure projects to enhance the mobility of military equipment and personnel within EU territory. The European Commission and the High Representative were requested to prepare new proposals to facilitate military mobility. It was decided to accelerate ongoing work within the European Defence Agency on joint procurement standardization and demand aggregation. Research and development projects in strategic capabilities innovation new technologies and other priority areas for defense industry were added to the agenda.

The European Council emphasized the need to mobilize private sector funding for defense investments. It called on the European Investment Bank to reassess its current credit limits for the defense sector. Additionally the summit discussed measures and military deterrence policies to protect the EU’s borders particularly its eastern land air and maritime frontiers.

Trade and Economic Relations

During the session of the European Council Summit on 26 June 2025 newly proposed tariffs by the United States became a top agenda item. The threat by US President Donald Trump to impose customs duties of 50 percent on steel and aluminum imports 25 percent on the automotive sector and 10 percent on other goods drew the attention of EU leaders. Trump’s threat to impose new trade tariffs on Spain citing its defense spending stance was also on the agenda. Leaders decided to establish a common position toward the United States on trade relations and to clarify the roadmap for trade negotiations to be pursued by the European Commission. The European Commission was instructed to provide feedback to leaders on trade talks with the United States by 9 July 2025.

The summit discussed new strategic steps to enhance the competitiveness of the European Union’s internal market. Leaders emphasized the need to deepen the European Single Market remove barriers to the free movement of goods and services and preserve market integrity. The Commission’s “Strategy for Simplifying Unblocking and Strengthening the European Internal Market” and the “EU Startup and Growth Strategy” were reviewed. A call was made for their rapid implementation.

Leaders affirmed the need to strengthen Europe’s industrial base and technological leadership and highlighted the urgency of addressing structural challenges in key sectors such as automotive maritime aerospace steel metal and chemicals. The central role of small and medium-sized enterprises in the European economy was acknowledged and special support mechanisms were proposed for energy-intensive industries. It was decided to work toward strengthening the euro’s role as a global reserve and transaction currency to enhance the EU’s effectiveness in global trade.

The summit emphasized the need to implement simpler and more rational regulations to reduce excessive bureaucracy and administrative burdens within the EU. Work on the Commission’s “Simplification Packages” aimed at streamlining regulatory processes was called upon to be accelerated. The impact of global instability and price volatility in energy markets on European competitiveness was also discussed. EU leaders stated that a fully integrated and interconnected European Energy Union must be established by 2030 and decided on additional measures to enhance energy security and supply stability. The Commission was urged to continue cooperation with member states to reduce energy dependence increase energy production and ensure legal certainty. The summit also called for support of the cooperation process between Slovakia and the Commission on energy transition efforts.

Migration and Border Management

Migration and border security issues were revisited at the European Council Summit. Leaders reviewed existing measures to combat irregular migration accelerate return procedures and ensure effective control of the EU’s external borders. Member states highlighted the importance of comprehensive partnerships with third countries to strengthen external migration policies.

The summit assessed ongoing work toward a common EU definition of the concepts of “safe third countries” and “safe countries of origin.” It was decided to use EU instruments more effectively in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s statements emphasizing a stricter approach to Germany’s migration policy attracted attention. The summit called for accelerated negotiations on the latest legal proposals presented by the European Commission.

EU Enlargement Policy

The European Council Summit assessed the enlargement process concerning Moldova and the Western Balkans. Leaders reaffirmed their support for Moldova’s sovereignty territorial integrity and democratic reform process ahead of the first Moldova-EU Summit scheduled for 4 July 2025. Positive progress in Moldova’s reform steps toward EU membership was noted and the Council was called upon to open negotiation chapters based on the Commission’s assessment.

The Western Balkans were also addressed at the summit. The European Council stressed the need to accelerate the ongoing integration process with Western Balkan countries and decided to support reform efforts in the region. Leaders affirmed that the enlargement process must be gradual reversible and merit-based. The EU’s strategic commitment to the future of the Western Balkans was once again confirmed.

Internal Security and Crisis Management

Internal security and crisis preparedness were comprehensively addressed at the European Council Summit. Leaders emphasized that threats such as organized crime terrorism radicalization and extremism involving both online and offline violence constitute serious security risks for European citizens. The summit drew attention to the negative impact of criminal organizations infiltrating the legal economy on public finances and the Single Market.

The European Council stated that EU institutions and member states must use all available tools most effectively in line with the European Security Strategy. Based on the Commission’s internal security strategy document calls were made for new measures to enhance data sharing among law enforcement and judicial authorities international cooperation and collaboration with third countries.

Regarding crisis management and resilience policies the European Preparedness Union Strategy was reviewed. Leaders stated that member states must adopt an approach that encompasses all segments of society aims to be prepared for all types of risks and seeks to enhance resilience to crises. The European Commission was requested to develop new proposals on protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening civil protection capacity. The need to enhance the EU’s resilience against hybrid threats and cyberattacks was also emphasized.