Outlook for the European Council, 18-19 June

The June 2026 European Council meeting has a full agenda, topped by Ukraine, the next multiannual financial framework (MFF), and global economic challenges. On Ukraine, EU leaders are likely to welcome the official opening of the first negotiation cluster on 15 June, while considering European participation in future peace talks with Russia. Regarding the MFF, even if a negotiating box with figures is now on the table, the endeavour will be on making progress on the revenue side, including on new own resources. Concerning global economic challenges, EU leaders will address competitiveness issues, and over dinner will hold a strategic debate on global macroeconomic imbalances; the discussion is likely to touch upon trade with China, albeit without mentioning the country in their conclusions. Other topics for discussion include the Middle East, defence and security, migration, illicit drug trafficking, Moldova, the Western Balkans and the European Semester. While not envisaged for discussion, the conclusions will include sections on the election results in Armenia, as well as Ebola.