This blog is now closed, thanks for joining us. You can read our full report on the summit here.
Summary of the day
Heads of state and government from the EU’s 27 countries met in Brussels and debated the situation in the Middle East and the bloc’s long-term budget.
After hours of discussion, the leaders agreed on a joint text calling for aid to reach those who need it in Gaza “through all necessary measures including humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs.”
Leaders also said that the European Council “supports the holding of an international peace conference soon.”
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said that more flights with EU aid for Gaza will be on their way Friday.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that “Israel is a democratic state guided by very humanitarian principles and so we can be certain that the Israeli army will respect the rules that arise from international law in everything it does.”
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy told EU leaders via videoconference that “we must do everything to prevent an even larger international fire from breaking out in the Middle East” and “the enemies of freedom are very interested in bringing the free world to the second front.”
Roberta Metsola, president of the European parliament, stressed that Europe cannot allow its support for Ukraine to waiver and said that on the Middle East “we have a responsibility to remain coherent and united.”
Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán defended his decision to meet with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, saying that Budapest has a “peace strategy.”
Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas told reporters that “we have had different opinions before, we have managed to keep unity, but it’s getting more difficult regarding Hungary.”
The leaders of France, Germany and Italy met with their counterparts from Kosovo and Serbia, but appeared to fail to make progress on the thorny issue of the relationship between Pristina and Belgrade.
Leaders will meet later Friday again to discuss Ukraine, migration and the economy.
Updated
The presser has ended. Tomorrow leaders will meet again, to discuss Ukraine, the economy and migration.
Asked about the proposed peace conference, Charles Michel said the idea was already on the table during a meeting in Egypt.
We hope that in the weeks and months to come, we can make progress, he said.
Michel also emphasised that Hamas is a terrorist organisation and he doesn’t see any role for Hamas in a conference in which the EU would participate.
It’s past 1am in Brussels, and the presser is still ongoing.
Updated
European Council president Charles Michel insisted in a press conference that a total siege in not in line with international law, and said that there is a serious deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
EU leaders, he said, agreed that they want to bring positive influence and think that the political process is extremely important. The EU’s leaders, he emphasised, took the time to discuss the two-state solution and support the principle of holding very soon a peace conference.
Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said it’s important to keep in mind that it all started with a horrible attack by Hamas terrorists on the people of Israel, and that it is important to acknowledge the pain and suffering of the Israeli people, if we want to speak to Israel and influence Israel. Leaders emphasised that the siege must stop and that it’s of the utmost importance to ensure access to humanitarian aid, she said.
More EU aid on its way to Gaza, Commission chief says
Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told reporters following the leaders’ discussion that more aid for Gaza is needed.
The 56 tons of aid that our two first humanitarian flights brought to Egypt have now been delivered to Gaza. This is important, but of course more is needed. We will have our next two flights – they are scheduled for today, Friday – and more are planned over the following days.
The Commission will also sign new contracts with UN agencies, as part of putting new funding to use.
Von der Leyen also said leaders discussed “the real risk of regionalisation of the conflict.”
“We need to continue working intensively with partners,” she added, highlighting Egypt in particular.
“The current situation reinforces our determination to work on a comprehensive and [mutually] beneficial partnership with Egypt,” the Commission chief said.
It is important for us to have Egypt as a beacon of stability in that region.
The heads of state and government discussed the issue of online hate speech and antisemitism, von der Leyen said.
Addressing the issue of the bloc’s long-term budget, the Commission chief listed extra support for Ukraine, migration, natural disasters and competitiveness – in particular clean tech – as priorities that require more funding.
Updated
Speaking following leaders’ talks, European Council president Charles Michel said that on the issue of the review of the bloc’s long-term budget, two important elements were discussed: what are our common priorities for the review, and how to finance common priorities. Next, he said, the Council’s rotating presidency and diplomacy will continue work.
The goal, he said, is a deal by the end of the year.
This is a difficult debate, he said.
Summit ends for today
The first day of the European Council summit has ended. A press conference will follow soon – stay tuned.
Updated
“Unity is our strength,” European Council president Charles Michel tweets after hours of talks among EU leaders led to a compromise text on the Middle East calling for humanitarian corridors and “pauses”.
Unity is our strength.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) October 26, 2023
Agreement on the #EUCO conclusions on situation in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/2K5EdzKLkQ
The EU leaders’ compromise text has gotten a brief mention in Israeli media tonight.
European politicians’ debates on Israel and Gaza over the past days have in general garnered very little attention in the country.
Updated
EU leaders are now discussing the bloc’s long-term budget.
EU leaders reach agreement on Middle East
Leaders have reached agreement on the Middle East.
In a compromise text, agreed after hours of discussions, heads of state and government from the EU’s 27 members declared that the EU “reiterates the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times in line with international humanitarian law” and “deplores all loss of civilian life.”
The leaders also said that they are concerned about deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza and called for aid “including humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs.”
In a concession to Spain, new wording was added to the final text that the European Council “supports the holding of an international peace conference soon.”
Here is the compromise text:
Unity, agreement at #EUCO on Middle East conclusions. pic.twitter.com/sC8zUuiZlI
— Ecaterina Casinge (@ecasinge) October 26, 2023
Updated
Leaders go to dinner
The leaders’ dinner has started. The discussion on the Middle East will continue, and then leaders will move on to discuss the bloc’s long-term budget, an EU official said.
Short night in sight? Send us your best guess on how much longer EU leaders will continue debating tonight.
At the European Council today, where the 🇪🇺 27 EU leaders hold strategic debates on the Middle East, Ukraine, budget, migration, economy and competitiveness... With a short night in sight. pic.twitter.com/Hq3Jap2lyX
— Alexandre Brecx (@AlexBrecx) October 26, 2023
Kosovo claims Serbia refuses deal
Hopes that talks to ease tensions between Serbia and Kosovo could restart were dashed on Thursday after Pristina claimed Belgrade would not sign up to a new deal.
After five hours of meetings in Brussels led by the leaders of France, Germany and Italy it appeared progress was being made with Kosovo agreeing to sign up a new framework to manage the north of the country in which the majority of the population is Serbian.
The deal would have allowed an element of self-management of the region where about 60,000 people live following a fresh proposal for a solution by a high-powered EU and US delegation that visited both capitals on Saturday.
In a statement, Kosovo said it accepted the EU proposal dating from February and a supplementary deal known as the “Ohrid annex” signed in March.
But Jeton Zulfaj, political adviser to the prime minister, Albin Kurti, said the president of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić had refused to sign up to the EU proposals.
“Today Prime Minister Albin Kurti offered to sign the agreement for the third time, now with the Annex and with EU-US proposal for self- management. Vucic refused.
“It is clear that Serbia does not want normalisations of relations with Kosova nor self-management for Kosova Serbs,” he said.
Today Prime Minister @albinkurti offered to sign the Agreement for the third time, now with the Annex and with EU-US proposal for self- management.
— Jeton Zulfaj (@JetonZulfaj) October 26, 2023
Vucic refused.
It is clear that Serbia does not want normalizations of relations with Kosova nor self-management for Kosova Serbs.
Updated
The EU summit looked like it might move quickly to agree a text on the Middle East. But no summit is complete without a last minute hitch.
Informed sources are saying that “as many as 25” countries of the 27 agree on the latest text on the Middle East, but they refuse to comment on rumours that Spain is looking to strengthen the language to include “something like a ceasefire”.
Dinner was scheduled for 7.30pm but the conversation about the Middle East continues with rumours that Spain is not completely on board with the text.
The latest draft of the declaration includes a new paragraph to give comfort to countries who wanted stronger language to ensure Gaza aid could not be cut off.
“The European Council reiterates the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times in line with international humanitarian law. It deplores all loss of civilian life”.
Zelenskiy to European leaders: counter a 'second front' in Middle East
Speaking to European leaders via videoconference this evening, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he just signed a key law to help meet European requirements for opening negotiations on Ukraine’s membership in the EU.
He also thanked EU countries for their continued military assistance.
“Sustainable arms supplies for Ukraine mean sustainable security for the whole Europe – for each of our neighbors,” the Ukrainian leader said.
He emphasised the importance of long-term support.
In confrontations such as the one unleashed by Russia, the winner is the one who provides a long-term strategy. Russia needs to see that its ambitions as an invader will endure less than our ability to defend our freedom. That is why every approved program of such long-term support for Ukraine is a clear signal to Russia that its aggression is in vain, and that no matter how many resources Putin spends in the war, he will not win.
Zelenskiy also addressed the situation in Israel and Gaza, underscoring that a “second front” should be avoided.
We must do everything to prevent an even larger international fire from breaking out in the Middle East. The enemies of freedom are very interested in bringing the free world to the second front… We must clearly see this scenario and counter it – together, of course. I thank all the leaders whose active diplomacy is already working to promote security. The sooner security prevails in the Middle East, the sooner we will restore security here – in Europe.
Updated
The EU leaders are still debating the Middle East. Stay tuned.
On the sidelines of the summit, leaders of Estonia, Finland and Sweden are discussing the security of undersea infrastructure.
Discussed with @PetteriOrpo and @SwedishPM the latest developments regarding the investigation of the undersea cables and Balticconnector incidents.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) October 26, 2023
We also talked about the way forward, including improving the security of the critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. pic.twitter.com/2ssp8p9OcS
Hungary’s Viktor Orbán appears excited at the return of Slovakia’s Robert Fico to office.
Back to the future 😎 #RobertFico #EUCO pic.twitter.com/dkxs1fdYfq
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) October 26, 2023
EU leaders are focusing heavily this evening on the Middle East, with discussions expected to revolve around how to frame calls for a humanitarian pause.
But in Israel, no one is really paying attention.
Headlines in leading Israeli media outlets don’t even mention the summit, underscoring the wide gap between the politics of the moment in Europe and the reality on the ground, where the EU has very little leverage and a highly limited political role.
Updated
EU leaders could sign off on the new text calling for a humanitarian pause to shelling in Israel before dinner, it has emerged.
After an appeal to European Council president Charles Michel, leaders agreed to discuss the Middle East first and move the discussion on the bloc’s long-term budget to dinner.
Updated
Some progress in Kosovo-Serbia talks
Progress of sorts has been made in the talks in the sidelines of the summit on the standoff between Kosovo and Serbia after separate meetings with the French, Italian and German leaders in Brussels.
Giorgia Meloni has stated that she has asked the prime minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, and the Serbian president, Aleksandar Vučić, to implement the agreements sealed earlier this year.
“We will see how the day will go and we hope to make a step forward”, said the Italian prime minister.
After meetings that lasted over an hour, Kurti and Vučić headed to separate talks with the EU envoy Miroslav Lajčák.
Albanian prime minister Edi Rama raised a flicker of hope of a breakthrough after he claimed advances had been made.
I commend the prime minister of Kosova for accepting the EU proposal to advance firmly towards a deblocking solution on ASM [Association of Serb Majority Municipalities] through self-management instruments as a framework for upcoming negotiations. This is indeed an important milestone. The leaders of Kosovo and Serbia should demonstrate leadership and work closely with our western partners to promptly implement the Basic Agreement on the normalisation of relations, without any further delays. Our region deserves peace, stability, and cooperation for a shared, better future, rather than conflicts, blame games, and setbacks that harm us all.
Pressure build-up on @albinkurti and @avucic at margins of #EUCO pic.twitter.com/jPZx8xi8zZ
— Stephan Israel (@StephanIsrael) October 26, 2023
Updated
Leaders consider new text on Israel and Gaza
EU leaders currently meeting in Brussels are considering an amended text on the sensitive issue of Israel and Gaza.
The new draft, seen by the Guardian, includes new phrasing that “the European Council reiterates the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians at all times in line with international humanitarian law. It deplores all loss of civilian life.”
It also includes new wording on humanitarian needs.
“The European Council expresses its gravest concern for the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and calls for continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need through all necessary measures including humanitarian corridors and pauses for humanitarian needs.”
Updated
Evika Siliņa, Latvia’s prime minister, has stressed that the bloc needs to be united on both Ukraine and the Middle East.
She also highlighted that the EU must provide predictable financial support to Kyiv.
The European Council meeting is underway.
— Evika Siliņa 🇱🇻🇺🇦 (@EvikaSilina) October 26, 2023
We need EU unity on both the Middle East and Ukraine. Israel has the right to defend itself in line with international law. It is crucial to maintain focus on #Ukraine. Important to ensure predictable 🇪🇺 financial support for 🇺🇦.#EUCO pic.twitter.com/Ndyod3I6tR
Greens group leader calls for ceasefire
Terry Reintke, president of the Greens group in the European parliament, said today that “civilians in Israel and in Gaza deserve an end to the escalating violence. We call on all actors to work towards long-lasting peace.”
Reintke, who is running to be the Greens’ leading candidate in the European parliament election, said:
We condemn the atrocities Hamas has committed against Israelis. Israel has the right to react to those terror attacks in strict compliance with international law. Hamas must unconditionally release hostages and stop its attacks on Israel.
We see the suffering of the displaced Palestinians, and we urgently ask for a humanitarian pause that allows for safe corridors for the delivery of supplies and equipment, for the distribution of food, water, medical supplies to civilians.
All parties must consider the impact of the ongoing violence against civilians. If we want to see long-term peace, all parties must seek a ceasefire agreement.
Hungary’s Viktor Orbán is already in campaign mode, ahead of next year’s European parliament election.
In a Facebook post as EU leaders meet in Brussels, he told Hungarians: “Brussels wants to give more money to bring in migrants and for the war. We don’t support that! There is need for change in Brussels!”
Updated
Don’t forget who started the war, Czech prime minister warns
Petr Fiala, the Czech prime minister, said today that he proposed the Israeli leadership to “support Israel as much as possible at European level.”
“I will emphasise that we must not forget who is the originator of the terror and who started this war,” he said.
On the issue of migration, Fiala he said “I have long advocated a tougher approach to illegal migration” and he is “pleased that my view is becoming mainstream in Europe.”
I am just leaving for the European Council in Brussels. For the Czech Republic, two key topics are on the agenda - the situation in Israel and migration.
— Petr Fiala (@P_Fiala) October 26, 2023
During my visit to Tel Aviv yesterday, I promised President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu that the Czech Republic will… pic.twitter.com/4c3kNYZMUX
Support Ukraine 'as long as it takes,' Romanian president says
Klaus Iohannis, president of Romania, said today that during the summit he will highlight Bucharest’s support for Kyiv and opening EU accession negotiations by the end of the year.
I will reiterate our 🇷🇴 firm support for UA for as long as it takes and plead for the opening of the EU accession negotiations with UA🇺🇦 & RMD🇲🇩 by the end of 2023. On the Middle East situation, we need a clear & united 🇪🇺 position to avoid a dangerous escalation of the conflict.
— Klaus Iohannis (@KlausIohannis) October 26, 2023
Speaking to reporters in Brussels after meeting with the EU’s 27 heads of state and government, European parliament president Roberta Metsola said that foreign policy issues dominated the conversation.
The parliament president said she is confident today’s meeting will result in a united message on the Middle East.
Metsola also stressed that Europe cannot allow its support for Ukraine to waiver.
The EU’s resources are stretched to their limits, the president said, noting that the bloc’s current seven-year budget was agreed in a very different time and priorities have evolved.
Now is the time to put our money where our mouth is, and the EU’s credibility is at stake, she said.
Updated
Erdoğan criticises EU position on Middle East crisis
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey’s president, criticised Brussels’ stance on the war between Israel and Hamas.
“How many more children must die before the EU Commission can call for a ceasefire? How many more tons of bombs must fall on Gaza for the UNSC to take action?” he said.
President Erdoğan:
— Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications (@Communications) October 26, 2023
"How many more children must die before the EU Commission can call for a ceasefire? How many more tons of bombs must fall on Gaza for the UNSC to take action?"
Updated
Metsola says EU has responsibility to stay united
Addressing the EU’s 27 leaders, European parliament president Roberta Metsola said “there can be no excuses” for Hamas’ attack on Israel.
“Just as it is important to understand that Hamas do not represent the legitimate aims of the Palestinian people. They hinder them,” she added.
Metsola told the leaders that the bloc must speak with one voice.
As a Parliament we have always and will always keep insisting on respect for international law, that the humanitarian consequences of stopping Hamas must be a priority and that aid must be able to reach the innocent people in need.
People also look to Europe to continue to act over the unfolding desperate crisis in Gaza that continues to see too many innocent lives lost and too many children orphaned.
As a Union, we have a responsibility to remain coherent and united. To do this is not to condone more death and violence but to avoid a dangerous regional escalation of the conflict. We must leave even a sliver of possibility that peace can ultimately be found.
Viktor Orbán arrived at the summit more politically isolated than ever – but he is still fuelling frustrations across Europe.
The conservative Law and Justice party lost a key election in Poland this month, leaving Budapest largely on its own in its fight with Brussels over respect for democratic norms.
Meanwhile, Turkey has taken a step toward ratifying Sweden’s Nato membership bid, putting a harsh spotlight on Hungary’s reluctance to sign off.
And a recent meeting between Orbán and Vladimir Putin has added to growing discomfort among European officials who see Hungary’s friendly ties to Moscow and Beijing as out of step with and even damaging to the western alliance.
But even as he appears more isolated, the Hungarian prime minister – one of Europe’s most experienced heads of government – still has cards up his sleeve.
Read the full story here.
Summit officially begins
The European Council summit is officially starting. First on the agenda: discussion with the European parliament’s president, Roberta Metsola.
.@eucopresident @charlesmichel has just started the October European Council meeting.
— Ecaterina Casinge (@ecasinge) October 26, 2023
Summit starts with an exchange with @EP_President followed by an intervention of President @ZelenskyyUa.
First topic on agenda is the situation in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/j3cGznkVWE
It’s Robert Fico’s first European Council since becoming Slovakia’s prime minister (again) yesterday. Here he is seen with Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orbán.
Updated
Need to do 'everything' to 'avoid spillover of conflict' from Middle East, Scholz says
German chancellor Olaf Scholz on his way into the summit addressed the war in the Middle East: “We need to do everything we can to avoid spillover of conflict.”
“We will also work towards humanitarian support for Gaza populations which are also victims of Hamas,” he added.
The summit will be about making clear we support Israel in defending itself, according to the chancellor.
Updated
Lithuanian president warns against war fatigue
Gitanas Nausėda, Lithuania’s president, told reporters ahead of the summit that his message today is “to keep supporting Ukraine” and “be consistent.”
“We have no right for war fatigue,” he said, adding:
This is very important, especially now, in this critical stage of the war, to stay united, not to split our foreign policy – because otherwise it will be the policy of 27 member states. We have no right to do that.
The president also praised a proposed €50bn package for Ukraine but said the amount is insufficient unless there is commitment to come back to the matter “if needed.”
Asked about Viktor Orbán’s meeting with Vladimir Putin, the Lithuanian leader said:
It’s really more than strange to see that we start to flirt with regime who is committing as I mentioned very cruel atrocities on the territory of Ukraine.
Updated
Olaf Scholz, Giorgia Meloni and Emmanuel Macron have now left their meetings with Serbian and Kosovo and are heading to the summit.
Varadkar calls for 'humanitarian ceasefire' or 'pause'
Ireland’s taoiseach Leo Varadkar said there should be a “humanitarian ceasefire” or humanitarian “pause” stressing the main issue was not words but getting urgent aid into Gaza where the crisis is getting worse by the hour.
Ireland, along with Spain, were among those that made early calls for Israel to defend itself within international law.
Ahead of the summit, Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson emphasised his call for more cooperation in the fight against terrorism and more work on the return of denied asylum seekers.
We have witnessed a terrorist attack against Swedish citizens.
— Sweden in EU (@SwedeninEU) October 26, 2023
The EU needs to respond to this with more cooperation against terrorism, with enhanced information sharing, external border controls and migrant returns of denied asylum seekers.@SwedishPM pic.twitter.com/7IBHFYA4hz
Hungary’s Viktor Orbán is in a fighting mood, as leaders prepare for the summit.
Let’s get ready to rumble! #EUCO pic.twitter.com/3n91DAfdYj
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) October 26, 2023
European parliament president cautions not to lose sight of Ukraine
Arriving at the summit, European parliament president Roberta Metsola warned that the situation in the Mideast must not take attention away from Kyiv.
“This European Council takes place with a backdrop of war and geopolitical instability, and the unity and coherence of the European Union will be tested more than ever before,” she said.
For the European parliament, Metsola said, the goals are clear:
Hamas must be stopped. There must be an unconditional release of all hostages. While at the same time – they are not mutually exclusive – we have to allow for humanitarian aid to alleviate the toughest of consequences that we are seeing on innocent civilians in Gaza. That is why in the European parliament’s resoultion last week we called for a humanitarian pause.
This should not take our attention away from Ukraine. This is exactly what Putin would want. We need to continue to help Ukraine militarily and financially.
The EU’s long-term budget must be amended to reflect current challenges, she stressed, adding that the “clock is ticking” on migration policy reforms and much more work is needed on returns.
European leaders hold talks with Kosovo, Serbia counterparts
Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni and Olaf Scholz are currently meeting the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo in a hotel close to the European council leaders’ summit.
Two separate meetings are being held with the Serbian president, Aleksandar Vučić, and the Kosovan prime minister, Albin Kurti in an effort to revive collapsed talks aimed at normalising relations between the two countries.
The EU’s special representative for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Miroslav Lajčák is also attending along with the European council president Charles Michel.
The meeting follows talks last Saturday in the two capitals lead by the EU and US special envoy Gabriel Escobar.
Updated
Sánchez calls for peace summit
Arriving at the summit, Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez called for a peace summit on the situation in the Mideast.
The Spanish leader reiterated his country’s position condemning Hamas’ terror attacks and calling on Hamas to release all hostages.
Israel has all right to defend itself, but within international humanitarian law, he stressed.
There is much work left to do, Sánchez said, referring to the need for a humanitarian pause and allowing for a permanent flow of aid into Gaza, and proportional to the needs of the population in Gaza.
Spain supports a two-state solution, he said.
We must urgently call for a humanitarian pause. I would add, as prime minister of Spain, that I would like to see a ceasefire for humanitarian purposes. But if we don’t have that conditions, at least a humanitarian pause in order to channel all the humanitarian aid that the Palestinian population needs, urgently.
And having said that, too, I think it’s important that we have in the horizon a peace summit where we can also channel the engagement of the international community to reach a final agreement, a peace agreement between Israel and Palestine with the two-state solution. But in reality, it’s one-state solution: because international community already recognises Israel, and now what we need to do is recognise the Palestinian state.
Updated
EU foreign policy chief: Guterres' comments 'distorted'
Josep Borrell, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs, pushed back today against criticism of United Nations secretary-general António Guterres.
Guterres had told the UN security council on Tuesday: “It is important to also recognise the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation.”
Guterres’ words “have been distorted,” Borrell said, adding that “he was also clear that all civilian lives are worth the same and that IHL applies to all, before & after 7/10.”
“We fully support the work of SG Guterres and UN staff in favour of peace and for human relief in the Middle East and all over the world,” the EU foreign policy chief said.
The words of UNSG @antonioguterres have been distorted.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) October 26, 2023
UNSG has condemned “unequivocally the horrifying and unprecedented 7 October acts of terror by Hamas in Israel”. He was also clear that all civilian lives are worth the same and that IHL applies to all, before & after 7/10.
Updated
Ahead of the leaders’ summit, a group of Irish members of the European parliament from different political families called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The group urged “the Council of the European Union to call for an immediate ceasefire, as well as urgent efforts to meet the humanitarian needs of people in Gaza.”
In a statement signed by Clare Daly, Mick Wallace, Chris MacManus, Ciaran Cuffe, Grace O’Sullivan, Billy Kelleher, Colm Markey and Luke Ming Flanagan, they said:
We stress the universal applicability of international humanitarian law, its binding nature on all parties in all conflicts and remind the Council that indiscriminate warfare resulting in the killing of civilians cannot be justified - in any circumstances. Given the intensity of hostilities, and the enormous loss of life that has already occurred, we consider that calling for anything less than an immediate ceasefire would depart from the European Union’s responsibility to uphold international law, to protect human life, and to secure peace.
EU needs money to address challenges, Commission chief says
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told reporters when arriving at the EU leaders’ summit today that the gathering is taking place at a time of “great upheaval.”
We see that the Russian war in Ukraine is raging. We see that the horrible terroristic attacks by Hamas on Israel are now also harming the Palestinian people and risk to destabilise the region. Migrants are pushed to search for a better life by war and conflict and come to our shores in greater numbers. With all these challenges, the European Union needs to react and act united and resolute.
The European Commission is acting, the Commission chief said, pointing to aid to Kyiv, humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, and work to manage migration. But, she said, “all this needs funding.”
This is the reason why I’ve proposed a revision of the EU budget to be able to fund these very important tasks. This will be discussed in this European Council.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks to the press as she attends the European Union leaders summit, in Brussels, Belgium October 26, 2023. Photograph: Yves Herman/Reuters
Updated
China promised cooperation on pipeline damage probe, Finnish leader says
Arriving at the European Council summit, Finnish prime minister Petteri Orpo addressed an ongoing investigation into damage to a pipeline between Finland and Estonia.
“We are cooperating with China to find the role of the Chinese ship which was on this area at the same time the damage happened. They have promised to do good cooperation with us,” he said, adding that he is proud of how quickly the Finnish authorities have investigated the matter.
Speaking of Ukraine, the prime minister underscored that strong support must continue.
On the issue of Israel and Gaza, the Finnish leader said “I really hope that it is not difficult today” and that Israel has the “right to self-defence, but there must be also … they must take care of human rights, and we have to make sure that humanitarian aid can go to the Gaza area.”
Updated
Orbán defends Putin meeting ahead of EU summit
Asked about his recent controversial meeting in Beijing with Vladimir Putin, Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán defended his decision to meet with the Russian leader.
Russia and Hungary has a common neighbour, called Ukraine. And we have a peace strategy, so we would like to keep open all the communication channel.
On the issue of the EU response to the war between Israel and Hamas, Orbán said:
I think it’s a very divisive issue here, I mean how to react on the terrorist attack of Hamas on Israel. So decisions are diverging – I mean opinions are diverging from each other. So it will be a deep and serious discussion, I think. So we are very much and clearly in favour of the right of Israel to defend itself and do the necessary measures.
The Hungarian leader also stressed that stability in Egypt and Israel is important for Europe.
Updated
Whoever supports migration, supports terror, Orbán says
Arriving at the European Council summit, Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán said that he rejects current EU budget plans.
The prime minister claimed that the European Commission wants to take more money from member states to spend on migration policy and Ukraine.
“We don’t want to give money to migrants,” he said, while also criticising the current form of proposals for aid to Ukraine.
Orbán also said that he “really” hopes leaders will see a connection between terror attacks and migration.
“Whoever supports migration, also supports terrorism,” he said.
Updated
Hungary 'a problem we have to address', Estonian leader says
Hungary’s populist leader Viktor Orbán has been testing the patience of EU leaders for a long time, holding up Sweden’s accession to NATO, blocking support for Ukraine and protesting against new laws on migration.
But his decision to meet and shake hands with Vladimir Putin may be the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Ahead of the summit Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas told reporters in Brussels:
“It’s becoming a problem we have to address. We have had different opinions before we have managed to keep unity but it’s getting more difficult regarding Hungary,” she said.
“We are the European Union, we have rules that’s how we make decisions. We don’t really have a strong tool to address [what Hungary does].”
She said she was surprised Hungary continued to take contrary views to the majority of member states and also to remain outside the eurozone despite high inflation.
“Hungary needs the EU,” she said.
She added, however, that she did not think Hungary would block Sweden’s membership of NATO for long.
“I think when Turkey goes [with us] we will probably find the way with Hungary as well,” she said.
As leaders begin gathering at the Council in Brussels, an unusual event will take place outside the summit.
For the first time, an Iranian-Jewish solidarity rally will be held.
Speakers are set to include Yasmine Pahlavi, wife of Reza Pahlavi. Also expected to attend: Iranian pro-democracy supporters and Jewish community leaders. Their goal is to share a message of unity, against terrorism and for democracy.
Council chief 'confident' EU leaders will be united on Middle East
Arriving at today’s summit, European Council Charles Michel said the gathering is taking place in “difficult times.”
It is “important to demonstrate again that the European Union is united – united to defend our principles, to defend our values,” he said.
That’s why we support Israel, and its right to defend itself, in line with the international law and the humanitarian international law. We condemn Hamas and this violent terrorist attack, and we will discuss how we make sure that there is humanitarian access. We think that civilians must be protected, always and everywhere.
“I am confident that again, we will affirm, express a very strong united position,” he said.
The Council chief also underscored that it’s “key for us to [make] very clear that we support Ukraine for as long as it takes” and that the leaders will discuss how to provide more support.
The heads of state and government, Michel noted, will discuss the issue of Russia’s frozen assets and how to mobilise funds for rebuilding Ukraine.
On the issue of the bloc’s long-term budget, Michel said he is “confident” the meeting will help make progress on the talks, with hope for an agreement by the end of the year.
Updated
EU leaders to grapple with foreign policy crisis
Heads of state and government from the European Union’s 27 member states will attempt a show of unity today at a summit in Brussels after they appeared to settle on wording on a final communique on the Middle East, ending three days of bickering.
The final draft includes just one page of declarations on the war and the humanitarian crisis which is worsening by the hour.
Bar any final hiccups (any member state can veto the text), leaders will call for “humanitarian corridors and pauses” of the shelling in Gaza to allow food, water and medical supplies to reach Palestinians.
Earlier versions included the phrase “humanitarian pause” was rejected by three countries, it is understood, believed to be German, Czech Republic and Austria, on the grounds that it suggested a permanent cessation to hostilities and would compromise Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas.
Here’s the schedule for today:
2pm Leaders’ arrival doorsteps
3pm Summit opens
7:30pm Dinner
Press conference TBC
On the agenda:
1. Changes to the bloc’s seven-year budget, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework. A brief discussion is expected on whether the long term support for Ukraine should be in the overall EU budget or separately. No decision is expected, however, until the December summit.
2. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy will address the leaders, with a discussion to follow on defence and civic needs as war enters second winter
3. The situation in the Middle East will be discussed over dinner.
And tomorrow, leaders will focus on the economy and competitiveness, as well as migration.
Updated
Welcome to the summit blog
Good afternoon and welcome back to the Europe blog, which today comes to you from the European Council summit in Brussels.
Leaders from the bloc’s 27 countries will soon be arriving for a two-day gathering, with lots of debate expected on everything from the Middle East to the EU’s budget.
Stay tuned and send tips and comments to lili.bayer@theguardian.com.
