EU leaders to gather to discuss Middle East, Ukraine

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The EU leaders are set to gather on Thursday for a two-day summit to discuss several issues, including continued support for Ukraine amid Russia’s war and the unfolding situation in the Middle East.

So far, the bloc and its member states made available over €138 billion ($149.5 billion) in support to Ukraine and voiced commitment to continue providing political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support for "as long as it takes."

They also called for continued, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need in Gaza, and stressed the need to cooperate with partners in the region to avoid regional escalation.

According to an invitation letter sent by European Council President Charles Michel, the leaders will also discuss security and defense, enlargement, external relations, migration, agriculture, and the European Semester -- the EU’s yearly exercise to coordinate economic, fiscal, employment, and social policies.

Regarding enlargement, the bloc will discuss the latest developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, and Moldova.

In December 2023, EU leaders approved the start of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, provided that the countries have fulfilled the requirements. They also indicated their willingness to initiate accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On migration, they will try to address the root causes of migration and the need for increased external action and partnership with countries of origin and transit.

Also, a Euro Summit will be held in the margins of the meeting.

The leaders will also have a lunch with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the summit.