Politics · 2026-10-17 · Morning briefing

Brussels summit stalls on Ukraine aid and €2tn budget

EU leaders ended a tense summit in Brussels without agreement on Ukraine's financial needs or the bloc's long-term budget. Key decisions on both fronts were postponed until meetings in November and December. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who attended in person, left with verbal assurances but no new financial commitments.

Mr. Zelenskyy appealed for an additional €70 billion in support, stating the war would cost €155 billion next year. Discussions on using €300 billion in frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine also failed to progress, as did talks to break a deadlock over the bloc's nearly €2 trillion budget. Clashes also erupted over Spain’s plan to regularize 1 million migrants.

The delays carry a political deadline. French President Emmanuel Macron, who leaves office next year, warned his counterparts that he would lack a mandate to approve a deal if one is not reached by the end of this year.

Summary written by Cup of News with AI from the sources below. Check the originals for the full story.

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• Brussels says €90 billion loan for Ukraine is enough for now amid growing doubts
• EU Summit Ends Without Firm Funding Pledges for Ukraine
• EU spurns Trump's Middle East push, but Ukraine aid stalls

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