Leaders of the European Union will meet in Leipkosia and Agia Napa over the weekend of 23 and 24 April, starting their work on Thursday evening.

Host of the informal session will be the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, as Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council until 30 June 2026.

EU leaders will focus on the following issues:

  • the geopolitical environment and Europe’s response
  • the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034

On 24 April, they willattend an informal working lunch with key regional partners from Middle East, to discuss the situation, common challenges and emerging opportunities for cooperation.

Geopolitical environment and EU response

EU leaders will address the conflict in Iran and the Middle East, which poses serious challenges for the EU. In this context, they will discuss the following:

  • Europe’s contribution to de-escalation and peace
  • the freedom of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz
  • the impact of high fossil fuel prices and the the means at the EU’s disposal

They will also discuss the implementation of decisions taken at the European Council meeting on 19 March 2026, in particular in the area of energy.

Given the general geopolitical situation, discussions could also include aspects related to Article 42(7) TFEU, i.e. the EU’s mutual defence clause, in the light of the ongoing work.

Leaders will also be briefed on the latest developments in Russia’s war against Ukraine by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky via teleconference.