EU summit in Brussels to focus on energy prices, competitiveness, migration and enlargement

The European Council will meet in Brussels on October 15, 16, 2026, under President António Costa. In a letter to member states, Costa said the summit will be held against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical uncertainty and will place strong emphasis on the economy, competitiveness and affordability.

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Costa said leaders need to give the Commission guidance on targeted and temporary measures to reduce the impact of high energy prices on citizens and businesses. He said the EU must continue pursuing its strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while addressing short-term pressure on households and companies.

He also said the meeting will review implementation of the 2026-2027 overarching competitiveness strategy, the "One Europe, One Market" agenda, together with the President of the European Parliament. Costa said more progress is needed so that leaders' ambitions are matched by concrete outcomes that create opportunities for companies, start-ups and citizens.

Costa said member states will also hear from the Commission on work to reduce global macroeconomic imbalances affecting European industry. He said the next Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034 is the strategic instrument for a more prosperous, competitive and strategically more autonomous Europe, and said October will bring the MFF negotiations into a decisive phase.

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He added that leaders must move closer to a final agreement by the end of the year. The summit agenda also includes two strategic discussions on migration and enlargement and reforms.

Costa said the migration approach is producing a significant and sustained decrease in irregular arrivals, but that vigilance and solidarity remain necessary, including in crisis situations and cases of instrumentalization. He said the enlargement discussion will focus on the Commission communication "Preparing for a wider Union" and the accession Treaty with Montenegro, with the aim of concluding negotiations by the end of this year.

Costa said leaders will also review the latest developments in the Middle East and their impact on freedom of navigation and maritime security. He said those issues are crucial for global supply chains, especially in relation to energy, fertilisers and food.

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