Senior European officials met in Brussels on Tuesday to assess the European Union’s economic outlook and the potential impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East, with energy prices high on the agenda.

The meeting brought together Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa and Christine Lagarde, ahead of the European Council summit scheduled for March 19.

According to officials, discussions focused on the EU’s economic situation amid a complex geopolitical environment. Participants agreed on the need for close monitoring of the economic repercussions stemming from developments in the Middle East, particularly with regard to energy prices.

Another key topic was the international role of the euro and efforts to strengthen its position within the global financial system. The issue has gained renewed importance as geopolitical instability reshapes capital flows and market dynamics.

The leaders also reviewed progress toward the Savings and Investments Union, an initiative aimed at channeling European savings into innovative businesses and strategic sectors of the economy.