French president says Europe must be ready to engage with Russia if U.S.-led Ukraine peace efforts fail, highlighting the risk of being sidelined and rising war fatigue among EU nations

The French president says a one-month postponement could allow the EU and Mercosur to agree on stronger protections for farmers, as protests and political divisions across Europe cloud the future of the long-negotiated trade pact

After reiterating that the government remains open to dialogue, the prime minister sought to strike a chord with public opinion by invoking the holiday season and the need to avoid inconveniencing travelers.

Facing divisions over using frozen Russian assets, EU leaders opted to raise money against the bloc’s budget to keep Kyiv financed for the next two years, while leaving Russian funds frozen pending potential war reparations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia will seize additional Ukrainian territory by force if Kyiv and European leaders reject U.S.-brokered peace proposals, criticizing Europe for fueling “hysteria” over a NATO conflict

Moscow threatens legal action as EU leaders debate using immobilized Russian funds to finance Ukraine, with Belgium demanding guarantees against potential liabilities. Zelenskyy is currently holding a bilateral meeting with De Wever.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis backs EU-backed financial aid to Ukraine, emphasizing legal safeguards, fiscal responsibility, and continued European cohesion during Brussels summit discussions

Beyond Ukraine, leaders will hold an initial strategic debate on the EU’s next long-term budget for 2028–2034, aiming for agreement by the end of 2026.

EU diplomats report progress on financing Ukraine with immobilized Russian sovereign assets, though key legal and financial risk-sharing decisions are set for a crucial leaders’ summit in Brussels on Thursday

Leaders meet in The Hague to create an international body reviewing claims against Russia, with over 80,000 damage submissions and reconstruction costs estimated at $524 billion

On the issue of "green transition," Mitsotakis issued a warning concerning environmental priorities amid fears of negative economic impact.

Hours of debate between EU leaders produced few results. Mitsotakis pressed for southern border protection, but Greece’s insistence on preserving veto power puts Athens in awkward alignment with Viktor Orbán’s Hungary

The Greek PM is expected to stress that reinforcing the EU’s eastern borders cannot come at the expense of its southern frontiers, which also face mounting threats.

Regarding the controversial Turkey-Libya maritime accord, Mitsotakis underscored the importance of the European Council's reaffirming language—at Athens' request—that deems the agreement 'null, void and illegal'

A key addition to the summit’s conclusions came at the initiative of Greece, which proposed the inclusion of specific language regarding the EU’s collaboration with so-called "like-minded countries."

In a pointed message, Mitsotakis stated: “We must convey to the Libyan authorities that this practice cannot be accepted,” revealing his intention to seek the European Union’s backing on the matter.

Greek minister Nikos Dendias points to, but doesn't name Turkey in cautioning against including countries that threaten EU members and don't recognize others in the bloc's defense rearmament planning

Toddlers shown saying 'Welcome to Albania' in their native language

In addition to commenting on defense spending and migration at the end of the EU Summit, the Greek PM voiced concerns over Turkey's democratic backsliding.

Mitsotakis revealed the new directive to the Ministry of Migration and Asylum’s leadership, stating: "The new approach is clear: anyone entering the country illegally and not granted asylum should be returned to the country from which they came."