European Council Concludes October Summit: MFF Deal Targeted for 2026, Energy Prices, Ukraine, Enlargement

Leaders met in Brussels on 15-16 October and adopted conclusions on competitiveness, Ukraine, Moldova, the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework, the Middle East, defence and security, migration, and enlargement and reforms. They aimed for an MFF agreement before end-2026, asked co-legislators to finish the food and feed simplification omnibus, market integration and automotive packages by year-end, and asked the Commission to examine further short-term measures on energy prices. On Ukraine they welcomed the recent adoption of the 21st sanctions package, acknowledged extending temporary protection to March 2028, and heard President Zelenskyy; they condemned Russia's escalating behaviour and called for stronger hybrid resilience.