EU leaders meet in Cyprus for informal summit on Ukraine, Middle East and the next EU budget

EU leaders met in Cyprus on April 23-24 for an informal summit focused on Ukraine, the Middle East, Europe’s security environment and the next long-term EU budget.

The meeting was chaired by European Council President António Costa and hosted by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. According to the Council, the talks also included a working lunch with regional partners from the Middle East on April 24.

A concrete outcome emerged from the summit: the Council and Cyprus Presidency said European institutions agreed a roadmap called “One Europe, One Market,” aimed at the end of 2027. The roadmap was signed by the presidents of Cyprus, the European Parliament and the European Commission.

The Council said the summit discussions also covered the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034. In earlier summit coverage, leaders had also been expected to discuss Ukraine’s accession path and how to respond to the wider security situation.

The Cyprus meeting adds another step to the EU’s effort to tie its security, market and enlargement agenda together. The signed roadmap gives the summit a clear follow-up item as member states move into the next phase of talks.