(Brussels) “Given the seriousness of the situation in the UK, let me start with Brexit. The intention is that we will listen to the UK Prime Minister’s assessment, and later, we will meet at 27 to discuss the matter and adopt relevant conclusions. As time is running out, we will also discuss the state of preparations for a no-deal scenario”. The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, wrote this in his invitation letter to the heads of State and Government for the Summit taking place today and tomorrow in Brussels. The political situation in the UK is hanging in the balance, and Theresa May’s cabinet looks weak (despite surviving a no-confidence vote in her party). Mr Tusk went on to say in his letter: “Apart from Brexit, we will have a discussion about the EU’s budget for 2021-2027” (the Multiannual Financial Framework). The Summit will begin in the afternoon with an exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani. In the evening, discussion will focus on foreign policy, Ukraine, and Brexit. On Friday, the agenda features a discussion about the single market, climate change, migration, misinformation (fake news and the 2019 elections), combating racism and xenophobia. Finally, the Euro Summit: “we must deliver the concrete decisions we promised” on the reform of the European Stability Mechanism (the so-called EU bailout fund) and the Banking Union. “In order to keep strengthening the European Monetary Union, I propose we instruct finance ministers to work on a euro area budgetary instrument”.