“Crucial discussions, with a priority focus on two issues: Ukraine and security on our continent; and the European Union’s multiannual financial framework for 2028-2034”. This is what Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, wrote to the 27 EU leaders, inviting them to the 18-19 December summit in Brussels. The invitation also applies to the previous day, Wednesday 17 December, for the EU-Western Balkans Summit. “We will start the meeting of the European Council with a discussion about Ukraine”, the letter reads. The 27 leaders will listen to Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy. “Recent developments highlight the need for urgent EU action. At the October European Council, we committed to addressing Ukraine’s pressing financial needs for 2026-2027, including for its military and defence efforts. At our next meeting we have to decide, based on the ongoing preparatory work, how to implement that commitment”. After mentioning the peace negotiations, he went on to add: “We will discuss how best to continue defending Europe’s interests and how to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position. An important part of that equation needs to be increased pressure on Russia”. Secondly, “I would like us to focus on the next Multiannual Financial Framework. […] Intense work will be necessary to reach an agreement, by the end of 2026”.