In his invitation to the informal meeting of Heads of State or Government scheduled for Thursday, 23 April, and Friday, 24 April 2026, President of the European Council Antonio Costa stated that the meeting would take place. He added that the Cypriot President Christodoulides has volunteered to host this forum at venues in both Nicosia and Agia Napa. On Friday, 24 April, the forum intends to include key regional partners to discuss the situation in the Middle East.
The focus of the informal European Council meeting is intended to be twofold: it would address the challenging geopolitical environment, as well as Europe’s response to it. Besides these issues, it would also provide political guidance for the work on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the 6 years of ’28 – ’34. That’s to prepare the ground for an intended agreement by the end of this year.
Discussions are intended to commence over dinner on Thursday, 23 April. The initial step would involve President Zelenskyy discussing the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war.
Thereafter, it is intended to address the conflict in Iran, besides that in the Middle East. These may pose serious challenges to the European Union (EU). At the onset, it may involve a discussion about the EU’s response to this rapidly evolving situation. The talks may include Europe’s contribution to de-escalation, besides peace in the region, as well as the freedom of navigation. In addition, the effects of high fossil fuel prices are already visible in the everyday lives of our citizens & enterprises. Considering the potential further negative economic consequences of a prolonged conflict, it is intended to discuss the instruments at our disposal. This is building on the decisions taken at the March European Council, besides the measures proposed by the Commission in following up on them.
