On 26 June, EU leaders gathered in Belgium for a one-day Summit to discuss US tariffs, increasing support to Ukraine, migration and war in Gaza.
What were the issues discussed?
EU-US Trade Deal
With a 09 July deadline set by US President Donald Trump pressure is mounting to strike a trade deal and avoid a potential transatlantic trade war. Trump has threatened to impose a 50 per cent tariff on nearly all EU imports if no agreement is reached, escalating tensions already marked by high US tariffs on European steel, aluminum, cars, and other goods. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, attending his first EU summit, pushed for a swift resolution, citing the urgency for Germany’s export-heavy economy and expressing frustration over the slow pace of talks led by the European Commission. While some EU leaders support a quick deal to avoid further damage, there are concerns that moving too fast could lead to excessive concessions to the US. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and France’s President Emmanuel Macron both urged quick negotiations but warned against making excessive concessions, with Macron insisting any goodwill should not be mistaken for weakness. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed receipt of the latest U.S. proposal and stated that while the EU is open to a deal, it is also preparing for a scenario without one, including potential retaliatory tariffs to defend European interests.

Ukraine
On the same day, EU leaders emphasized the urgent need to boost military support for Ukraine, particularly in light of recent Russian advances. They called for increased deliveries of air defense and anti-drone systems, as well as large-caliber ammunition, and stressed the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s defense industry. 

European Council President Antonio Costa said that they will address several issues that will protect European citizens and also make the EU an effective, predictable, and reliable global actor. At the Summit, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and members discussed extending the 18th round of sanctions against Russia. 
In response, Slovakia’s Prime Minister, Roberto Fico, said that Slovakia would not vote for sanctions on Russia unless fundamental issues were resolved. The sanctions imposed on 10 June focused on Russia’s energy revenues, banks and military industry. Slovakia and Hungary opposed sanctions.
Lithuania's President, Gitanas Nauseda, said it is productive to set an ambitious political target to see Ukraine as a member of the EU by 2030. He made a veiled reference to Hungary objecting to EU eastward enlargement and he wants to open Ukraine for the first cluster of negotiations. Estonian Prime Minister, Kristen Michal, also called for Ukraine to join the EU, and by helping Ukraine.

Ukraine in a video conference with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, where they emphasised the importance of Kyiv's defence industry that can manufacture weapons and ammunition more quickly and cheaply than other countries in Europe. He said: “What's needed now is a clear political signal that Ukraine is firmly on the European path and that Europe stands by its promises.”

Migration, Iran and war in Gaza 
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that the agenda for the summit would also be his opportunity to address the migration issue in his country. Spain’s Prime Minister said it would be a double standard for the EU to pursue you for the sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine and not sanctioning Israel for the war in Gaza. Israel has repeatedly rejected the claims that it is committing genocide in Gaza, for this accusation, and that it will maintain its fight against Hamas.

EU leaders called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged Israel to uphold international humanitarian law but stopped short of taking any action on the bloc’s formal ties with Israel, despite a recent internal review suggesting possible human rights violations. While the EU’s diplomatic service had found indications that Israel breached its obligations under a cooperation pact, divisions among member states led leaders to merely acknowledge the report and refer it for further discussion among foreign ministers. The leaders also demanded that Israel lift its blockade on Gaza to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid. 

On Iran, the EU welcomed the recent ceasefire between Tehran and Israel, urging all sides to show restraint, abide by international law, and avoid actions that could trigger renewed conflict. They reiterated their commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to supporting diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.