EU leaders clash over budget, back Ukraine at Brussels summit

EU leaders meeting in Brussels on Thursday voiced strong opposition to a new proposal for the bloc’s long-term budget, casting serious doubt on whether the spending package will be agreed by year’s end. The two-day summit also covers continued support for Ukraine and measures to boost Europe’s economic competitiveness, set against rising energy prices and geopolitical uncertainty. The budget dispute highlights deep divisions among member states, with the outcome likely to shape the EU’s financial priorities for years to come.