EU Leaders to Address China Exports, Energy Costs, and Budget at Brussels Summit

EU leaders meet in Brussels Thursday to address surging Chinese exports, high energy prices, and disagreements over the bloc's next seven-year budget, with industry groups citing factory closures from import competition. The summit follows a recent EU-China deal limiting hybrid car imports, a first step toward tackling a €360 billion goods trade deficit. Leaders will consider Franco-German proposals for measures on chemicals and plastics, marking a policy shift for Germany. The agenda also includes energy costs, with calls to delay methane rules, and the 2028-2034 budget requiring unanimous approval. Ukraine's funding needs for 2027 will be discussed Friday, with President Zelenskiy attending.