EU summit tackles budget, enlargement, and migration divisions

EU leaders meet in Brussels for a two-day summit to address deep divisions over the next multi-year EU budget, enlargement reforms, and migration policy following the Ceuta crisis. Disagreements have widened since Ireland presented its "negotiating box." The main budget rift separates net contributor countries, including Austria, from the "cohesion group" of southeastern European states, though a deal is still targeted by year-end. Leaders will also discuss competitiveness, energy prices, and trade relations with China. Thursday's dinner will debate the Commission's enlargement proposals, particularly shifting from unanimous to qualified majority voting. Friday's agenda includes Ukraine support with President Zelenskyy present, countering Russian hybrid attacks, and strengthening external border protection.