The heads of state and government of the EU countries are gathering today in Brussels for a two-day meeting, in which they will talk with their colleagues from the Western Balkans, as well as on issues on the European agenda.
The annual meeting with the Balkan leaders is coming up tonight, at which, in addition to the topic of their countries' accession to the EU, the impact on the region of events in Europe and around the world, including hybrid threats and security challenges, will be discussed.
The last meeting of the European Council for the year is expected to approve guidelines for adopting further decisions on financing Ukraine until the end of 2027. Other topics on the agenda include negotiations on the next seven-year EU budget and the economic consequences of global events.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to join his European counterparts via video link for talks related to efforts to achieve peace in his country.
Bulgaria will be represented at both meetings by outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov.