The European Council held an exchange of views with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine. It expressed its full and resolute support to the people of Ukraine as they face particularly brutal attacks by Russia,&nbsp;and reaffirmed&nbsp;its continued&nbsp;support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

Following the presentation of an updated draft Negotiating Box by the Irish Presidency, leaders discussed also the key elements needed for a balanced compromise on the next Multiannual Financial Framework.&nbsp;The European Council invited&nbsp;&nbsp;its President to take the negotiations forward with a view to a timely agreement. An agreement before the end of 2026 would allow for the adoption of legislative acts in 2027, which is necessary to ensure that EU funding reaches beneficiaries without interruption in January 2028.

EP President Metsola called for a long-term EU budget that matches Europe's ambitions, faster progress on competitiveness, and continued momentum for enlargement.

Addressing EU leaders in Brussels, President Metsola warned that the Irish Presidency's revised proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) risks undermining the balance achieved by Parliament between traditional policies and new priorities. She spoke on the need to engage with Parliament throughout the entire process and reaffirmed the Institution’s readiness to work constructively to find a way forward and deliver a budget that is fit for purpose.

President Metsola also reaffirmed Parliament's strong support for Ukraine as the country faces another winter at war and a worsening humanitarian situation.

European Council, 15-16 October 2026

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026: extracts from the debate

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026: closing statements by António COSTA, President of the European Council

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026: reply by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and European Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026: MEPs debate (part 3)

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026: MEPs debate (part 2)

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026: MEPs debate (part 1)

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026: one round of political group speakers

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026: opening statement by Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission

EP Plenary session October part II 2026 - Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026: opening statement by António COSTA, President of the European Council

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the European Council meeting: Q&A

Press conference by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, following her participation at the European Council meeting: opening remarks

Plenary debate on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates in the European Council

Plenary debate on the preparation of EUCO of 15-16 October 2026

Roberta METSOLA, EP President participates in the European Council meeting (15-16 October 2026): arrival, doorstep, roundtable and extracts from the press conference

Arrival and doorstep by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, at the European Council meeting (16/10/2026)

PES leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (15/10): arrivals and doorsteps

Renew Europe leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (15/10): arrivals and doorsteps

EPP leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting (15/10): arrivals

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026: extracts from the debate

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026: closing statement by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security and Thomas BYRNE, Irish Presidency

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026: MEPs debate (part 2)

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 15-16 October 2026: MEPs debate (part 1)

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