While the aim at the NATO summit was to keep the US happy, another country could throw a wrench in the works at the EU summit.

G7, NATO - and now the EU: Chancellor Friedrich Merz continues his series of summit debuts and is expected to attend his first EU summit in Brussels this Thursday. Just one day after the summit of the NATO allies in The Hague, the CDU chairman will meet with the heads of state and government of the other 26 EU countries to discuss, among other things, developments in the Middle East and continued support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia.

For example, Ukraine, whose President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be joining via video link, is expected to continue to be assured of unconditional support. It remains unclear whether all 27 member states can truly agree on this – or whether Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will refuse to issue a joint final statement on the matter for the third time in a row.

There is also likely to be a debate on further sanctions against Russia. The planned 18th package of measures is expected to focus on the Russian energy and banking sectors. However, unanimity is required for the package to be passed – and approval by Hungary and Slovakia has recently been questionable.

With regard to the situation in the Middle East, the continuation of a partnership agreement between the EU and Israel is also likely to be discussed. This is in response to an audit report stating that Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip violate established principles for close cooperation with the international community. This raises the question for the governments of the member states and the EU as to whether and how they will respond.

While member states such as Spain are calling for a suspension of the agreement, Germany takes a different position: "The German government is not in favor of suspending or even terminating this agreement," Merz said.

The topic of migration policy also continues to occupy the leaders of the EU member states. Several heads of state and government, including those from Italy and Denmark, are meeting before the official meeting begins to discuss how to deal with immigration—especially illegal immigration. Merz is also participating.

All parties are likely to agree to intensify work in several areas: These include, in particular, comprehensive partnerships with countries of origin and transit, the consistent implementation and application of existing EU rules, and new ways to combat irregular migration – in accordance with EU and international law. This is according to a draft of the summit's final declaration, which has been made available to the German Press Agency.

A few days ago, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent a letter to the EU heads of state and government to update the situation before the meeting. In it, she spoke of a "crucial moment" for the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and emphasized the need for increased efforts at the national and European levels.

The leader of the center-right EPP coalition, Manfred Weber, also called for more decisive action: "The internal border controls send a clear message: illegal migration must be significantly reduced," the CSU politician told the German Press Agency. The goal must be to make controls within Europe unnecessary – for example, through reception centers outside the EU, more border guards, and a more effective deportation regulation.

Also on the agenda are talks on Europe's competitiveness and the tariff conflict with the US administration led by President Donald Trump. Furthermore, the heads of state and government are expected to approve Bulgaria's adoption of the euro next year.

According to EU diplomats, French President Emmanuel Macron also intends to seek talks on how to reconcile the EU's climate goals with the needs of the economy. The European Commission plans to present a proposal for the EU's 2040 climate target next week.