On 19-20 December, EU Heads of State or Government review the latest developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the EU’s support for Kyiv, amidst the uncertainty of the new US administration’s approach to the conflict. The European Council also assesses the situation in the Middle East, following the recent ceasefire in Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel, while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists and there are still dozens of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Other topics for leaders include the EU’s geopolitical role, crisis prevention and response, and migration management.

The December 2024 European Council is the first chaired by incoming President António Costa, who on 1 December replaced Charles Michel as President. The new European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen also took office on 1 December, following the confirmation vote in plenary on 27 November.

European Council, 19-20 December 2024

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

European Council meeting (19/12) - Press Conference

Doorstep Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament

European Council meeting (19/12)

Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates at the European Council meeting (19/12): arrival, doorstep and extracts from the press conference

Pre- summit EPP

EPP leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting: arrivals and doorsteps

PES leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting: arrivals and doorsteps

Patriots.eu leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting: arrivals and doorsteps

Renew Europe leaders meet ahead of the European Council meeting: arrivals and doorsteps

Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024: Closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, EC for Trade and Economic Security, and Barna ZSIGMOND, Hungarian Deputy-Minister for European Union Affairs

Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024: MEPs Debate part 2

Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024: MEPs Debate part 1

Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024: extracts from the debate

Preparation of the European Council of 19-20 December 2024: Opening statement by Barna ZSIGMOND, Hungarian Deputy-Minister for European Union Affairs and Ursula VON DER LEYEN, President of the European Commission

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