Nicușor Dan is participating on Thursday and Friday in the European Council meeting in Brussels, where EU leaders are discussing the future budget of the Union for the 2028–2034 period

The leaders of the 27 European Union member states, including Romania’s President Nicușor Dan, will meet on Thursday and Friday in Brussels for the autumn European Council. The summit agenda includes the EU’s long-term budget for 2028–2034, the energy price crisis, trade relations with China and support for Ukraine.

The most significant financial issue is the negotiation of the future European budget. In July 2025, the European Commission proposed a package worth approximately €2 trillion, while the Irish presidency of the Council of the EU put forward an 8% reduction. Romania supports an ambitious budget, with funding for competitiveness, defense, agriculture and cohesion.

The leaders will also discuss rising oil and gas prices amid conflicts in the Middle East and reduced energy reserves. Six member states are proposing a European tax on energy companies’ windfall profits, but the initiative is controversial.

Regarding China, the EU will assess the concessions secured on hybrid cars, rare earths and market access. On Friday, in the presence of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European leaders will reaffirm their support for Ukraine and voice criticism of the Trump administration’s decision to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian diesel fuel.