EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss the war in Iran, energy prices, and a loan for Ukraine, blocked by Hungary.

The leaders of the European Union are meeting on Thursday in Brussels to address issues such as the war in Iran, rising energy prices, migration, and a significant loan for Ukraine, which is blocked by Hungary. In the context of rising energy prices and fears of a new refugee crisis, discussions are focusing on the Middle East. The European Commission is proposing a 'toolbox' of measures to reduce energy prices, taking into account the diversity of markets in the 27 member states. The summit will also address the tensions between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and most other European leaders. Orbán has backtracked on his commitment to support a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, citing issues related to oil supplies. In an attempt to secure the necessary loan for Ukraine, EU leaders will lobby for Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who also adopts a pro-Russia stance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that any obstruction of the loan is "absolutely unfair" and that Ukraine has no alternative in the face of the budget crisis caused by the war. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the need to quickly reach an agreement on sanctions against Russia and the loan for Ukraine, calling for joint pressure on Moscow.