# EU leaders gather for budget and energy talks

> European Council President António Costa faces two days of negotiations on the bloc's seven-year budget, energy prices, China trade and Ukraine.
- Title: EU leaders gather for budget and energy talks · POLITICO
- Summary: European Council President António Costa faces two days of negotiations on the bloc's seven-year budget, energy prices, China trade and Ukraine. EU leaders…
- Keywords: european council, eu budget, energy crisis, china trade, antónio costa, ukraine, politics, world, leaders, gather, budget, energy
- Source: POLITICO — https://politico.eu/article/eu-leaders-talk-energy-crisis-and-budget-european-council-summit-live-updates
- Published: 2026-10-14T17:40:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: european council, eu budget, energy crisis, china trade, antónio costa, ukraine, politics, world
## Budget talks stall as EU leaders meet
European Council President António Costa convenes leaders for two days of talks on the bloc's next seven-year budget. The December deadline for a deal has softened as warring camps remain miles apart.
## Energy and China dominate Thursday agenda
Thursday's discussions begin with competitiveness, featuring soaring energy prices and EU climate rules. Leaders will then discuss China and calls for stronger trade defenses before turning to Ireland's revised budget proposal.
## Broader agenda extends beyond budget
Beyond the budget, leaders face talks on Ukraine, maritime security and migration. The summit was meant to move the bloc closer to a budget deal but now covers a wider range of pressing issues.
## Key takeaway

EU leaders convene for talks on the seven-year budget, energy prices, China trade relations, Ukraine, maritime security and migration, with budget negotiations stalled and a December deadline now uncertain.