European Union leaders gathered in Brussels on Thursday to discuss further support for Ukraine as well as efforts to ensure the permanent competitiveness of the bloc’s economy.

Also on the agenda are consultations on Israel’s renewed military operation in the Gaza Strip as well as the EU’s next long-term budget.

The 27 EU leaders are not expected to make far-reaching decisions. However, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has expressed hope that Ukraine will be promised the procurement of two million rounds of artillery ammunition for its defence against the ongoing Russian invasion.

Mr Kallas said after she failed to receive sufficient support in recent weeks for an initiative for military aid pledges worth €20 billion to €40 billion.

The next EU leaders’ summit following Thursday’s meeting is scheduled for June.

This will likely be the last time outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will represent Berlin at the high-level gathering. 

Friedrich Merz is expected to replace him at the next summit following last month’s parliamentary elections.

(dpa/NAN)