EPC Update – The final summit of a turbulent year: Outcomes and next steps

YouTube, 12.12.2023

Online Briefing

Link to video on YouTube


This EPC Update and Post-summit Briefing analysed the results and discussions of the European Council meeting on 14-15 December. The focus of the summit – and thus of our Update – was on Ukraine, the Middle East, enlargement, the Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027, as well as security and defence.

Did the EU27 reiterate and reinforce their support for Ukraine? How might the conflict in the Middle East impact this? Did EU leaders struggle to agree on a common position on the war in Gaza, and what role might the Union play in helping to end the immediate conflict, and shape and implement any future peace initiatives?

Additionally, which decisions did the summit take on EU enlargement? Did EU leaders link them to plans for a credible and ambitious roadmap for reforming the Union? And – following the arguments at the October summit – were leaders able to agree with the Commission on how to adapt the MFF 2021-2027 to the coming years' financial needs? Finally, which decisions were taken on deepening cooperation in security and defence?

Speakers: Fabian Zuleeg, Chief Executive, European Policy Centre; Janis A. Emmanouilidis, Director of Studies, European Policy Centre

Moderator: Jacki Davis, Senior Adviser, European Policy Centre

Link to video on YouTube here


Latest media contributions

The future of enlargement and EU reform – the candidates' perspective
EU Democracy Reform Conversation, YouTube, 27.10.2025

October Summit: Can the European Council move from divisions to delivery?
Online Briefing, YouTube, 24.10.2025

EPC Update / Post-summit Briefing: Copenhagen and beyond: accelerating progress on defence and Ukraine?
Online Briefing, YouTube, 02.10.2025

State of the Union 2025: A crisis of confidence?
Online Briefing, YouTube, 10.09.2025

EPC Update / Post-summit Briefing: A tale of two summits: Will the EU27 agree on a major leap forward?
Online Briefing, YouTube, 27.06.2025

Nawrocki prezydentem. „Osłabienie Donalda Tuska w Brukseli”
Quotes, Deutsche Welle (Polish edition), 02.06.2025

A Test of Times – Permachange through enlargement and EU reform
EPC Policy Briefing, YouTube, 28.05.2025

EPC Update: A new leadership momentum in EUrope?
Online Briefing, YouTube, 23.05.2025

EPC Update: Coalitions of the willing – the way to save EUrope?
Online Briefing, YouTube, 30.04.2025

A Test of Times – Permachange through enlargement and EU reform
Online Briefing, YouTube, 29.04.2025


Media