Cyprus hosts informal European Council summit

Cyprus is hosting an informal European Council meeting on April 23–24, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the Cypriot Presidency. Leaders of the 27 EU member states will gather in Agia Napa and Nicosia to discuss strategic autonomy, regional security, and the crisis in the Middle East. Invitations have been extended to the leaders of Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, as well as the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, to address shared security challenges and potential economic agreements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to participate via video conference before the working dinner on April 23. Hungarian President Viktor Orbán will not attend in person, with Hungary represented by its Permanent Representative instead. The agenda focuses on de-escalation in the Middle East, maritime security, and the impact of geopolitical developments on energy prices. This summit aims to provide political direction for future EU decisions ahead of the June European Council meeting.