EU informal summit hosted by Cyprus

Cyprus is hosting an informal European Union summit on April 23 and 24, 2026, marking the first such event in the country since its 2004 accession. The proceedings began at the Ayia Napa marina and will conclude at the Filoxenia conference centre in Nicosia. The summit is attended by the leaders of 24 EU member states, European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Notable absences include the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the Austrian Chancellor Christian Stoker. Key agenda items include the conflict in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, energy security, and the potential activation of the EU mutual defense clause, Article 42.7. Additionally, leaders are discussing the EU multi-year financial framework for 2028-2034 and regional cooperation with leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The event has led to extensive security measures, including road closures, drone bans, and naval restrictions in affected areas.