Informal European Council summit held in Cyprus

The informal European Council summit took place in Cyprus on April 24-25, 2026, under the Cypriot presidency of the Council of the EU. Initial meetings were held at Ayia Napa Marina, followed by sessions at the Filoxenia Conference Center in Nicosia. Leaders discussed the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), energy security, and regional crises. The event included an expanded session involving heads of state from Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, alongside the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Key discussions focused on stabilizing Lebanon, addressing Middle East instability, and potential responses to regional security threats. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the need to prioritize spending and rejected new EU debt, while French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for increased support for Lebanon. The summit aimed to provide political direction for future agreements rather than reaching immediate legal conclusions. These sessions highlighted the role of Cyprus as a regional hub for stability and security.