Business · Trade · 3 hrs ago
EU leaders meet to discuss China trade, energy prices and Ukraine
Leaders from the EU’s 27 member states are meeting in Brussels for two days of talks.
They will discuss how to respond to rising imports from China, which industry groups link to factory closures in Europe.
The EU’s goods trade deficit with China reached €360 billion in 2025 and may rise further this year.
Leaders are expected to consider trade measures and discuss high energy prices, which they see as a threat to the bloc’s competitiveness.
They will also debate the 2028-2034 EU budget, which needs unanimous approval and divides countries that pay more into the budget from those that receive more.
The talks are not expected to settle the budget, and a special summit is planned for late November to seek agreement.
On Friday, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will join discussions about the country’s challenges and funding needs for 2027.
EU leaders are meeting in Brussels for two days to discuss China trade, energy prices, the bloc’s budget and support for Ukraine.
The talks will address the EU’s goods trade deficit with China, which reached €360 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow further this year.
Leaders are also expected to consider measures to protect EU industries and respond to high energy prices.
The 2028-2034 EU budget is on the agenda, but the talks are not expected to produce a breakthrough.
On Friday, leaders will discuss Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy due to attend.
- Who
- Leaders from the EU’s 27 member states; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is due to attend.
- What
- They are discussing China trade, energy prices, the EU budget and support for Ukraine.
- When
- Thursday and Friday, October 15-16, 2026.
- Where
- Brussels.
- Why
- To address economic challenges facing the bloc, including competition from China, high energy prices and differences over the budget, and to discuss Ukraine’s needs.
EU
China
Trade imbalances
EU
The EU says its trade deficit with China and imports affecting its industries require action, including trade defence measures.
China
Beijing says raising the issue of economic imbalances is an excuse to promote protectionism and pressure and restrict China.
Franco-German proposals called for measures to address imports of chemicals and PET and to respond quickly to countries that harm the bloc.
The European Commission reached an agreement with Beijing to limit imports of hybrid cars from China.
EU leaders began their two-day summit in Brussels, with discussions including China trade, energy prices and the budget.
Leaders are due to discuss Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attending.
- EU membership
- 27 member states
- Trade deficit
- €360 billion in 2025
- Next EU budget
- 2028-2034
- Summit location
- Brussels
- Ukraine attendee
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
3 sources
What people are saying
These imbalances are not limited to one sector. We don't have much time because every month that goes by, thousands of jobs are lost.