EU leaders agree on €90 billion support package for Ukraine at Brussels summit

• Dec 19, 2025, 7:24 AM

1 min de lecture

Belgium was at the centre of EU politics on 19 December 2025 as leaders wrapped up a long Brussels summit after a night of talks. The main breakthrough concerned Ukraine, with agreement on an extra €90 billion in support for 2026 and 2027. The money will be structured as EU backed loans, using income linked to frozen Russian state assets rather than direct confiscation. The approach was designed to limit legal risks, including concerns raised by Belgium, where assets are held at Euroclear.

Trade proved more divisive. The EU Mercosur agreement was not finalised after objections led by Italy, where Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pressed for stronger safeguards for farmers.

Leaders also discussed the next EU budget cycle, migration rules and enlargement, but left several questions unresolved. Outside the summit, farmer protests added pressure as talks dragged on.

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Latest news bulletin | December 19th, 2025 – Midday

• 11:00 AM

1 min

Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this December 19th, 2025 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.View on euronews

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US strikes on narcoboats kill five more in Pacific amid mounting Venezuela tensions

• 10:02 AM

8 min

US forces killed five in narcoboat strikes Thursday, bringing the total deaths to 104 since September, following the US president's order to blockade sanctioned Venezuelan tankers in further escalation of tensions with Venezuela.<div class="small-12 colum

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Greece rescues 545 migrants off Gavdos as Libya route sees surge in crossings