On Wednesday, Copenhagen will host an informal summit of EU heads of state and government, with two main agenda items: strengthening Europe’s collective defense and supporting Ukraine, the European Council press service reports.
“EU leaders will meet at an informal European Council session in Copenhagen to discuss bolstering Europe’s collective defense and supporting Ukraine. Both topics will be revisited at the next European Council meeting on 23–24 October 2025,” the announcement states.
The informal meeting will be chaired by European Council President António Costa and hosted by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The session will take place ahead of the European Political Community meeting.
Leaders will discuss ways to continue reliable and predictable economic, military, and political support to help Ukraine achieve a just and lasting peace, according to the press release.
“In follow-up to the recent Coalition of the Willing meeting, leaders will explore ways to continue supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine as the main guarantor of the country’s sovereignty and security, while increasing pressure on Russia, including through strengthened sanctions,” the statement adds.
The summit will also address Ukraine’s path toward EU membership, including its reform efforts and accession steps.
Strengthening European defense will be discussed in light of recent violations of EU member states’ airspace by Russia.
“These provocations once again demonstrated (…) the need to accelerate and intensify efforts to build a Europe capable of effectively, autonomously, and jointly responding to common threats,” the press release says, also citing António Costa on the need for more effective and rational investment, including through the SAFE instrument.
In Copenhagen, leaders will focus on concrete steps to achieve the 2030 Defense Preparedness goal, including rapid development of joint capabilities, support for the eastern flank, and governance, including political oversight and coordination.
Roadmaps for the next steps in achieving EU defense readiness will be presented and discussed at the official European Council meeting on 23–24 October 2025.
