EU summit: Leaders and Zelenskyy to debate accession and peace negotiations

Russia's war on Ukraine and unfair Chinese competition are expected to dominate the first day of the EU summit in Brussels. The meeting of the European Council is underway in Brussels. Fresh from the G7 in Evian, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will join the 27 EU leaders to make the case for his country's membership ambitions, which he wants to fast-track. The debate will also address the possibility of engaging diplomatically with Russia to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine. Though Moscow is still stuck to its maximalist demands, officials in Brussels are laying the groundwork for direct negotiations. The team of European Council President António Costa made "brief contacts" with Russia at a "diplomatic level to open communication channels, but nothing was discussed on substance", an EU official confirmed this week. Costa is one of the names who have been floated as a potential special envoy. Follow our live blog for updates. ${title} Bulgarian prime minister opposes EU sanctions on Russia's Patriarch Kirill Bulgaria's new prime minister, Rumen Radev, says he opposes EU sanctions on Russia's Patriarch Kirill. The name has been included in the 21st package of sanctions presented last week. "The era of Crusades is over," Radev said on Thursday before flying to his first-ever summit in Brussels. Bulgarian PM opposes EU sanctions on Russia’s Patriarch Kirill “The era of the Crusades is over,” the Bulgarian prime minister said on Thursday as he confirmed his opposition to the proposal. #EuropeNews What to expect from this EU summit Welcome to our live blog! We will keep you updated today and tomorrow on everything that happens at the EU summit in Brussels. First, here's what's on the agenda. EU leaders meet to discuss Ukraine, China shock and €2 trillion budget Russia’s war on Ukraine, unfair Chinese competition and the next long-term budget top the agenda of the EU summit. #EuropeNews