EU summit: Leaders tackle energy prices, spar over budget and unite on Ukraine

EU leaders are preparing to meet in Brussels on Thursday for a two-day summit, with energy prices, the long-term budget and Ukraine at the top of the agenda. The meeting will start early on Thursday with an anticipated discussion on energy prices, which hostilities in the Middle East have sent skyrocketing. EU leaders are under mounting pressure to deliver tangible relief for households and industries, especially as temperatures start to drop ahead of winter. The summit's most contentious moment will arrive on Thursday afternoon with a presentation of the EU budget. Ireland has tabled an unpopular proposal to cut the next seven-year budget by 141 billion euros. The so-called frugal countries want deeper cuts, while other member states say the cuts already go too far. Council President Antonio Costa wants a deal by the end of the year. On Friday, leaders turned to Ukraine with President Zelenskyy attending. European leaders have in recent days expressed regret over Washington's decision to cut a controversial diesel deal with Russia. They are expected to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine at a time when Russia is escalating its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure ahead of the winter.