EU Leaders Brace for Heated Debate on Long-Term Budget and Ukraine Aid

European Union leaders are set to clash on Thursday over the bloc's next long-term budget, with deep divisions over its size, revenue sources, and spending priorities. The budget also includes crucial aid for Ukraine, which has been a point of contention among member states. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky will join the meeting on Friday to rally support, amid fresh tensions with US President Donald Trump. The discussions are expected to be difficult, with no immediate deal in sight. FRANCE 24's Europe Editor Armen Georgian reports from Brussels, providing analysis on the stakes and the positions of key players. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the EU's ability to support Ukraine and address other pressing challenges. The budget debate also reflects broader debates about the future of European integration and the balance of power within the union. As leaders gather, the world watches to see if they can overcome their differences and present a united front.