From 19 to 20 March 2026, in Brussels, Belgium, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, attended the European Council meeting, calling for the protection of civilians in the Middle East and announcing €450 million in humanitarian aid. She emphasised the Union’s energy security, proposing measures to reduce electricity costs, modernise the carbon market and support clean energy. Ursula von der Leyen championed Europe’s competitiveness, with the simplification of rules, the strengthening of the single market and support for industrial innovation. She presented the ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap, setting out actions through to 2027. With regard to Ukraine, it confirmed the €90 billion loan despite some delays and reaffirmed the EU’s unity and determination in the face of security, energy and humanitarian challenges.