Europe live: EU leaders meet to discuss Ukraine, the Middle East and the economy

Ahead of the leaders’ session, the Finnish ministerial committee on EU affairs outlined the country’s position, calling for the bloc’s strategic competitiveness to “be based on further developing the Union’s strengths and implementing market-based solutions.”

“A well-functioning single market based on free movement and an effective state aid and competition policy play a key role in promoting predictability and ensuring a favourable investment environment. Finland stresses the importance of open, rules-based and responsible international trade for Europe’s competitiveness,” the committee said.

Addressing the situation in Ukraine, the committee said “Finland emphasises that the EU must continue and increase its strong political, economic, and military support and humanitarian assistance.”

Helsinki also “supports the proposal by the Commission and the High Representative to use the additional profits from frozen Russian central bank assets to support Ukraine.”

On the Middle East, the Finnish committee said “the EU should work to promote a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.”

It added:

Finland stresses that the use of military force must be necessary and proportionate from the perspective of international law.

Finland strongly condemns Iran’s strike and emphasises the critical importance of de-escalation in the current tense situation in the Middle East.

Finland and the EU are making efforts to influence all parties to refrain from actions that further undermine regional security.

Ahead of the leaders’ meeting, the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, expressed the bloc’s support for Jordan.

Ireland’s Simon Harris is not the only newcomer at the leaders’ table.

Bulgaria will be represented by Dimitar Glavchev, its caretaker prime minister.

Simon Harris, Ireland’s new leader, said he will be repeating a “call for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of aid to the people of Gaza” during the European Council meeting.

“I will also continue to discuss the recognition of Palestine with like-minded partners,” he noted.

Harris added:

Ireland will use its voice to call for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza & restraint & deescalation in the region after Iran’s reckless attack on Israel.

Also look forward to engaging with counterparts on competitiveness & the single market

At their meeting, leaders will discuss a report by Enrico Letta, a former Italian prime minister.

“It is time to craft a new compass to guide the Single Market in this complex international scenario. Powerful forces of change - spanning demographics, technology, economics, and international relations - necessitate innovative and effective political responses,” Letta wrote.

“Given the ongoing crises and conflicts, action has become urgent, particularly as the window of opportunity to intervene and relaunch the European economy risks closing in the near future.”

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president and the centre-right European People’s party lead candidate in the European elections, has reiterated today her call for strengthening Europe’s defences – and “turbo charging our defence industrial capacity.”

Von der Leyen wants Europe to spend more on defence, and to spend it in Europe.

Leaders from the EU’s 27 member states will meet in Brussels today and tomorrow.

In his invitation letter, the European Council president, Charles Michel, said “our upcoming meeting will centre on bolstering our competitiveness” but that “topics of foreign policy will also feature high on our agenda.”

“We must collectively bridge the growth and innovation divide vis-a-vis our global counterparts and safeguard our economic, industrial and technological base,” Michel said.

When it comes to Ukraine, he said leaders “will address Russia’s persistent attacks on Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure, including in the energy sector. These underscore the urgency of intensifying our delivery of military assistance, notably air defence capabilities.”

Addressing the situation in the Middle East, he said:

Our commitment to work with partners to end the tragic crisis in Gaza with an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, as well as an urgent increase of unimpeded humanitarian aid at scale into Gaza, remains crucial.

Developments over the weekend have exacerbated an already highly volatile situation in the region.

We must condemn the recent attack by Iran against the people of Israel and unite in urging all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, respect international law, and avoid action that may increase tensions.

We must also address the situation in Lebanon, acknowledging the challenging circumstances it is facing, and reiterate our strong support at this critical time.

Good afternoon and welcome to a special edition of the Europe blog.

Today we will be looking at a gathering of EU leaders in Brussels.

Sends tips and comments to lili.bayer@theguardian.com.