The leaders of all 27 member states of the European Union are gathering in the Cyprus today for an informal European Council summit set against rising global tensions and economic pressure.

The United Nations is grappling with a worsening budget crisis that endangers lifesaving operations across the globe. Essential programs—from refugee support in Mozambique to maternal health services in Afghanistan—are at risk of collapsing without immediate financial support.

French Finance Minister Antoine Armand expressed his willingness to make concessions on the 2025 budget bill in order to prevent opposition parties from toppling the government.