The European Council will meet on 17 and 18 October 2019 to discuss a number of important issues, including EU long-term budget, priorities for the next 5 years and Brexit.

EU leaders will discuss the long-term EU budget on the basis of the work of Finland's presidency; a follow-up to the strategic agenda and the priorities for the EU for the years 2019-2024. President-elect of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will be invited to present the priorities of the new Commission. The European Council is also expected to adopt a decision appointing Christine Lagarde as President of the European Central Bank. EU leaders are expected to talk about international aspects of climate change, following the UN Climate Action Summit and ahead of the Climate Conference in Santiago de Chile in December. They will also discuss the state of play regarding Brexit.

Preparation of the European Council meeting of 17 and 18 October 2019: Closing statement by Tytti TUPPURAINEN, for the Finnish Presidency