European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on 19 June 2026 that EU leaders had agreed on the architecture of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and expressed support for a more proactive approach to de-risking from China, including a new diversification instrument. Speaking at a joint press conference with European Council President António Costa following the June European Council meeting, von der Leyen said the Council had reached agreement on the new MFF architecture, calling it an important step forward and a solid basis for negotiation. She noted that for the first time, a negotiating box with figures had been produced, thanks to the Cypriot presidency. Von der Leyen stressed the need for a robust system of new own resources and said that by the next meeting, leaders should have a shared understanding of how to finance the next budget.
On Ukraine, von der Leyen said the tide was turning, congratulating President Zelenskyy on the opening of the first cluster of accession negotiations. She said the goal was to open more clusters before the summer. Leaders also agreed to roll over Russian sanctions for 12 months instead of six, and work continues on finalising the 21st sanctions package. On the Middle East, von der Leyen described the interim agreement between the United States and Iran as a breakthrough, underscoring the need to develop alternative trade routes such as the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC). She expressed deep concern over the situation in Lebanon, supporting efforts to disarm Hezbollah and calling on Israel to respect Lebanon's sovereignty.
Turning to economic relations with China, von der Leyen cited figures showing EU imports from China had increased by 45% over five years, with a record trade deficit of EUR 360 billion last year. She said leaders showed clear support for continuing diversification and de-risking, accelerating de-risking rather than decoupling, while protecting the EU market from unfair practices. The Commission will work on new tools, including a diversification instrument, and the topic will remain high on the agenda. Von der Leyen thanked Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides for his presidency's achievements, including progress on enlargement, competitiveness, simplification, a common European system on returns, and an overhaul of air passenger rights rules.