In Brussels on October 16, 2026, a joint press conference was held by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa following the European Council meeting. Speaking to journalists, von der Leyen noted that the meeting was extensive and substantive, covering a wide range of topics. One of the key issues addressed at the summit was the competitiveness of the European economy. European Commission representatives emphasized the importance of strengthening the EU's position on the global stage in the context of growing international competition. Following the meeting, EU member state leaders discussed further steps to develop common European economic policy. Details of other agenda items from the summit, including specific decisions and agreements, were presented during the press conference. Meetings of the European Council traditionally bring together heads of state and government of EU member countries to discuss strategic issues affecting the union's development, including economic policy, external relations, and coordination of action among member states.