“24 February 2022 marked a turning point in Europe’s history. Since the outbreak of war on our continent, we have taken a number of unprecedented decisions in support of Ukraine and to strengthen in parallel Europe’s sovereignty. Twenty-one months on, we are faced once again with the need to take bold decisions. They require our collective strength and determination, and the audacity to make the right choices”. European Council President Charles Michel wrote this in his invitation letter to the EU heads of state or government that will attend the summit in Brussels (14-15 December). The many items on the agenda include: Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, the EU enlargement, and the EU long-term budget. “We need to live up to our commitments on Ukraine and continue to be a reliable and strong partner. We must provide Ukraine with continued and sustainable political, financial and military support and, in particular, come to an agreement on providing €50 billion for its long-term stability”. And he added: “We also have to agree to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, thereby giving it a necessary signal and bringing it yet closer to our European family”. Michel then pointed out: “We need to take significant decisions for other aspiring members”, including the Western Balkans, “while, in parallel, working to make our Union fit for the future and ready to take on new members”.