The Formal Call: Costa Invites EU Leaders to October Summit

European Council President António Costa has formally sent his invitation letter to the 27 heads of state and government for the upcoming summit on 15–16 October 2026. The release of the invitation letter marks the official start of final summit preparations across European capitals, setting the agenda for two days of top-level talks in Brussels.

The European Council is the EU's highest political body, bringing together national leaders to set the bloc's overall political direction and priority agenda. While an invitation letter appears administrative, it acts as the official directive that forces national diplomatic channels to align their positions before leaders take their seats at the table.

In the EU capital, the summit invitation letter is the formal signal that the preliminary diplomatic spadework is drawing to a close. Behind the scenes in Brussels, preparatory meetings of ambassadorial representatives negotiate draft conclusions line by line. Costa's invitation letter effectively reminds leaders that any lingering bracketed text and unresolved policy tensions will soon be handed over to them to settle in person.

Diplomats and national officials will spend the coming days finalizing draft conclusions before leaders arrive in Brussels on Thursday, 15 October 2026, for the two-day summit.