The European Union's 27 leaders gathered in Brussels for a two-day summit to discuss key issues including the war in Ukraine, economic sanctions against Russia and the bloc's post-pandemic recovery.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the EU must work together to address the global challenges posed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The leaders are also expected to discuss the bloc's long-term budget and a new climate change policy.
A key topic will be the ongoing negotiations with the United Kingdom over post-Brexit trade agreements.
The summit comes as the EU faces growing pressure from Russia's actions in Ukraine, with many member states calling for tougher economic sanctions against Moscow.