EU leaders turn focus to climate, budget issues

After agreeing on terms for a new Brexit deal, European Union leaders are meeting again to discuss other thorny issues, including the bloc’s budget and climate change.

No decision is expected Friday on the bloc’s next long-term budget for 2021-2027, a topic more divisive than Brexit.

They need to find a compromise that satisfies countries in favor of minimal spending, those arguing that it must at least be maintained at the current level and others fighting for increased spending to compensate for Britain’s planned departure.

On climate, the Council will continue talks on its goal of a climate-neutral Europe by 2050 and leaders will also discuss the agenda of priorities set up by incoming European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.