The European Union's 27 member states are meeting in Brussels for a two-day summit, with the crisis in the Middle East and the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and the European Union topping the agenda.
US-Iran Tensions Escalate
The killing of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike earlier this month has sent shockwaves across the region, with European leaders grappling with the implications of the move.
The EU has called for restraint and de-escalation, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel saying that the bloc is "very concerned" about the situation.
Trade Tensions Remain a Point of Conflict
The ongoing trade tensions between the United States and the European Union are also set to dominate the agenda, with the EU pushing for a more equitable trade deal.
The EU has long been critical of the US's protectionist policies, which it says are harming European businesses and consumers.
US President Donald Trump has responded by imposing tariffs on EU goods, which has sparked a trade war.
Climate Change and Migration on the Agenda
The EU summit is also expected to see discussions on climate change and migration, with European leaders under pressure to present a united front on these issues.
The EU has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but its member states are struggling to meet these targets.
The EU has also been grappling with the migration crisis, with thousands of migrants and refugees seeking asylum in Europe each year.
The Brussels summit is a crucial opportunity for European leaders to present a united front on these key issues, but the challenges ahead are significant.
With the US-Iran crisis and trade tensions dominating the agenda, it remains to be seen whether the EU will be able to present a cohesive and effective response.
As the summit gets underway, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the outcome will have far-reaching implications for Europe and the world.