“The European Union cannot assume the role of mediator in these negotiations,” Kristen Michal told POLITICO.

Trade wars and armed conflicts are on the agenda for the EU summit, which starts Thursday night.

Two topics dominate this week’s European Council. They have more in common than you’d think.

“It’s an urgent matter,” Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever tells POLITICO.

“The European Union cannot assume the role of mediator in these negotiations,” Kristen Michal told POLITICO.