UN chief Antonio Guterres speaks at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on March 21, 2023. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Charles Michel, President of the European Council who chairs the meeting of EU leaders, said he expects this meeting involving the UN chief will result in effective discussion on key geopolitical challenges. Notably, the leaders will focus on global food security, especially the prospects of the recently extended Black Sea grain deal.

Also high on the agenda will be the recent developments in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine through the deal on joint ammunition procurement for Ukraine that was signed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday in Brussels.

The summit’s main focus will be long-term plans to raise the bloc’s competitiveness and productivity, deepen the common market, and support the green transition. The EU's priority remains to ensure energy supply at affordable prices and to put forth measures for this winter.