The key facts

  • The EU summit may take place in Rome in March 2027 for the 70th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome — for the first time outside Brussels
  • European Council President António Costa discussed the idea with Bart De Wever; Belgium, according to sources, is not opposed
  • Early elections in spring 2027 are being discussed in Italy, with April and May most often mentioned

Summit for the anniversary of the Treaties of Rome

According to Euronews, citing an EU source, preparations are underway for a formal European Council summit in Rome in March 2027, timed to the 70th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome. The Italian newspaper La Stampa was the first to report the initiative. An unnamed EU official confirmed the plans: 'President Costa put forward the idea of holding a formal European Council in Rome in the context of the 70th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. Preparations are underway.' The Treaties of Rome were signed on 25 March 1957 and established the European Economic Community and Euratom, laying the foundations of the modern EU.

An exception to the rule and Belgium's position

EU leaders' summits are usually held in Brussels. In exceptional cases, European Council President António Costa may propose a different venue with the unanimous agreement of all member states. In September, during a tour of EU capitals, Costa made the proposal to Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever — specifically to Belgium, since Brussels is the usual venue for summits. According to an unnamed Euronews source, De Wever said he would not object to a one-time exception. The final decision on changing the venue still requires approval from all member states at the level of ambassadors or ministers; the matter is expected to be discussed in the coming weeks.

The Italian context: elections and Meloni's position

La Stampa noted that the summit would give Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a major international platform shortly before the next general election. Italy's elections must be held by the end of 2027, but early voting in the spring is openly being discussed; April and May are most often mentioned. The Italian government, according to Euronews, welcomed the initiative. Costa's term as President of the European Council expires on 31 May 2027; he is expected, like his predecessors, to seek a second two-and-a-half-year term, which requires a qualified majority of member states.