EU leaders wanted to talk competitiveness. Middle East tensions and Ukraine top their summit list

News Snapshot:

European Council President Charles Michel speaks in Vienna Austria, Friday, April 12, 2024. Michel and Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer host a meeting with the Danish, Latvian, Maltese, Slovak, Slovenian and Cypriot leaders on the "strategic agenda of the EU." (AP Photo/Heinz-Peter Bader) BRUSSELS – European leaders’ discussions at a summit in Brussels were set to focus on the bloc’s competitiveness in the face of increased competition from the United States and China. Tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine decided otherwise and the 27 leaders will dedicate Wednesday evening talks to foreign affairs. Recommended...