European Union leaders meet next month in Brussels to try to agree a first post-Brexit long-term budget, with divisions over proposed cuts that could undermine defence and climate change ambitions.

European Council President Charles Michel on Saturday invited the heads of state and government of the bloc’s 27 member nations to an exceptional summit on February 20.

Any further delay might jeopardise both current programmes and policies and the launch of new ones, he said.

“I am fully aware that these negotiations are among the most difficult ones we have to face,” he added.

“But I am also convinced that with common sense and determination we can strike a deal that will benefit all Europeans.”

Member states are divided on the bloc’s 2021-2027 long-term budget.