At the EU summit in Brussels, leaders discussed reforming the WTO's framework and dispute resolution mechanisms. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the WTO's dysfunction, while Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed closer cooperation with CPTPP members as a way to reshape global trade. She emphasized the need for the EU to lead this initiative, despite the US's previous withdrawal from CPTPP. The WTO has been paralyzed since December 2019, with major negotiations stalled due to key members' entrenched positions.