President Juncker at the European Council - Hoofdinhoud

Unity, urgency and pragmatism marked the Spring European Council where EU i leaders showed strong determination on delivering on key priorities

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker i participated yesterday and today at the European Council where EU leaders sent out a message that Europe is both united and focused on a number of key issues.

On trade, the European Council reaffirmed its commitment to an open and rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation at its core. On the decision by the United States to impose import tariffs on steel and aluminium the European Council strongly supported the steps taken by the European Commission to ensure that the interests of the EU are fully protected and to reserve its rights, in compliance with World Trade Organisation rules, engaging with the United States in an open dialogue to defend our collective interests. The European Council recalled its commitment to strong transatlantic relations as a cornerstone of the security and prosperity of both the United States and the European Union, and underlined its support for a dialogue on trade issues of common concern. EU leaders underlined that free trade supports millions of jobs across the world, contributing to growth and prosperity and encouraged progress on ongoing trade negotiations, such as the ones with Mexico and Mercosur. They also looked towards the conclusion of the agreements reached with Japan and Singapore. It was agreed that the EU will continue to pursue a robust trading policy, seeking a level playing field, and to promote its values and standards globally.

The European Council called for increased efforts to deliver on a range of policy areas that include the Digital Single Market, the Energy Union, the Capital Markets Union and the EU Industrial Policy. As part of the European Semester - the EU's annual economic policy coordination process - the leaders endorsed policy priorities for 2018. The Member States are expected to take these priorities into account when implementing national reforms. The European Council adopted conclusions on the implementation of the European pillar of social rights. EU leaders addressed the initiatives presented by the Commission under the Social Fairness package, including the proposal for the establishment of a European Labour Authority and an initiative to ensure access to social protection for all workers and self-employed.

On Digital Europe, EU leaders highlighted the need to guarantee transparent practices and full protection of citizens' privacy and personal data in the context of social networks and digital platforms. "The EU and national legislation must be respected and enforced," they stressed in the European Council conclusions.

Under the Leaders' Agenda, EU leaders held a debate on taxation, in particular in the digital economy. They focused on how to adapt taxations systems taking into account the growing digital economy, what more can be done to fight tax evasion and avoidance, and how best to ensure synergies at the EU and international level.

EU leaders discussed the EU-Western Balkans Summit, which will take place in Sofia on 17 May 2018 and reaffirmed the region's European perspective.

EU leaders strongly condemned the Salisbury attack and the use of chemical weapons under any circumstances. The European Council called for strengthening the EU's resilience to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear-related risks, including through closer cooperation between the European Union and its member states as well as NATO. The EU and its member states should reinforce their capabilities to address hybrid threats.

The European Council strongly condemned Turkey's continued illegal actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea. EU leaders called on Turkey to put an end to these actions and to respect Cyprus' sovereign rights to explore and exploit its natural resources, in line with EU and international law. They also recalled Turkey's obligation to respect international law and good neighbourly relations, and normalize relations with all EU member states including the Republic of Cyprus. The European Council expressed its grave concern over the continued detention of EU citizens in Turkey, including two Greek soldiers, and called for the swift and positive resolution of these issues in a dialogue with Member States.

On Turkey, President Juncker stated that he is looking with mixed feelings towards the EU-Turkey leaders' meeting in Varna on 26 March because the differences in views between the EU and Turkey are many. President Juncker underlined that it will be a frank and open debate where "we will not hide our differences but where we will seek to improve our cooperation."

On Brexit, EU27 leaders took stock of progress on Article 50 negotiations with the United Kingdom and adopted a new set of guidelines. They were debriefed by President Juncker and by the Commission's Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier and reaffirmed their ambition to find a fair and balanced agreement with the United Kingdom which respects the EU's fundamental freedoms and principles.

The Euro Summit continued the discussion on deepening Europe’s Economic and Monetary Union, with a view to concrete decisions being taken at the June 2018 meeting of the European Council.