2017 - Media information - Main contents

Source: European Council i, published on Friday, June 23 2017, 1:16.

Agenda highlights

EU leaders will look at a number of the most pressing issues, including security and defence, economy, and migration.

"Last year we agreed that the EU will protect our people against security threats, illegal migration and uncontrolled globalisation, and we must continue to deliver. Therefore, during the upcoming European Council, I want us to move further on our policy response in these three areas."

President Donald Tusk i in his invitation letter ahead of the meeting

Invitation letter by President Donald Tusk to the members of the European Council

Security and defence

The heads of state or government will discuss counter-terrorism and how to better combat online radicalisation.

Leaders will also review progress in the strengthening of EU cooperation on external security and defence.

Response to foreign terrorist fighters and recent terrorist attacks in Europe (background information)

EU cooperation on security and defence (background information)

Jobs, growth, and competitiveness

Leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system, as well as to free trade and investment, while ensuring it is also fair and the benefits are reciprocal.

"In order to protect our free trade agenda at home, we must prove that we can defend Europe against those who want to abuse our openness. (…) People need to know that we can protect them from unfair trading practices."

President Donald Tusk in his invitation letter ahead of the meeting

The European Council will review efforts to deepen the single market and identify areas where progress needs to be sped up.

Leaders will endorse the country-specific recommendations and conclude the 2017 European Semester. They will also discuss issues relevant for the upcoming G20 i meeting on 7-8 July in Hamburg.

European Semester (background information)

G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, 07-08/07/2017

In addition, the European Council will discuss how to move towards a digital vision for Europe.

Foreign policy

President Tusk will brief the leaders about recent summits and meetings, including the meetings with US President Trump, Turkey's President Erdogan, as well as the G7 i and the summit with China.

The European Council is expected to reaffirm its commitment to the Paris Agreement and to leading the fight against climate change.

Leaders will also take stock of the implementation of the Minsk agreements.

Timeline - Paris Agreement

Timeline - EU restrictive measures in response to the crisis in Ukraine

Migration

The European Council will assess the implementation of measures taken to stem the migration flow on the Central Mediterranean route.

Leaders will also discuss developments in the Eastern Mediterranean route, the EU-Turkey Statement and instruments created to tackle the root causes of migration.

In addition, the European Council will discuss the reform of the common European asylum system, including the principles of responsibility and solidarity.

Finding solutions to migratory pressures (background information)

Brexit negotiations

The European Council (Article 50), in an EU 27 format, will meet on 22 June after the working dinner. It will review the latest developments in the negotiations following the United Kingdom's notification under Article 50 TEU. In the margins of this meeting, leaders are expected to endorse the procedural arrangements for the relocation of the EU agencies currently located in the UK.

European Council (Art.50), 22/06/2017

Programme

22/06/2017 13:45

Bilateral meeting between the President of the European Council and the Taoiseach of Ireland

14:00

Arrivals

15:00

Exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament

15:30

Working session

18:30

Press conference by the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission