Brussels, 07/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Council to be held in Brussels on Friday 9 December will be preceded the evening before by an informal dinner “during which we will discuss the latest developments in financial markets and the economic and financial crisis”, explained Herman Van Rompuy in his invitation letter. “It is imperative that we build on the important issues taken so far and agree on a wider approach, encompassing the strengthening of our short-term crisis management tools as well as a determination to adopt in the medium term further measures to bolster our economic union”, stressed the president of the European Council. The debate will be held on the basis of the draft conclusions based on the interim report which sets out possible initiatives, which may be taken to create a stronger economic union (see other article). Van Rompuy has invited the president of the ECB (European Central Bank), Mario Draghi, to join the debate.
On Wednesday 7 December, the European Commission also discussed the work of the European Council. The interim report prepared by Van Rompuy “is an excellent basis for a global agreement on the issues on the agenda of the European Council”, said José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission. Barroso's message before the European Council is that strong and credible decisions are needed to further strengthen economic union through greater discipline and greater convergence, said a Commission spokesperson. “There are many things which can be done on the basis of the current Treaties to strengthen governance. The president of the Commission will call on the European Council to help the forthcoming Danish Presidency to facilitate the swift adoption of the two regulations proposed on 23 November of this year”, the spokesperson said. These are a proposal to reinforce surveillance of budgetary policy within the eurozone member states and a proposal to reinforce economic and budgetary surveillance in eurozone countries facing serious financial instability. The Commission president also stressed the need for the European Stability Mechanism to enter into force in 2012 (instead of 2013). Barroso stressed that decisions must be taken without undermining the role of the European institutions. It is important for the credibility of the EU to maintain cohesion within the EU. “Mr Barroso would get behind the idea of amending the Treaties in two stages, as a sign of our indefatigable commitment to the euro”, Barroso's spokesperson said.
On Friday, after the signature ceremony of the accession treaty with Croatia, the EU leaders will meet President Jerzy Buzek, “who will share with us his thoughts at the end of his mandate as President of the European Parliament”, the president of the European Council explained. The EU leaders will then hold a broader debate on how economic policies can pull Europe out of crisis. “Over the past months we have taken important decisions, to strengthen our economic governance, to boost growth and create jobs, and to ensure safe, secure, sustainable and affordable energy. Now has come the time to fully implement them. This is the signal we should give in our conclusions, which I understand has been largely agreed by the General Affairs Council”, the president of the European Council explained.
Towards the end of the meeting, they will discuss issues related to enlargement (in the light of the discussion held at Monday's General Affairs Council). The heads of state or government will decide whether or not to grant Serbia the status of candidate for accession to the EU. The Austrian vice-chancellor, Michael Spindelegger, took position on Wednesday 7 December in favour of postponing until the European Council of March 2012 the decision on granting Serbia the status of official candidate to join the EU. Spindelegger, who is also the country's foreign minister, proposed a “trial” official candidacy. They would then decide in March whether or not to confirm this status, depending on whether the agreement concluded with Kosovo last week has been observed. The European Council also take position on opening negotiations with Montenegro, will discuss the “positive agenda” for Turkey and take stock of progress made by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo and Iceland.
“We will also discuss the issue of Bulgaria's and Romania's accession to Schengen”, said Van Rompuy. Lastly, he adds, “we will briefly exchange views on the situation in Iran”. On Iran, the conclusions are expected to refer to the EU's concerns regarding Iran, which is suspected of wanting nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear programme. (LC/CG/transl.fl)