EU leaders will return to several foreign affairs issues on the evening of Thursday 25 March.
While Turkey and Russia were initially to be discussed extensively, the switch from a physical meeting to a videoconference makes these discussions more complicated for security reasons.
Russia. With regard to Russia, the leaders will limit themselves to an information point. “I will share with you the results of my latest contacts with President [of Russia Vladimir] Putin, before a more strategic discussion on the issue at our next physical European Council”, explained European Council President Charles Michel in his invitation letter to EU leaders.
Mr Michel and Mr Putin met on 22 March. During the discussion, Mr Michel said that EU-Russia ties had “reached a low point” and that there were “currently disagreements in many areas”, while Mr Putin said that the state of these ties was “not satisfactory, because of the unconstructive and sometimes confrontational position of the European partners”.
Turkey. The leaders will discuss relations with Turkey on the basis of the report by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and the Commission (see EUROPE 12683/2).
“We will consider, in view of our June meeting, stepping up our engagement with Turkey in a progressive, conditional and reversible manner”, Mr Michel said in his invitation letter.
According to an EU source, the leaders could agree to intensify relations with the country, with strong conditionality, notably on Cyprus and the human rights situation.
“We have seen positive developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, but there are worrying signs regarding human rights and the rule of law”, the source said, as Turkey has withdrawn from the Istanbul Convention and legal action has been taken to ban the pro-Kurdish HDP party. “We have seen changes, we want to see more”, added another European source.
According to a draft declaration seen by EUROPE, subject to further appeasement and the conditions set by the European Council “to further strengthen the recent positive momentum”, EU leaders say they are ready to engage with Turkey to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest and to take further decisions at the June European Council.
The European Council could invite the EU Council to work on a mandate for the modernisation of the Customs Union and decide to launch a high-level dialogue with Turkey on issues of mutual interest such as “health, climate, the fight against terrorism” and regional issues, including Libya.
It could also ask the European Commission to explore ways to strengthen cooperation with Turkey on interpersonal contacts and mobility.
Welcoming the country’s efforts towards Syrian refugees, the European Council may call on the Commission to make a proposal for a financial framework to continue supporting the country and to strengthen cooperation on migration.
However, several delegations reportedly have reservations about launching this positive agenda with Ankara.
While the draft as seen by EUROPE does not mention the situation of human rights and the rule of law in Turkey, according to several European sources, it is almost certain that the final declaration will.
United States. EU leaders will briefly discuss future cooperation with US President Joe Biden.
According to a White House statement, Mr Biden “will discuss his desire to revitalise the US-EU relationship, work together to fight pandemic disease and address climate change, and deepen the world’s most important trade and investment relationship”. He will also discuss common foreign policy interests, including China and Russia.
China. Finally, although Mr Michel does not mention it in his letter of invitation, High Representative Josep Borrell had announced on Monday 22 March that he and the European Commission would present a review of the China strategy—‘EU-China: A Strategic Outlook’—which dates from March 2019. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant with the editorial staff)