European Council President António Costa published his invitation letter to European leaders for the 18 and 19 June summit on Thursday 11 June.
“In a challenging geopolitical context, we will address several crucial issues for our citizens and our companies, including competitiveness and global economic challenges, the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, as well as Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East”, Mr Costa summarised in his letter.
The leaders will discuss the first negotiating box, presented on 10 June by the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council. “To guide the work of the incoming Irish Presidency, we should focus our discussion on the key elements to facilitate an agreement by the end of the year. This includes making progress on new own resources, which will be decisive for matching our ambitions with the necessary means”, Mr Costa explains.
From 6pm on Thursday, the leaders will discuss European competitiveness, starting by “reviewing progress on the ‘One Europe, One Market’ agenda”.
Dinner will focus on global macroeconomic imbalances and their consequences for Europe’s competitiveness and prosperity. “The aim is to develop a common understanding of the challenges and to provide guidance to the Commission on the way forward”, António Costa states. He believes Europe must do its part on the economic front, but at the same time, fair global competition requires a level playing field.
The leaders will focus on Ukraine, with an address by President Volodymyr Zelensky. With the change of government in Hungary, “Our meeting will provide an opportunity to send a strong signal of unity and, I expect, to welcome the opening of the first cluster of chapters in the accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova”, according to Mr Costa.
Advances in defence readiness are expected to be discussed, as several Member States face drone incursions into their airspace.
Similarly, the latest developments in the Middle East - Iran, Gaza, Lebanon, including the consequences, particularly for energy prices - will be discussed.
The leaders will also review progress made in implementing the previous conclusions on migration and will address the issue of illicit drugs.
See the invitation letter: https://aeur.eu/f/mb0 (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)