Source: European Council: Background brief – Special meeting of the European Council, 24-25 May 2021
On 24-25 May, EU leaders will hold a special meeting in Brussels to discuss pressing issues.
On Monday 24 May, the meeting will start at 19:30 when the EU leaders are expected to focus on foreign relations, including Russia and UK. The discussion will also include information points on the latest developments on migration, Middle East as well as on the preparations of the upcoming EU-US Summit. On Tuesday 25 May, the members of the European Council will meet at 09:30 to discuss the EU’s response to COVID-19 as well as the EU’s fight against climate change. Leaders will seek to provide additional guidance to the Commission for its upcoming proposals in the context of the EU’s endorsement to be climate neutral by 2050.
A joint press conference by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen is expected to follow the meeting of leaders on both days.
COVID-19
Leaders are expected to welcome the acceleration of vaccinations across the EU and call for these efforts to be sustained. They are also expected to reiterate the importance of a continued coordinated approach ahead of the summer, in light of the spread of new variants.
Leaders will welcome the agreement reached on the EU digital COVID certificate and call for its rapid implementation, with a view to facilitate travel throughout the EU.
Finally, leaders will focus on the need for a comprehensive global response and call for work to be stepped up to ensure global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. The EU and member states are expected to reaffirm their commitment to increase their vaccine sharing support to third countries, especially through COVAX.
COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic: the EU’s response
Climate Change
EU leaders are expected to reaffirm the conclusions of 10-11 December 2020 and seek to provide additional guidance to the European Commission ahead of the presentation of its “Fit for 55” proposal.
EU is the first major economy to commit to climate neutrality by 2050 and to an emissions reduction target of at least 55% by 2030. These ambitious climate goals are now enshrined into binding legislation, the European Climate Law.
Climate change: what the EU is doing
Russia
Leaders will hold a strategic debate on EU-Russia relations. They are expected to reaffirm their unity towards Russia and jointly condemn recent illegal and provocative activities vis-à- vis EU member states.
The European Council has previously and unanimously agreed on five principles guiding the EU’s policy towards Russia:
- Implementation of the Minsk agreement as the key condition for any substantial change in the EU’s stance towards Russia.
- Strengthened relations with the EU’s Eastern Partners and other neighbours, in particular in Central Asia.
- Strengthening the resilience of the EU (for example energy security, hybrid threats, or strategic communication).
- Need for selective engagement with Russia on issues of interest to the EU.
- Need to engage in people-to-people contacts and support Russian civil society.
EU-UK Relations
The EU leaders are expected to emphasise the importance of the full implementation of the recently concluded EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and of the Withdrawal Agreement and its Protocols. These two agreements provide the framework of EU’s relations with the UK and outline clear provisions on rights and obligations for both parties.
The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
Withdrawal Agreement: Commission sends letter of formal notice to the United Kingdom for breach of its obligations under the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland