Source: Background brief – European Council, 24-25 June 2021
On 24-25 June, EU heads of states and governments will meet in Brussels for a European Council. A Euro Summit meeting will also take place in an inclusive format (with all EU member states) on 25 June.
On Thursday 24 June, EU leaders will join a working lunch with UN Secretary General, António Guterres.
Leaders’ discussions throughout Thursday and Friday will focus on COVID-19, migration, economic recovery, Turkey, Russia and other foreign relations issues.
A press conference by President Michel and President von der Leyen will follow the meetings of both days. Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa, representing the Council’s rotating presidency, will join them at the Friday’s press conference.
Thursday 24 June 12:15 – Arrivals
- 13:00 – Working lunch with UNSG Antonio Guterres and EU 27
- 15:00 – Roundtable with the President of the European Parliament David Sassoli
- 15:30 – Working session of the members of the European Council covering the topics of COVID-19 and migration
- 19:30 – Working dinner of the members of the European Council focusing on foreign relations TTBC – Press conference by President Michel and President von der Leyen
Friday 25 June 09:15 – Arrivals
- 10:00 – Working session of the European Council on the economic recovery 12:00 – Working lunch of the members of the Euro Summit
- TTBC – Press conference of President Michel, President von der Leyen and PM Costa
- Press conferences and public events by video streaming: http://video.consilium.europa.eu
COVID-19
Leaders will take stock of the epidemiological and vaccine situation and pursue coordination efforts in response to the pandemic. They will also discuss the return to free movement across the EU, international solidarity and the initial lessons learned from the pandemic.
In line with the Statement of the Members of the European Council of 25-26 February 2021, the Commission is expected to report on the initial lessons learned from the pandemic so far.
- Statement of the members of the European Council, 25-26 February 2021
Economic recovery
In the context of the post-pandemic economic recovery, the European Council will review the state of play of the implementation of Next Generation EU. Leaders are also expected to discuss the recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area.
Migration
Leaders will address the topic of migration, focusing on the external dimension and the various routes.
Turkey
In line with the Statement of the Members of the European Council of 25 March 2021, leaders will discuss relations with Turkey.
During the March meeting, EU leaders agreed that the EU is ready to engage in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner with Turkey to enhance cooperation in a number of areas of common interest. This approach is subject to established conditionalities, sustained de-escalation and provided that Turkey engages constructively.
The areas of common interest include economic cooperation (modernisation of the Customs Union), cooperation on people to people contacts, and high level dialogues on public health, climate, counter-terrorism, regional issues.
Russia
In line with the conclusions of the European Council of 24-25 May 2021, and on the basis of a report by the High Representative and the Commission, leaders will discuss EU-Russia relations.
In May 2021, the European Council reaffirmed its commitment to the five principles governing EU policy vis-à-vis Russia. It invited the High Representative and the Commission to present a report with policy options on EU-Russia relations, in line with these principles.
- https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/49791/2425-05-21-euco-conclusions-en.pdfhttps://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/49791/2425-05-21-euco-conclusions-en.pdf
- Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the European Council and the Council on EU- Russia relations – Push back, constrain and engage