COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION update

 

20/03/2025 23:38 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the press conference following the European Council meeting of 20 March 2025   We have just concluded a productive European summit. We had very useful exchanges with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. And the President of the European Commission presented to the leaders, the White paper on defence. But today we focussed mainly on our economic agenda – because that is the basis of Europe’s prosperity, our citizens’ prosperity. All member states, without exception, agree that we need to accelerate our economic agenda. And that is what the European Council did today, by taking important decisions in three key areas: cutting unnecessary red tape; making energy more affordable for citizens and companies; and turning savings into productive investments. I want to thank Ursula von der Leyen and the European Commission’s work in all these areas in the run up to this European Council. That work provided an excellent, an indispensable basis for our decisions today. Today we agreed on clear targets, clear taskings and clear timelines. Through the reduction of bureaucracy by 25% for all companies and 35% for SMEs we will make it easier for all companies in our economic space. Through measures to reduce energy prices, we help companies to be more competitive. Through the integration of our financial markets, businesses and citizens will get the funding for innovative companies. Business as usual is not an option. Because, as of today, around €300 billion of EU families’ savings flow out of European Union markets each year. There are €300 billion that don’t fund businesses in the European Union. So today we moved forward on simplification; on energy costs; and on private investments. And our goals are clear: to create more jobs, more quality jobs; to strengthen fundamental industries, like the automotive, steel and metals sectors; to make sure that Europe remains a continent of innovation and technological dynamism. Today we also recalled that all these efforts need to be pursued in line with the climate objectives we have jointly agreed to. Because competitiveness and sustainability are fully compatible, when done right. A sustainable economy is also a socially fair economy, an economy that leaves no one behind. That is why today we reaffirmed our European social model and the importance of the European Pillar of Social Rights. In a nutshell: prosperity – sustainability – fairness. On all of these, there are challenges but also many opportunities. On all of these, Europe is taking decisions and moving forward. Thank you very much. ● European Council   20/03/2025 21:49 | CONCLUSIONS | European Council conclusions on competitiveness, European defence and security and migration   III. COMPETITIVENESS  11. A more competitive Union will be a stronger Union, better able to protect its citizens, its values and its interests on the global stage while sustaining its prosperity and the European social model. The need to invest in our defence and our competitiveness are closely interlinked. The European Council underlines the urgent need to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, building on the Budapest Declaration on the New European Competitiveness Deal and on its conclusions of 6 March 2025 on European defence. In that regard, the European Council welcomes in particular the presentation of the Competitiveness Compass of 29 January 2025, the Clean Industrial Deal of 26 February 2025 and the Omnibus simplification agenda. 12. 2025 should therefore mark a step change in the EU’s action to boost competitiveness, strengthen the Single Market, promote quality jobs and ensure successful twin transitions, in line with the agreed climate objectives. In order to achieve these goals, and contribute to closing the innovation and productivity gap with the EU’s global competitors and within the EU, the European Council agrees to give priority to simplification and reducing regulatory and administrative burdens, lowering energy prices and mobilising private savings to unlock necessary investment in the EU economy. Simplification and reducing administrative burdens 13. Following up on the Commission communication of 11 February 2025 on implementation and simplification, the European Council calls for efforts at all levels – EU, national and regional – to ensure a clear, simple, smart and innovation-friendly regulatory framework and to drastically reduce, as a matter of urgency, administrative, regulatory and reporting burdens for businesses and public administrations, without undermining predictability, policy goals, high standards and the integrity of the Single Market. In this context, the European Council: a)    calls on the Commission and the co-legislators to work towards achieving the target of reducing the cost of all administrative burdens by at least 25 %, and by at least 35 % for SMEs; b)    calls on the Commission to keep reviewing and stress-testing the EU acquis to identify ways to further simplify and consolidate existing legislation; c)    urges the co-legislators to take work forward on the Omnibus simplification packages presented on 26 February 2025 as a matter of priority and with a high level of ambition, with a view to finalising them as soon as possible in 2025; d)    calls on the co-legislators to adopt the proposal on the stop-the-clock mechanism on sustainability reporting and due diligence without delay and at the latest by June 2025; e)    calls on the Commission to rapidly follow up with further simplification initiatives, including on industrial decarbonisation and on security and defence; and f)    urges the Commission and the co-legislators to adhere to better regulation principles throughout the legislative process, thereby avoiding over-regulation and the introduction of administrative burdens, in particular on SMEs. Energy 14. Recalling its commitment to pursue the dual objective of European energy sovereignty and climate neutrality by 2050, and in order for the Union to remain competitive globally, the European Council: a)    calls for all efforts at EU and Member State level to be urgently stepped up, in order to better protect EU citizens and businesses from high energy costs, secure the supply of affordable and clean energy and build a genuine Energy Union before 2030, which will require ambitious electrification using all net-zero and low-carbon solutions, and investment in grids, storage and interconnections at national and EU level. Recalling the agreed energy targets, the European Council calls for cross-border and Union-wide long-term investment planning, with a view to fully integrating and interconnecting the EU energy market, contributing to the Union’s energy security, and infrastructure protection and resilience; and b)    welcomes in that context the presentation of the Commission’s Action Plan for Affordable Energy on 26 February 2025, which outlines both structural and short-term measures, in particular for the most affected citizens and businesses, while preserving the integrity of the Single Market; and urges the Commission, the Council, the Member States and all other relevant stakeholders to start delivering on these actions in 2025. It calls for efforts to enable additional energy supplies to Europe to be intensified, notably to ensure security of supply for all Member States. Savings and Investments Union 15. Having regard to the challenges to the EU’s competitiveness, it is of paramount importance to create truly integrated and deeper European capital markets, by achieving the Capital Markets Union as a matter of urgency and completing the Banking Union. A genuine Savings and Investments Union will help channel hundreds of billions of euro of additional investment to the European economy every year, helping to boost the EU’s competitiveness, strategic autonomy and economic security. 16. In this context, and in the light of the Commission communication of 19 March 2025, the European Council: a)    expects the co-legislators to quickly agree on all pending proposals from the 2020 Action Plan on the Capital Markets Union, including on insolvency; b)    to complement actions at EU level, stresses the need for national-level actions in order to increase the size and depth of capital markets that are accessible to all citizens and businesses across the Union; c)    with a view to expanding opportunities for citizens, calls: -    on the Commission, the Council and Member States to advance work towards greater retail participation in capital markets by making available European investment and savings possibilities, including enhanced possibilities for EU-wide savings and pension products, drawing on best practices, in time to allow decisive steps to be taken in 2025; and -    on the Commission to swiftly propose, in 2025, improvements to the existing pan-European personal pension product; d)    with a view to increasing private funding for businesses, calls on the Commission: -    to put forward proposals to improve the private equity and venture capital ecosystem and, in line with the respective competences under the Treaties, to propose an optional 28th company law regime allowing innovative companies to scale up, in time to allow the co-legislators to take decisive steps by 2026; -    to swiftly propose, in 2025, a revised securitisation framework, including targeted adjustments to the prudential framework, while maintaining financial stability; and -    to keep under review the global level playing field in the banking and insurance sectors and take appropriate measures; e)    with regard to improving the convergence and efficiency of the supervision of capital markets across the EU and reducing fragmentation, calls on the Commission, working where relevant with national and European competent authorities: -    to ensure convergent supervisory practices. To that end, it is essential to foster homogenous implementation, interpretation, application and enforcement of EU law by national competent authorities; -    to complete the assessment of and the work on the conditions for enabling the European Supervisory Authorities to effectively supervise the most systemic relevant cross-border capital and financial market actors, with the aim of strengthening financial integration and ensuring financial stability, simplifying processes and reducing compliance costs, taking into account the interests of all Member States, and, on the basis of that assessment, to put forward, as appropriate, a proposal on supervision; -    to swiftly remove barriers to market-led consolidation of market infrastructure and to cross-border investment; and -    to streamline existing rules and eliminate duplication, clarify regulatory provisions and reduce the cost of compliance and reporting; f)    underlines the importance of mobilising private financing for the European defence industry and invites the Commission to consider making further use of EU programmes, such as building on the experience of the InvestEU Member State compartment, taking into account the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States. Single Market, industry and skills 17. These competitiveness priorities will be supported by an ambitious new horizontal Single Market Strategy, to be presented in June 2025, which should aim at deepening the Single Market, by removing remaining barriers, in particular in the area of services and essential goods, addressing fragmentation, and improving the application and enforcement of Single Market rules. 18. The European Council also calls for the following specific work strands to be pursued without delay: a)    building on the Clean Industrial Deal, the Automotive Action Plan of 5 March 2025 and the Steel and Metals Action Plan of 19 March 2025, which refer to technological neutrality, work must be stepped up to secure Europe’s industrial innovation, renewal and decarbonisation and to ensure the growth of tomorrow’s key technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, 5G/6G and other critical technologies, while paying particular attention to traditional industries in transition, notably the automotive, shipping, aviation and energy-intensive industries, and the need to secure a level playing field. To this end, it calls on the Commission to put forward, without delay, a targeted proposal for additional flexibilities to the 2025 milestone under the Regulation setting CO2 emissions performance standards for cars and vans, and to take forward the review foreseen in this Regulation; and b)    following the Commission communication of 5 March 2025 on a Union of Skills, further efforts should be made to enhance the acquisition, recognition and retention of skills across the EU, from the building of basic skills to engaging in life-long learning, reskilling and upskilling, in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights and its Action Plan. Other actions and way forward 19. The European Council addressed priorities for the 2025 European Semester and endorses the Recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area. The European Council also considered the employment and social situation in the European Union. 20. The European Council stresses that, going forward, all the abovementioned competitiveness priorities and actions should work together, in a mutually reinforcing manner, along with relevant EU instruments, to support research and innovation, investment, convergence and cohesion, connectivity, trade diversification and economic partnerships, growth and economic resilience in the European Union. The European Council remains seized of all these matters, and will assess progress on competitiveness and the green and digital transitions at its meeting in October 2025. IV. EUROPEAN DEFENCE AND SECURITY 21. Following up on its conclusions of 6 March 2025 and in the light of the White Paper on the Future of European Defence of 19 March 2025, the European Council calls for an acceleration of work on all strands to decisively ramp up Europe’s defence readiness within the next five years. It invites the Council and the co-legislators to swiftly take work forward on the recent Commission proposals. The European Council calls for the implementation of the actions identified in its conclusions of 6 March 2025 in the field of capabilities to start as a matter of urgency and for continued work on the relevant financing options. 22. The European Council recalls that a stronger and more capable European Union in the field of security and defence will contribute positively to global and transatlantic security and is complementary to NATO, which remains, for those States that are members of it, the foundation of their collective defence. 23. The above is without prejudice to the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States, and takes into account the security and defence interests of all Member States, in accordance with the Treaties. The European Council invites the Commission and the High Representative to report regularly on progress made in the implementation of its conclusions on defence. It will revert to all strands of work on this issue at its next meeting. VI. MIGRATION 25. The European Council took stock of progress in the implementation of its conclusions on migration, including in light of the recent letter from the President of the Commission. The European Council encourages further work in particular on: the external dimension, notably through comprehensive partnerships; the implementation of adopted EU legislation and the application of existing legislation; the prevention and countering of irregular migration, including through new ways in line with EU and international law; efforts to facilitate, increase and accelerate returns, using all relevant EU policies, instruments and tools; the concepts of safe third countries and safe countries of origin; the fight against instrumentalisation, human trafficking and smuggling; visa policy alignment by neighbouring countries; as well as safe and legal pathways in line with national competences. The European Council recalls the EU’s determination to strengthen security at its external borders and ensure their effective control, in line with EU and international law. 26. The European Council calls on the co-legislators to make progress, as a matter of priority, on files with a migration dimension. In particular, it invites the co-legislators to swiftly examine the recent Commission proposal on returns. ● European Council   20/03/2025 17:59 | CONCLUSIONS | European Council conclusions on the Middle East, oceans and multilateralism   II. MIDDLE EAST 4.    Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council addressed the situation and latest developments in the Middle East. 5.    The European Council deplores the breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza, which has caused a large number of civilian casualties in recent air strikes. It deplores the refusal of Hamas to hand over the remaining hostages. The European Council calls for an immediate return to the full implementation of the ceasefire-hostage release agreement. It stresses the need for progress towards its second phase, with a view to its full implementation leading to the release of all hostages and a permanent end to hostilities. The European Council recalls the importance of unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza. This access and distribution, as well as the supply of electricity to Gaza, including for the water desalination plants, must be resumed immediately. 6.    The European Council welcomes the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan endorsed at the Cairo Summit on 4 March 2025. The European Union stands ready to engage with its Arab partners, as well as with other international partners, on that basis. 7.    The European Union remains firmly committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution. The European Union is ready to contribute to all efforts towards this solution and calls on all parties to refrain from actions that undermine its viability. It will continue to work with regional and international partners to that end. The European Union will continue supporting the Palestinian Authority and its reform agenda.   8.    The European Council strongly condemns the recent widespread violence against civilians in Syria’s coastal region and urges the transitional authorities to ensure the protection of all civilians and that perpetrators of violence are held accountable in accordance with international norms and standards. The European Council notes that comprehensive transitional justice in particular is essential on the path to reconciliation. 9.    The European Council underlines the importance of a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria, free from harmful foreign interference, and the protection of the rights of Syrians from all ethnic and religious backgrounds without discrimination. Syria’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within secure borders should be fully respected, in accordance with international law. It welcomes the agreement reached on 10 March 2025 between the transitional authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces. The European Council recalls the EU’s recent suspension of restrictive measures as part of a gradual, reversible approach. The European Union will continue to examine possible further suspensions of restrictive measures on the basis of close monitoring of the situation in Syria. The European Council welcomes the outcome of the ninth Syria Conference ‘Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition’ of 17 March 2025. 10.    The European Council welcomes the end of the political impasse in Lebanon and expresses the European Union’s readiness to work with the new authorities to stabilise the economic and security situation in the country. The European Council reiterates its call on the parties to implement the terms of the 27 November 2024 ceasefire agreement and for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. VII. OCEANS 27.    In the light of current global and geopolitical challenges, the European Council stresses the strategic importance of the oceans, water resilience and the blue economy in strengthening the EU’s competitiveness and resilience, maritime security, and environmental sustainability and protection, in the context of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. 28.    The European Council welcomes the Commission’s intention to put forward an ambitious, holistic and forward-looking European Ocean Pact, in line with the respective EU and Member State competences, that will foster healthy oceans and seas, energy security, maritime security, food security, sustainable fisheries and a sustainable and competitive EU blue economy, with special emphasis on coastal and island communities, and contribute to global science-based knowledge and responsible governance of the oceans. 29.    In addition, the European Council took stock of preparations for the UN Ocean Conference, to be held in Nice from 9 to 13 June 2025, and called for increased global action and ambition, including accelerated ratification of the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), to advance ocean protection and governance at international level. VIII. MULTILATERALISM 30.    The European Union has always upheld and will continue to uphold the UN Charter and the rules and principles it enshrines, in particular those of sovereignty and territorial integrity, political independence and self-determination. The European Council reaffirms the Union’s steadfast commitment to effective multilateralism and to the rules-based international order with the United Nations at its core. 31.    The European Union will remain a predictable, reliable, and credible partner and welcomes the opportunity to work together in a changing environment with all its partners, as well as with the United Nations and its agencies in driving forward the internal reform process – the UN80 initiative – to ensure that the United Nations remains effective, cost-efficient and responsive. 32.    The European Union is committed to the Pact for the Future, which is a crucial step towards revitalising the United Nations, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and reforming the international financial architecture. The European Union stands ready to cooperate with all stakeholders to ensure its effective implementation. 33.    The European Council looks forward to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, to be held in Seville from 30 June to 3 July 2025, which will be an important step towards putting in place a renewed global financing framework for sustainable development. It calls on relevant EU institutions to work towards an ambitious outcome, together with Member States.

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20/03/2025 17:57 | Press release | Statement of the Euro Summit, 20 March 2025   The Euro Summit, meeting in inclusive format, adopted a statement on 20 March 2025. 20/03/2025 14:44 | Press release | European Council, 20 March 2025, Ukraine   I. UKRAINE 1. The European Council held an exchange of views with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine. 2. The European Council discussed the latest developments as regards Ukraine. The text set out in document EUCO 11/25 was firmly supported by 26 Heads of State or Government. 3. The European Council will revert to the issue at its next meeting. EUCO 11/25 - extract 1. Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council reaffirms its continued and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The European Union maintains its ‘peace through strength’ approach, which requires Ukraine to be in the strongest possible position, with its own robust military and defence capabilities as an essential component. In line with this approach, the European Union remains committed, in coordination with like-minded partners and allies, to providing further comprehensive support to Ukraine and its people, as it exercises its inherent right to self-defence against Russia’s war of aggression. 2. The European Council reiterates its support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law and welcomes all efforts towards achieving such a peace. It recalls the principles it set out on 6 March 2025 that should guide peace negotiations. 3. The European Council welcomes the joint statement by Ukraine and the United States following their meeting in Saudi Arabia on 11 March 2025, including the proposals for a ceasefire agreement, humanitarian efforts, and the resumption of US intelligence sharing and security assistance. The European Council calls on Russia to show real political will to end the war. 4. A credible pathway to peace must include humanitarian relief efforts, notably the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilians and the return of all Ukrainian children and other civilians unlawfully deported and transferred to Russia and Belarus. 5. The European Union remains ready to step up pressure on Russia, including through further sanctions and by strengthening the enforcement of existing measures, including further means and measures to counter their circumvention, in order to weaken its ability to continue waging its war of aggression. Subject to EU law, Russia’s assets should remain immobilised until Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused by this war. 6. The European Union and its Member States will contribute to the peace process and help secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, which is in the interest of both Ukraine and Europe as a whole. 7. A comprehensive peace agreement, which respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, needs to be accompanied by robust and credible security guarantees for Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression. The European Council welcomes the efforts that have started in this regard together with like-minded and NATO partners. The European Union and Member States are ready to contribute to security guarantees, in particular by supporting Ukraine’s ability to defend itself effectively, based on their respective competences and capabilities, in line with international law. 8. The European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support. The European Council calls on the Commission to swiftly take all necessary measures to frontload financing under the Ukraine Facility and the G7 ERA initiative. It urges the Commission and Member States to use all options under the Ukraine Facility to increase financial support to Ukraine. 9. The European Council recalls the initiatives to enhance EU military support to Ukraine, notably that of the High Representative to coordinate increased support by Member States and other participating States, on a voluntary basis, notably on large-calibre artillery ammunition and missiles, as well as the military needs component of the G7 ERA initiative. It calls on Member States to urgently step up efforts to address Ukraine’s pressing military and defence needs. 10. All military support as well as security guarantees for Ukraine will be provided in full respect of the security and defence policy of certain Member States and taking into account the security and defence interests of all Member States. 11. The European Council reaffirms the EU’s strong commitment to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In this context, the progress made on establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, within the framework of the Council of Europe, is an important step. 12. The European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s repair, recovery and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners. The Ukraine Recovery Conference in July 2025, hosted by Italy, will be important in that context. 13. The European Council reiterates the inherent right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny, based on the UN Charter and international law. The European Union will intensify support for Ukraine’s reform efforts on its path towards EU membership. The European Council underlines the importance of progress in the negotiating process in line with the merit-based approach, opening clusters when the conditions are met, starting with the fundamentals cluster as soon as possible. 14. The European Council will revert to this issue at its next meeting.

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20/03/2025 10:44 | Meetings | Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 24 March 2025   Background brief - Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 24 March 2025   ● Council of the EU   20/03/2025 10:10 | Statements and remarks | International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU   Sixty years ago, the international community made a historic commitment to a future free from racism with the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination – a landmark treaty that enshrines the right to equality and dignity for all. Yet, racism persists in many forms, making the Convention as vital today as it was in 1965. On this 60th anniversary, we call for renewed action to ensure that the Convention is fully and effectively upheld worldwide. Despite progress, racism continues to be an obstacle to justice, equality and full participation in society across the EU. The persistence of discrimination and its profound impact on individuals and societies at large demands political will, stronger enforcement of existing legislation and a collective commitment to lasting change. Through the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan 2020-2025, we have strengthened national strategies in our Member States, increased funding for anti-racism initiatives and improved data collection to support more informed policymaking. The European Commission will present its first anti-racism strategy by the end of the year to build on these efforts and accelerate progress. The EU remains steadfast in its commitment to combat racism in all its forms and to address its structural dimension, both within our Union and across the world. On this day, we stand united with all those who fight for dignity, inclusion, and equality, reaffirming our commitment to building a world where human rights are upheld and everyone is given equal opportunities. ● European Council   19/03/2025 18:27 | Meetings | Main results - Tripartite Social Summit, 19 March 2025   EU leaders and social partners met in Brussels for the Tripartite Social Summit. The main theme of the summit was ‘Bringing Europe back on track in a challenging geopolitical environment as an attractive, competitive and investment friendly location that protects and creates quality jobs’. ● European Council   19/03/2025 16:58 | Press release | Main messages from the Tripartite Social Summit of 19 March 2025   EU leaders and social partners met in Brussels for the Tripartite Social Summit, a twice-yearly forum for dialogue that brings together the leaders of the EU institutions and the European social partners. Today’s discussion focused on restoring Europe’s competitiveness as a place that attracts investment and creates and maintains quality jobs, in the context of an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment. In particular, the following topics were addressed: strengthening the EU in a challenging geopolitical environment bringing Europe back on track as an attractive, competitive and investment-friendly location that protects and creates quality jobs “A strong dialogue between trade unions and employers—at European, national, and local levels—is at the core of our European social model. As our economies undergo major transformations, this dialogue is more essential than ever to foster quality jobs, boost our competitiveness, and build a more resilient and sustainable future together.” — António Costa, President of the European Council “The spirit of European social dialogue is alive and well and we are determined to keep it strong throughout this mandate. Europe's social market economy has never been only about markets—it is about people. We can only boost Europe’s competitive edge and ensure that no one is left behind, if we work closely with social partners.” — Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission “Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security—no one has a stronger stake in Europe’s safety and stability than Europeans themselves. Security is not just about strengthening our defence and resilience; it is also about positioning Europe as a competitive global leader. Attracting investment while protecting and creating high-quality jobs is essential to driving sustainable growth and innovation. In this effort, the dialogue with social partners plays a crucial role, ensuring that our policies are inclusive and reflect the voice of civil society.” — Adam Szłapka, Polish minister for European Union affairs, on behalf of the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU “Burdensome regulation, high energy prices and labour shortages continue to hold Europe back. In a highly uncertain global environment, strengthening the economic backbone of the European Union is more urgent than ever. The Clean Industrial Deal, the first omnibus proposals and the Union of Skills go in the right direction but will not be enough. There can only be quality jobs with quality enterprises that can act in an investment-friendly environment. Putting in place an ambitious burden reduction program and ensuring real lower energy costs is a must to deliver tangible improvements in the EU investment location. European employers are ready to play their part as social partners in this endeavour, as pledged in the recently signed pact for European social dialogue.” — Fredrik Persson, BusinessEurope’s President, representing employers (BusinessEurope, SGI Europe, SMEunited) “In these uncertain times, the EU must drive its own agenda, with a strong European industrial strategy for every sector and region at its core. Stability can only be secured when working people have quality jobs and higher wages. Boosting investments and wages is crucial to strengthening domestic demand. The full suspension of the EU fiscal rules is a must. Also, the EU needs a strong investment facility coupled with a ‘SURE 2.0’ instrument to provide immediate protection against job losses. This is no time for blank cheques and all companies that received public support must be required to deliver quality jobs in return.” — Esther Lynch, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Moreover, the European social partners jointly stated in the context of today’s summit that: ‘The geopolitical situation increasingly challenges the European Union, putting EU institutions, member states, workers and enterprises under significant strain, at a moment when it is still recovering from previous crises and managing different transitions. The European social partners are convinced that Europe can only weather these developments while standing together, maintaining unity and solidarity, and taking action to reinforce Europe as an attractive, competitive and investment-friendly location that protects and creates quality jobs. The Tripartite Social Summit gathers EU leaders and the European social partners twice a year to discuss crucial decisions for the future of our continent. These exchanges at the highest level are more important than ever in a period where all Europeans need to join forces to strengthen the European Union to ensure economic and social progress. The European social partners call on the Commission and EU leaders to keep social partners at both European and national level fully involved in all relevant deliberations following the geopolitical uncertainties and transformation processes.’ The views cited in this text are those of the individual / organisation concerned and do not collectively constitute the point of view of the Council or the European Council. ● Council of the EU   19/03/2025 17:29 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 24 March 2025   The press briefing ahead of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place on Friday, 21 March 2025 at 16.00. This briefing will be "off the record". Please note that this press briefing will take place remotely (via video conference). In order to participate and ask questions, EU accredited journalists should register using this link. Those who already registered for previous press events of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Friday, 21 March 2025, 15.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline.

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19/03/2025 15:44 | Meetings | European Council, 20-21 March 2025   Background brief - European Council, 20-21 March 2025

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19/03/2025 17:12 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 24 March 2025   The Council will hold an exchange of views on the Commission's Communication on a Vision for agriculture and food. Over the course of an informal lunch, fisheries ministers will discuss the future of the Common fisheries policy. The Council will also tackle a number of 'other business' items. ● European Council   20/03/2025 23:24 | CONCLUSIONS | European Council conclusions, 20 March 2025   On 20 March 2025, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, competitiveness, European defence and security, next multiannual financial framework and new own resources, migration, oceans, multilateralism and other items. European Council conclusions, 20 March 2025 European Council, 20 March 2025, Ukraine