European Council, 19-20/10/2017

Agenda highlights

EU leaders will look at a number of the most pressing issues, including migration, defence, foreign affairs and digitalisation.

Migration

The European Council will take stock of the measures taken to control illegal migration flows on all routes.

Leaders are expected to decide on any additional measures needed to support frontline member states,  and to strengthen cooperation with UNHCR and IOM  as well as with countries of origin and transit.

In addition, the European Council will call for progress on the reform of the common European asylum system.

Digital Europe

The European Council will examine how the EU can seize the opportunities and address the challenges of digitalisation, building on the discussions at the Digital Summit of 29 September.

Leaders will also take stock of the implementation of the Digital single market.

Defence

Heads of state or government will resume discussions on the permanent structured cooperation (PESCO)on defence. At the June European Council, leaders agreed on the need to launch PESCO.

External relations

In light of recent events, EU leaders will review specific foreign policy issues, including relations with Turkey.

Brexit negotiations

The European Council (Article 50), in an EU 27 format, will review the latest developments in the negotiations following the United Kingdom’s notification of its intention to leave the EU.