European Council 22-23 June: Leaders discuss migration, security, defence and economy

Today and tomorrow, EU leaders will discuss a number of priorities that figure on the European agenda, including migration, security, defence, the economy and the digital single market. They will also – at 27 – discuss and decide on the procedure and the criteria for the relocation of the two EU agencies from London (the European Medicines Agency and the European Banking Authority). The June European Council will focus on making Europe a more secure, sustainable and prosperous place for its citizens. It will build on the Union’s forward momentum, unity and shared sense of purpose as it makes progress on a number of priorities set out in the Bratislava, Malta and Rome Declarations. The meeting will be an opportunity for the leaders to reaffirm their commitment to a strong, open and global EU that stands up for a rules-based international system and fights for fairness at home and abroad. The European Commission’s recent proposals on migration and defence will be the basis for leaders’ discussion on migration, defence and internal security. The spectre of recent attacks will sharpen the focus for the discussions on internal security and the fight against terrorism. On migration, leaders will take stock of progress since March, focusing notably on the Central Mediterranean route and the ongoing talks on the reform of the Common European Asylum System. Aspects linked to the single market, the economy, external affairs and digital Europe will also be discussed. A press conference by President Juncker and President Tusk is scheduled for 18:30 CET today and tomorrow at 12:30 CET, President Juncker will hold a joint press conference with President Donald Tusk and Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Muscat. Both events will be webstreamed live via EbS.