European Council, 21-22/03/2019

Highlights of the European Council, on 22 March 2019, in Brussels.

Main results

On Thursday 21 March 2019, the EU27 leaders met to discuss Brexit.

On Friday 22 March 2019, EU leaders focused on the economy and the upcoming summit with China. They also discussed climate change and adopted conclusions on securing free and fair elections and fighting disinformation.

Brexit

Leaders took note of the letter from Prime Minister Theresa May of 20 March 2019, in which she had requested that Brexit be delayed until 30 June 2019. They offered an extension until 22 May 2019. It will be granted if the UK Parliament approves the withdrawal agreement next week. If it does not, EU leaders agree to delay Brexit until 12 April 2019, expecting the UK to "indicate a way forward before this date".

“The European Council reiterates that there can be no opening of the Withdrawal Agreement that was agreed between the Union and the United Kingdom in November 2018.”
European Council (Art. 50) conclusions

EU27 leaders stressed that any unilateral commitment, statement or other act should be compatible with the letter and the spirit of the withdrawal agreement. They called for work to be continued on preparedness and contingency at all levels for the consequences of the UK's withdrawal, taking into account all possible outcomes.

The European Council (Art. 50) also approved the Instrument relating to the withdrawal agreement and the joint statement supplementing the political declaration agreed between the European Commission and the government of the United Kingdom in Strasbourg on 11 March 2019.

Formal decision on Brexit extension

On 22 March 2019 the European Council (Art. 50) adopted a decision formalising the political agreement reached on 21 March 2019 on extending the period under Article 50. In accordance with the treaties, the decision was taken in agreement with the United Kingdom.

External relations

China

The European Council prepared the EU-China summit to be held on 9 April 2019. It exchanged views on overall relations with China in the global context.

"Our aim is to focus on achieving a balanced relation, which ensures fair competition and equal market access. In this context, we hope to persuade China to include industrial subsidies as a crucial element of the WTO reform."
Donald Tusk, President of the European Council

Ukraine

Five years after the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia the EU remains resolute in its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"The EU reiterates that it does not recognise and continues to condemn this violation of international law which remains a direct challenge to international security."
European Council conclusions

Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe

The European Council deeply regretted the loss of lives and the destruction in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, caused by tropical cyclone Idai. Leaders welcomed the emergency response already provided by the EU and its member states, and expressed their readiness to continue providing urgent humanitarian assistance.

Strengthening the economic base of the EU

EU leaders agreed that a strong economic base is of key importance for Europe's prosperity and competitiveness. They stated that this objective should be achieved through:

the single market, which should place emphasis on the service economy
the industrial policy, which should focus inter alia on artificial intelligence
the digital policy, which should be fit for an age of digital transformation and data economy

To this end, the European Council called for action by the EU and its member states to include:

1. Further strengthening and deepening the single market

The European Commission is invited to develop, by March 2020, a long-term action plan for better implementation of single market rules.

2. Building a sustainable and competitive industrial base

The Commission is invited to present, by the end of 2019, a long-term vision with concrete steps for the EU's industrial future.

3. Developing the digital economy

The European Council looks forward to the Commission's recommendation on the security of 5G networks.

4. Stepping up investment and risk-taking in research and innovation, with measures such as supporting the European Innovation Council

5. Pushing for a free trade agenda, with measures such as concluding new free trade agreements, making full use of trade defence instruments and resuming discussions on the EU's international procurement instrument. The European Council also called for the necessary steps to be taken toward the rapid implementation of the EU-US joint statement of 25 July 2018.

Climate change

''The European Council reiterates its commitment to the Paris Agreement and recognises the need to step up the global efforts to tackle climate change in light of the latest available science.''
European Council conclusions

The EU leaders stressed the importance of submitting an ambitious long-term strategy for the climate by 2020. The objective is to strive for climate neutrality while preserving specificities of the EU countries and the competitiveness of European industry.

The European Council called on the Council to intensify its work on a long-term climate strategy, ahead of a further discussion in the European Council in June 2019. Leaders also reminded the EU countries to finalise their national long-term strategies.

Tackling climate change in the EU

Fight against disinformation

The heads of state or government adopted conclusions on tackling disinformation and the need to protect the democratic integrity of the European and national elections across the EU. The European Council urged private operators such as online platforms and social networks to fully implement the Code of Practice and ensure higher standards of responsibility and transparency.

25th anniversary of European Economic Area

The Prime Ministers of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway were invited as guests to the European Council to mark the 25th anniversary of the EEA. On this occasion, on Friday 22 March, EU leaders had an opportunity to exchange views.

The Agreement on the European Economic Area was signed in 1992 in Oporto, Portugal and entered into force in 1994. It provides for the inclusion of EU legislation covering the four freedoms - the free movement of goods, services, persons and capital - throughout the 31 EEA states.