European Council

Dear Mr Tajani,

Over the last months and weeks we have had several correspondences about my participation in a plenary debate in the European Parliament on Greece. As amongst others indicated in my letters of March 30 and April 4 I am fully committed to continue the discussion on Greece with the European Parliament as I for example lastly did on March 21 in the ECON committee. Due to scheduling reasons it was impossible for me to attend the Plenary session of this week.

Our services have already been in contact about finding a suitable moment to participate in a plenary debate in the near future. Through this letter I would like to indicate my availability for the next plenary session at the end of April. On the 26th I am available as of the late afternoon. The 27th is a national holiday in the Netherlands but I can be available all day.

I would like to suggest that our services find a suitable moment together on one of the suggested dates.

Yours sincerely,

Jeroen Dijsselbloem

The Council has agreed to additional funding by the European Investment Bank for projects outside the EU that address migration issues.

Up to €3.7 billion would be earmarked for projects that address the root causes of migration and the needs of transit and host communities.

On 5 April 2017, EU ambassadors asked the presidency to start negotiations with the European Parliament. They approved a mandate for the negotiations, on behalf of the Council.

A first 'trilogue' meeting with the Parliament and the Commission is scheduled for 12 April 2017.

"I have no doubt that on this issue we can come to a swift agreement with the European Parliament”, said Edward Scicluna, minister for finance of Malta, which currently holds the Council presidency. “We both agree that the needs are great and urgent. We also hope we can do more through other EU programmes. This week's informal Ecofin in Malta will explore these possibilities."

Ambassadors agreed in principle to:

• release €3 billion approved conditionally as part of the EIB's €30 billion budget for 'external' operations for the 2014-2020 period;
  
  
• provide an additional €2.3 billion for that period.

The proposed decision and regulation are part of a mid-term review of the EIB's external lending mandate. In 2014 it was agreed that the €3 billion could only be activated following the review.

Projects outside the EU represent less than 10% of total EIB financing activities.

The proposals require a qualified majority within the Council, in agreement with the Parliament. (Legal basis: articles 209 and 212 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.)

Good afternoon. Let me start out by thanking you, Prime Minister Tsipras, for your hospitality and for receiving me, once again, here in Athens. Each time I return to Greece, and meet you and the President of the Republic, I feel at home and among friends. 

Since my last visit, the situation in Greece has improved a lot. This is true for the economic situation. And it is true for the migration crisis. 

Let me start with the economy, which was also the main topic of our discussions today with the Prime Minister. Fighting unemployment remains our number one economic priority across Europe. No doubt there is still a long way to go. But after so many years of bad news, the outlook is better than at any moment over the last decade. 

I know it has been hard won, but Greece is also showing signs of growth. 2016 was a record year for tourist arrivals; and the sector has helped boost the Greek economy and create jobs. Other sectors have also demonstrated the Greek dynamism, ingenuity and hard work. And your fight against tax evasion is bearing fruit. 

Too often we fail to appreciate the enormous efforts undertaken by Greece's citizens and enterprises, as well as the financial support provided by Greece's partners. They are the best examples of determination and European solidarity. This is also important to recall in the ongoing talks between you and the institutions. Everyday we get closer to an agreement. Yesterday we made significant progress and as you know, talks will continue today. I hope that you will be able to find an agreement on Friday in the Eurogroup. And I want to underline that the responsibility for achieving this agreement is shared among all the participants of this process. 

Let me now turn to migration. Another area where Greece has been in the frontline. The peak of the crisis is now behind us, also here in Greece. EU countries have sent hundreds of border guards, asylum experts and millions of euros in aid. Now we must speed up our efforts, both to keep the Western Balkan route closed and to effectively manage migration flows. Those who have come here irregularly need to either be given asylum or returned quickly. The EU is fully confident that Syrians can be returned to Turkey. Turkey has a track record of protecting Syrian refugees, and Europe is making a huge effort to support their care there. Moreover, relocation has now accelerated to 11,000. And we can reach 20,000 in the coming months, but it also depends on you and of course on other member states.

Before concluding, let me add my voice to all those condemning the chemical attack yesterday in Idlib in the strongest possible terms. The indiscriminate killing of children, women and men with chemical weapons is another tragic reminder of the brutality of this conflict and the Syrian regime. And this is not the first report of such attacks in Syria. As I have said before, the perpetrators of these acts must be held accountable. The Syrian regime bears the primary responsibility for the atrocities. But all those who support the regime share the moral and political responsibility for the situation. Thank you.

1. The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations and the Foreign Ministers of Germany, Kuwait, Norway, Qatar, and the United Kingdom chaired today in Brussels a conference on the Syrian conflict and its impact on the region. This conference brought together representatives of over 70 countries and international organisations, international and Syrian civil society, and built on previous years' conferences in Kuwait and London.

2. The conflict in Syria has brought about destruction and human suffering on an enormous scale. In particular, the Conference condemned the use of chemical weapons by the Government and ISIL/Daesh, as identified by the UN-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism, and the attacks on Khan Sheikhun yesterday. The use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, must stop immediately.

3. The international community is deeply committed to engaging and working together to support a peaceful future for Syria and all its people. To that effect, the conference stressed the importance of maintaining a sovereign, independent, unitary and territorially integral country where all Syrians will be able to live in peace and security. It aimed at further progress towards a sustainable inclusive peace, while addressing the urgent humanitarian and resilience needs inside Syria and supporting the efforts of neighbouring countries in hosting over five million refugees.

4. The conference recognised that the humanitarian and resilience needs of vulnerable people (especially women and children) inside Syria and in the region have never been greater. It took note of UN-coordinated appeals requesting $8 billion in 2017 to cover assistance and protection needs inside Syria as well as in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt. It acknowledged the continuing generosity of neighbouring host countries and their communities in providing refuge to millions of displaced people. Participants agreed that in order to meet the massive needs of populations inside Syria and in neighbouring countries and strengthen the resilience of host communities, significant financial support and innovative and holistic approaches are needed. The generosity of the participants has resulted in the pledging $ 6 billion (€ 5.6 billion) for 2017, as well as multi-year pledges of $ 3.73 billion (€ 3.47 billion) for 2018-2020. In addition, some international financial institutions and donors announced around $ 30 billion (€ 27.9 billion) in loans of which elements are on concessional terms. Co-chairs and others agreed to widen the resource base and ensure greater predictability, coherence and effectiveness of the aid by translating the Grand Bargain commitments made at the World Humanitarian Summit into action to deliver concrete dividends for the people affected by the Syrian conflict.

5. Humanitarian assistance alone, however, cannot stop the suffering of Syria's people in the absence of a political solution negotiated between the Syrian parties, on the basis of relevant UNSCRs, including 2254, and the 2012 Geneva Communique. The conference highlighted that any lasting solution to the conflict has to be centred on meeting the democratic aspirations and needs of the Syrian people and providing safety and security for all. Only through a genuine and inclusive political transition will there be an end to the conflict.

6. Participants therefore re-iterated their full support and commitment to the UN-moderated intra-Syrian talks in Geneva, as the only forum where a political solution should be negotiated. They welcomed the talks in Geneva, looked forward to further progress, and commended the tireless efforts of the UN Special Envoy. The role for civil society, including women's organisations, was recognised as a key part of a lasting solution.  Participants explored how the international community and the region can contribute to ensuring the success of the talks.

7. Participants recognised the constructive role that regional actors can play in facilitating a resolution to the conflict and welcomed the initiative of the EU to find common ground between them on the future of Syria.

8. The Astana meetings have a potentially crucial role in consolidating and strengthening the nationwide ceasefire, guaranteed by Russia and Turkey, and, now, with the participation of Iran. Constructive contributions from the Astana meetings should complement the efforts of the Geneva Task Forces. While supporting these efforts, strong concerns were expressed about ongoing military activity and all sides were urged to redouble their efforts to achieve full compliance with the ceasefire. A genuine ceasefire should facilitate unimpeded, country-wide humanitarian access. Immediate practical measures such as the release of detainees/abductees, the exchange of prisoners and handover of bodies, to identify missing persons, were also recognised as important confidence building measures. Participants welcomed the UN's readiness to provide technical support to improve the efficiency of the trilateral mechanism to observe compliance with the ceasefire.

9. The protection of civilians remains paramount. Participants condemned the continued violations and abuses of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law by parties involved in the conflict, including the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, in particular medical and educational infrastructure and places of worship, and sexual and gender based violence. In particular they noted the findings of the UN Headquarters Board of Inquiry on the UN-Syrian Arab Red Crescent convoy. In addition participants condemned the atrocities committed by ISIL/Daesh and other UN-designated terrorist groups and reaffirmed their strong commitment to defeat them. Co-chairs called for support, including through adequate financial means, for the implementation of the UNGA Resolution 71/248 establishing an International Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) to ensure accountability for such systematic, widespread and gross violations and abuses of IHL and human rights in Syria.

10. Participants recalled the urgency of allowing rapid, safe, sustained and unhindered countrywide humanitarian access by UN agencies and NGOs to all those in need through the most direct routes, including across conflict lines and across borders, and to end all arbitrary denials of humanitarian access. Starvation of civilians through besiegement as a method of combat and their forcible displacement, as identified by the Commission of Inquiry established by the UN Human Rights Council, are clear breaches of IHL, and as such, they are unacceptable and must cease immediately. Providing immediate humanitarian support and protection to all those in need throughout the country remains imperative. Participants praised the work of Syrian, regional and international aid organisations, and called on those responsible on the ground to ensure that humanitarian relief and medical workers can deliver assistance without facing the risk of violence. Humanitarian mine action to reduce the impact of explosive hazards in Syria was also recognised as a critical protection issue for civilians. Neighbouring countries were called upon to continue to facilitate humanitarian access.

11. Participants recognised the challenges faced by neighbouring countries, notably Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey due to the extended presence of millions of Syrian refugees, and commended those governments, together with Iraq, Egypt and others in the region including Gulf states hosting significant numbers of people from Syria, for providing leadership in responding to the impact of the conflict. Participants took note of the resolution of the League of Arab States on the Syrian refugee crisis and reaffirmed their strong commitment to support host countries in providing public services, protection and assistance to refugees and host communities. The conference paid particular tribute to all those who had delivered such support in the most difficult of circumstances. Substantial progress has been made by regional governments in meeting London Conference objectives and participants welcomed the generosity of the countries hosting refugees.12. The co-chairs and others acknowledged the need for support for the economic development of Jordan and Lebanon to address the impact of the protracted crisis as well as opportunities for Syrians to secure their livelihoods. They welcomed progress in opening labour markets to refugees and agreed to support job creation programmes aligned with the host country governments' social and economic development strategies. Bearing in mind the need to accelerate progress to create 1.1 million jobs, the co-chairs undertook to support economic growth for the benefit of all, including through access to external markets and concessional funding, as well as infrastructure development. The co-chairs called upon the other participants to join them in supporting the necessary reforms, which would include improved regulation and investment climate, strengthened public-private sector links and adoption of clear reform strategies. Participants committed to increasing access to vocational training for refugees and host communities, closely aligned with private sector labour needs and accompanied by skills matching programmes. Details of how we will pursue this shared vision are set out in the documents in annex.

13. Participants agreed to continue to work towards the target of ensuring No Lost Generation of children, in Syria and in the region and increase efforts to reach the goal of getting all refugee children and vulnerable children in host communities into quality education with equal access for girls and boys. They committed to increase access to learning for 1.75 million children out of school in Syria itself. In this regard, it was also agreed to centre efforts on improving learning outcomes for boys and girls from the refugee and vulnerable host communities and to prevent drop out due to financial and non-financial barriers.

14. Participants highlighted the close links between protection, education and livelihood opportunities and welcomed host countries' renewed commitment to the protection of refugees, including through addressing those factors that place them in a situation of illegality. Humanitarian assistance to support the basic needs of the most vulnerable refugees, with a specific emphasis on children and women, must be strengthened. Participants recognised the critical role of resettlement as a protection tool for particularly vulnerable refugees, in order to offer, together with other legal pathways, safe and dignified access to safety beyond the immediate region. The importance of safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees, in accordance with international law and once conditions are in place, was recognised.

15. Reconstruction and international support for its implementation will be a peace dividend only once a credible political transition is firmly underway. It is vital that post-agreement planning progresses in order to be prepared to respond quickly and effectively when the conditions outlined in the UNSCR 2254 and the Geneva Communiqué are in place. Participants therefore welcomed the work of the UN Inter-agency Task Force on UN post-agreement planning and its efforts to engage with relevant stakeholders and address international coordination, and took note of the principles for civilian stabilisation outlined at the London Conference. Damage and needs analyses are currently being undertaken by the UN, EU and World Bank, with a view to initiating a full Recovery and Peace Building Assessment when appropriate. Co-chairs and others reflected on ways in which Syrians and their neighbours could contribute to Syrian economic recovery and reconstruction once a credible political transition is firmly under way.

16. Participants acknowledged that reconstruction will be successful only in the context of a genuine and inclusive transition that benefits all the Syrians. The legitimate grievances and democratic aspirations of the Syrian people need to be addressed to secure lasting peace. Reconciliation and transitional justice will also be an integral part of rebuilding the country on a peaceful basis.

17. The attached fundraising annex sets out the pledges made at this Conference. The co-chairs committed to track and report on delivery of pledges, in coordination with the UN. They also undertook to review progress on the commitments of this conference regularly at key international events during the year.

18. Today's conference has agreed on a comprehensive approach to the Syrian crisis.  It underlined the need to continue to respond to the dire humanitarian situation by ensuring principled assistance and protection for those populations in need and support to the neighbouring countries. The scale of suffering is such that a political solution is more urgent than ever before. Investment of political efforts in supporting a resolution to the crisis is therefore paramount in securing a future for Syria and its people. Only Syrians can make the agreement that will secure peace. But the commitment of the international community and the region to supporting them in achieving that peaceful future is essential. Sustainable and inclusive peace in Syria for the Syrians remains the objective of all our efforts.

Dear members of the European Parliament,

Thank you for your letter of 27 March 2017 in which you comment on my remarks in an interview with the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Allow me to respond to this letter and reflect on the specific issues you have raised.

In my interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung I have underlined the importance of solidarity and reciprocity within the European Union.

I made the point that the agreed framework is crucial for confidence in the Eurozone, both in the outside world and between member states. For solidarity between the member states, which I value very much, it is crucial that we all show commitment and responsibility. Let me recall the exact wording:

"Zum einen machen wir uns nach außen hin berechenbar, wenn wir ihn konsequent anwenden. Zum anderen wirkt der Pakt innerhalb der Eurozone vertrauensbildend. In der Euro-Krise haben sich die nördlichen Eurostaaten solidarisch mit den Krisenländern gezeigt. Als Sozialdemokrat halte ich Solidarität für äußerst wichtig. Aber wer sie einfordert, hat auch Pflichten. Ich kann nicht mein ganzes Geld für Schnaps und Frauen ausgeben und anschließend Sie um Ihre Unterstützung bitten. Dieses Prinzip gilt auf persönlicher, lokaler, nationaler und eben auch auf europäischer Ebene.”

In the days following the publication of the interview my words were linked to the situation in countries in Southern Europe during the crisis years. It is very unfortunate that this link was made as this was not what I said. And it certainly was not what I had intended. The crisis has impacted societies throughout the Eurozone at great social expense and solidarity has been very much justified.

Regrettably, some people were offended by the way I expressed myself. Choice of words is of course personal as is the way they are picked up. I shall be even more careful in the future as it is never my intention to insult people.

Building a community, including solidarity, comes with commitment to joint values, laid down in our legal agreements. Let me be absolutely clear, this applies to all members of the EMU. Frameworks like the Stability and Growth Pact and the Banking Union are what keeps the Eurozone united and strong. On this base we can build and take next steps together.

Let me conclude by saying that I remain fully committed to work together with you as members of the European Parliament and all European citizens to strengthen our economies and our monetary union.

Yours sincerely,

Jeroen Dijsselbloem

Cc: Mr Antonio Tajani, President of the European Parliament

Good afternoon. Let me first of all thank President Radev for his hospitality here in Sofia. Our discussions today focused on the political situation in the Balkans, migration, Schengen and Brexit.

Let me start with migration. Bulgaria is perhaps the best example of how to protect our borders. I witnessed this myself today during the briefing on the situation at your borders with both Turkey and Greece. Thankfully, the situation is under control and it proves how efficient the Bulgarian border services and its political leadership are. Unfortunately, there will be a need for vigilance for a long time to come.

We are determined to keep routes of illegal migration in this region closed. And we remain committed to the full implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement. The EU is honouring its commitments, just like we expect Turkey to continue keeping its part of the deal.

I know that Bulgaria's strengthened border control has put a considerable pressure on your budget. You have invested a lot of your own security resources in this task. The EU and its Member States have helped with financial support and the rapid deployment of a joint European operation. Only at Bulgaria's border with Turkey, the European Border and Coast Guard has deployed around 100 officers to support you. Should further difficulties arise on Bulgaria's borders, the EU has already planned emergency funding, and stands ready to react quickly in support of Bulgaria.

For me the excellent job you are doing at your borders is evidence that you have made enough progress to become part of the Schengen area. Many think this should already have happened by now. I can assure you of my support but we need, as you know, all Member States' agreement. We work hard to make it happen. Member states have already shown their support for Bulgaria to be covered by the new high-tech systems we are building to strengthen Schengen, and this is a promising step forward.

Now let me add a word on the Brexit talks, which we also discussed today. Your citizens only recently gained the full right to work in the UK. They deserve our full commitment that their interests will be safeguarded. Our goal in this respect is clear: to minimise the costs of Brexit for all EU citizens wherever they come from.

You live in a challenging neighbourhood but you are an essential part of Europe. Europe is not only about procedures and money but also about shared values, dignity and political solidarity. And political solidarity means one for all and all for one. Edin za vsichki i vsichki za edin. Europe will always stand by you.

The special meeting of the European Council will take place on 29 April 2017 in the Europa building in Brussels. The press centre remains located in the Justus Lipsius building.

Please note that due to the current security situation in Belgium, specific security measures have been put in place for last minute accreditation requests. Media representatives applying for the first time or who have not been screened recently will be the subject of a comprehensive and detailed verification by our security service. Considering the time and resources needed for these verifications, not all requests may be processed. Media are therefore advised to avoid sending representatives falling into these categories.

If this is your first registration, please make sure you have a recent ID-size photograph in JPEG format (.jpg) and the number of your passport or identity card ready before starting the online process.

You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt by email. Please read it carefully as it includes the list of original documents you will be asked to provide when collecting your badge. Depending on your profile, the requested document will include: Passport or ID card, press card and/or a letter from your editor-in chief as well as the signed original of your authorisation for security screening (only for media representatives of Belgian nationality or resident in Belgium). The press centre may contact you to request additional information if necessary. No accreditation badge will be issued if you cannot provide all required documents. 

Trainees with media organisations who do not possess a press card are not entitled to request accreditation. 

Journalists holding a 6-month badge (01.01.2017 - 30.06.2017) do not need to register

6-month badges can be collected at the accreditation centre of the LEX building during summits. Please ensure that you have all the required documents when collecting your badge.

Accreditation badges must be collected in person from the LEX building (145 rue de la Loi, Brussels)  

• Thursday 27 April, from 09.30 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 18.00
• Friday 28 April, from 08.30 to 20.00
• Saturday 29 April, from 08.00 to the end of the final press conference (max. 22.00)

Practical information on the press centre and the media programme will follow.

For more details on the special meeting of the European Council,  see the meeting page.

16 member states notified the three institutions of their intention to launch an enhanced cooperation to establish a European public prosecutor's office (EPPO). The EPPO will be in charge of investigating, prosecuting and bringing to justice the perpetrators of offences against the Union's financial interests.

The notification letter received today includes 16 signatories: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Spain, Finland, France, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia.

Other member states are expected to join the cooperation, which they are entitled to do at any time before or after the adoption of the EPPO regulation.

Negotiations at the Council will now resume in order to finalise the text.

Minister Owen Bonnici, on behalf of the Maltese presidency, said: "Although Malta will not take part in the enhanced cooperation, we kept true to the word we gave at the start of our presidency to act as an honest broker. We are committed to start again the work on the regulation quickly in order to reach an agreement over the coming months".

The discussions at the Council will take place on the basis of the latest compromise text of the EPPO regulation as stabilised in January 2017.

The draft regulation must obtain the consent of the European Parliament before it can be finally adopted.

We would like to congratulate you on your election as President of Serbia, confirming the strong support you enjoy among the population of your country. This vote of confidence shows that the people of Serbia fully endorse the European path you have chosen and which will lead to EU membership. 

We wish you success in further pursuing this path by promoting the reforms associated with the ongoing accession process which will bring a better life to all citizens. Stable and functioning institutions, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption are crucial for further positive economic developments. We are confident that you will continue to promote cooperation and reconciliation in the region, essential for stability, peace and prosperity. Your determination will also be key to continue the progress in the EU facilitated Dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. 

We would like to reiterate the European Union's full support for Serbia's European reform agenda and look forward to working with you in the future as President of Serbia.

On 29 March 2017, the Council's Permanent Representatives Committee backed a proposal to increase EU support for regions affected by earthquakes, floods, droughts and other natural disasters. The EU share in the costs of reconstruction would raise to up to 90%. This would almost double the EU financial contribution for some regions from the current level of 50%. Today's decision allows the Maltese Presidency to start negotiations with the European Parliament. 

"Anybody who has seen at first hand the effects of a natural disaster knows what a devastating impact it can have on people's lives. Whilst we cannot prevent natural disasters, we can offer support to affected regions and help them in the task of reconstruction. That's why we have taken this decision today".

The increase of the EU financing rate would apply to payments from the European fund for regional development (ERDF). The total volume of the EU financed part of the ERDF of around €196.4 billion for the period 2014-2020 would remain unchanged.

The increased EU financing rate from the ERDF would complement the financial assistance that the EU already provides through its solidarity fund. The solidarity fund can be mobilised for an amount of up to €500.0 million per year to help member states to cope with natural disasters.

So, here it is, six pages: the notification from Prime Minister Theresa May, triggering Article 50 and formally starting the negotiations of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union. There is no reason to pretend that this is a happy day, neither in Brussels, nor in London. After all, most Europeans, including almost half the British voters wish that we would stay together, not drift apart. As for me I will not pretend that I am happy today.

But paradoxically there is also something positive in Brexit. Brexit has made us, the community of 27, more determined and more united than before. I am fully confident of this, especially after the Rome declaration, and today I can say that we will remain determined and united also in the future, also during the difficult negotiations ahead.

This means that both I and the Commission have a strong mandate to protect the interests of the 27. There is nothing to win in this process, and I am talking about both sides. In essence, this is about damage control. Our goal is clear: to minimise the costs for the EU citizens, businesses and Member States. We will do everything in our power - and we have all the tools - to achieve this goal. And what we should stress today is that, as for now, nothing has changed: until the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, EU law will continue to apply to - and within - the UK.

Finally, I would like to say that we have just released an official statement by the European Council, in which leaders stress that we will act as one and start negotiations by focusing on all key arrangements for an orderly withdrawal. On Friday I will share a proposal of the negotiating guidelines with the Member States, to be adopted by the European Council on 29 April.

I will refer to this and I will comment on our proposals on Friday during our press conference with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in Malta.

What can I add to this? We already miss you.

Statement by the European Council 1

Today, the European Council received a letter from the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, notifying the United Kingdom's intention to leave the European Union. This notification follows the referendum of 23 June 2016 and starts the withdrawal process under Article 50 of the Treaty. We regret that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union, but we are ready for the process that we now will have to follow.

For the European Union, the first step will now be the adoption of guidelines for the negotiations by the European Council. These guidelines will set out the overall positions and principles in light of which the Union, represented by the European Commission, will negotiate with the United Kingdom.

In these negotiations the Union will act as one and preserve its interests. Our first priority will be to minimise the uncertainty caused by the decision of the United Kingdom for our citizens, businesses and Member States. Therefore, we will start by focusing on all key arrangements for an orderly withdrawal.

We will approach these talks constructively and strive to find an agreement. In the future, we hope to have the United Kingdom as a close partner.

President Tusk has convened the European Council on 29 April 2017.

 1 Following the notification under Article 50 TEU, the member of the European Council representing the withdrawing Member State shall not participate in the discussions of the European Council or in decisions concerning it.

Monday 27 March
11.00 Meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

Tuesday 28 March 2017
12.30 Meeting with President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker
16.00 Meeting with Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili (press statements ± 16.30)
19.15 Phone call with UK Prime Minister Theresa May

Wednesday 29 March 2017
+/- 13:20 Handover of UK Prime Minister Theresa May's letter of notification (article 50) by Ambassador Tim Barrow - Photos will be made available (no video footage)
+/- 13:45 Press statement on the UK notification (Europa Building, press room)
17.30 Meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Pavel Filip
Malta
22.45 Bilateral meeting with Boyko Borissov

Thursday 30 March 2017
Malta
EPP Enlarged summit
10.30 Bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković
10.45 Bilateral meeting with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko
12.30 Speech at the summit

Friday 31 March 2017
Malta
09.15 Bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat (press conference ± 09.45)

Let me welcome Prime Minister Kvirikashvili to Brussels today.

And today is not just any day. It is a very special day for both the European Union and Georgia, as your visit coincides with the entry into force of the visa-free regime between the European Union and Georgia.

It has been a long journey, but one that has brought us closer together. A journey, I believe, that also has helped to reform and develop Georgia itself. 

Georgia has done a great job and achieved much! Today is a historic day for all of us but especially the Georgian people who from now on will be able to travel freely to the Schengen area. It is an important step to building an even closer EU-Georgia relationship.

In our meeting, I praised Georgia for its ambition and dedication to implement the Association Agreement (AA).

We expect intensified growth in Georgia's trade with the European Union, which today accounts for a quarter of your country's  overall trade. The EU will continue to assist Georgia in making increasingly better use of the Association Agreement in order for citizens to enjoy its full benefits.

I also paid tribute to the government's strong engagement within the Eastern Partnership and its concrete contributions to exploring new areas of collaboration ahead of the Summit this autumn.

I was glad to hear about the government's commitment to media pluralism in Georgia, particularly in light of developments around the Rustavi 2 TV channel case. The EU attaches great importance to media pluralism and looks forward to seeing concrete steps taken to ensure it.

I also expressed to the Prime Minister my concerns about the latest developments regarding the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, in particular the closure of two crossing points along the Administrative Boundary Line with Abkhazia on 6 March.

I note, in this context, that while the European Union is opening its borders to Georgia, you have a neighbour that assists in creating new borders to limit your freedom, even inside your sovereign country.

I reaffirmed to the Prime Minister the EU's firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and our strong commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Georgia, including through our co-chairmanship of the Geneva International Discussions and the EU Monitoring Mission. Continued efforts to engage with Abkhazia and South Ossetia remain crucial to achieving long-term solutions to these conflicts. 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, HAVING REGARD to the Communications from the Commission on "Stronger and Smarter Information Systems for Borders and Security"[1], "Enhancing security in a world of mobility: improved information exchange in the fight against terrorism and stronger external borders "[2], and "Action plan to strengthen the European response to travel document fraud"[3],

1. RECOGNISES the crucial importance of secured travel and identity documents to tackle the phenomenon of travel document fraud;
2. UNDERLINES that breeder, identity and travel document security is a key factor for enhancing internal security, fighting against terrorism and organised crime, and improving border management; and RECALLS the need to accelerate the implementation of the exchange of certificates for the checking of fingerprints through the Single Points of Contact (SPOC) and the authenticity of the chip data using Master Lists;
3. STRESSES the importance of the work carried out by the Committee created by Article 6 of Regulation (EC) N°1683/95 on a uniform format for visas and that it is best placed to discuss standards of a technical nature;
4. UNDERLINES the importance of security standards for relevant residence, identity and travel documents; and RECOMMENDS that breeder documents should have minimum security standards to prevent falsification when used as evidence of identity;
5. WELCOMES the ongoing exchange of best practices, including through workshops and expert meetings hosted by the European Commission, Frontex or eu-LISA, on secure biometrics enrolment (fingerprints or facial images) and the security of issuing processes for breeder, identity and travel documents;
6. RECALLS the work done by international organisations such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in the framework of evidence of identity and rendering breeder documents more secure;
7. NOTES that FADO (False and Authentic Documents Online) currently contains about 3,000 specimens of genuine documents and anonymised examples of false documents describing the forgery techniques used, as well as about 2,000 national false document alerts;
8. RECOGNISES that FADO having been set up by the Council Joint Action of 3 December 1998[4], its management is somewhat outdated and a centralised management at Commission level would be more appropriate; NOTES the ideas put forward in this context by Frontex and eu-LISA at the informal Strategic Committee on Immigration, Frontiers and Asylum (SCIFA) in Malta on 16 February 2017 regarding the future management of FADO;
9. CONSIDERS that FADO, having a key role to play in detecting document and related identity fraud, is not entirely fit for purpose anymore; also CONSIDERS that synergies could be exploited in this regard using FADO User Group's experience, Frontex's expertise in the area of document fraud and the work this agency has already been carrying out in this field, and eu-LISA's competence in hosting security-related IT systems;
10. UNDERLINES that a major overhaul of FADO through a change of its legal basis is required in order to continue meeting the requirements of Justice and Home Affairs policies and the challenges ahead in this field, as also highlighted by the EU Counter Terrorism Coordinator[5], while ensuring the continuity of the system;
11. CONSIDERS it would be highly beneficial that Member States upload information on a mandatory basis in FADO; therefore, INVITES the European Commission to take the necessary actions, including a legislative proposal establishing FADO on a more solid basis, while ensuring its continuity and development;
12. CONSIDERS in particular that in the light of the recent challenges faced by the European Union in terms of illegal migration and security, improving the use of FADO is a priority;
13. ENCOURAGES the Commission and the European External Action Service, in collaboration with the Member States, to use the current cooperation with third countries, including in the context of the Migration Partnership Framework, the Joint Valletta Action Plan and the visa dialogues, to improve the security of breeder, identity and travel documents at international level as a matter of priority; STRESSES that such cooperation constitutes a good opportunity to improve the security of documents and further develop population registries in priority third countries; TAKES NOTE of the bilateral cooperation between the Member States and third countries in this regard;
14. CALLS UPON the Commission and the Council preparatory structures to ensure appropriate follow-up of the implementation of the Action plan to strengthen the European response to travel document fraud.

[1] COM(2016) 205 final.
[2] Doc. 12307/16.
[3] Doc. 15502/16. 
[4] Council Joint Action 98/700/JHA.
[5] Doc. 14260/16: "Implementation of the counter-terrorism agenda set by the European Council".

I was born exactly 60 years ago, so I am the same age as the European Community. For this reason, please allow me for a more personal reflection today. As you know, sometimes the place of birth is even more important than the date of birth. In my case, it is the city of Gdańsk, persistently built for hundreds of years by Poles and Germans, by the Dutch, by Jews, by Scots and the French. In 1945, incidentally also in the month of March, within a few days Hitler and Stalin destroyed my hometown. It was burnt to the ground.

I was 8 years old when the Community established a single council and a single commission through the Merger Treaty; the road I then took to school every day still led through the ruins of the burnt city. For me, the Second World War is not an abstraction.

In 1980, a year after the first elections to the European Parliament, in my Gdańsk, the Solidarity movement, Solidarność, was born. I was there at the time, in the Gdańsk shipyard, among the workers, together with Lech Wałęsa, who had the courage to shout out the truth about our dreams in the face of the communist regime. They were simple dreams: about human dignity, about freedom and democracy. At that time we all looked to the West, towards a free and unifying Europe, instinctively feeling that this was the very future we were dreaming about. And although tanks and troops were sent against us, those dreams lived on.

When in 1987 the Single European Act (the beginning of the Single Market) entered into force, we in Poland were preparing ourselves for the final battle. Solidarność won, and soon after, the Berlin Wall also fell: the road to Europe opened up for us. And some 20 years later, already as Polish Prime Minister, I was opening the most modern stadium in Europe, of course in my hometown of Gdańsk. The city, that was then completely rebuilt and beautiful as never before. My country had already been in the European Union for 8 years.

I am recalling this brief course in history today only to make everybody aware that for millions of people, and today those millions will be demonstrating in the streets of our capitals, in Rome, in Warsaw, even London, the European Union is not about slogans, it is not about procedures, it is not about regulations. Our Union is a guarantee that freedom, dignity, democracy and independence are no longer only our dreams, but our everyday reality.

I lived behind the Iron Curtain for more than half of my life, where it was forbidden to even dream about those values. Yes, back then, that really was a two-speed Europe. And that is why today I have the right to loudly repeat this simple truth: that nothing in our life is granted forever - that to build a free world requires time, great effort and sacrifice. This is why it was achieved in so few places on Earth. And yet we made it. To destroy such a world is very easy. It only takes a short moment. As it happened once, with my Gdańsk.

Today in Rome we are renewing the unique alliance of free nations that was initiated 60 years ago by our great predecessors. At that time they did not discuss multiple speeds, they did not devise exits, but despite all the tragic circumstances of the recent history, they placed all their faith in the unity of Europe. They had the courage of Columbus to enter unchartered waters, to discover the New World.

And so tell me: why should we lose our trust in the purpose of unity today? Is it only because it has become our reality? Or because we have become bored or tired of it?

Europe as a political entity will either be united, or will not be at all. Only a united Europe can be a sovereign Europe in relation to the rest of the world. And only a sovereign Europe guarantees independence for its nations, guarantees freedom for its citizens. The unity of Europe is not a bureaucratic model. It is a set of common values and democratic standards. Today it is not enough to call for unity and to protest against multiple speeds. It is much more important that we all respect our common rules such as human rights and civil liberties, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, checks and balances, and the rule of law. This is the true foundation of our unity.

The Union after Rome should be, more than before, a Union of the same principles, a Union of external sovereignty, a Union of political unity. Prove today that you are the leaders of Europe, that you care for this great legacy we inherited from the heroes of European integration 60 years ago. Thank you

On 3 March 2017, the Council adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/381 [1]. The Council Decision extends the existing restrictive measures until 6 March 2018. The measures in question are an assets freeze and a prohibition from making funds available regarding 15 individuals considered as responsible for the misappropriation of Ukrainian State funds before 2014. 

The Candidate Countries Montenegro* and Albania*, the EFTA countries Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this Council Decision. 

They will ensure that their national policies conform to this Council Decision. 

The European Union takes note of this commitment and welcomes it. 

 [1] Published on 04.03.2017 in the Official Journal of the European Union no. L58, p. 34. 
* Montenegro and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

Today, President Jean-Claude Juncker will speak on behalf  of the EU Institutions.

But let me just say  a few words. First of all, I would like to thank you very warmly, you, I mean social partners, for our great cooperation. And let me also compliment you on your engagement and efficiency. In my life I have been a trade union activist, for many years illegal, pursued by the Communist Secret Services, a businessman, of course, legal, an ordinary construction worker for 8 years, a civil servant,  and a journalist.

This time has taught me that dialogue is always better than monologue, cooperation better than confrontation, and of course respect better than disrespect. This is why I attach such great importance to our meetings and common initiatives. And this is also why I really understand all parties of the Social partnership. And I hope that the years ahead will be even better than now

Friday 24 March 2017
Rome
15.30 Extraordinary meeting between the European Social Partners and the European institutions
18.00 Audience of Presidents of EU institutions and EU heads of state or government with the Holy Father Pope Francis
19.30 Bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Estonia, Jüri Ratas

Saturday 25 March 2017
Rome - 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties
09.00 Welcome of the EU heads of state or government together with Prime Minister of Italy Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat
10.00 Celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties
11.50 Family photo
12.00 Joint press conference with European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Prime Minister of Italy Paolo Gentiloni, Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat
13.00 Lunch hosted by the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella

Monday 27 March
11.00 Meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

Tuesday 28 March 2017
13.00 Meeting with President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker
16.00 Meeting with Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili (press statements ± 16.30)

Wednesday 29 March 2017
17.30 Meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Pavel Filip

Thursday 30 March 2017
Malta
EPP Enlarged summit
09.30 Bilateral meeting with Boyko Borissov
10.30 Bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković
10.45 Bilateral meeting with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko
12.30 Speech at the summit

Friday 31 March 2017
Malta
09.15 Bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat (press conference ± 09.45)

Place:
Europa building, Brussels 

Chairs:
Carmelo Abela, Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, and
Owen Bonnici, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government of Malta

All times are approximate and subject to change  

+/- 08.30
Arrivals (live streaming)

+/- 10.00
Meeting of the Mixed Committe (roundtable)
Information Technology (IT) measures related to border management
European Border and Coast Guard: Implementation
Any other business

+/- 10.45
Beginning of the Home Affairs meeting
Adoption of the agenda
Adoption of non-legislative A items

+/- 10.55
Return policy - enhancing effectiveness

+/- 13.00
Working lunch (Migration policy) 
 
+/- 14.45
Radicalisation Awareness Network

+/- 15.00
Migration policy 

+/- 16.15
European Border and Coast Guard

+/- 16.20
Any other business:
- EU Internet Forum
- Data retention
- Conference "Managing Migration Challenges Together", Vienna, 8 February 2017

+/- 16.40
Reform of the Common European Asylum System and Resettlement  (live streaming)
Information Technology (IT) measures related to border management  (live streaming)
Any other business

+/- 17.15
Press conference in JL press room (live streaming)

+/- 08.00
Arrivals

+/- 09.00
Doorstep by Minister Owen Bonnici

+/- 09.30
Informal ministerial meeting on the European Public Prosecutor's Office (roundtable)

+/- 10.30
Beginning of the Justice Council
Data retention 

+/- 10.45
Criminal Justice in cyberspace 

+/- 11.45
Foreign Terrorist Fighter returnees
Any other business

+/- 12.50
Combatting financial crime and terrorist financing  (live streaming)

+/- 13.00
Supply of digital content (live streaming) 
Any other business

+/- 13.15
Working lunch (protection of whistleblowers) 

+/- 14.45
Press conference in JL press room (live streaming)