Det Europæiske Råd i Bruxelles den 20.-21. oktober 2016 - Bilag 5: Hyrdebrev fra formanden for Det Europæiske Råd forud for mødet i Det Europæiske Råd den 20-21/10-16

Europaudvalget 2016-17
Det Europæiske Råd 20-21/10-16 Bilag 5
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European Council

The President

Brussels, 18 October 2016

Dear colleagues,

We will meet later this week to discuss three major issues, namely migration, trade and Russia.

As regards migration, we are slowly turning the corner. Our actions are best seen on the Eastern

Mediterranean route, where we observed a 98% drop in the influx of irregular migrants between

September of last year and this year. The European institutions have increased their efforts in

helping third countries to take their citizens back. By June this year, Frontex had already returned

twice as many irregular migrants as in the whole of 2015. Additionally, the EU has recently

concluded an agreement with Afghanistan, which allows for more efficient cooperation on

migration.

On the Central Mediterranean route, arrivals are at the same level as in 2014 and 2015. That is

why at our October meeting we should focus more particularly on the work done with countries of

origin and transit in Africa. The President of the European Commission and the

High Representative will present where we are in implementing an effective Partnership

Framework of cooperation with individual countries, the so-called 'migration compacts'.

As for our trade policy, at the European Council we have a special responsibility regarding the

agreement with Canada. There is still work to be done, but I hope we will find a way forward.

Trade is a powerful engine for jobs, growth and better living standards. Yet the benefits of trade

are being questioned. I am convinced that together we can deliver a trade policy that is fit for

today's concerns and tomorrow's challenges. But ultimately it hinges on our ability to adequately

protect ourselves, and our citizens, when unfair practices arise. Because for trade to be free, it

needs to be fair. The European Council will therefore discuss the modernisation of trade defence

instruments and our ongoing negotiations of free trade agreements with key partners.

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Det Europæiske Råd i Bruxelles den 20.-21. oktober 2016 - Bilag 5: Hyrdebrev fra formanden for Det Europæiske Råd forud for mødet i Det Europæiske Råd den 20-21/10-16

Over dinner we will have a strategic discussion about Russia. The objective is to address our

overall, long-term relations with this important neighbour. Looking ahead to the decisions we will

need to take in December, our main asset in dealing with Russia remains our unity. To date,

regardless of our differences, we have always managed to remain united. And we must stay this

course.

In the same context we should also discuss the dramatic developments in Syria. The

High Representative will present the outcome of the Council's discussions, and we will adopt

conclusions.

Let me conclude by saying that a lot has happened since we last met at the June European

Council. 27 Member States have initiated work on a common future and outlined a Bratislava

roadmap, which helps guide the works of the institutions. The best way to prove the relevance of

the European project is to deliver on the concrete issues which matter most to our citizens.

As for the proceedings, we will start on Thursday at 16.00 with a traditional exchange of views with

the President of the European Parliament, followed by the family photo. At our afternoon working

session Robert Fico, as Prime Minister of the rotating Presidency, will present the implementation

of the work carried out by the Council, followed by a discussion on migration. Over dinner we will

have a broad debate about Russia. The Prime Minister of the Netherlands will inform us about the

ratification process of the AA/DCFTA with Ukraine. We will adopt conclusions on Syria. The Prime

Minister of the United Kingdom will present the current state of affairs in the country. Finally, I will

outline my suggestions for improving our working methods. I hope to get your agreement to start

applying them as of our December meeting, including by starting the European Councils much

earlier. We will conclude on Friday with a discussion on trade and the adoption of remaining

conclusions.

I look forward to seeing you in Brussels.

Yours sincerely,

D. TUSK

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