European Council
The President
Brussels, 13 December 2016
Dear colleagues,
We will meet on Thursday to discuss defence policy, migration as well as economic issues. This
time, as agreed, we will start with the traditional exchange of views with the President of the
European Parliament at 12.30.
We will then continue over lunch. Prime Minister Fico will update us on the progress in
implementing the previous European Council conclusions. We will then turn to migration, where we
have made important steps forward, not least on our external borders, but there is still work to be
done. We will review the progress on the internal and external strands, including the
implementation of the EU-Turkey statement and the Partnership Framework, as well as on
financial mechanisms to support origin, transit and host countries. Thereafter, we will discuss
external affairs: a draft decision on the Association Agreement with Ukraine, so as to open the way
for the ratification of the agreement; President Hollande and Chancellor Merkel will present the
state of play as regards the implementation of the Minsk Agreements and the situation in Syria.
Finally, President Anastasiades will inform us about the Cyprus settlement negotiations.
The afternoon working session will start with defence policy, for which Europeans must take
greater responsibility. Our aim is clear: to strengthen Europe's security in a challenging geopolitical
environment, and to better protect our citizens. We need to give a strong, political impetus on key
issues, in order to invest more and cooperate better amongst ourselves and with our partners. The
onus lies with Member States, but the EU can and will support their efforts. NATO Secretary
General Stoltenberg will join us at the beginning of this session to exchange views on EU-NATO
cooperation.
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