Programma Europese top: masterplan EMU, nationale groeiplannen en defensie op de agenda (en)

Brussels, 12 December 2012

BACKGROUND¹ EUROPEAN COUNCIL in Brussels

The European Council will discuss President Herman Van Rompuy i's roadmap for the completion of the economic and monetary union.

It will adopt conclusions covering this and other issues, in particular the annual growth survey which will be discussed in March 2013 and defence items which are on the agenda of the European Council in December 2013.

Indicative programme: Thursday: 17.00

17.30

17.45

20.00

followed by

Friday: 10.00

Followed by

Full media programme:

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/134134.pdf Invitation letter by President Van Rompuy:

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/134230.pdf

• Media accreditation: http://european-council.europa.eu

• Press conferences by video streaming: http://video.consilium.europa.eu/

• Video coverage in broadcast quality (MPEG4): http://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu

Exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament

Family photo

First working session

Working dinner

Press conference

Second working session Press conference

This note has been drawn up under the responsibility of the press office

Completing economic and monetary union

The European Council will discuss a roadmap prepared by President Herman Van Rompuy, in close cooperation with the presidents of the Commission, the eurogroup and the European Central Bank, on the further development of economic and monetary union (EMU)

In June, the European Council called on the four presidents to develop a "specific and time-bound roadmap" for completing EMU. The roadmap on the table builds on an interim report discussed at the October European Council and on ideas put forward during informal consultations held with the member states and the European Parliament. It outlines work to be done during three stages (end 2012-2013; 2013-2014; post 2014) in order to establish an integrated financial framework, an integrated budgetary framework and an integrated economic policy framework, and to strengthen democratic legitimacy and accountability

Annual growth survey

The European Council will take note of the annual growth survey submitted by the Commission and task the Council to examine it in order to provide the March 2013 European Council with its views

The annual growth survey outlines priority actions to be taken by member states in order to ensure better-coordinated and more effective policies for fostering sustainable economic growth. In order to maintain a reform momentum, the Commission recommends focusing on the same five priorities that were identified in last year's survey:

Pursuing differentiated, growth-friendly fiscal consolidation;

Restoring normal lending to the economy;

Promoting growth and competitiveness;

Tackling unemployment and the social consequences of the crisis; Modernising public administration

Defence

The European Council will adopt conclusions in order to launch preparatory work for the December 2013 European Council which will hold an in-depth discussion on defence issues

Elements to be addressed include, inter alia, increasing effectiveness of missions undertaken under the Common Security and Defence Policy, enhancing the development of defence capabilities and strengthening Europe's defence industry

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ec/134069.pdf http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/12/stl6/stl6669.enl2.pdf