President Juncker at the Informal Leaders’ Meeting in Salzburg
State of the Union proposals: A significant contribution to advance on Migration and Internal Security for a Europe that protects
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker i participated to the informal meeting of EU i heads of state or government which took place yesterday and today in Salzburg, Austria. EU leaders discussed internal security, migration and Brexit.
The Summit is part of the Leaders' Agenda which is a concrete work programme that seeks to unblock and find solutions to the main political challenges and priorities of the European Union.
President Juncker's State of the Union proposals, which formed the basis of discussions, represent a significant contribution to advance on migration and internal security for a Europe that protects. The Commission's proposals received broad backing by EU leaders.
Last night, leaders met for an informal working dinner with migration as the main topic. They discussed latest developments and assessed progress achieved to reduce irregular arrivals and to cooperate with third countries. Discussions were based on the Commission's proposals for a fully equipped European Border and Coast Guard, a reinforced Asylum Agency, a stronger and more effective European return policy and enhancing legal pathways to Europe.
Today as regards internal security, heads of state or government took stock of progress achieved to upgrade police and judicial cooperation, strengthen border security and enhance resilience in cyberspace. In particular, leaders discussed how to step up the fight against people smugglers and trafficking networks.
On Brexit, leaders reviewed progress in the Art. 50 talks with the UK and discussed the way forward in the presence of EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier i. Leaders of the EU-27 focused on the future EU-UK partnership, how to organise the final phase of the talks and also the need for a legally operational backstop on Ireland.
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