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Leaders
met last Thursday for the March European Council, and - a day later -
at 27 to discuss the future of the European Union before the 60th
anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. Our discussions were constructive and
focused, despite a little drama at the beginning.
I
will start with the European Council meeting itself. Following an
implementation report from Prime Minister Muscat, we discussed the
progress on our migration priorities as set down by leaders in the Malta
Declaration of the 3rd of February. Work has begun but now needs to
accelerate in order to start delivering results ahead of what we know
will be a challenging summer.
Secondly,
leaders discussed the prospects for the EU and euro area economies,
together with the President of the European Central Bank. Things are
getting better, and they are getting better in every Member State of the
Union. This proves that our economic strategies are on the right track.
Although unemployment is at its lowest level since 2009, leaders were
clear on the need to get it down further, particularly in the most
affected regions. Job creation will remain our priority. It is the best
means to tackle inequality and social injustice.
Leaders
confirmed the EU's position as the champion of open, rules-based free
and fair trade. Trade is central to European economic success and as I
mentioned several weeks ago, Europe needs to intensify trade talks with
our partners around the world. Not least due to signs of protectionism
emerging elsewhere. We agreed to swiftly advance ongoing negotiations,
such as with Japan, which are most advanced, with Mercosur and Mexico.
Already next week we will discuss with President Juncker how to progress
in our trade deal with Japan when we host Prime Minister Abe in
Brussels. Our sincere hope is to finalise these talks this year. Leaders
expressed their will to strengthen trade relations with China. At the
same time we will not hesitate to defend ourselves against unfair
trading practices, wherever necessary. We welcome the European
Parliament's strong commitment to making quick progress on the relevant
legislation. It will help Europe set the global standard for free and
fair trade.
In
the evening, we discussed the tense situation in the Western Balkans.
It was clear to all that forces inside and outside are working
vigorously to destabilise the region. That is why leaders reaffirmed
their unequivocal support for the Western Balkans, and its European
perspective. We also expressed our full commitment to support
EU-oriented reforms and ongoing projects. The European Union remains
faithful to the promise of Thessaloniki and fully committed to the
region's stability and prosperity. I hope this positive signal from
Europe will be heard.
Leaders
also reviewed progress made in the area of security and defence
cooperation, where the European Council gave a new impetus last December
as a strategic priority. Leaders agreed to come back to this again in
June.
On
Friday, we met informally at 27 ahead of the 60th anniversary of the
Treaty of Rome. There was an honest and constructive discussion about
our common future. It focused on what should be the main elements of the
Rome Declaration and our agenda going forward.
It
was clear from the debate that the unity of the 27 will be our most
precious asset. Our last meeting in Malta, subsequent opinions voiced by
some Member States as well as the European Commission's White Paper
leave us in no doubt that the idea of a multi-speed Europe will be one
of the discussions ahead of the Rome anniversary. I understand the
reasons for this.
Some
expect systemic changes that would loosen intra-EU ties and strengthen
the role of nations in relation to the community. Others, quite the
opposite, are looking for new, deeper dimensions of integration, even if
they would apply only to some Member States. Such a possibility is
indeed foreseen in the Treaties currently in force. However, considering
the interests of the community of 27 countries in the context of the
upcoming Brexit negotiations as well as the long-term strategic
interests of the EU, I will be urging everyone to strive towards
maintaining political unity among the 27.
This
is why, when discussing the various scenarios for Europe, our main
objective should be to strengthen mutual trust and unity among 27. After
last week's debate, I can openly say that all 27 leaders agree with
this objective. It was a relatively optimistic discussion about our
common future, with a positive approach from all sides, without any
exception. As I said after the meeting itself, "If you want to go fast,
go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
It
is our collective intention to mark the 60th anniversary with the sense
of celebration and sober reflection that it deserves. Me and
Jean-Claude continue to work closely with Prime Ministers Gentiloni and
Muscat on this. And I want to thank them both for their efforts and
dedication.
Finally,
on my re-appointment as President of the European Council, I have
nothing further to say except to reiterate that I am really grateful for
the trust that has been placed in me and absolutely determined to work
with all Member States and institutions to make the EU better and more
united.
Brexit
was not on our agenda last week, but let me share two remarks, given
that this is our last meeting before the UK triggers article 50.
I
will do everything in my power to make sure that the EU and the UK will
be close friends in the future. Britain will be dearly missed as an EU
Member State. At the same time, I would like to stress again that the
EU's door will always remain open for our British friends.
When
it comes to negotiations, we will have no choice but to start the
withdrawal talks once the UK notifies. We are carefully preparing for
these negotiations, in close consultation with Member States and the
European Parliament. It is our wish to make this process constructive,
and conducted in an orderly manner. However, the claims, increasingly
taking the form of threats, that no agreement will be good for the UK,
and bad for the EU, need to be addressed. I want to be clear that a 'no
deal scenario' would be bad for everyone, but above all for the UK,
because it would leave a number of issues unresolved. We will not be
intimidated by threats, and I can assure you they simply will not work.
Our goal is to have a smooth divorce and a good framework for the
future. And it is good to know that Prime Minister Theresa May shares
this view.
There
is one final thing I would like to say about the Netherlands, after
what happened over the weekend. The Netherlands is Europe, and today I
want to say that Europe is the Netherlands. A place of freedom and
democracy. And for sure Rotterdam. The city of Erasmus, brutally
destroyed by the Nazis, which today has a Mayor born in Morocco. If
anyone sees fascism in Rotterdam, they are completely detached from
reality. We all show solidarity with the Netherlands.
Out of respect for our friends in the Netherlands, let me repeat this in Dutch.
Nederland
is Europa en Europa is Nederland. Plaats van vrijheid en democratie.
Zeker Rotterdam. Stad van Erasmus, door de Nazi's kapot geschoten,
vandaag met een burgemeester geboren in Marokko. Dat heeft met fascisme
NIETS te maken. Wij zijn allen solidair met Nederland.
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