Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The two-day summit of European Union leaders kicked off in Brussels this morning to discuss three main issues: Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the economy and competitiveness, and the migration file.
Shortly before the summit, EU Council President Charles Michel said, "What will be discussed at the EU-Ukraine summit in Kyiv on February 3, and in the context of the brutal Russian war, which has lasted nearly a year, we will continue to address all aspects of our unwavering support for Ukraine." In particular, we discuss Ukraine's initiative for a just peace, based on full respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, possible use of Russia's frozen and crippled assets, and accountability.
On the economy file, Michel said that the European Union, since its inception, has thrived in its unified market and its openness to trade, which guarantees prosperity for its citizens and highlights its values worldwide. Nearly seventy years later, that focus has not changed. As global markets become more competitive, we need to make sure we stay ahead of the curve on digital and green transformation. We want to remain a leader in innovation and in deploying net-zero technologies, for example, and are determined to strengthen our strategic sovereignty. Following our discussion in December and based on the Commission's recent communications, I would like us to provide further guidance on our short- and long-term strategy to keep our economies more prosperous and competitive. This entails addressing our regulatory and investment environment and discussing the best place and method for delivering principal financing, while preserving the integrity of the Single Market. Our discussion will lay the foundations for further work in this area at our meetings in March and June.
As for the third file, which is the immigration file, Michel said, "We will also discuss the immigration situation." "Migration management is one of the defining common challenges we have now, and I believe in the years to come. In the face of the increasing numbers of irregular border crossings via most routes, and internal movements within the Union, we need together to find a sustainable, responsible and humane solution. I propose that we focus in particular on The external dimension of migration, strengthening our external work, improving returns and readmission processes, better controlling our external borders, and combating trafficking and smuggling.