26 June 2015

European Council: Remarks by President Tusk following the first session of the EC meeting

The European Council said there isn't yet an agreement between Greece and the Institutions, and that the Eurogroup is expected to conclude on Saturday. On UK referendum on EU membership, Tusk confirmed the talks on UK renegotiation will now get underway: December will be the starting date.

As you know there is not yet an agreement between Greece and the Institutions and hence no agreement in the Eurogroup. That is why I asked the President of the Eurogroup to brief leaders on the state of negotiations with Greece. Leaders had a long discussion and are fully aware of the situation and potential consequences. We agree on our support for the Institutions and the current process of negotiations. Leaders have agreed there is no need for another Euro Summit, not tomorrow or over the weekend. Leaders expect the Eurogroup to conclude this process at their meeting on Saturday.

Today, we had a very long discussion on migration. In our search for a new European consensus on migration, today's decisions on return policy are the first step. Migrants with no legal right to enter the EU must be returned. [...]

Today, leaders agreed to accelerate readmission negotiations with the third countries and to fully implement EU rules on returns. We also agreed to use our trade and development agreements on the basis of the 'more for more' principle. Finally, Frontex will get more powers to help return illegal migrants. The Commission was tasked to deliver.

[...]

Finally, the British Prime Minister set out his plans for an in/out referendum. So the talks on UK renegotiation will now get underway. It was the first step in a longer process that will also end at the European Council. As I said earlier today one thing should be clear from the very beginning: the fundamental values of the European Union are not for sale and so are non-negotiable. We should consider British concerns, but only in a way which will be safe for all Europe. We will come back to this in December.

Full press release

© European Council