21 October 2016

Remarks by President Donald Tusk after the European Council meeting

Council President spoke about CETA. Tusk had previously said EU leaders would also discuss Russia and its role in Europe, and welcomed Prime Minister Theresa May saying she would not be entering "the lion's den", but "a nest of doves" because the EU is "the best company in the world."

Firstly, our citizens are increasingly concerned about whether the trade deals we negotiate are in their best interests. And I am afraid that we won't be able to continue to negotiate Free Trade Agreements if we do not prove in practice that we are very serious about protecting European consumers, workers and companies.

Today we have made some progress in this regard. Leaders committed to reach an urgent agreement on the modernisation of all the EU's trade defence instruments. And we have tasked our trade ministers with breaking the deadlock.

Secondly on CETA let me just say that I remain concerned, for a good trade agreement with a close partner like Canada and for Europe's reputation. All member states but one endorsed the agreement and we will continue with the best will and full engagement of the Commission [...]

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Remarks by President Donald Tusk following the first day of the European Council meeting

This evening we had a broad discussion about Russia. Leaders emphasised all sorts of Russian activities, from airspace violations, disinformation campaigns, cyber attacks, interference into the political processes in the EU and beyond, hybrid tools in the Balkans, to developments in the MH17 investigation. Given these examples, it is clear that Russia's strategy is to weaken the EU. We have a sober assessment of this reality, and no illusions. Increasing tensions with Russia is not our aim. We are simply reacting to steps taken by Russia. Of course the EU is always ready to engage in dialogue. But we will never compromise our values or principles. That is why leaders agreed to stay the course. And above all to keep the unity of the EU. [...]

 

Finally, let me say that we were glad to welcome Prime Minister May to her first European Council. Prime Minister May confirmed that the UK will invoke Article 50 before the end of March next year. There will be no negotiations until Article 50 is triggered by the UK so we didn't discuss Brexit tonight. However, the basic principles and rules, namely the Single Market and indivisibility of the four freedoms, will remain our firm stance.

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Doorstep remarks by President Donald Tusk before the European Council meeting

Let me start with CETA. The negotiations are still going on, as we speak. I hope that Belgium will once again prove that it is a true champion in compromise-making; and that on Friday we will have an agreement that will pave the way for signing CETA. But the question goes beyond CETA. If we are not able to convince people that trade agreements are in their interest, if we are not able to convince them that our representatives negotiate FTAs to protect people's interests, then we will have no chance to build public support for free trade. Which means, I am afraid, that CETA could be our last free trade agreement. That is also why we need effective tools to protect ourselves against unfair trade practices; and this is why the discussion on trade defence instruments is so important today.

We will also discuss Russia and its role in Europe and our neighbourhood. It is difficult, even impossible to talk about this, and not refer to the current attacks on civilians and hospitals in Aleppo. Today is not about decisions, but I want to underline that the EU should keep all options open, including sanctions, if the crimes continue.

 

Finally, let me say that I'll be very happy to welcome Prime Minister Theresa May today. Some media described her first meeting in the European Council as entering the lion's den. It's not true. It's more like a nest of doves. She'll be absolutely safe with us. And I hope that she will also realise that the European Union is simply the best company in the world. 

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