The gathering in Sibiu in Romania was planned as a show of unity and a chance to take big decisions in the wake of Brexit. But with Britain still an EU member, the summit is expected to be more low-key, with the bloc’s 27 remaining leaders starting a preliminary discussion on a “strategic agenda” for the next five years.
A declaration drafted for the summit, seen by the Financial Times, outlines 10 commitments for leaders that “look ahead to our common future” and “protect our way of life”.
The EU’s priorities will be filled out at a summit in June when leaders are expected to nominate a clutch of presidents for its main institutions, including the European Commission and European Central Bank.
Britain’s withdrawal is not mentioned in the Sibiu draft declaration and Theresa May, prime minister, is not expected to attend.
A separate note prepared for the summit, shared with diplomats on Thursday, lays out four main themes for debate, aiming to frame issues without sparking arguments.
Most notably a section on external policy declares that “in a more uncertain world” the EU will need to be “more assertive and effective in defending [its] interests”. With the rise of China in mind, the paper notes the need to “position Europe as a global player in the new strategic context”.
A section on the European economic model includes a more robust industrial policy that would “fight unfair practices and security risks” and “secure our strategic supply chains”.
Parts of the agenda stress the importance of protecting external borders — a goal championed by Donald Tusk, the European Council president, that has increasingly become a point of consensus between member states. [...]
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Leaders' Agenda note - "Strategic agenda 2019-2024 - outline"
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