Political reflection on the future of the EU will be one of the key topics at the summit. In preparation for the 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties, the leaders of the 27 EU member states will discuss scenarios for the future of the EU after Brexit.
The election of the President of the European Council will be in primary focus. Under the EU treaties, the President is elected for a 2.5 year term, renewable once. President Donald Tusk’s first mandate will end in May. The President ensures the preparation of European Council meetings and the continuity of their work, chairs European Council meetings and represents the entire EU at high-level international meetings.
The European Council will also discuss the state of the European economy, deepening single market and promotion of trade with other regions of the world. The EU member states’ progress in the implementation of economic, social and political recommendations, presented by the European Commission last year, will be reviewed at the summit. Although Lithuania is positively assessed on security of energy supply, falling unemployment, and increasing non-taxable incomes, its progress in a number of other areas of economic policy is assessed as limited.
The EU heads of state or government will also assess the implementation of measures aimed at stopping migration flows from Africa. With improving weather, the transportation of migrants across the Mediterranean Sea intensifies. This requires rapid and efficient response to protect external borders of the EU and to fight human smugglers.
The EU relations with the Western Balkan states are also on the agenda. Close cooperation with the countries of this region is important in fighting the migration crisis and ensuring security and stability in the EU neighborhood.
