Leaders expressed their expectation that the EU institutions would continue to demonstrate a constructive and strong position in negotiations on securing the supply of vaccines with vaccine manufacturers.
It was stated that the enforcement of delivery deadlines and information exchange was critically important.
The preparatory meeting welcomed the European Commission's efforts to ensure the availability of EU vaccines to Eastern Partnership countries by setting up an appropriate support mechanism.
Views were exchanged on measures to prevent the spread of viral mutations in the European Union. Leaders underlined the importance of a smooth functioning of the single market in ensuring the movement of goods and services.
The President also raised the issue of relations with Russia. He urged EU institutions to respond immediately to the continuing human rights violations in Russia and to demand the release of Alexei Navalny, jailed journalists and other opposition leaders. Lithuania called for imposing the EU global human rights sanctions regime against Russia and bringing those responsible for the imprisonment of Alexei Navalny to justice.
Security and defense were also high on the agenda. The President underscored the significance of strengthening the transatlantic link as the only and most important guarantor of EU security. He also expressed hope that the European Union would focus its efforts on strengthening cooperation with NATO and implementing initiatives in cyber security (PESCO) and military mobility.
It was highlighted that disinformation and cyber threats were growing in Europe. Expectations were expressed to reinforce the EU’s position and provide for more ambitious measures to fight these threats.
