Economic policy and energy matters are the main topics on the agenda of the two – day European Council, which begins today in Brussels. The Republic of Cyprus is represented at the Summit by President Demetris Christofias.
Moreover, in the margins of the European Council, the Accession Treaty with Croatia will be signed.
Regarding the economic policy, the European Council will review the overall economic situation in Europe. In keeping with its June and October 2011 conclusions, it will revert to the question of promoting growth in Europe, with particular attention to prioritising growth-enhancing initiatives, reducing the overall regulatory burden as regards SMEs and micro-enterprises, delivering the Single Market Act and completing the Digital Agenda.
The Member States participating in the Euro Plus Pact will track progress on the implementation at national level of the commitments under the Pact, in particular in the area of employment. They will also be seized of a report of their Finance Ministers on progress made on coordination of tax policy issues.
The European Council will be informed by its President and hold an exchange of views on the reflections by the euro area Member States on the strengthening of economic convergence within the euro area, on improving fiscal discipline and deepening economic union, including exploring the possibility of limited Treaty changes.
Regarding energy, the European Council will, on the basis of a report by the Presidency, track progress on the implementation of the guidelines set in February 2011, in particular as regards energy efficiency, the internal energy market, energy infrastructure development and external energy policy. It will also assess the initial findings of the nuclear stress tests on the basis of a preliminary report from the Commission as well as the progress report on the security of nuclear power plants.
Following the Commission's autumn package on enlargement and in the light of the Council's conclusions, the European Council will take the required decisions on possible next steps for particular accession countries.
According to the indicative programme of the Council, the heads of state and government of the EU – 27 countries will arrive at the Justus Lipsius building late in the afternoon.
An informal dinner will follow while there is a possibility for a press conference by the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.
On Friday morning, the signature ceremony of the Accession Treaty of Croatia will take place
The working session will begin at 1100 local time followed by a working lunch.
The Summit will end with a press conference by the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.
