European leaders return this Friday to the debate on migration after failing to reach an agreement on the first day of the summit, regarding the responsibility of all European countries to attend to reception requests.
But, as central issues on the agenda for this Friday, a discussion on the economy and strategic issues in the relationship with China is scheduled.
According to a working document consulted by the TSFThe European Union vows to continue working with China to “confront global challenges,” but leaves a note regarding Beijing’s approach to climate issues.
The 27 hope that, on the Chinese side, ambitious measures will be adopted in terms of “climate change, biodiversity, (…) health and pandemic preparedness, debt relief and humanitarian assistance.”
Brussels and Beijing share an interest in seeking a “constructive and stable relationship” based on respect for the rules-based international order.
The 27 are expected to reaffirm the three axes of the rapprochement with China: a partner, a competitor and a systemic rival. The European Council is also expected to call on China to put pressure on Russia to “end the aggressive war and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw from Ukrainian territory.”
In economic matters, European leaders will discuss measures to make the European Union more independent, such as access to raw materials.
In this context, the European Council should call on the Commission and the European Parliament to speed up work on the proposals for a Net-Zero Industry Law and a Critical Raw Materials Law, “with a view to reaching an agreement before they end of the current legislative cycle”, reads an outline of the conclusions.
The 27 must also call for progress in the work on the “development of strategic technologies and strengthening of value chains.”
Still in the dossier on economic issues, and on health, the Council should “invite” the Commission to propose “an initiative of urgent measures to guarantee the sufficient production and availability of medicines”.
The proposal should also address “the most critical components in Europe and diversify international supply chains.” The European leaders “invite the co-legislators to continue and accelerate the work on the proposed pharmaceutical law reform”, including in terms of “access to medicines and an innovative and competitive pharmaceutical sector”.
The 27 will also return to the migration dossier, after failing to reach an agreement on the first day of the summit, against Poland and Hungary, on the migration pact, which makes all member states responsible for welcoming migrants. The European Union is expected to reaffirm its “commitment” to combat human trafficking.
Source: TSF
