Conclusions on the MFF, climate change, disinformation and hybrid threats, external relations, enlargement and the European Semester

Summary:

Set of conclusions adopted at the European Council summit held in June 2019, on issues relating to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2021-2027), climate change, disinformation and hybrid threats, external relations, enlargement and the European Semester process.

Further information:

The European Council noted and welcomed the work conducted by the rotating Council presidency on the package of proposals relating to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2021-2027.

On climate change, national leaders emphasised the importance of stepping up global climate action to achieve the Paris Agreement objectives, ahead of a Climate Action Summit held in September 2019. The European Council invited the Council of the European Union and the European Commission to advance work on processes and tools to be put in place to ensure a transition to a climate-neutral EU.

National leaders called for more efforts to tackle disinformation following the European Parliament elections held in May 2019. The European Council welcomed the Commission's intention to assess the implementation of commitments undertaken by online platforms under the Code of Practice. Leaders also welcomed the adoption of a new sanctions regime to deal with cyberattacks, and called for further measures to boost the EU's resilience to cyber and hybrid threats from outside the European Union. Finally, they highlighted the EU's information and communication networks, and its decision-making processes, from malicious activities.

The European Council addressed the latest developments and the situation in eastern Ukraine and the Azov Sea. Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macros briefed the other national leaders on the implementation of the Minsk agreements. Leaders agreed to extend economic sanctions against Russia for a further six months. The Council also held a discussion on the situation in Libya, on Turkey's gas drilling activities in the eastern Mediterranean, and reaffirmed the importance of the Eastern Partnership. There was also a discussion on the EU's strategic partnership with Africa, the renewed impetus in the bilateral relations with Morocco and the transfer of power in Moldova.

The European Council endorsed the conclusions on enlargement and stabilisation and association process adopted by the Council of the European Union a few days earlier. Finally, national leaders held a discussion on the country-specific recommendations (CSRs) in the framework of the European Semester process.