| Author (Corporate) | European Council |
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| Publisher | General Secretariat of the Council |
| Publication Date | 25/03/2021 |
| Content Type | News, Overview, Policy-making |
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Summary: EU National leaders held a videoconference on 25 March 2021 to take stock of the COVID-19 epidemiological situation. They also discussed transatlantic relations together with US President Joe Biden. The situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, relations with Russia, the single market, digital agenda and the international role of the euro were also on the agenda. Further information: Concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, EU leaders agreed to accelerating the production, delivery and deployment of vaccines. They underlined the importance of transparency and the use of export authorisations. They reaffirmed that companies must respect contractual delivery deadlines. The pro-rata population key for the allocation of vaccines was also confirmed. Leaders agreed that restriction - including non-essential travel - should remain in place. Even so, they also agreed that preparations on a common approach for the gradual lifting of restrictions should proceed. They called on work relating to the proposed digital certificates to be taken forward urgently. Leaders held a discussion with the President of the United States of America on the bilateral EU-US relations. On the situation in the eastern Mediterranean, leaders welcomed recent de-escalation and the resumption of talks between Greece and Turkey. They were also informed about the latest developments in relations between the EU and Russia. EU leaders underlined the importance of a strong and fully functioning single market and the need to boost the competitiveness and resilience of industry in the European Union. They called for the update of the European industrial strategy to take into account lessons learnt from the sanitary crisis. Leaders also reaffirmed the need to enhance the EU's digital sovereignty in self-determined and open manner. Finally, leaders reiterated their commitment to a forthcoming global solution on international digital taxation but also their readiness to support the EU in moving forward in case of absence of agreement. A video conference of the Euro Summit was held on the same day. Heads of state/government discussed the international role of the Euro with the President of the European Central Bank (ECB) and the President of the Eurogroup. EU leaders agreed on a statement where they expressed their support for strengthening the position of the Euro on the global stage. This included exploratory work on the potential launcher of a digital euro. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/european-council/2021/03/25/ |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
| Subject Tags | European Council |
| Keywords | European Council Summits |
| International Organisations | European Union [EU] |
