European Council

The Eurogroup is fully committed to supporting economic growth and jobs and holds regular thematic discussions to explore and define common policy ambitions to this end. The Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area in the context of the European Semester clearly indicates the areas where reform is the most pressing.

Since the beginning of the year, we have discussed twice the recommendation to improve national insolvency frameworks, an area explicitly addressed in the Council recommendation to the euro area for 2015 and 2016 as well as in the individual 2015 Country-Specific Recommendations for several euro area Member States.

Private sector debt remains high in a number of euro area countries and contributes to holding back the recovery in investment and consumption. In particular, the high level of non-performing loans in banks' balance sheets constrains the supply of credit, thereby hampering the monetary transmission mechanism, and reduces the efficiency of capital allocation. Having effective and efficient insolvency frameworks in place is key to ensuring a smooth deleveraging process, thereby facilitating adjustment processes within the euro area, while improving the business environment and supporting private investment. It would also support deeper financial integration within the euro area, which will be beneficial for the strengthening of the Banking Union, fostering growth and resilience to asymmetric shocks. It would also contribute to building the Capital Markets Union, recognising that this work takes place in the EU-28 setting.

While a number of euro area Member States have carried out significant reforms in the recent past, the Eurogroup is conscious that more efforts are needed. Today we agreed on a number of core common principles that could serve as guidance for improving the efficiency of national regimes in dealing with insolvency. While we aim to converge to a high level of efficiency and transparency of national insolvency rules and practices within the euro area, we recognise that when applying these common principles, country-specific circumstances - in particular national legal frameworks - need to be taken into account.

Speed, cost and predictability are of the essence for efficient national insolvency regimes, together with clear rules on cross-border insolvency. In order to promote speedy and cost-effective insolvency procedures, debt distress should be identified at an early stage. Early restructuring procedures with limited court involvement - in particular out-of-court settlement - should be developed further as a priority and resorted to where appropriate. Insolvency procedures should be easily accessible and affordable for both debtors and creditors. Honest distressed debtors should also be given a second chance after a certain period of time. Moreover, insolvency frameworks should be governed by predictability. In particular, creditor claims in secured lending should be enforced in an effective manner. Finally, clear rules on cross-border insolvency are of paramount importance in order to encourage cross-border investment. At EU level a Regulation and a Recommendation are in place and a legislative proposal is being developed by the end of 2016.

The Eurogroup also discussed the need for adequate flanking policies. In particular, enhancing the institutional framework for insolvency was recognised as critical to ensure an effective implementation of the insolvency legislation. Supervisory measures can contribute to support an accelerated process of banks' balance sheet clean up.

The Eurogroup intends to regularly take stock of the progress made by euro area Member States in reforming their insolvency regimes in line with these common principles and in coherence with parallel work streams led by EU institutions in the framework of the Commission's Action Plan on building a Capital Markets Union. We underlined the importance of benchmarking our common ambitions. We support the Commission's work to improve data availability and quality and we mandate the EWG to engage with this work as a matter of priority. We agreed to revert to the matter in autumn of this year.

Today is a landmark in European Union (EU)-Indonesia relations with the visit by the President of the Republic of Indonesia to the EU's institutions. We have agreed to boost economic relations and advance cooperation on global and regional challenges. 

The EU and Indonesia are important economic partners. We see a strong prospect to further expand trade and investment links given the size and the complementary nature of our economies. We welcome the conclusion of the preparatory discussion (scoping paper) for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which should pave the way for deeper and wider economic engagement between the two sides. We look forward to the formal launch of the CEPA negotiations in the coming weeks once internal procedures have been finalized. 

Indonesia and the EU are close partners in addressing environmental challenges. We are committed to the sustainable management of forests and to fighting illegal logging and related illegal trade. The EU welcomes the implementation for all types of wood products of the Indonesian Timber Legality Assurance System. We welcome the full implementation of the Indonesia-EU Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) and agree to move expeditiously towards the start of the FLEGT licensing scheme. We look forward to the first shipment of FLEGT-certified timber from Indonesia in the coming months. The EU is committed to ensuring the uniform and effective implementation of the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR). 

We acknowledge the significance of palm oil for both economies and are committed to strengthen cooperation on sustainable palm oil. 

We recognize Indonesia's maritime vision and Indonesia welcomes EU's support in realizing the vision. 

Promoting tolerance through dialogue and cooperation is key for both sides, as is enhancing mutual respect and understanding among people. 

We welcome the visa waiver extended to all EU Member States by Indonesia and underscored the importance of easier access and movement among the people to increase close relations and bring mutual economic and social benefits. 

We welcome the adoption of the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). We look forward to strengthening our climate cooperation and will focus on making the Paris Agreement a reality. 

We welcome recent progress in the implementation of the EU-Indonesia Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) and look forward to the convening of the Joint Committee before the end of the year. We also welcome the launch of the Ministerial Strategic Dialogue in Jakarta on 8 April 2016. 

We strongly condemn recent acts of terror in Jakarta, Brussels and elsewhere. Terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group. We commit to stepping up our cooperation in the fight against terrorism and radicalism as well as in the security field, both bilaterally and in the international sphere. 

The EU welcomes Indonesia's recent appeal for restraint in the Middle East. We reaffirm our commitment to support the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and will continue to contribute to international initiatives working to this end. We reaffirm our support for a political solution to the conflict in Syria. 

We are concerned with trafficking in persons and people smuggling: this is an increasing challenge worldwide. We will work closely on this through relevant regional and international fora. The EU raised efforts to address the current migration and refugee crisis, through cooperation with countries of origin, transit and destination, in the context of the UN and G20. 

The European Union supports ASEAN's unity and centrality in various ASEAN-led mechanisms and in the evolving regional architecture. Indonesia welcomes the EU's interest in furthering engagement in all ASEAN-led mechanisms and its continued support to ASEAN. 

The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) celebrates its 20th anniversary this year; we are determined together to ensure a successful outcome at the 11th ASEM Summit on 15-16 July 2016 in Mongolia.

The European Union and Indonesia enjoy close relations based on shared values of democracy and good governance, respect for human rights, and the promotion of peace, stability and economic progress. We came together today to demonstrate our ambition to bring the European Union and Indonesia even closer together.

On 22 April 2016 the EU and its 28 member states will sign the global Paris climate agreement in a high-level ceremony in New York (United States). The agreement was concluded at the UN climate change conference in December 2015, so called COP21, that took place in Paris. The document will be now open for signature for one year.

Dutch Minister for the Environment and President of the Council, Sharon Dijksma, said: "This is a historic day for global climate action. The Paris Agreement is a real turning point in limiting temperature rise and preventing risks posed by climate change. This signature sets out in black and white the EU's commitment to do its part and keep up the momentum from Paris. Continuous action is required."  

Minister Dijksma and Vice-President of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič  will sign the agreement on behalf of the EU.  

The Paris Agreement will enter into force after ratification from at least 55 countries accounting together for at least 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It will then become legally binding for the countries that have ratified it.  

In March 2016, the European Council underlined that the EU and its member states need to ratify the Paris Agreement as soon as possible and on time so as to be parties as from the date of entry into force.  

The Paris Agreement aims at keeping global temperature rise well below 2°C and to make efforts to keep it to 1.5°C (compared to pre-industrial levels). To this end, countries have an obligation to take measures to reduce their emissions.   

There will be a review process every five years to take stock and increase ambition over time. The progress of countries in their commitments will be tracked to ensure transparency and accountability. The need for all countries to adapt to climate change by preparing and reinforcing their resilience is also acknowledged.  

In terms of solidarity, the EU and other developed countries commit to continue providing climate finance to developing countries. 

Place:           European Convention Centre Luxembourg (ECCL)
Chair(s):      Ard van der Steur, Minister of Security and Justice
                      Klaas Dijkhoff, State Secretary of Security and Justice and Minister for Immigration

All times are approximate and subject to change

+/- 08.30
Arrivals (live streaming)

+/- 08.45
Doorstep by Minister Dijkhoff

+/- 09.30
Doorstep by Minister Van der Steur

+/- 10.00
Beginning of Mixed Committee meeting (roundtable)
Adoption of the agenda

IT Systems for Security and Borders

+/- 11.40
Beginning of Home Affairs Council meeting
Adoption of the agenda
Adoption of non-legislative A Items

Databases

+/- 13.30
Adoption of legislative A Items (public session)

IT Systems for Security and Borders

+/- 13.45
Press conference security (live streaming)

+/- 14.00
Lunch

+/- 15.30
Continued Mixed Committee meeting

European Border and Coast Guard
Migration

+/- 17.00
Continued Home Affairs Council meeting

European Border and Coast Guard (public session)
Migration
Reform of the Common European Asylum System

+/- 17.30
Press conference migration (live streaming)

On 21 April 2016, the Council adopted the final text of a directive strengthening rights of children in criminal proceedings.  The directive provides a number of procedural safeguards for children (i.e. individuals below 18) who are suspected or accused of having committed a criminal offence. The directive includes additional safeguards compared to those that already apply to suspected and accused adults.

A core provision of the directive relates to assistance from a lawyer. Member states should make sure that suspected or accused children are assisted by a lawyer, where necessary by providing legal aid, unless assistance by a lawyer is not  proportionate in the light of the circumstances of the case.  Other important provisions of the directive concern the provision of information on rights, the right to have an individual assessment, to a medical examination, and to audio-visual recording of questioning. It also provides special safeguards for children during deprivation of liberty, in particular during detention.

This final adoption of the directive follows a political agreement  between the two legislators in December 2015 and the subsequent approval by the European Parliament on 9 March 2016. Once published in the EU Official Journal, member states will have three years to transpose the provisions into their national laws. Denmark, the UK and Ireland have opted out of this directive and will not be bound by it.

Since 2009, the work in the European Union on strengthening procedural rights for suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings has been carried out on the basis of the roadmap, which was adopted by the Council on 30 November 2009. The roadmap sets out a gradual approach towards establishing a full catalogue of procedural rights for suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings.

Four directives have already been adopted on the basis of the roadmap: Directive 2010/64/EU on the right to interpretation and translation, Directive 2012/13/EU on the right to information, Directive 2013/48/EU on the right of access to a lawyer, and Directive 2016/343/EU on the presumption of innocence and the right to be present at the trial.

On 21 April 2016, the Council approved the conclusion of an agreement with San Marino aimed at improving tax compliance by private savers.

The agreement will contribute to efforts to clamp down on tax evasion, by requiring the EU member states and San Marino to exchange information automatically.

This will allow their tax administrations improved cross-border access to information on the financial accounts of each other's residents.

The agreement upgrades a 2004 agreement that ensured that San Marino applied measures equivalent to those in an EU directive on the taxation of savings income. The aim is to extend the automatic exchange of information on financial accounts in order to prevent taxpayers from hiding capital representing income or assets for which tax has not been paid.

The new agreement was signed on 8 December 2015, when similar agreements were concluded with Liechtenstein and Switzerland. It was concluded (on 21 April) at a meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council, without discussion.

On 19 April 2016 the Netherlands presidency reached an informal agreement with the European Parliament regarding the opening of the domestic rail passenger markets in the member states and the strengthening of the independence of rail infrastructure managers to ensure effective and non-discriminatory access to infrastructure. The agreement is provisional and subject to approval by the Council.

The negotiators reached agreement on all three proposals of the 'market' pillar of the 4th railway package: a revised regulation governing public service contracts, a revised directive on establishing a single European railway area and a regulation repealing the regulation on the normalisation of accounts of railway undertakings. 

The new rules aim to improve the quality and efficiency of rail services in Europe. They should encourage investment and innovation as well as fair competition in the rail market. Together with the technical pillar of the 4th railway package, they are an important step towards the completion of the single European rail area. 

The Dutch State Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Sharon Dijksma, said: "Thanks to the cooperation and the flexibility of all parties involved, we have reached an ambitious provisional agreement. When this agreement is endorsed by the member states, it will improve the quality and efficiency of railway services in Europe". 

The presidency will submit the outcome of the negotiations for approval by member states at a meeting of the Permanent Representatives Committee on 27 April. 

1. The increasing use of hybrid strategies and operations by state and non-state actors in the immediate and wider EU neighbourhood requires swift and appropriate action to prevent and counter hybrid threats to the Union and its Member States as well as partners. The Council underlines the need to mobilise EU instruments to this end, in line with the Conclusions by the European Council of June 2015 and the Council Conclusions on CSDP of May 2015, while recognising the primary responsibility of Member States for security and defence and taking into account relevant ongoing work as regards both internal and external policies.
2. In this context, the Council welcomes the Joint Communication on countering hybrid threats and fostering resilience of the EU and its Member States as well as partners. It invites the relevant Council instances, the European Defence Agency and other relevant bodies to examine, in a timely and coherent manner, the proposed actions, with due respect for respective procedures and the competences of the Member States, the Commission and the High Representative, ensuring a cross-sectoral approach and appropriate follow-up. The Council also invites Member States to consider establishing a European Centre of Excellence.
3. The Council welcomes the intention of the High Representative to create an EU Hybrid Fusion Cell, and highlights the possible CSDP contributions to countering hybrid threats and the need for closer dialogue, cooperation and coordination with NATO, respecting the principles of inclusiveness and autonomy of decision-making of each organisation, as well as with other partner organisations.
4. The Council invites the Commission and the High Representative to provide a report by July 2017 to assess progress.

On 19 April 2016, the Council approved the establishment of a military training mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA) to contribute to the country's defence sector reform. 

The mission will be based in Bangui and operate for an initial period of two years. Following up an EU military advisory mission (EUMAM RCA), it will work towards a modernised, effective, inclusive and democratically accountable Central African Armed Forces (FACA). It will provide strategic advice to the CAR's Ministry of Defence and the general staff, as well as education and training to the FACA. 

EUTM RCA will operate in accordance with political and strategic objectives set out in the crisis management concept approved by the Council on 14 March 2016. 

EUMAM RCA was established on 19 January 2015. In close cooperation with the United Nations multidimensional integrated stabilization mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), EUMAM RCA advises the military authorities of the CAR on the reforms necessary to transform the country's armed forces into a professional, democratically controlled and ethnically representative army. Its mandate expires on 16 July 2016.

1. The EU welcomes the arrival of the Presidency Council in Tripoli on 30 March 2016 and commends the courage and determination of Prime Minister Serraj, the other members of the Presidency Council and supporting actors on the ground. This move helps pave the way for the effective government of the country by the Government of National Accord (GNA) and for addressing the needs of the Libyan people.
2. The success of the GNA will depend on the collective efforts and cooperation of the Libyan people and their leaders. The EU underlines the Libyan ownership of the political process and the importance of its inclusiveness, notably through the continued participation of political and local actors, women and civil society. The EU, alongside Libya's neighbouring countries, the UN and the international community, stands ready to support the GNA, at its request, to help it restore peace and stability in Libya.
3. The Libyan Political Agreement, signed in Skhirat on 17 December 2015, endorsed by the UN Security Council through Resolution 2259 adopted unanimously on 23 December 2015, remains the basis for political progress in Libya. The Libyan Political Agreement has been fully supported by the EU, which considers the GNA as the sole legitimate government in Libya. The EU calls upon all stakeholders, particularly those in the region, to continue to urge all parties in Libya to engage constructively with the GNA and all other institutions included in the Libyan Political Agreement. The EU stresses that UNSCR 2259 includes a call to cease support to and official contact with parallel institutions that claim to have legitimate authority but are outside the Agreement.
4. The EU welcomes the acknowledgement of the authority of the GNA by various national institutions, including the Central Bank, the National Oil Company, and the Libyan Investment Authority, as well as Libyan municipalities. It looks forward to the immediate, orderly and peaceful transfer of power to the GNA, and urges existing militias and armed groups to respect its authority. In this respect, the EU urges the House of Representatives and other institutions, including the nascent State Council, to fulfil the roles assigned to them under the Libyan Political Agreement.
5. The EU reaffirms its full support to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Martin Kobler in their efforts to ensure the full implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement by all parties, and will continue to actively support their work.
6. The EU has implemented restrictive measures against three individuals who have obstructed the implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement and the political transition. The EU will review its restrictive measures should their behaviour change and, if necessary, may introduce additional restrictive measures against other individuals who threaten the peace, stability or security in Libya, or who undermine its political transition.
7. The EU reiterates its commitment to fully provide a package of immediate and substantial measures in support of the GNA and the Libyan people totalling €100m in a number of different areas, to be defined and prioritised in close cooperation with the GNA and in coordination with UNSMIL. The EU welcomes the meeting co-chaired in Tunis on 12 April by UNSMIL and the UK on how the international community can support the priorities set out by the GNA to bring peace, security, stability and prosperity to the Libyan people. In this respect, the newly established Stabilisation Facility for Libya will be an important tool. The EU continues to provide short-term assistance through various funding instruments, including via support to municipalities and the provision of essential services to the Libyan population in need. Improved security conditions on the ground would facilitate the effective delivery of EU assistance. The EU stands ready to support the GNA in managing migration and asylum, in close coordination with UNHCR and IOM, taking into account the outcome of the Valletta Summit.
8. The EU strongly condemns all attempts to disrupt the stabilization of Libya and reiterates its grave concern at the growing threat of terrorism including by Daesh and affiliates. This threat highlights the urgent need for the GNA to unite Libyan forces from all regions as the only way for Libya to take the path of peace, stability and prosperity, while preserving its unity and territorial integrity.
9. The EU stands ready to offer security sector support in response to possible GNA requests. Should a Libyan request be forthcoming and following consultations with the Libyans, a possible civilian CSDP mission could support Libyan efforts inter alia through advice and capacity building in the fields of police and criminal justice including on counter-terrorism, border management, countering irregular migration and smuggling of migrants and trafficking of human beings, as part of broader Security Sector Reform support. This possible mission could draw upon the existing planning capacity of EUBAM Libya. In addition to the possible civilian mission, further consideration will also be given to support that can be provided through EUNAVFOR MED Sophia, by enhancing  its capacity to disrupt the business model of human smugglers and trafficking networks and to contribute to broader security in support to the legitimate Libyan authorities, for example through potential capacity building for the Libyan Coastguard, and the implementation of international law. The EU will ensure that its contribution responds to the requests and needs of the Libyan authorities guaranteeing full Libyan ownership, and is coordinated and coherent with other international support under the overall coordination of UNSMIL. Furthermore, the EU recognises the importance of the security of Libya's borders for regional and European security. In this regard, the EU will consider ways of enhancing its regional support, including through existing CSDP activities in the Sahel.
10. The EU reaffirms its strong condemnation of all human rights violations and abuses in Libya. The EU will strongly support the GNA in the protection and the promotion of human rights.
11. The EU is deeply concerned with the deteriorating humanitarian situation and calls for urgent efforts to address the situation in the most affected areas, including Benghazi. In this regard, the EU welcomes the UN humanitarian response plan and stands ready to provide further assistance. The EU calls on all parties in Libya to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and security of humanitarian aid workers in order to facilitate the assistance and protection of civilians in need.

Thursday 21 April 2016
Justus Lipsius building - Brussels

11.00
Arrival of the President of Indonesia Joko Widodo
Welcome by the President of the European Council Donald Tusk
(VIP entrance, level 02 - photo/TV opportunity)

Access to the VIP entrance (level 02) for the photo opportunity will be granted to all journalists holding an EU Council 6-month badge. 
Journalists without the above badge must send a request by e-mail to press.centre@consilium.europa.eu - deadline Tuesday 19 April at 18.00.

Today, we have finally reached an agreement between the EU and Turkey. An agreement aimed at stopping the flow of irregular migration via Turkey to Europe.

Let me mention key elements that allowed us to reach this agreement in the last days and hours: 

First, we needed to ensure that each and every migrant arriving in Europe will be treated individually. In other words that our agreement complies with all EU and international laws. This includes the respect for the principle of non-refoulement and it excludes any kind of collective expulsions. The EU agencies and the UNHCR will be invited to participate in this process. As for the legality of this agreement I want to express my thanks to Jean-Claude and the Commission for their work and contribution. 

Second, I made it clear that this deal needs to be acceptable for all EU member states, regardless of their size. Today we have a balanced proposal that takes on board Cypriot concerns. When it comes to accession talks with Turkey, we agreed to open Chapter 33 during the Dutch presidency based on the Commission's proposal to be presented in April.

Finally, on timing. We agreed that all irregular migrants coming from Turkey into Greek islands as from 20 March, this Sunday, will be returned to Turkey. The implementation will be phased-in gradually and based on the so-called one-for-one principle.

On a more general note, some may think this agreement is a silver bullet. But reality is more complex. It is just one pillar of the European Union's comprehensive strategy and can work only if the other pillars are also implemented. This includes: strengthening the EU's external borders, keeping the Western Balkans' route closed and getting back to Schengen, amongst other elements.

Leaders called for strengthening of our cooperation with the Western Balkan countries in tackling the migration crisis. Yesterday I spoke with President Ivanov about it and reassured him of our support. 

Last night, we also discussed the economic situation in the presence of the ECB President Mario Draghi and endorsed recommendations on re-launching investment, implementing reforms and ensuring sound public finances. 

On climate, we tasked legislators to put in place everything necessary to enable the ratification of the Paris agreement as soon as possible. Leaders also decided that our plans to achieve energy security should be stepped up, in line with the Energy Union strategy. 

Last but not least, let me finish by saying that yesterday I discussed with President Petro Poroshenko, among others,  the case of Nadiya Savchenko, who is illegally detained in Russia. We also discussed this issue among leaders and I was asked to express the EU position that calls for the immediate release of Nadiya Savchenko along with Oleh Sentsov and all other Ukrainian citizens held in illegal detention. Thank you.

When we last met in December, I pledged that Europe would stay the course on Ukraine, and I asked the same of Ukraine. Since then, we have delivered on that commitment.

The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area is now provisionally applied, which will contribute to improving Ukraine's economy and strengthen its economic reform agenda.

Tomorrow marks two years since the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation. I assured President Poroshenko that our policy of non-recognition will remain in place.

We continue to support the diplomatic efforts aimed at implementing the Minsk agreements. Further determined efforts are needed. Our economic sanctions against Russia remain linked to the complete fulfilment of the Minsk Agreements.

We have also discussed the issue of Nadiya Savchenko, who is still in illegal detention in Russia. Let me in this context reiterate the call by the EU for her immediate release, along with Oleh Sentsov and all other illegally detained Ukrainian citizens.

President Poroshenko also outlined the efforts to overcome current political difficulties inside Ukraine. I hope that a solution will soon be found, which will enable Ukraine to continue the reforms demanded by the Ukrainian people. The IMF package needs to be delivered in full and the EU stands by you in these reform efforts.

I am also happy to note that further steps have been taken on visa liberalisation. Following the positive report by the Commission in December, Ukraine has taken the key steps in meeting its outstanding commitments. I trust it will soon be possible to take the next steps towards finalising this process.

Now let me make a few short comments on the European Council meeting. Most of the attention is focused on the objective to agree on a further strengthening of our cooperation with Turkey. As the negotiations intensify and we are moving into difficult talks, I want to recall three basic principles that will guide our work.

 First, the agreement must be acceptable to all 28 Member States, no matter big or small.

 Second, the agreement must fully comply with EU and international law.

And third, the agreement must effectively help to solve the migration crisis and contribute to our comprehensive strategy, which includes getting back to Schengen, ending the wave-through policy, humanitarian assistance to Greece, support to the Western Balkans and of course the reinforced cooperation with Turkey.

Only if we all work together in a coordinated manner and keep our cool, will we achieve success. I am cautiously optimistic, but frankly speaking more cautious than optimistic.

Good evening. We have just had a useful Tripartite Social Summit. I am glad that we have changed the format so we meet at a sensible distance from the European Council. This way we can take the views of the social partners more fully on board. I think everyone appreciated the freer atmosphere in which we had a really substantial exchange of views.

Today, we discussed job creation and inclusive growth. The situation in the European Union is far from terrible with average unemployment now down to less than 9 per cent. At the same time, serious issues remain. We need to keep the recovery going. In this respect, implementing reforms to boost the growth potential of our economies is key. We have to demonstrate that prosperity is really returning. This is a race against time and against the populists.

The migration crisis affects all of us, but the social partners are truly on the front-lines. This is why we discussed today how we can protect our own people from the negative impact of the current crisis, while also doing our duty to those seeking international protection. I am happy to say that the partners came to the table today not just with their concerns, but also with constructive ideas. We examined the possibilities and challenges of integrating those seeking asylum into our labour markets.

Let me end with a few remarks on the European Council on migration tomorrow and Friday. Firstly, the objective of the summit is clear: To conclude an agreement to further strengthen our cooperation with Turkey in order to stem the flow of migrants from Turkey to Europe. But as my talks in the last ten days have proven as well as my trip to Nicosia and Ankara yesterday, there is still a lot to be done before we can reach an agreement acceptable to each and everyone of our 28 Member States and Turkey.

Secondly, there is still a number of issues to be resolved and on which we are working. The most important one, where we cannot and will not compromise, is the absolute need to respect both our EU law and international law. This is indispensable. Without that Europe will no longer be Europe.

Lastly, while we all focus on how we can further strengthen our cooperation with Turkey on migration and beyond, we should not forget the larger picture. No matter how good and game-changing such an agreement is, it will not in itself end the migration crisis. But it can and should help. That is why we cannot afford to rely on this agreement alone. And that is why we have to remain serious on our common European comprehensive strategy that goes beyond Turkey. Thank you.

The Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) of the Council took note of a provisional agreement reached by the Netherlands presidency on 15 March 2016 with European Parliament representatives, aimed at establishing a multiannual plan on fisheries of cod, herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea. The terms of the agreement are subject to confirmation by Coreper in the coming weeks.

Commenting on the agreement, the Dutch minister for Agriculture, Martijn van Dam, said that "this multi-annual fisheries plan is the first of its kind after the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in 2013. The plan is consistent and fully in line with the principles of this major reform. The agreement on this new plan paves the way to prepare similar multi-annual plans for fisheries in other geographical areas according to the same model, starting with the renewal of the multi-annual fisheries plan for the North Sea". He also hailed the work made by previous presidencies and the excellent cooperation of the European Parliament and the Commission in achieving the agreement. 

The new plan will replace the existing management plan for the Baltic Sea cod stocks, in place since 2007, with a multispecies approach, including the stocks of herring and sprat which were not yet subject to a management plan. 

It seeks to ensure the sustainable exploitation of these stocks and provide stability of fishing opportunities, while ensuring that management is based on the most up to date scientific information. The new plan will benefit from the involvement of those who know the region best as they will be able to adapt the measures at regional level to the specificities of the fisheries concerned. 

It is also an useful example for a new generation of multiannual fisheries management plans, which are one of the main operational tools of the new CFP.   

After endorsement  by the Coreper of the draft regulation, the Council and the European Parliament will have to formally adopt the final text of the regulation before its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.   

In October 2014, the Commission presented a proposal for a draft regulation on the multi-species plan in the Baltic Sea. The Council adopted a general approach on 20 April 2015 and the European Parliament voted on amendments on 28 April 2015.

On 16 March 2016 the Council agreed to the use of funds from the EU budget to finance emergency support for Greece and other member states overwhelmed by the refugee crisis. 

By backing draft amending budget no 1 as proposed by the Commission on 9 March 2016, Council agreed to make available of €100 million in commitments and €80.2 million in payments from the 2016 EU budget.

“This decision enables the EU to cover immediate and urgent needs resulting from the massive inflow of refugees. We want to alleviate the poor humanitarian situation for migrants within the EU as soon as possible. That's what this EU emergency support mechanism is all about”, said Jeroen Dijsselbloem, Minister for Finance of the Netherlands and President of the Council.

The resources approved by the Council are financed through redeployments within heading 3 (Security and citizenship) of the EU's multiannual financial framework. Depending on the evolving needs the Commission may make further proposals to secure the necessary funding of the emergency support for countries faced with major humanitarian crises, such as large numbers of arriving refugees. 

The Commission estimates that €300 million will be needed to provide emergency support relating to refugees in 2016, and a further €200 million in each of the years 2017 and 2018. 

By accepting draft amending budget 1/2016 the Council also approved the reinforcement of staffing levels of the European counter-terrorism centre in Europol. This is to enable the agency to play a central role in the fight against terrorism in the EU following the terrorist attacks in Paris of 13 November 2015. 

Draft amending budget 1/2016 still needs the approval of the European Parliament. If the Parliament accepts the Council's position the amending budget will be adopted. If the Parliament adopts amendments a three-week conciliation period would start. 

The approval of draft amending budget 1/2016 follows the creation of an EU emergency support mechanism on 15 March 2016. On the same day the Council activated this new instrument for helping Greece and other member states to deal with the current influx of refugees.

Dear colleagues,

Our European Council Thursday and Friday, including our meeting with Turkey's Prime Minister, will just like 10 days ago be dominated by the migration crisis.

When we met on the 7th of March, we received the new proposal from Turkey on how to further strengthen our cooperation too late to allow for a common decision. Instead you mandated me to prepare an agreement on the basis of a number of principles outlined in our statement. The objective is clear: an agreement acceptable to all 28 Member States as well as to our Turkish partners. Work is progressing but there is still a lot to do.

I have asked my staff to present a first full draft for a joint EU-Turkey Statement to your ambassadors today to move forward in our discussions on how we can address the concerns raised in our meeting last week. The catalogue of issues to be resolved before we can conclude an agreement is long. An absolute priority is to ensure that our decisions respect both EU and international law. We also have to look into how to prevent new sea or land routes for irregular migration opening from Turkey to the EU. And we have to be ready to assist Greece with the practical implementation of the new return mechanism, via the European Asylum Support Office and if necessary via direct assistance from Member States.

Another priority is to see how we can speed up the disbursement of the initial € 3 billions to Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey as well as to discuss modalities for voluntary resettlement.

To prepare our meeting, I held intensive talks in Nicosia and Ankara yesterday. When it comes to the accession process, my conviction is that we need to find a way of using the process of reenergising EU-Turkey relations, which goes far beyond migration, so that this process also becomes an opportunity to support the settlement talks in Cyprus. Only if this is possible, can we move forward here.

Let me conclude with a few remarks on the running order. On Thursday, we will start at 16h00 with the traditional exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament followed by the family photo. Our afternoon working session will, as usual in the Spring, begin with a discussion of the economic situation,  the implementation of structural reforms undertaken by Member States  and the  setting of priorities for the European Semester. The President of the European Central Bank will join us for that discussion. We will adopt the conclusions on this part of our agenda at the end of the discussion. I would also like to use this working session to agree our conclusions on climate change and energy security.

Over our working dinner, we will hold a comprehensive debate on migration and EU-Turkey relations. Beyond agreeing a common position on an EU-Turkey agreement, we also need to take stock of the situation along the Western Balkans route after our common decision to end the irregular flows last week as well as our effort to massively step up humanitarian support, not least to Greece. On Friday morning, EU Heads of State or Government will reconvene at 10h00 for a breakfast meeting with Prime Minister Davutoğlu with a view to adopting the EU-Turkey Statement. That meeting should conclude our proceedings. I look forward to seeing you in Brussels tomorrow.

On 17 March 2016 the Netherlands presidency reached an informal deal with the European Parliament on the revision of the directive concerning technical requirements for inland waterway vessels. 

The revised draft directive sets out how the EU will apply the technical standards developed by the European Committee for drawing up standards in the field of inland navigation (CESNI), which was set up under the auspices of the Central Commission for Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) on 3 June 2015. 

Inland waterway vessels that want to obtain a Union certificate and navigate on Europe's inland waterways will have to comply with these technical standards. 

The technical standards from CESNI will not only be incorporated into EU legislation, but will also become applicable on the river Rhine, thereby harmonising technical requirements for inland waterway vessels within Europe. 

In the current situation, both the EU and the CCNR apply their own technical requirements, which are almost but not quite identical. This results in legal uncertainty and administrative burdens for the inland navigation sector. 

CESNI adopted a first standard of technical requirements on 26 November 2015. Its detailed specifications range from the provisions regarding shipbuilding and equipment to provisions applicable to craft operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG). The requirements relating to LNG, which did not exist before, will facilitate the use of this alternative fuel in inland navigation. 

The draft directive is part of a number of measures aimed at making better use of Europe's inland waterways (NAIADES II package). 

The presidency will present the agreed text for approval by member states' ambassadors at a meeting of the Permanent Representatives Committee on 23 March. To conclude the procedure, formal adoption by both the Council and the Parliament is required. 

Today the Members of the European Council met with their Turkish counterpart. This was the third meeting since November 2015 dedicated to deepening Turkey-EU relations as well as addressing the migration crisis.

The Members of the European Council expressed their deepest condolences to the people of Turkey following the bomb attack in Ankara on Sunday. They strongly condemned this heinous act and reiterated their continued support to fight terrorism in all its forms.

Turkey and the European Union reconfirmed their commitment to the implementation of their joint action plan activated on 29 November 2015. Much progress has been achieved already, including Turkey's opening of its labour market to Syrians under temporary protection, the introduction of new visa requirements for Syrians and other nationalities, stepped up security efforts by the Turkish coast guard and police and enhanced information sharing. Moreover, the European Union has begun disbursing the 3 billion euro of the Facility for Refugees in Turkey for concrete projects and work has advanced on visa liberalisation and in the accession talks, including the opening of Chapter 17 last December. On 7 March 2016, Turkey furthermore agreed to accept the rapid return of all migrants not in need of international protection crossing from Turkey into Greece and to take back all irregular migrants intercepted in Turkish waters. Turkey and the EU also agreed to continue stepping up measures against migrant smugglers and welcomed the establishment of the NATO activity on the Aegean Sea. At the same time Turkey and the EU recognise that further, swift and determined efforts are needed.

In order to break the business model of the smugglers and to offer migrants an alternative to putting their lives at risk, the EU and Turkey today decided to end the irregular migration from Turkey to the EU. In order to achieve this goal, they agreed on the following additional action points:

1) All new irregular migrants crossing from Turkey into Greek islands as from 20 March 2016 will be returned to Turkey. This will take place in full accordance with EU and international law, thus excluding any kind of collective expulsion. All migrants will be protected in accordance with the relevant international standards and in respect of the principle of non-refoulement. It will be a temporary and extraordinary measure which is necessary to end the human suffering and restore public order. Migrants arriving in the Greek islands will be duly registered and any application for asylum will be processed individually by the Greek authorities in accordance with the Asylum Procedures Directive, in cooperation with UNHCR. Migrants not applying for asylum or whose application has been found unfounded or inadmissible in accordance with the said directive will be returned to Turkey. Turkey and Greece, assisted by EU institutions and agencies, will take the necessary steps and agree any necessary bilateral arrangements, including the presence of Turkish officials on Greek islands and Greek officials in Turkey as from 20 March 2016, to ensure liaison and thereby facilitate the smooth functioning of these arrangements. The costs of the return operations of irregular migrants will be covered by the EU.

2) For every Syrian being returned to Turkey from Greek islands, another Syrian will be resettled from Turkey to the EU taking into account the UN Vulnerability Criteria. A mechanism will be established, with the assistance of the Commission, EU agencies and other Member States, as well as the UNHCR, to ensure that this principle will be implemented as from the same day the returns start. Priority will be given to migrants who have not previously entered or tried to enter the EU irregularly. On the EU side, resettlement under this mechanism will take place, in the first instance, by honouring the commitments taken by Member States in the conclusions of Representatives of the Governments of Member States meeting within the Council on 20 July 2015, of which 18.000 places for resettlement remain. Any further need for resettlement will be carried out through a similar voluntary arrangement up to a limit of an additional 54.000 persons. The Members of the European Council welcome the Commission's intention to propose an amendment to the relocation decision of 22 September 2015 to allow for any resettlement commitment undertaken in the framework of this arrangement to be offset from non-allocated places under the decision. Should these arrangements not meet the objective of ending the irregular migration and the number of returns come close to the numbers provided for above, this mechanism will be reviewed. Should the number of returns exceed the numbers provided for above, this mechanism will be discontinued.

3) Turkey will take any necessary measures to prevent new sea or land routes for illegal migration opening from Turkey to the EU, and will cooperate with neighbouring states as well as the EU to this effect.

4) Once irregular crossings between Turkey and the EU are ending or at least have been substantially and sustainably reduced, a Voluntary Humanitarian Admission Scheme will be activated. EU Member States will contribute on a voluntary basis to this scheme.

5) The fulfilment of the visa liberalisation roadmap will be accelerated vis-à-vis all participating Member States with a view to lifting the visa requirements for Turkish citizens at the latest by the end of June 2016, provided that all benchmarks have been met. To this end Turkey will take the necessary steps to fulfil the remaining requirements to allow the Commission to make, following the required assessment of compliance with the benchmarks, an appropriate proposal by the end of April on the basis of which the European Parliament and the Council can make a final decision.

6) The EU, in close cooperation with Turkey, will further speed up the disbursement of the initially allocated 3 billion euros under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey and ensure funding of further projects for persons under temporary protection identified with swift input from Turkey before the end of March. A first list of concrete projects for refugees, notably in the field of health, education, infrastructure, food and other living costs, that can be swiftly financed from the Facility, will be jointly identified within a week. Once these resources are about to be used to the full, and provided the above commitments are met, the EU will mobilise additional funding for the Facility of an additional 3 billion euro up to the end of 2018.

7) The EU and Turkey welcomed the ongoing  work on the upgrading of the Customs Union.

8) The EU and Turkey reconfirmed their commitment to re-energise the accession process as set out in their joint statement of 29 November 2015. They welcomed the opening of Chapter 17 on 14 December 2015 and decided, as a next step, to open Chapter 33 during the Netherlands presidency. They welcomed that the Commission will put forward a proposal to this effect in April. Preparatory work for the opening of other Chapters will continue at an accelerated pace without prejudice to Member States' positions in accordance with the existing rules.

9) The EU and its Member States will work with Turkey in any joint endeavour to improve humanitarian conditions inside Syria, in particular in certain areas near the Turkish border which would allow for the local population and refugees to live in areas which will be more safe.

All these elements will be taken forward in parallel and monitored jointly on a monthly basis.

The EU and Turkey decided to meet again as necessary in accordance with the joint statement of 29 November 2015.

1.  The European Council confirms its comprehensive strategy to tackle the migration crisis. Several elements of our common European response are in place today and are yielding results. Work on other elements is being taken forward diligently, so that they can be implemented as soon as possible. Priority will continue to be given to regaining control of our external borders.

2. Following the decisions of the Heads of State or Government of 7 March, and in the context of the Joint Action Plan with Turkey and its expansion, the European Council calls for:

• more work to be done on hotspots; much progress has been achieved in making all hotspots fully operational and increasing reception capacities; this effort should be continued, with the full assistance of the EU, including support for Greek asylum structures;
• the use of all means to support the capacity of Greece for the return of irregular migrants to Turkey in the context of the Greek-Turkish readmission Protocol and the EU-Turkey readmission agreement as of 1 June 2016. Member States declare their willingness to provide Greece at short notice with the necessary means, including border guards, asylum experts and interpreters. The European Council asks the Commission to coordinate all necessary support for Greece, for the full implementation of the EU-Turkey statement, and to develop an operational plan. The Commission will coordinate and organise together with Member States and agencies the necessary support structures to implement it effectively. The Commission will regularly report to the Council on its implementation;
• emergency support to be provided to help Greece cope with the humanitarian situation. The rapid adoption of the Regulation on emergency support is an important step in that respect. The draft amending budget presented by the Commission should be adopted without delay. Member States are invited to make immediate additional contributions under the Civil Protection Mechanism as well as to provide bilateral humanitarian assistance;
• accelerated relocation from Greece, which includes conducting the necessary security checks; the number of applications now being larger than the number of offers, as shown in the Commission report of 16 March, Member States should swiftly offer more places, in line with the existing commitments.

3. The European Council takes note of the Commission Communication "Next operational steps in EU-Turkey cooperation in the field of migration", in particular as to how an asylum application from a migrant crossing from Turkey into Greece can be declared inadmissible, based on the concept of "first country of asylum" or "safe third country", in accordance with European and international law.

4. The European Council reiterates that the EU-Turkey Statement does not establish any new commitments on Member States as far as relocation and resettlement are concerned.

5. The EU reiterates that it expects Turkey to respect the highest standards when it comes to democracy, rule of law, respect of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression.

6. The European Council reaffirms its support to Jordan and Lebanon. It calls for pledges to be disbursed promptly and EU Compacts to be finalised to enhance support to refugees and host communities in both countries.

7. The European Council calls for strengthening of cooperation with the Western Balkans countries in tackling the migration crisis and contributing to the objectives of the European Council.

8. Further to its February 2016 conclusions, the European Council invites the European Investment Bank to present to its June meeting a specific initiative aimed at rapidly mobilising additional financing in support of sustainable growth, vital infrastructure and social cohesion in Southern neighbourhood and Western Balkans countries.

9. The European Council is extremely vigilant as regards possible new routes for irregular migrants and calls for taking any measures that may become necessary in that respect. In this context, the fight against smugglers everywhere and by all appropriate means remains key. The EU stands ready to support the Government of National Accord, as the sole legitimate government of Libya, including, at its request, to restore stability, fight terrorism and manage migration in the central Mediterranean.

10. The European Council reaffirms its previous conclusions on the various elements of the comprehensive strategy and is pleased with progress on the European Border and Coast Guard proposal, which should be adopted as soon as possible. Work will also be taken forward on the future architecture of the EU's migration policy, including the Dublin Regulation.

11. To steer the Council's discussions on the 2016 European Semester, the European Council endorsed the policy priority areas of the Annual Growth Survey: re-launching investment, pursuing structural reforms to modernise our economies, and conducting responsible fiscal policies. Member States will reflect these priorities in their forthcoming National Reform Programmes and Stability or Convergence Programmes. Such policies will contribute to placing the current recovery on a more sustainable basis and to fostering growth and employment. The European Council notes the Commission consultation on social issues and stresses the importance of well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems.

12. At its June meeting, the European Council will discuss the progress achieved in the work towards completing the Economic and Monetary Union. It will also adopt an Agenda for the implementation of all aspects of the Single Market, including delivery of the Commission's Single Market, Digital Single Market and Capital Markets Union strategies, with a view to exploiting in full its untapped growth and productivity potential.

13. In the light of the difficult situation of the European steel sector, in a context of overcapacity at global level, the European Council calls on the Council to rapidly examine the Commission's communication with a view to taking strong action in response to this challenge.

14. The European Council notes the situation of farmers, notably in the dairy and pig sectors, who are seriously affected by the drop in prices. It invites the Commission to quickly act upon the outcome of the Council (Agriculture) meeting of 14 March. It will closely follow the evolution of this sector of such importance for Europe.

15. The European Council notes that the Commission intends to publish shortly a communication on an action plan on VAT. It welcomes the intention of the Commission to include proposals for increased flexibility for Member States with respect to reduced rates of VAT, which would provide the option to Member States of VAT zero rating‎ for sanitary products.

16. The European Council welcomes the submission by the Commission of the package on energy security as well as of the Communication "Road from Paris". It encourages the legislators to proceed with work on the proposals to reinforce the EU energy security as a matter of priority on the basis of its previous conclusions and the relevant strategies endorsed by the European Council. It also recalled the importance of a fully-functioning and interconnected energy market. Based on the Climate Communication, it underlines the EU's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions domestically and to increase the share of renewable energies and improve energy efficiency as agreed by the European Council in October 2014. Adapting the legislation in order to implement this framework remains a priority. The European Council invites the Commission to rapidly present all the remaining relevant proposals to this end so as to swiftly engage the legislative process. The European Council looks forward to the signature of the Paris Agreement in New York on 22 April and underlines the need for the European Union and its Member States to be able to ratify the Paris Agreement as soon as possible and on time so as to be Parties as of its entry into force.