BRUSSELS (CHATNEWSTV) — European Council President António Costa has invited EU leaders to a high-stakes summit on March 14, where discussions will center on boosting the bloc’s competitiveness, reinforcing defense efforts, and continuing support for Ukraine.
“The centrepiece of the agenda for this meeting will be competitiveness,” Costa said in an invitation letter to EU leaders. He emphasized that a stronger and more competitive European Union would be better positioned to “protect its citizens, its interests, and its values on the global stage.”
The meeting will follow up on the Special European Council session held on March 6, with leaders addressing developments in Ukraine and reviewing the recently presented White Paper on the Future of European Defence. Ahead of the June summit, discussions will also focus on next steps for EU defense policy. UN Secretary-General António Guterres will join leaders for a working lunch to discuss global challenges, including multilateralism and international security.
Costa outlined three priority areas for improving EU competitiveness: simplification of regulations, energy policy, and the creation of a Savings and Investments Union. Additionally, the summit will address industrial action plans for key sectors such as automotive, steel, and metals.
Leaders will also hold an initial debate on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the EU’s long-term budget, and consider new own resources, particularly in light of the repayment of funds under the Next Generation EU recovery plan.
“How do we ensure that the budget will have the necessary resources for the European Union to achieve the goals it has set itself?” Costa posed as a key question for discussion.
Migration remains high on the agenda, with leaders set to review progress on return policies based on European Commission input. They will also discuss recent developments in the Middle East.
The summit will begin Thursday at 11:00 a.m. with a customary exchange with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to address the leaders remotely. Later, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe will join a Euro Summit session on economic issues and competitiveness.
Costa said he aims to complete discussions in a single day but acknowledged that global uncertainties could extend the meeting into Friday morning.
