The consequences of the Russian attack on Ukraine, as well as the strengthening of the sovereignty and defence of the European Union, including by reducing energy and other dependencies, will be discussed on Thursday evening and Friday by the 27 EU leaders at the informal European Council in Versailles, France.
Although originally the theme of the meeting organised by the French Presidency of the EU Council was to discuss the formulation of a European Model for Growth and Investment for 2030, developments in Ukraine have changed the main theme of the meeting.
As European Council President Charles Michel said in his invitation letter to the leaders, the debate will focus on strengthening the EU's defence capability, reducing energy dependence especially on gas, oil and coal from Russia and building a more resilient economic base.
The meeting will start at 17:30 local time (18:30 Cyprus time) on Thursday with the usual exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.
The situation in Ukraine as well as defence and energy issues will be the exclusive topic of discussion during the debate, which will be followed by a working dinner.
According to the official briefing, the leaders will discuss boosting investment in EU defence capabilities and innovative technologies. They will also focus on increasing funds for defence and encouraging cooperation between member states.
On Friday, during the second part of the meeting and at a working lunch, leaders will discuss the new model for growth and investment in the presence of both European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and Eurogroup President Pascal Donahue.
Developing a more resilient economic base for the EU involves, among other things, reducing strategic dependencies and strengthening the supply of critical raw materials and semiconductors.
Also, according to the official briefing from the Council side, supporting innovation and sustainable production of medicines through funding for research and the creation of production infrastructure for critical products will be discussed.
Source: CNA
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