European Council in Brussels, 19-20/12/2013

For the first time since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the European Council held a thematic discussion on defense. It identified priority actions for closer cooperation. The European Council identified certain priority actions which are articulated around three axes: increasing the effectiveness, visibility and impact of the Common Security and Defense Policy; enhancing capability development; strengthening Europe’s defense industry.
Prior to the discussion, a meeting was held with the NATO Secretary General, who presented his view on current and future security challenges and expressed satisfaction with the ongoing efforts and commitments of the EU and its member states, considering them not only compatible with NATO but also beneficial to it.
Among other things, the European Council expressed its satisfaction with the general approach reached by the Council regarding the Single Resolution Mechanism, which will be a cornerstone of the Banking Union. In addition, it examined the economic situation, recognizing that although economic recovery is still limited, uneven and fragile, the outlook is gradually becoming more positive.
Additionally, it reviewed the progress in implementing the Growth and Employment Pact. Although substantial progress has been made in certain areas, efforts should continue to fully capitalize on the momentum of the Pact. This Pact, aimed at reviving growth, investment and employment and increasing Europe’s competitiveness, was agreed in June 2012.
Finally, it identified the main features of Partnerships for growth, employment and competitiveness, with the aim of concluding discussions by next October. The partnership system concerns mutually agreed contractual arrangements covering a wide range of policies and measures to promote growth and employment, including labor and product market performance, public sector efficiency, as well as research and innovation, education and vocational training, employment and social inclusion. They will reflect the economic policy priorities identified in the European Council’s common analysis of the economic situation in the member states and the euro area as a whole and will take into account the country-specific recommendations. At the same time, the partnership system will include linked solidarity mechanisms that will provide support, as appropriate, to member states entering into mutually agreed contractual arrangements, thus helping to invest in policies for growth and employment enhancement.