EN Official Journal of the European Union C 446/1

Joint Declaration on the EU’s legislative priorities for 2018-2019

(2017/C 446/01)

Europe’s future lies in our own hands. Convinced that the European Union is the best instrument to achieve our objectives, we will continue to work together to make our Union stronger, more united and more democratic in the years ahead.

Europe is regaining its strength and we must take advantage of this renewed momentum. With around 18 months until the next European elections, a central democratic moment for voters to assess the effectiveness of the Union, now is the time to show that Europe can deliver for its citizens when and where it matters.

The Joint Declaration on the EU’s legislative priorities for 2017, the first since this instrument was created by the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-making of 13 April 2016, has shown its value as a tool for maintaining political attention on the key proposals where results are most needed, and should be renewed for the period running until the European elections.

The three Institutions agree to deliver a positive agenda for a more inclusive and more united EU and a forward looking new financial framework for the years after 2020, supporting the objectives of the Union and ensuring the right balance between EU policies in the interest of citizens. In line with this strong sense of delivery, we will give priority treatment in the legislative process to the following initiatives to ensure substantial progress and, where possible, delivery before the European elections of 2019:

1. Better protecting the security of our citizens, by ensuring Member States’ authorities know who is crossing our common external borders, interoperable EU information systems for security, criminal records, border and migration management, by strengthening our instruments on the fight against terrorism and against money laundering, and by enhancing the competitiveness and innovation of the Union defence industry via a European Defence Fund;

2. Reforming and developing our migration policy in a spirit of responsibility and solidarity, including the reform of the Common European Asylum System, including the Dublin mechanism, and the legal migration package;

3. Giving a new boost to jobs, growth and investment, by modernising the EU trade defence instruments and making progress on screening foreign direct investment in the EU, by improving the waste management in a circular economy, by pursuing efforts to deepen our Economic and Monetary Union, and by completing our Banking Union in a way that balances risk sharing and risk reduction;

4. Addressing the social dimension of the European Union, by working on improving the coordination of social security systems, by protecting workers from health risks in the workplace, by ensuring fair treatment for all in our labour markets through modernised rules on posting of workers, and by improving cross-border enforcement;

5. Delivering on our commitment to implement a connected Digital Single Market, by completing the modernisation of rules for the electronic communications sector, by setting higher standards of consumer protection for online and distance sales of both digital and physical goods, and by strengthening cybersecurity;

6. Delivering on our objective of an ambitious Energy Union and a forward looking climate change policy, notably by implementing the 2030 climate and energy framework, by continuing to follow up the Paris Agreement, including through legislation on clean energy for all Europeans and on clean mobility;

7. Further developing the democratic legitimacy at EU level, by improving the functioning of the European Citizens’ Initiative and by increasing transparency in the financing of political parties.

In addition, we agree that progress is also needed on the following important issues:

— Pursuing our commitment to common European values, democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, reinforcing the democratic legitimacy of the EU and including our joint engagement to stand up against discrimination and xenophobia;

— Pursuing a robust, open and rules-based trade policy, firm in the belief that trade contributes to creating wealth and jobs;

— Tackling tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance, as well as ensuring a sound and fair tax system;

— Ensuring fairness and adequate level of social protection and social rights, as set out in the 20 key principles of the Pillar of Social Rights;

— Reinforcing EU’s role in protecting and defending our interests beyond its border and in contributing to stability, security and peace;

— Ensuring a high level of data protection, digital rights and ethical standards while capturing the benefits and avoiding the risks of developments in artificial intelligence and robotics.

The three Institutions also agree to continue to work on all pending proposals.

While substantial progress has been achieved in delivering the priority proposals identified in the 2017 Joint Declaration, we are determined to complete the job we have committed ourselves to. We will continue working on the proposals submitted since December 2016. We will also deal with the legislative proposals set out in the Commission’s 2018 work programme.

We remain committed to promoting the proper implementation and enforcement of existing legislation.

We, as Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission, will regularly monitor the timely and efficient implementation of this Joint Declaration.

Antonio TAJANI President of the European Parliament Jüri RATAS President of the Council Jean-Claude JUNCKER President of the European Commission