Debate: Preparation of the Special European Council meeting of February, in particular the need to develop sustainable solutions in the area of asylum and migration
Date: WEDNESDAY, 1 FEBRUARY 2023
Speaker: Jessika Roswall 
Language: EN

The meeting will start with the usual exchange with the President of the European Parliament. Leaders will discuss the situation in Ukraine, assembling less than a week after the EU-Ukraine summit on 3 February. They will discuss the latest developments on the ground and take stock of the EU support to Ukraine and its people. Leaders are also expected to consider further ways to increase pressure on Russia and to touch upon the important issues of accountability and upon frozen assets.  The date 24 February, two weeks after the Special European Council, will mark the tragic anniversary of the start of the Russian war. The European Council is expected to reaffirm the EU’s resolute determination to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes. I know the Parliament is steadfast in its support to Ukraine, and I would like to thank you all for this.  Regarding the economic agenda, leaders will discuss how the EU can tackle challenges facing Europe’s economic, industrial and technological base in the short term. In doing so, they will build on today’s contribution by the Commission on a Green Deal Industrial Plan.  Among other things, leaders are expected to discuss possible temporary adjustments on state aid policy and how to streamline procedures while preserving the integrity of the single market.  By the time of the meeting, we will probably have a deeper understanding of the challenges for the European industry, as the Commission is expected to prepare an analysis. But it is necessary to look at other policy tools too. Much can be achieved by improving the business environment and by cutting red tape. We also need a fully—developed and integrated European capital market and an ambitious, robust and sustainable trade agenda.  In the long term, it is crucial for the EU to realise the full potential of the single market as it celebrates 30 years. At the March European Council, leaders will discuss competitiveness and increased productivity in the longer term. This is essential for the EU to remain an attractive place to invest, for our prosperity and for our role on the world stage.  Migration will be another major topic at this meeting. Leaders are expected to discuss ways in which the EU can intensify its joint actions, such as strengthening control of the EU’s external borders, including through Frontex support for Member States’ actions and the use of IT tools, working with countries of origin and transit along all routes on partnerships to avoid further death and counter illegal migration, and also issues of return and readmission, alignment with the EU visa policy and the fight against trafficking and smuggling, as well as the unacceptable use of migration for political purposes and, finally, calling upon the co—legislators to continue work on the Migration Pact as foreseen in the Joint Roadmap on Migration and Asylum.  Thank you very much for your attention. I am looking forward to hearing your views.