Special European Council, Brussels - Main contents
| date | February 20, 2020 - February 21, 2020 |
|---|---|
| city | Brussels, Belgium |
| location | Europa Building i  |
| organisation | European Council i |
Main results
On 20 and 21 February, EU heads of state or government met in Brussels to discuss the EU’s long-term budget for 2021-2027. Following intense negotiations it became evident that it was not possible to reach an agreement and more time was needed.
"We have worked very hard to try to reconcile the different concerns, the different interests, the different opinions on the table. But we need more time."
Charles Michel, President of the European Council
Some of the main issues at stake in the discussions are:
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-overall level
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-volumes of the main policy areas
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-financing, including revenues (own resources) and corrections
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-conditionalities and incentives
President Charles Michel will consult EU leaders on how to take things forward.
Declaration on the situation in Syria
In response to the unfolding tragedy in Idlib, Syria, the European Council has issued a declaration, calling on all actors to cease hostilities immediately.
The renewed military offensive in Idlib by the Syrian regime and its backers, causing enormous human suffering, is unacceptable. (…) The EU urges all parties to the conflict to fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law and to allow unimpeded and direct humanitarian access to all those in need.
Declaration of the European Council on the situation in Idlib
Contents
The European Council brings together EU leaders to set the EU's political agenda. It represents the highest level of political cooperation between EU countries.
One of the EU's 7 official institutions, the Council takes the form of (usually quarterly) summit meetings between EU leaders, chaired by a permanent president.
What does the European Council do?