The EU Council meeting on 19-20 March will address major ongoing challenges on both the EU’s foreign and domestic agenda.
On the external front, progress on two of the EU’s flagship initiatives on Ukraine, a EUR 90 billion loan package and the 20th sanctions package on Russia, remains stalled, while opportunities to influence the situation in Iran are limited. Against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tension, EU leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening defence readiness.
Domestically, rising fossil fuel prices have brought energy affordability back to the top of the agenda, recalling the 2022 crisis and possible protection measures for citizens and companies. Leaders will also focus on reducing strategic dependencies, enhancing EU competitiveness and ensuring effective investment, with particular attention to deepening the single market. A discussion of the progress on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) negotiations is also expected, aiming to align long-term funding with urgent economic and strategic priorities.
This members-only briefing will be made by Cinzia Alcidi and Steven Blockmans, Senior Research Fellows, CEPS. Karel Lannoo, CEO, CEPS will give welcoming remarks.
