On Monday evening Chancellor Angela Merkel will fly to Brussels for the Special meeting of the European Council, which is scheduled to run until Tuesday evening. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be held in compliance with strict hygiene and safety provisions.

COVID-19 pandemic

The pandemic will also be on the agenda when EU leaders meet, in particular the digital COVID certificate, which is to facilitate travel within the EU. Vaccination procurement will be discussed, including boosters and vaccines for children, as well as solidarity in international vaccine production, financing and distribution.

Fighting COVID-19 together – why is it important?
The COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge that does not stop at national borders. This is particularly true in the EU, an area without internal borders. Only close Europe-wide cooperation can effectively contain the pandemic, and that makes it important for the member states to coordinate common action. 

EU climate policy

The heads of state and government will deal intensively with the EU’s efforts to combat climate change. They will discuss, in particular, how the EU can achieve the climate target set by the European Council in December 2020. By January 2030, greenhouse gas emissions are to be cut by at least 55 per cent of the 1990 levels.

To this end, the European Commission is elaborating the Fit for 55 climate package, which is to be presented in July. It affects above all the EU emissions trading system, the Renewable Energy Directive and the limits for vehicle fleets. The European Council will provide impetus. 

A common EU climate policy – why is it important?
Germany can only genuinely influence the climate situation in and with the EU. The EU intends to adopt ambitious emission reduction targets that will enable it to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent. Climate neutrality means emitting so few greenhouse gases that they do not represent any additional burden on the atmosphere. The EU must form this policy and drive it forward together. 

External relations of the EU

Strategic talks about Russia are also on the agenda of the heads of state and government. At the European Council meeting in June this discussion will be deepened on the basis of a report of the European Commission and the European External Action Service.

In addition to this, the European Council intends to take stock of the implementation of the trade and cooperation agreement by the United Kingdom. The situation in the Middle East will probably also be discussed.

A unified EU stance in external policy – why is it important?
None of the 27 EU member states can effectively represent its interests alone at international level. The EU can only help shape the world in line with its own ideas in dialogue with the world’s major global players. If the EU aims to resolve the political conflicts with Russia or develop relations with the United Kingdom, it is important to speak with one voice. 

As usual, the summit will begin on Monday with a meeting with David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament.