European Council, 12-13 December 2019
Main results
On 12 December, EU leaders discussed climate change, the EU's long-term budget and external relations, among other issues. On 13 December, they focused on the economic and monetary union and Brexit.
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Climate change
EU leaders endorsed the objective of making the EU climate-neutral by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement. They underlined that the transition to climate neutrality will bring significant opportunities for economic growth, markets, jobs and technological development. Poland, at this stage, could not commit to implementing this objective, which is why the European Council will come back to this issue in June 2020.
The European Council took note of the Commission communication on the European Green Deal and asked the Council to take work forward.
Leaders recognised the need to put in place an enabling framework to ensure a cost-effective, as well as socially balanced and fair transition to climate neutrality, taking into account different national circumstances.
The European Council underlined that the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) will significantly contribute to climate action. Tailored support for regions and sectors most affected by the transition will be made available from the Just Transition Mechanism.
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Trade
The European Council reiterated its full support for the global rules-based international order and noted with concern the paralysis of the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) mechanism for settling disputes.
Leaders supported the European Commission’s efforts to set up interim arrangements with third countries while actively pursuing a permanent solution. In that connection, the European Council called on the European Parliament and the Council to examine the Commission’s proposal to adapt the EU legislation referring to the EU’s rights under international trade agreements.
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Brexit
EU27 leaders discussed Brexit and preparations for the negotiations on future EU-UK relations after the withdrawal. They reconfirmed their aim of establishing as close as possible future relationship with the UK and welcomed the Commission’s decision to reappoint Michel Barnier.