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EU leaders adopt conclusions on Russian military aggression, security, energy, economy, COVID-19 and external relations

During a European Council meeting on 24-25 March, EU leaders adopted conclusions on the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, security and defence, energy, economic issues, COVID-19 and external relations.

Ursula von der Leyen speaks at the European Council on 25 March 2022, ©European Union
European Union

date:  31/03/2022

See alsoEuropean Council, 24-25 March 2022

On the first day of the summit, EU leaders were joined by US President Joe Biden, in person, to discuss support for Ukraine and the strengthening of transatlantic cooperation, and by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, via video conference. EU leaders called for work to be taken forward on building a more robust economic base. They specifically agreed on the need to pursue a robust trade policy, foster investment, and reduce strategic dependencies in key sectors such as critical raw materials, semi-conductors, health, digital and food. EU leaders also reaffirmed the importance of realising the full potential of the single market, calling for measures such as strictly implementing and enforcing the single market rules; implementing the industrial and SME strategies; closely monitoring and preventing bottlenecks; preventing administrative burdens; and sustaining the EU's capacity as an international standard setter. EU leaders also endorsed the policy priorities of the Annual Sustainable Growth Survey and invited Member States to reflect them in their National Reform Programmes and Stability and Convergence Programmes. Charles Michel was re-elected President for a second term of two and a half years and reappointed as President of the Euro Summit for the same period.