Main news from Brussels this week
date: 31/05/2019
Informal dinner of the EU heads of state or government
On 28 May, EU heads of state and government met for an informal dinner in Brussels. The EU leaders took stock of the results of the European elections and kicked off the nomination process for the new heads of EU institutions. They mandated President Donald Tusk to start consultations with the EU member states and the European Parliament to prepare the ground for decisions at the next EU summit on 20-21 June.
Progress in tackling hybrid threats
The European Union and member states have made good progress in tackling hybrid threats through concerted actions in a wide range of sectors to significantly boost capacities, according to a report adopted on 29 May by the Commission and the European External Action Service. Some 22 measures address hybrid threats, from improving exchange of information and strengthening protection of critical infrastructure and cybersecurity, to building resilience in societies against radicalisation and extremism.
Assessment of reforms in the Western Balkans and Turkey
On 29 May, the European Commission adopted its annual assessment of the implementation of reforms in the Western Balkan partners and Turkey, together with recommendations on the next steps for those countries. A key finding in the assessment is that Albania and North Macedonia have embraced the opportunity and delivered on reforms, in particular in the areas identified as crucial by the Council in June 2018. In light of the significant progress achieved and the relevant conditions being met, the Commission recommended that the Council opens accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia.
All this week's key European Commission announcements can be found here