Giving momentum to the EU's external relations

EU heads of state and government will in future hold regular talks on the Union's external policy in order to enhance its effectiveness. Meeting at the European Council on 16 September in Brussels, leaders debated EU strategies in a rapidly changing world and, more specifically, ahead of important summits with key partners. They were joined in their discussions by foreign ministers.

© European Union

Leaders agreed on the need for Europe to promote its interests and values more assertively and to be an effective global actor. "This is the beginning of a process. This European Council is the first in a series dedicated to foreign policy," said Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council. The aim is to bring Europe's true weight to bear internationally.

Heads also endorsed key messages to be conveyed in a number of upcoming major meetings, such as summits with China and South Korea and the biennial Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), which will all take place in October. Priority areas of cooperation will include bilateral trade, labour standards and energy efficiency.

Leaders also took stock of the work of the Task Force on Economic Governance, which has made important progress, notably on the development of a new macro-surveillance framework. "This will monitor and correct imbalances, risks of bubbles and divergences in competitiveness. There is also agreement on strengthening national fiscal frameworks," said Herman Van Rompuy.

To help Pakistan overcome the severe humanitarian crisis caused by the devastating summer floods, the EU wants to give maximum support to this country. "More aid, and more trade. We want Pakistan to recover now and develop economically. We will grant significantly increased market access," added Herman Van Rompuy.

More information:
European Council conclusions (pdf)
Webcast of press conference