European Council Leaders’ Agenda 9 May 2019 DRAFT Strategic Agenda 2019-2024 - outline Next June, just ahead of the new institutional cycle, the European Council will adopt the EU's new Strategic Agenda, setting out the overarching priorities that will guide the work of the EU over the next five years. In order to start that process, Leaders will be invited to have a first discussion in Sibiu of what direction they believe should be given to EU policies in the future, on the basis of the attached outline. In the light of that discussion, a first draft of the Strategic Agenda will be issued in early June. 1 LEADERS’ AGENDA EN 9 May 2019 Protecting citizens and freedoms Europe should be a place where people feel free and safe. We need to defend our peoples' rights and freedoms, and make sure we can protect them from existing risks and emerging threats. Ensuring our security Safeguarding our democracies • effectively protect our external borders • • • fight terrorism and organised crime • tackle hybrid threats and ensure cybersecurity • increase resilience against and relief after natural and manmade disasters uphold the rule of law fight disinformation Tackling migration challenges Protecting our values and freedoms • • protect individual freedoms • engage citizens and civil society as well as regional and local actors fight illegal migration comprehensively (external/ borders/internal) • reform the EU asylum policy • ensure the good functioning of the Schengen area Developing our economic base: the European model for the future A strong economic base is of key importance for Europe’s prosperity and competitiveness, and for its role on the global stage. This should be achieved through an integrated approach addressing the current and emerging global, technological, security and sustainability challenges, and connecting all relevant policies and dimensions. 2 LEADERS’ AGENDA EN 9 May 2019 Mobilising all relevant policies • deepen and strengthen the single market • develop an industrial strategy • ensure fair and effective taxation • deepen EMU Investing in our future • invest in people's skills and education • promote innovation and research • encourage public and private investment • promote sustainable agriculture Promoting a level-playing field • ensure fair competition • fight unfair practices and security risks • secure our strategic supply chains Embracing the digital transition • develop artificial intelligence • promote access, sharing and use of data • ensure connectivity 3 LEADERS’ AGENDA EN 9 May 2019 Building a greener, fairer and more inclusive future Europe should remain a model of inclusion and sustainability, embracing the changes brought about by the green transition, technological evolutions and globalisation while making sure we leave no-one behind. Ensuring sustainable, secure and affordable energy • accelerate the energy transition • increase energy independence • seize economic opportunities offered by the green transition • invest in mobility of the future Promoting Inclusiveness • provide opportunities for all and reduce inequalities • ensure adequate social protection and inclusive labour markets • reduce disparities through cohesion Preserving environment and Safeguarding our way of life • support communities in managing the green transition • protect consumers, health • invest in culture climate • work towards climate neutrality • preserve environmental systems including oceans • fight the loss of biodiversity Promoting Europe's interests and values in the world Only united can we help shape our immediate neighbourhood and the global environment to the benefit of Europeans. In a more uncertain world, we need to be more assertive and effective in defending our interests while standing up for an open, rules-based multilateral order. Defending our interests • give priority to and assert European economic, political and security interests • ensure coherence and effectiveness of external policies to this end • position Europe as a global player in the new strategic context • boost European defence investment and cooperation (including with NATO) Promoting global rules • maintain and develop an open and fair rules-based multilateral order • pursue a robust, ambitious and balanced trade policy, including via FTAs, based on reciprocity and mutual benefits Projecting our values • promote Europe as a model of cooperation and keep our door open for those who want to join our family • work towards global peace and stability, and promote Tackling global challenges • exercise global leadership in the fight against climate change • cooperate with partners (countries of origin and transit) on migration • promote sustainable 4 LEADERS’ AGENDA EN 9 May 2019 democracy and human rights development [SDGs, Agenda 2030] ________________ 5 LEADERS’ AGENDA EN 9 May 2019