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The Council started by discussing draft conclusions for the upcoming European Council. Ministers then held an exchange of views on EU-UK relations, as well as on a synthesis report on Council contributions on the 2025 European Semester. The Council agreed to forward a draft recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area to the European Council for endorsement. Finally, ministers approved a joint declaration for this year’s legislative priorities together with joint conclusions on the EU’s policy objectives and priorities for 2025-2029.
We live in extremely challenging times for Europe. The Polish presidency continues to work on its ambitious agenda to make Europe more secure and more competitive. We are intensifying our efforts in the coming months to bring tangible results for the people of Europe.
Adam Szłapka, Minister for the European Union of Poland
March European Council preparation
The Council continued preparations for the upcoming European Council meeting by discussing draft conclusions. EU leaders are expected to discuss:
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
latest developments in the Middle East
EU’s competitiveness
European defence
the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and new own resources
The Council heard a presentation by the Commission and held an exchange of views on EU-UK relations in the run-up to the EU-UK Summit of 19 May 2025. Ministers focused on areas where relations with the UK could be strengthened and on the best approach to collectively protect EU’s interests. Many ministers stressed the importance of working with like-minded partners, including the UK, in the field of security and defence.
Ministers held an exchange of views on a synthesis report on Council contributions on the 2025 European Semester. The presidency presented an updated roadmap for the 2025 European Semester. The Council also agreed to forward a draft recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area to the European Council for endorsement.
The Council approved the joint declaration on the EU legislative priorities for 2025, as well as joint conclusions on policy objectives and priorities for 2025-2029.The joint declaration and joint conclusions will be signed by the presidents of the Council of the EU, the European Commission and the European Parliament.
Czechia presented information on the termination of financing of ‘Radio Free Europe’ by the US Agency for Global Media.
Moldova
Under 'A' items, the Council adopted the regulation establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova, a new instrument to support the country’s path towards the EU with up to €2 billion.
