EU leaders discuss strengthening Union’s role on international stage

At their informal dinner meeting on 5 October, the EU Heads of State or Government held a strategic discussion about the EU’s role on the international stage. The meeting took place in Slovenia, which currently holds the EU Council Presidency. Topics on the agenda included security, trade policy and relations between the EU and China.

The meeting addressed a wide range of issues related to European security policy. Discussions stressed the need for a stronger Union in terms of external capabilities, both in security and defence cooperation and in the related spheres of resilience, strategic autonomy and international partnerships. 
 
The meeting also addressed regular relations between the EU and China at the level of Heads of State or Government. In her speech, Prime Minister Sanna Marin highlighted the importance of keeping the Union united and stated that better reciprocity should be expected from China in all areas of cooperation.
 
In addition to the items on the agenda, the EU leaders expressed a shared concern about the rise in energy prices. The matter will be discussed further at the October European Council.

Today, on 6 October, the EU leaders’ work will continue with the EU-Western Balkans summit.

Inquiries: Lauri Voionmaa, Special Adviser (International Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 306 and Tuulia Pitkänen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 231, Prime Minister’s Office