Vaccine issues high on agenda at European Council videoconference

The situation with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines featured prominently on the agenda at the video meeting of European Council members on 25 March. Other themes discussed at the meeting were the single market, industrial policy, the digital transformation and the economy, the Eastern Mediterranean and an information point on Russia. Yesterday’s programme also included a Euro Summit meeting and a separate discussion with United States President Joe Biden.

The discussion on COVID-19 focused on speeding up vaccine production and distribution, the importance of the export authorisation mechanism and preparedness for future health crises. The EU leaders confirmed that vaccines purchased through the EU joint procurement would continue to be distributed to the Member States in proportion to the size of their populations. Work will continue at the ambassadorial level to ensure the rapid and equitable delivery of vaccines. 

The members of the European Council also discussed the Union’s single market, industrial policy, the digital transformation and the economy. In the statement adopted after the meeting, the EU leaders underlined the importance of a strong, resilient and fully functional single market. The EU must strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of its industry in order to accelerate its green and digital transitions. 

The leaders also discussed the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the European Union's relations with Turkey. They welcomed the positive developments that have recently taken place in the Eastern Mediterranean. If Turkey continues to work constructively, the Union is prepared to advance cooperation on a variety of issues. On the other hand, the EU leaders stated that they would continue to monitor the situation closely. The EU is prepared to respond decisively if Turkey’s actions so require.

European Council President Charles Michel informed the participants of his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A strategic debate on Russia will take place at the next European Council.

A separate Euro Summit meeting discussed strengthening the international role of the euro. In their statement, the members of the Euro Summit expressed their support for strengthening the position of the euro on the global stage. This would enhance the EU’s strategic autonomy while preserving an open economy, contributing to the stability of the global financial system and supporting European businesses and households. 

Outside the actual agenda of the meeting, the EU leaders spoke with US President Joe Biden. Their discussion focused on the global nature of the challenges related to vaccinations, the need for effective climate action and the shared values of the EU and the United States.

Inquiries: Jari Luoto, State Under-Secretary for European Affairs, tel. +358 50 468 5949, Tuulia Pitkänen, Special Adviser (EU Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 231, Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office