Outlook for the 15 December 2016 European Council

Briefing 13-12-2016

At their 15 December 2016 European Council meeting, EU Leaders will mainly discuss migration, and internal and external security, as well as economic and social development. Particular attention will be paid to assessing the implementation of previous European Council conclusions. For the first time, the European Council will apply recently-agreed new working methods, including a change in the order of proceedings: The meeting will begin at 12:30 and finish by 18:00, with the European Parliament President speaking to the Heads of State or Government before lunch. Unusually, this European Council will consist only of a one-day meeting, followed, however, by an informal dinner of 27 Heads of State or Government, without the presence of the British Prime Minister, Theresa May. The objective is to discuss among the EU-27 the structure and the process of the negotiations to be held once the United Kingdom formally notifies its intention to withdraw from the European Union under Article 50 TEU.