Outcome of the European Council of 17-18 March 2016

Briefing 08-04-2016

The European Council of 17-18 March 2016 was dominated by discussion of the migration crisis and in particular on the EU-Turkey agreement. Turkish and EU leaders agreed on the return of all new irregular migrants coming from Turkey to the EU, the resettlement of Syrians from Turkey to the EU, the acceleration of the visa liberalisation roadmap and an additional €3 billion for the Facility for Refugees in Turkey. EU leaders endorsed the 2016 Annual Growth Survey and discussed the economic recovery in the EU with ECB President, Mario Draghi. Heads of State or Government also addressed the issues of climate and energy, urging the speedy ratification of the Paris Agreement and highlighting the importance of energy security.