The ‘Mother of All Summits’ gave birth to an agreement on Immigration.
The agreement reached before dawn included approval of the full set of Council conclusions, along with the migration package. ANSA reports that according to Italian sources, the 28 leaders reached an agreement which includes significant contributions from the French and Italian governments, and which agreement satisfied most of the Italian positions, which earlier was blocking the agreement.
According to Politico Conte’s blocking move also prompted lengthy explanations of Council procedure, including from Tusk, and it led one senior EU official to note, with some exasperation: “There is no fix.”
French President Emannuel Macron intervened, with support from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, by pushing for a proposal to create the so-called “controlled centers” — essentially, secured refugee camps — on EU soil, mainly in frontline countries willing to host them, to be financed and managed collectively by the EU.
The Italians initially opposed the concept, fearing it would add yet more to the burden on frontier countries, but ultimately relented as compromise provisions and reassurances were tacked on to the plan — including a proviso that the EU would still push to establish the processing centers, also called disembarkation platforms, in North Africa.
The discussion about migration and asylum began over a leaders’ dinner shortly after 8 p.m., following a brief update on Brexit by U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May, and it stretched past 3 a.m., with the leaders personally hashing out the details around the table.
They did not roll up their sleeves but did pull out pens, and scratch out ideas by hand, according to photos from inside the room.
Earlier
It was at 0430h when European Council President Donald Tusk, tweeted that the EU28 leaders have agreed on the conclusions including migration.
EU28 leaders have agreed on #euco conclusions incl. migration.
— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) June 29, 2018
Amongst the first Government leaders across Europe who announced the agreement reached was Malta’s Prime Minister Joseph Muscat:
In #EUCO conclusions, all #EU Member States agree that vessels operating in the #Mediterranean must respect the applicable laws and not obstruct operations of #Libya Coastguard. Clear and unequivocal wording justifying #Malta actions -JM
— Joseph Muscat (@JosephMuscat_JM) June 29, 2018
The French President Emanuel Macron also tweeted about the agreement.
Accord trouvé sur les migrations : une approche européenne confirmée, un agenda complet acté (action extérieure, protection des frontières, responsabilité et solidarité européennes), les propositions françaises adoptées. #EUCO pic.twitter.com/M5AxpChJJS
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 29, 2018
In his tweet, he said that the agreement reached includes the adoption of the French proposals on migration, which include a confirmed European approach, a comprehensive agenda recorded (external action, Protection of borders, responsibility and European solidarity).
In comments Macron gave and which were reported by Euronews, he said the deal showed “European cooperation” had prevailed over national interests: “Europe will have to live with migratory pressures for a long time. We must succeed in standing up to this challenge whilst being true to our values.”
Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is reported to be satisfied by the deal. “It was a long negotiation but from today Italy is no longer alone.”
In comments reported by Euronews, Angela Merkel said “Overall, after an intensive discussion on the most challenging theme for the European Union, namely migration, it is a good signal that we agreed a common text.” Meanwhile, Politico reports that Merkel appeared to be making progress in her effort to secure bilateral deals to stop secondary movements that would bolster her position against Seehofer and other critics at home.
After finally reaching agreement on the migration package, leaders still weren’t done. A very short discussion then followed on Russia, and the continuing lack of progress in implementing the Minsk 2 peace agreement in eastern Ukraine. Officials said the result was consensus on a six-month rollover of sanctions against Russia.
In addition, the leaders agreed to support a plan to reshape the European Parliament after Brexit.
Leaders seemed happy, and exhausted, as they left the Council. Sánchez called the agreement “good news” for Spain and for Europe. Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen looked at the television cameras on his way out and yawned.
