The European Council formally concluded its two day summit on Wednesday 29 June, with the round of talks largely dominated by the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union. The first day was marked by an informal dinner, in which Prime Minister David Cameron addressed his fellow heads of state over the outcome of the referendum. The following day, the representatives of the remaining 27 member states met to informally discuss the results of the referendum, and how to proceed with exit negotiations. This was the first time in 43 years that a UK leader was not present at a European Council meeting. Following the discussion of the referendum, other matters formally reviewed included the EU-Turkey migration agreement, the Digital Single Market and external relations with the Libyan government.

UK Referendum

On 28 June, Prime Minister David Cameron informed the Council of the UK referendum result.

A formal statement was issued on 29 June, which confirmed what some EU leaders had been saying in the days prior. The Council deeply regretted the result, but accepted the will of the UK electorate and stressed that the UK remains subject to EU law until it formally leaves.

On the topic of Article 50, the Council was clear that it is the responsibility of the UK government to notify the European Council of its intention to leave the European Union. Significantly, the statement explicitly says that “there can be no negotiations of any kind before this notification has taken place”. This directly contradicts statements made by some in the aftermath of the referendum.

The statement also clearly noted that UK access to the Single Market will require acceptance of all four EU freedoms entrenched in the Treaties – the freedom of movement of people, goods, services, and capital.

Finally, the Council recognised that the outcome of the UK referendum highlighted the dissatisfaction that exists in many member states, and acknowledged the need to do better in providing security, jobs and growth, and begin a political reflection in anticipation of further reforms.

Digital Single Market

The Council recognised the increasing role which the Digital Single Market holds within the European Union, reflected in the Council’s acknowledgement that it was salient for job creation, promoting productivity and ensuring an attractive climate for investment and innovation.

In order to successfully obtain this, the Council assured commitment to measures such as promotion of cross-border portability, which will allow EU residents to travel with the digital content that have purchased or subscribed to at home.

Further to this, the Council reiterated the need to abolish all barriers to e-commerce, such as those which currently prevent certain member states from engaging in online markets in other countries. The eradication of such barriers would enhance overall consumer welfare and further facilitate cross-border selling of goods and services.

Migration

In line with upcoming G20 Summit and the UN General Assembly High-Level meeting on refugees and migrants, to be held on the 4-5 September and 16 September respectively, the Council reiterated the need to provide continued support to Western Balkan countries to disrupt the business model of human smugglers and traffickers in the Southern Central Mediterranean.

While the EU-Turkey agreement of March 2016 has seen crossings from Turkey to the Greek islands decrease and almost come to a halt, the Southern Central Mediterranean continues to see the flow of economic migrants remain at 2015 levels.

To mitigate the figures, the 27 heads of state agreed to intensify efforts to establish an effective Partnership Framework of Cooperation with individual countries of origin or transit which would be in conjunction with the Valetta Plan. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has been tasked with implementing these assurances

External Relations

The Council welcomed the decision to extend support to the interim Government of National Accord of Libya, calling upon all groups within the country to recognise it as the exclusive legitimate governing body, in a bid “to restore stability, fight terrorism and tackle migration across the Central Mediterranean”.

Coupled with this, the Council welcomed the decision from the previous week by the Council of the European Union to extend the mandate of Operation Sophia, the EU naval operation assigned to training the Libyan coastguards and navy and enforcing the arms embargo on Libya, until June 2017.

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