{"id":58434,"date":"2020-12-14T09:58:20","date_gmt":"2020-12-14T08:58:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cde.ual.es\/?p=58434"},"modified":"2021-11-17T08:50:27","modified_gmt":"2021-11-17T07:50:27","slug":"main-results-of-the-european-council-10-11-december-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cde.ual.es\/en\/main-results-of-the-european-council-10-11-december-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"Main results of the European Council, 10-11 December 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

EU leaders reached a deal to address the concerns expressed on the recovery package and agreed on the 55% emissions reduction goal. They also adopted conclusions on COVID-19, security and external relations, and met for a Euro Summit in inclusive format.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

[toc]<\/p>\n

Long-term EU budget 2021-2027 and recovery package<\/h2>\n

The European Council agreed a number of elements to address the concerns expressed with regard to the draft Regulation on a general regime of conditionality for the protection of the EU budget.<\/p>\n

Against this background, the European Council invited the European Parliament and the Council to immediately take the necessary steps for the adoption of the whole package of relevant instruments, including the multiannual financial framework regulation and the own resources decision. The leaders confirmed that member states would do their utmost to approve the Own Resources Decision in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements with a view to its prompt entry into force.<\/p>\n

COVID-19<\/h2>\n

EU leaders welcomed the recent positive announcements on COVID-19 vaccines and the conclusion of common advance purchase agreements by the Commission. However, they stressed that the\u00a0epidemiological situation in Europe remains worrying.<\/strong>\u00a0The leaders called for efforts to counter the spread of the virus to be sustained, to prevent further waves of infections.<\/p>\n

In particular, EU leaders agreed to enhance the sharing of experiences and plans for the future and prepare for a gradual lifting of restrictions and a return to normal travel, when the situation allows. The European Council also highlighted the need to pursue work to increase resilience in the area of health.<\/p>\n

EU leaders invited the European Commission to present a proposal for a\u00a0Council recommendation on a common framework for rapid antigen tests and for the mutual recognition of test results.<\/strong>\u00a0A\u00a0coordinated approach to vaccination<\/strong>\u00a0certificates should also be developed.<\/p>\n

They further highlighted the importance of preparations for the timely deployment and distribution of vaccines to ensure they are made available in good time and in a coordinated manner. They also stressed the importance of providing clear factual information on vaccines and of countering disinformation.<\/p>\n

EU leaders also discussed the global efforts against the pandemic and restated that the EU will continue to contribute to the international response, including via the COVAX facility for guaranteeing affordable and fair access to vaccines for all.<\/p>\n

Finally, to better anticipate and manage potential future pandemics the EU will promote ways to reinforce international cooperation, including through a possible international treaty on pandemics within the framework of the World Health Organization.<\/p>\n

Climate change<\/h2>\n

To meet the objective of a climate-neutral EU by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement, the EU needs to increase its ambition for the coming decade and update its climate and energy policy framework. To that end, the European Council endorsed a\u00a0binding EU target<\/strong>\u00a0of a net domestic reduction of\u00a0at least 55% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030<\/strong>\u00a0compared to 1990.<\/p>\n

EU leaders intend to raise their climate ambition in a manner that will:<\/p>\n