In Brussels the EU’s heads of state and government agreed on steps to stem the inflow of migrants to Europe. If the Schengen Area is to be preserved, it is absolutely essential to regain control over the European Union’s external borders.

The European Council also announced its hope that the UK would not leave the European Union, and signalled readiness to compromise in negotiations.

Sign of solidarity

In efforts to combat terrorism, the European Council signalled clear solidarity among EU member states, and especially with France. It is now important to translate into practice the decisions taken in February. The Schengen information system is to be better used, for instance, and cooperation stepped up between member states and Frontex and Europol.

The meeting also looked at completing the Economic and Monetary Union and the Single Market as the foundation for growth in Europe. Participants praised the resolutions of the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris.

The European Council affirmed its support for the TTIP transatlantic trade agreement. The aim, said the Chancellor, is "to reach a political conclusion before President Obama’s term of office comes to an end".

The Chancellor thanked Luxembourg’s Presidency for excellent cooperation over "moving and busy months". She said, she looked forward to the Presidency of the Netherlands in the first six months of 2016.

Common European border and coastal protection

After the end of the Council’s deliberations on the first day, Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that all parties are aware that there is a direct link between the continued existence of the Schengen Area and the question of refugee flows. "We have decided that the proposal of the Commission to secure the external borders should, if at all possible, be conclusively discussed by the European Council and the European Parliament during the Dutch Presidency." That is an "ambitious time scale", she said.

Progress has been made on registering asylum-seekers, reported Angela Merkel. The hotspots must become operational more quickly, however. The EU-Turkey Action Plan was another point on the agenda. Here it is important to agree swiftly on a mechanism for "making available the three billion euros for refugee programmes in Turkey".

Before the European Council meeting the Chancellor had already expressed her support for the proposals announced by the European Commission on Tuesday (15 December) regarding improved protection of the EU’s external border and coastal waters. Germany "very strongly supports" the establishment of a European border and coastal protection service, she said. She will be working to ensure that the consultations on this point take place soon.

Council wants to see UK remain an important partner

The Chancellor made it plain that all parties wish to see the United Kingdom remain within the EU. "In view of this, we have signalled our readiness to compromise – but always with the proviso that the fundamental pillars on which the European Union is built are non-negotiable. And these include non-discrimination and freedom of movement," declared Angela Merkel. She expects an outcome by February 2016. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, will be coordinating the further discussion process with the UK, she reported.

British Prime Minister David Cameron addressed his reform wishes to the EU for the first time. They include guarantees that the UK will remain part of the Single Market and further improvements to competitiveness in the EU. The reforms would also strengthen the role of national parliaments, and create opt-out options for the United Kingdom, should the EU decide to move towards closer union. David Cameron said that the UK should have the option of cutting welfare benefits to migrants from other EU countries. The Chancellor stressed the principles of non-discrimination and freedom of movement.

The Chancellor saw David Cameron’s statement that the UK has nothing against closer cooperation within the euro zone as positive.

Agreement on work process with Turkey

Before the official meeting began, several EU leaders, including the Chancellor, met with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu. Agreement was reached on the implementation of the EU-Turkey Action Plan. The Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann invited participants to this meeting.

According to Angela Merkel, participants agreed on a work process that is open to all member states. Discussions will look at ways of "strongly and significantly" reducing illegal migration. At the same time legal migration is to be discussed. Contingents of refugees could be admitted to European states "on a voluntary basis".

Chancellor Angela Merkel underlined the importance of the talks in Vienna to achieve a political solution to the conflict in Syria. This is not possible, however, with the current regime, she said. Developments in Libya too represent a first ray of hope. The European Union is ready to support the unity government.