"We aim to have results by next Sunday, when the European Council is to meet again," reported Chancellor Angela Merkel following the meeting. The newly elected European Parliament will meet for the first time on 2 July.

Consultations planned with the European Parliament

Specifically, the posts of President of the European Commission, President of the European Parliament, President of the European Council and President of the European Central Bank are to be filled. The EU also needs a new High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

On Thursday it was already becoming clear that the European Council would not be able to agree on a successor for the post of President of the European Council, to take over from Jean-Claude Juncker. The heads of state and government asked Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, to enter into consultations with the European Parliament and the heads of the groups within the European Parliament. 

Strengthening competitiveness, forging ahead with innovation

Also on Thursday, the heads of state and government discussed the strategic agenda for the period 2019 to 2024. In the strategic agenda, the European Council lays out general political visions and priorities for the EU for the next institutional cycle. The new European Commission will gear its priorities to these objectives.

The strategic agenda is geared to making Europe innovative and competitive, said Angela Merkel. But it is also about "strengthening Europe’s voice in the world and making clear what things are important to us".

Majority for climate neutrality by 2050

In conjunction with the strategic agenda, the leaders also discussed climate action.

With a view to a summit to be held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September, the European Council endeavoured to identify a common position, said the Chancellor. "All member states stand by the Paris Agreement on climate," she said. Over and above this, the vast majority – including Germany - are committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. This is a good starting point to be "a trail-blazer in international climate action".

The German government is working to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in Germany by 55 per cent by 2030. Information on climate policy measures, ending the use of coal and restructuring mobility can be found here. 

Sanctions on Russia extended

Foreign policy matters were also on the agenda, including the situation in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. The EU leaders agreed to extend economic sanctions on Russia by another six months. 

Euro summit on Friday

On Friday the heads of state and government of 27 member states met for a euro summit, without the United Kingdom.

In December, the European Council instructed ministers of finance to report on progress in reforming the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and on the euro-zone budget. Last week they presented their results.

Angela Merkel was pleased that agreement had been reached on the euro-zone budget. "We want to use the euro-zone budget to foster two things – competitiveness and convergence," she said. The results of the Euro Group provide a sound foundation for further work. In December there is to be another report.