Spring European Council adopted conclusions.  Main topics: launching the new cycle of the renewed Lisbon Strategy, Climate Change and Energy and the Stability of Financial Markets

• Presidency Conclusions 

It is traditional for the spring sessions of the European Council to focus on economy issues. This time, the leaders paid particular attention to the launch of the second cycle of the renewed Lisbon Strategy (2008-2010), climate change and energy, and the stability of financial markets.

Heads of State and Government approved the integrated guidelines for growth and jobs and, at the same time, issued some important guidelines on the next cycle of the Lisbon Strategy. They formulated the "fifth freedom" – the free movement of knowledge, and stressed the importance of creativity and small and medium-sized enterprises in the further development of the European economy. They also devoted special attention to the concept of flexicurity within the social dimension of the Lisbon Strategy.

• Press Release: Ambitious launch of the next cycle of the renewed Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs, 2008-2010: The strategy is working, but implementation of reforms must be more resolute

As regards the issue of energy and climate change, the European Council set political guidelines for further discussion of the legislative package and approved a work timetable leading to its adoption. Furthermore, the European Council reviewed the progress made in the field of further liberalisation of the internal market for electricity and gas and endorsed the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan.

• Press Release: EU leaders confirm Climate and Energy Package adoption timeline and key principles

Heads of State and Government also discussed the role of sovereign wealth funds and the current situation in the international financial markets. With regard to the latter, additional activities for increasing the level of transparency and improving the functioning of markets have been proposed, based on work of financial ministers.

• Press Release: European Council on the provision of stability in international financial markets

Video:

• Presidency Press Conference after the Tripartite Social Summit (Thursday, 13.3. at 12:34)
• Presidency Press Conference (Thursday, 13.3. at 23:50)
• Presidency Press Conference (Friday, 14.3. at 14:00)