Kosovo looms large on the agenda at today's European Council summit in Brussels.

Current EU president Portugal launched the get-together in a jovial atmosphere, as the 27 heads of state and government are fresh from their success at signing a new reform treaty in Lisbon.

They are expected to declare this will be the last treaty change for the foreseeable future, and turn their attention to citizens' concerns such as jobs and growth.

Talks on how the EU will deal with globalisation will seek to reconcile the free trade approach of countries such as Britain with the French view of protecting home-grown industries from cheap imports.

A draft statement said developing an effective European migration policy which complements national rules is a "fundamental priority".

The leaders will also study tougher sanctions on Myanmar.

They have named a chairman for a "reflection group" on the long-term future of the EU bloc: former head of Spain's government Felipe Gonzales.

Regional stability in the Balkans was to be the mainstay of talks over lunch.

euronews


Back to "All news" |   Print version