The re-election of Donald Tusk to the presidency of the European Council, which is strongly opposed by Poland, will be a "message of stability for the EU as a whole," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
"Today we will take a decision on the re-election of Donald Tusk to a two-and-a-half-year term as President of the European Council. "I see his re-election as a message of stability for the EU as a whole," Merkel told parliament.
At the same time, the German Chancellor stressed that the EU needs policies based on free trade and added that the bloc must seek agreements with other countries to ensure that it is not isolated.
"While we see that in some parts of the world the influence of the nationalist approach and protectionism is growing, Europe should not lock itself in and withdraw," he said.
"Europe must remain open to the world, especially in terms of its trade policy," Merkel said.
Two-day EU Summit
EU heads of state and government attend the two-day summit in Brussels with a relatively light menu, dominated by the issue of the re-election of Donald Tusk to the presidency of the European Council, and the debate of the "27" on Friday on its future. Europe in view of the anniversary meeting in Rome on 25 March.
As for Donald Tusk, whose re-election is the first item on the agenda of the meeting, no surprises are expected, although his country of origin, Poland, has openly spoken out against his candidacy.
According to European sources, the result seems to be in favor of Donald Tusk, as many of the leaders from "different political families" have expressed their support for him. However, they do not rule out in Brussels the possibility that it is not only Poland that will vote against his re-election.
It is noted that this decision is taken by a strengthened majority, while each president is elected for a term of 2,5 years, with the possibility of a renewal.
The first mandate of President Tusk at the helm of the European Council expires on 31 May 2017.
Source: philenews