27’s consultations on her issues continued until early Friday morning. competitiveness of the European economy and especially her migration management.

Among the topics on which there was lively debate was the funding of fencing and other infrastructure to prevent illegal arrivals from Community funds. The European Commission insists that this is not possible, but the number of member states asking for it is constantly increasing.

Consultations have also dragged on on the so-called “secondary flows” – the movement of asylum seekers within the EU. The findings focused on securing internal borders, limiting arrivals and increasing returns, including the threat of visa denials to third countries that do not cooperate with the EU. in achieving these goals.

There were also some leaders who highlighted the other side of the coin. Olaf Soltz stressed during the debate that legal immigration is essential for the economic development of the EU. and that a global deterrence approach is not in the interest of the Union. Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, spoke to the Financial Times after the meeting and expressed regret that the dialogue had only focused on the negative aspects of immigration.

Significant time was also devoted to a new green transition strategy for European industry. The policy of further liberalizing state aid has been criticized both by countries that support the free market and by member states that do not have the financial capacity to generously support their businesses. The time has not yet come to discuss new co-financing for this purpose, according to a European official.

Regarding Zelenskiy’s attendance at the summit, the official said he had submitted lists to member states with specific requests for military assistance. Ukrainians are “craftsmen” in this matter, the same source notes. “They seem to know better what each country has than its own leadership.”