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It is my pleasure to invite you to the meeting of the European Council on 9 December 2011 in Brussels.
The European Council will be preceded by an informal dinner on Thursday 8 December, during which we will discuss the latest developments in financial markets and the economic and financial crisis. It is imperative that we build on the important measures taken so far and agree on a wider approach, encompassing the strengthening of our short term crisis management tools as well as a determination to adopt in the medium term further measures to bolster our economic union. The discussion will take place on the basis of draft conclusions based on the interim report I prepared in close cooperation with the President of the Commission and the President of the Eurogroup and which sets out possible moves towards a stronger economic union. I have invited the President of the ECB to join us for this discussion.
On Friday, after the ceremony for the signature of the Accession Treaty with Croatia, we will start with the traditional exchange of views with President Buzek who will share with us his thoughts at the end of his mandate as President of the European Parliament. We will then discuss more widely how our economic policies can pull Europe out of the crisis. Over the past months we have taken important decisions, to strengthen our economic governance, to boost growth and create jobs, and to ensure safe, secure, sustainable and affordable energy. Now has come the time to fully implement them. This is the signal we should give in our conclusions, which I understand have been largely agreed by the General Affairs Council.
Towards the end of our meeting, we will address the enlargement questions, in the light of the discussion held at the General Affairs Council on Monday. We will also discuss the issue of Bulgaria's and Romania's accession to Schengen. Finally, we will briefly exchange views on the situation in Iran.
