Remarks by President Donald Tusk after the European Council meeting on 20 June 2019

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Let me start on nominations. Tonight we have reached the following outcome:

The European Council had a full discussion of nominations taking into account my consultations and statements made within the European Parliament. There was no majority on any candidate.

The European Council agreed that there needs to be a package reflecting the diversity of the EU. We will meet again on 30th June. In the meantime I will continue consultations including with the European Parliament.

Beyond nominations the European Council covered a number of issues, including the long-term EU budget, adopting the Strategic Agenda and confirming the roll-over of economic sanctions against Russia for another six months, due to the non-implementation of the Minsk Agreements.

We also discussed how to ensure a climate-neutral EU in line with the Paris Agreement. A vast majority of member states has committed to climate neutrality by 2050. But reaching unanimity was not possible today. However, we have good reason to believe that this may change, as no country ruled out the possibility of a positive decision in the coming months.

Last but not least, President Anastasiades updated us on the situation off the coast of Cyprus. The European Council stands ready to respond appropriately, and in full solidarity with Cyprus. The Commission and the External Action Service have been instructed to present options of measures.

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