EU Faces Challenges in Treaty Negotiations Ahead of June Elections

In the context of the European Union (EU) preparing for the upcoming European Parliament elections in June 2024, progress in treaty negotiations is being closely watched. The EU Council has approved significant financial support for military components and the Somali National Army, while EU leaders are set to discuss a range of pressing issues during a two-day Special European Council meeting.

The Council (PSC) has allocated €70 million to support the military component of ATMIS for 2024 and an additional €40 million for the Somali National Army under the European Peace Facility . Meanwhile, the President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe, is traveling to Washington D.C. to attend the Spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group.

In response to recent developments, the EU has issued statements on Iran and the conflict in Sudan. The Council has also listed three entities within the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime due to their involvement in terrorist attacks in Israel. Various decisions and regulations related to the EU's economy, migration, and industrial emissions have been adopted by the Council.

Spanish Vice-President and Ecological Transition Minister Teresa Ribera, considered a likely candidate for Spain's next European commissioner, has urged EU countries to save the beleaguered Nature Restoration Law. Ribera frames the law as an economic issue and calls its rejection a 'huge mistake.' However, opposition to the law persists, with Hungary leading a last-minute revolt in the Council and other countries like Sweden urging its rejection.

Why this matters: The EU treaty negotiations and the upcoming European Parliament elections have significant implications for the future direction of the EU. The outcome of these negotiations and elections will shape the EU's policies on key issues such as the economy, migration, climate change, and foreign relations. The decisions made in the coming months will have far-reaching consequences for the EU and its member states.

In the face of these challenges, the Greens are aiming to join the ruling majority in the European Parliament after the June elections. They are willing to negotiate a written agreement with other pro-European forces, including the centre-right European People's Party (EPP), to hold them accountable and ensure the success of the Green Deal. The Greens see the upcoming elections as a critical juncture and are prepared to be 'very tough' in the negotiations to prevent right-wing and authoritarian forces from undermining the Green Deal.

Key Takeaways

• EU approves €110M for Somali military, discusses pressing issues at Council meeting.
• EU issues statements on Iran, Sudan; lists 3 entities in human rights sanctions.
• Spain's Ribera urges EU to save Nature Restoration Law, but opposition persists.
• EU prepares to expand sanctions on Iran over attack on Israel, Borrell warns.
• Greens aim to join ruling majority in EU Parliament, seek written deal on Green Deal.