President of the Government Rajoy takes part in ordinary meeting of European Council

This European Council will address three issues present in its work over the last two years, which form part of the reflection process under way on the future of Europe: internal security and the fight against terrorism; the Common Security and Defence Policy; and the Common Migratory and Asylum Policy (in both their internal and external dimensions).

Furthermore, and as is usual at the June meeting of the European Council, issues of an economic nature will be addressed with the aim of continuing to boost growth and job creation in the European Union.

Firstly, the leaders will examine the work carried out to extend the single market and determine the areas in which it is necessary to speed up progress. At present, several single market strategies are under way, such as the Digital Single Market and Energy Union, which are key for guaranteeing the competitiveness of the European economy. The European Council will include the need for a comprehensive and holistic vision of "Digital Europe" in all its facets in the debates.

The Heads of State and Government will also discuss international trade. Back at the European Council meeting on 8 March, the leaders highlighted that trade remains one of the most powerful drivers of growth, since this provides millions of jobs and fosters prosperity, and that the EU remains determined to apply a robust trade policy and maintain a multilateral trading system, that is open and based on rules. This debate will also be useful with a view to the upcoming meeting of the G-20, which will be held in Hamburg on 7 and 8 July.

Issues relating to the modernisation of trade defence instruments will also be tackled, as well as support for the negotiation processes already under way with MERCOSUR, Mexico and Japan; support from the European Union and its Member States for the application of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and strengthening European industrial policy.

As is also usual at the June European Council, the leaders will also sign off on the specific recommendations for each country and thus conclude the European Semester cycle, which constitutes the framework for the coordination of economic policies of EU countries. The 2017 European Semester began in November 2016 with the publication by the European Commission of the Annual Prospective Survey. Member States actively contributed over the last half-year by presenting their National Reform Programmes at the end of April.

The European Council will also tackle various issues of international politics (the state of application of the Minsk Accords in relations between Russia and Ukraine, relations between the EU and Turkey and the United States).

At the European Council meeting in its formation under Article 50 of the TEU, a report will be presented on the start of the first round of negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union on Thursday, 22 June, following the working dinner. This information will be provided to the members of the European Council by the EU's Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier. A proposal will also be discussed on the procedure to follow to take a decision on the relocation of the European Medicines Agency and the European Banking Authority, which both currently have their headquarters in the United Kingdom.