BRUSSELS, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- A one-day European Union (EU) summit will kick off on Thursday, mainly to discuss migration, security, economy and external relations.
On migration, EU leaders are expected to assess and reaffirm their commitment to all aspects of the EU-Turkey statement agreed in March. The 28-member bloc will also renew its pledge to continue to support the countries along the Western Balkans route.
They will assess progress on the compacts signed with selected African countries in the midst of growing instability in the EU's southern neighborhood through which many immigrants try to reach the bloc.
The EU seeks to tackle the root causes of migration, and to provide practical support to the countries concerned to help them prevent illegal migration and improve return rates, it said in a statement.
The EU will also exchange views on a number of internal security measures proposed in the light of the migration crisis and the fight against terrorism, in particular the implementation of the EU internal security strategy.
Leaders will call for the strengthening of EU internal cooperation on external security and the swift implementation of concrete measures agreed between EU and NATO. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg will take part in this session to exchange views on EU-NATO cooperation.
Leaders will also discuss economic and social issues, single market strategies in a session attended by president of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi.
The issue of the Dutch ratification of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement will also be discussed. In April, Dutch voters rejected this European pact with Ukraine in a referendum.
Leaders are likely to adopt conclusions on Syria, strongly condemning the continued assault on Aleppo and address the possible extension of economic sanctions against Russia, analysts said.
