The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council; H.E. Mr. Frans Timmermans, First Vice-President of the European Commission; and H.E. Ms. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission.

The Secretary-General reiterated his calls for an appropriate response to challenges associated with the increased movement of refugees and migrants towards Europe. He commended the efforts of the European Union and underlined the need for compassion and solidarity.
  
The Secretary-General agreed with the leaders that the global and multifaceted nature of these challenges required a multilateral, comprehensive approach. The Secretary-General noted that, as part of this effort, he would convene a high-level side event on the issues on 30 September.

The Secretary-General expressed gratitude for the generous new support recently announced by the EU for the Syrian refugees in the region.  

They also discussed the situation in Ukraine, including the implementation of the Minsk Agreements ahead of the approaching deadline at the end of the year.

The Secretary-General and the EU leaders discussed the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, including the EU’s critical role in implementation, review and follow-up.

The Secretary-General commended the EU for leading by example on climate change and called on the EU countries to do even more.

The Secretary-General encouraged the European Union and its member states to continue and strengthen their support to UN peace operations.