The majority of MEPs agreed that solidarity among Member States was crucial to solving the economic crisis and that protectionism must be avoided. MEPs adopted a series of reports and resolutions in response to the economic crisis.

- Energy security

Energy security would be the other major item on the summit agenda, said the minister. The Presidency will seek an agreement on enhancing the Union's energy security in the short, medium and longer term, based on the Commission's Second Strategic Energy Review.

Urgent steps must be taken to launch infrastructure projects to enhance energy interconnections. Legislation on oil and gas stocks must be adapted to ensure that Member States act with responsibility and solidarity and, in the longer term sources, suppliers and supply routes must be diversified. He also hoped the legislation to create a fully fledged internal market for electricity and gas would be completed before the European elections.

- Climate change

Preparations for the Copenhagen Conference on climate change would also be discussed at the summit, with the aim of helping achieve a comprehensive agreement in Copenhagen next December.