Reference to the rule of law in the part related to enlargement is made in the draft conclusions of the Summit, which will take place in Brussels on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 December.

In particular, it is pointed out that “with regard to the future prospect of a further enlarged Union, both the future Member States and the EU must be ready at the time of accession. Work on both sides should proceed in parallel, ensuring that the pace of enlargement takes into account the Union’s capacity to absorb new members. Prospective members should step up their reform efforts, especially in the area of ​​the rule of law, in line with the meritocratic nature of the accession process and with the assistance of the EU».

Also, with regard to Ukraine and Moldova, it is underlined that “the European Council decides to start accession negotiations with Ukraine and with the Republic of Moldova”.

Finally, with regard to Euro-Turkish relations, no thorough discussion is expected at this Summit and based on the draft conclusions it is stated that “the European Council notes the joint report of the High Representative and the European Commission on the state of EU-Turkey relations and will come back to the issue at an upcoming meeting of the European Council”.