Good afternoon everyone. Following the Presidencys overview, Id like to highlight some key Commission proposals contributing to this weeks European Council.

As Europes security and Ukraines security are intrinsically linked, tomorrow we will present both the ReArm Europe Plan and the White Paper on the Future of European Defence, centered around three key pillars: Ukraine; critical defence capabilities; and the European defence industry.

Strengthening Europes defence and security and boosting our competitiveness are two sides of the same coin.

To that end, we will present the Savings and Investment Union, which focuses on connecting the EUs priority objectives with private savings, aimed at turning our significant European savings into much-needed investment.

We will also introduce the Steel and Metals Action Plan, designed through strategic dialogue with these vital sectors of the EU economy – to boost their competitiveness. Trade plays a pivotal role, as we need to address global overcapacities driven by non-market policies, to level the playing field for our domestic industry.

Todays Council was also a good opportunity to discuss EU-UK relations, as we work towards a productive and meaningful EU-UK Summit in May.

This summit will be the first of its kind at leadership level since Brexit, marking a significant milestone in our post-Brexit relationship.

On one hand, we must stay focused on the full and faithful implementation of our existing EU-UK agreements. For instance, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement remains the most ambitious free trade agreement the EU has concluded with any outside partner.

At the same time, there is untapped potential to make our collaboration more strategic in certain areas, notably security and resilience; people-to-people connections; and the protection of our planet and its resources.

We are confident that a comprehensive, package-based approach will lead to balanced outcomes.

Let me stop here and take any questions you may have. Thank you.