The Reformation comes to Valletta on 3 February

The EU is staging a new informal summit on Friday 3 February. 28 heads of state of government will come together in the Maltese capital Valletta. The meeting will consist of two parts. In the morning, the 28 EU heads of state of government will address the external dimension of migration. They are expected to focus their discussions on the Central Mediterranean route and Libya. The UK will then say goodbye, and the afternoon will be an occasion for the remaining 27 leaders to prepare for the upcoming 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties on 25 March 2017.

The afternoon event will be a continuation of the political reflection on the future of the European Union, which started after the UK Brexit referundum 23 June last year and so far has resulted in the Bratislava declaration. On 16 September, when the 27 leaders met in Bratislava they ".. committed .. to offer to our citizens in the upcoming months a vision of an attractive EU they can trust and support." They set out the general principles for action

*focusing on citizens' expectations and  serving better their need  *improving communication and cooperation between member              *states delivering on promises and making the EU 27 a success

Leaders also agreed on the Bratislava Roadmap, which will guide EU action over the next months. After Malta the 27 leaders will conclude the reflection process in Rome on 25 March 2017, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties.

With the election of Donald Trump as US President the context of both the migration policy and EU reforms has changed dramatically. And with Brexit uncertainties and forthcoming elections in several European countries this year the EU future seems more unpredictable than ever. Andrew Rettmann  provides a summary of the situation in the EU Observer.