EU summit in Bratislava to start on Friday

EU leaders are now arriving in the castle of Bratislava, where the talks will take place. The leaders are welcomed by the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico.
The first work session is expected to be completed by 13:30 followed by a family photo and an informal meal.

The leaders will then visit the Gallery of Modern Art in Bratislava. The second two-hour session will begin at 5 pm. The session will conclude with a press conference.

The Athens Declaration adopted by the European Union's seven Mediterranean countries, during last week's meeting in the Greek capital, will form the basis of the Greek positions at Friday's informal European Council in Bratislava, according to government sources.

Greece will additionally present other positions of its own at the Bratislava summit, which is to be attended by 27 EU member-states excluding Britain, the sources said.