GAC covers EU’s multiannual financial framework and fight against terrorism

The Council discussed a revision of the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2014-2020. The aim of the revision is to allow the EU to transfer € 21.1 billion of unused commitments from 2014 to subsequent years. These commitments remained unused in 2014 because of the late adoption of EU programmes managed together by the Commission and the member states.

"We had a very fruitful discussion on this proposal. We are optimistic that we will soon reach an agreement that will allow the member states to use the investment funds as agreed in the MFF regulation," said Edgars Rinkēviās, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia and President of the Council. "Once the European Parliament has given its consent the Council will adopt the revised MFF."

In the light of the tragic events in Paris ministers discussed the fight against terrorism. They assessed the actions undertaken so far and reflected on the way forward. They also endorsed an agreement with the European Parliament on new rules to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.

The Council adopted conclusions welcoming the Commission's 2015 work programme which sets out a number of priority initiatives broadly reflecting the Strategic Agenda, adopted by the European Council in June 2014.

Remarks by Edgars Rinkēviās following the General Affairs Council