General Affairs Council in preparation of the European Council meeting
The General Affairs Council (GAC) on 13 October 2015 will prepare for the meeting of the European Council of 15 and 16 October and will examine the draft conclusions drawn up in preparation for this meeting of Heads of State and government. The European Council will focus mainly on migration issues. In this context, the Ministers will discuss cooperation with third countries, strengthening the protection of EU external borders and the European response to the influx of refugees.
In the run up to the European Council, the GAC will also provide an opportunity to discuss the implementation of the Five Presidents' Report on completing the economic and monetary Union and on the referendum announced on the United Kingdom's membership of the EU.
The Ministers will then discuss the European Commission work programme for 2016. Discussions on this point will draw on a summary note by the Luxembourg Presidency reflecting the views of the Council on the priorities the Commission has proposed for its work programme for 2016. This work programme will be presented by the Commission within the coming weeks.
Finally, Jean Asselborn, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, who will chair the meeting, will provide his counterparts with information on the status of progress on an interinstitutional agreement (IIA) to improve regulation. Specifically, this agreement covers scheduling and planning, the use of tools designed to improve regulation, as well as delegated acts and implementing acts. It is designed to replace the interinstitutional agreement on better law-making in force since 2003. Minister Nicolas Schmit, responsible for relations with the European Parliament, represents the Council in the negotiations and will attend the GAC in this capacity.
Press Release from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
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