MFF dominated today's General Affairs Council agenda

Brussels (15 November) - The mid-term review of the Multi-annual Financial Framework 2014-2020 and the upcoming summit of the EU i leaders were at the centre of today's discussion at the General Affairs Council, chaired by the State Secretary at the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Ivan Korčok.

"Our compromise is designed to make the EU's budgetary framework fit for the remaining years of the 2014-2020 period by providing more money to address the migration crisis, reinforce security, boost growth and create jobs."

Ivan Korčok

Mid-term review of the multi-annual financial framework 2014-2020

The Council gave broad support to the Slovak presidency's latest proposal on the mid-term review of the multi-annual budgetary framework. One member state still has a reservation and could not yet give its agreement. The presidency proposal provides for increased financial support to help the EU to cope with current challenges. Additional budgetary flexibility would allow the EU to deal more effectively and quickly with unforeseen events. The proposed changes would also help to avoid the excessive accumulation of unpaid bills.

"Our compromise is designed to make the EU's budgetary framework fit for the remaining years of the 2014-2020 period by providing more money to address the migration crisis, reinforce security, boost growth and create jobs. And it would avoid undue pressure on member states' national budgets at a time of continuing efforts to consolidate public finances. We are now going to inform the European Parliament about all the elements supported by the Council. The revised regulation needs the Parliament's consent, and we hope we will get it soon," said chief negotiator for the MFF of the Slovak Presidency of the Council Ivan Korčok.

December European Council

Ministers started preparations for the December European Council by discussing an annotated draft agenda. At their meeting on 15 December EU leaders will address four items:

• - 

  migration, where they will set orientations for further work on partnership frameworks, assess the implementation of the EU-Turkey statement and discuss the reform of the EU asylum system
• - 

  security, with a focus on the implementation of the security agenda and EU cooperation on external security and defence
• - 

  economic and social development, youth, where they will take stock of progress on the European fund for strategic investments and on the fight against youth unemployment
• - 

  external relations with a focus on Russia and the Netherlands referendum on the EU-Ukraine association agreement

Rule of law mechanism

Ministers exchanged views on the experience so far of the Council's annual rule of law dialogue established in December 2014 to promote and safeguard the rule of law. The presidency will draft a note reflecting the views expressed and suggestions made to further improve the rule of law dialogue.

Doorstep by State Secretary I. Korčok ahead of the General Affairs Council

Presidency press conference following the General Affairs Council