General Affairs Council, 15-16/11/2016 - Main results

Main results

15 November

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 i 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.

Ivan Korčok, chief negotiator for the MFF of the Slovak Presidency of the Council

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.

Agenda highlights

16 November

The Council meeting on Wednesday 16 November will be dedicated to cohesion policy.

Ministers will take note of the state of play regarding modifications on the common provision regulation, which defines the common principles, rules and standards for the implementation of the five European structural and investment (ESI) funds.

The Council will also discuss results and new elements of the cohesion policy and the European structural and investment funds. It will be invited to adopt conclusions on this topic.

Live streaming, photos and videos

Live streaming of public sessions and press events

Photos and videos from the meeting, General Affairs Council, 15-16 November 2016

Photos and videos from the meeting, General Affairs Council (Cohesion), 16 November 2016