General Affairs Council, 21/10/2014, 21 October 2014

European Council to focus on the 2030 climate and energy policy framework

The General Affairs Council meeting on 21 October in Luxembourg dealt with preparations for the upcoming European Council which will focus on climate and energy, the state of the European economy, and foreign policy issues.

Preparations for the October European Council meeting

Ministers discussed the preparations of the next European Council meeting, which will take place on 23 and 24 October. This will be the last European Council meeting to be chaired by Herman Van Rompuy before the entry into office of the newly-elect president, Donald Tusk.
 
The main objective of the European Council is to reach an agreement on the new climate and energy policy framework for 2030. The policy will address greenhouse gas emissions targets, the state of the Emissions Trading System, energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and energy security.
 
The leaders will also discuss the state of the European economy, based on a presentation by the European Commission.
 
Issues of international concern like the Ebola crisis, the situation in Ukraine and in Middle-East are also likely to be debated

Implementation of European Council conclusions

On the basis of a report prepared by the Italian Presidency, EU ministers also looked at how to accelerate the implementation of the priorities agreed at the June European Council.
 
EU ministers exchanged  views on the strategic agenda priority focusing on freedom, security and justice. Particular attention was given to the issues of foreign fighters and EU passenger name records.

Strengthening interinstitutional annual and multiannual programming

The Presidency will work with the Commission and the European Parliament on the 2015 Annual Work Programme to establish a new and more efficient multiannual interinstitutional programming.
 
"This is another priority of the Italian presidency, which will have a very concrete effect. It will make it easier and quicker for the EU to act and react", State Secretary Sandro Gozi said at the press conference after the meeting.