General Affairs Council, 18-19/11/2014, 18-19 November 2014

Council discussed EU's €300 billion investment plan for growth and jobs

The General Affairs Council meeting on 18-19 November dealt with preparations for the upcoming European Council. EU ministers also discussed the €300 billion investment plan and adopted conclusions on the EU's cohesion policy.

Preparations for the December European Council meeting

On 18 and 19 December, the European Council will look at further efforts to foster growth, jobs and European competitiveness and the details of the EU €300 billion investment plan for the next two years.

The new plan would draw on additional public and private resources in an effort to spur growth and jobs in Europe.

Issues of international concern like the Ebola crisis and the situation in Ukraine and in the 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 EU energy and climate policy. Particular attention was given to the issues linked to building an energy union.

Strengthening interinstitutional annual and multiannual programming

The Council discussed the priorities to be included in the 2015 Annual Work Programme. EU ministers welcomed the agreement of the Commission and the European Parliament to coordinate their legislative priorities for Europe.

Ensuring respect of the rule of law mechanism

EU ministers also encouraged the Council to play a central role in discussions on the respect for the rule of law within the EU.

Cohesion meeting

On Wednesday 19 November, EU ministers adopted conclusions on the sixth cohesion report. Ministers will have an exchange of views on a presidency note on the contribution of cohesion policy to the preparation of the mid-term review of the EU 2020 strategy.