General Affairs Council, 18/01/2016, 18 January 2016

Main results

The Council started preparations of the February European Council by examining an annotated draft agenda. At their meeting on 18 and 19 February 2016 EU leaders will aim to reach agreement on a compromise package to address the four items raised by the UK in view of an in/out referendum. The leaders will also assess whether the measures taken in recent months to tackle the migration crisis have been properly implemented. 

Even the most ambitious decisions can only produce results if they are properly implemented. We need to look closely at whether the measures we have agreed on migration are actually being put into practice, and take action if that is not the case". Bert Koenders, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and President of the Council

"The EU has taken important decisions during the last few weeks and months to address the flow of refugees. But even the most ambitious decisions can only produce results if they are properly implemented. We need to look closely at whether the measures we have agreed are actually being put into practice, and take action if that is not the case", said Bert Koenders, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and President of the Council.

Ministers also exchanged views on the work programme proposed by the Netherlands presidency up to the end of June 2016. "We are very grateful for the support we received today. This is very encouraging. It also strengthens our commitment to help the EU find shared solutions to the challenges we are facing in these difficult times", said Bert Koenders.

• The Netherlands presidency work programme
• Infographics on the GAC priorities presented by the Netherlands presidency