General Affairs Council, 20/06/2017, 20 June 2017

Main results

Mid-term review of the EU's budgetary framework 2014-2020 

The Council adopted a revised EU budgetary framework for 2014-2020 to meet new priorities. It devotes more resources to help boost jobs and growth and to address the migration crisis. It also strengthens the EU's capacity to react to unexpected events.  

"Today's decision adjusts the EU's budgetary framework to bring it in line with the challenges we face. It means that the EU budget will be an even more effective instrument to strengthen growth, create jobs and tackle the migration crisis. It also allows the EU to react more quickly and take the necessary decisions when faced with new challenges"

Dr Helena Dalli, Maltese Minister for European Affairs and Equality and President of the Council

• EU revises its budget framework for 2014-2020 to meet new priorities

June European Council 

The Council finalised preparations for the European Council meeting on 22-23 June by discussing draft conclusions covering the following items:

• migration - where the European Council will assess latest developments, with a particular focus on the Central Mediterranean route
• security and defence - where leaders will take stock of progress and provide guidance for further work
• jobs, growth and competitiveness - where the European Council will review efforts to deepen the single market and reaffirm the EU's strong commitment to free and fair trade
• external relations - where the European Council will be debriefed on a number of recent high-level meetings
• the Paris agreement on climate change - to which leaders will reaffirm their commitment
• digital Europe - where the European Council will call for a move from a sectoral to a holistic approach

"The European Council will cover a wide range of issues. Its overall aim is to help strengthen Europe and protect its citizens. That means taking the lead on tackling climate change, protecting Europe's borders, fighting terrorism, pursuing a robust trade policy, strengthening cooperation on security and defence, and shaping its own future as an influence for good in the world. I am proud of Malta's record in contributing to this positive agenda during its six months at the helm of the Council"

Dr Helena Dalli, Maltese Minister for European Affairs and Equality and President of the Council

Priorities for 2018

 The Council held its first discussion on the legislative priorities for 2018. Ministers underlined the importance of focusing on those issues which can contribute to the objective of strengthening Europe and protecting its citizens. The Council's discussion will feed into the Commission's preparations of its 2018 work programme. 

"We face many challenges, but today's discussion has enabled us to focus on those initiatives and actions which will strengthen Europe's ability to tackle these challenges in the medium-term"

Dr Helena Dalli, Maltese Minister for European Affairs and Equality and President of the Council 

Council programme for the next 18 months 

The Council approved its work programme for the next 18 months, from 1 July 2017 to 31 December 2018. During this period the Council will be chaired successively by the Estonian, Bulgarian and Austrian six-month rotating presidencies. The work programme seeks to tackle the recent challenges, strengthen trust in the European Union, bring it closer to citizens and simplify life and business through tangible results. It identifies the five following priority areas: 

• Jobs, growth and competitiveness
• The protection of citizens
• Energy union and a forward-looking climate policy
• Freedom, security and justice
• The EU as a strong global actor 

• Council 18-month programme, 1 July 2017 to 31 December 2018