General Affairs Council, 14/05/2018, 14 May 2018

Main results

Multiannual financial framework after 2020 

The Commission presented to the Council its proposals for the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the years 2021 to 2027, and ministers had a first round of discussions.

The EU budget is a vital building block for the future of Europe, and an expression of our values and aspirations. Today's debate has kicked off negotiations on the next MFF, which will help us guarantee a stable and secure Europe to the benefit of us all. The Bulgarian Presidency is committed to ensuring rapid progress on this important issue. Ekaterina Zaharieva, deputy prime minister for judicial reform and minister of foreign affairs of Bulgaria

• Video: What is the MFF?

June European Council 

The Council began preparations for the European Council meeting, which will take place on 28 and 29 June, by discussing an annotated draft agenda. 

At its meeting, the European Council is expected to 

• aim at reaching a consensus on migration
• address a number of issues related to security and defence
• conclude the 2018 European Semester
• adopt conclusions on taxation, and on innovation and digital issues, as part of the follow-up to the leaders' debates on these topics
• have a first exchange of views on the next multiannual financial framework and decide on the timeline for completing the negotiations

• European Council, 28-29 June 2018

Rule of law in Poland 

The Council discussed the situation with regard to the rule of law in Poland. 

The Commission updated ministers on the latest developments in its dialogue with the Polish authorities. 

The Council will return to this issue at its next meeting.

Climate action and clean energy 

The Council adopted without discussion four legislative acts concerning 

• 'effort sharing' of emissions
• land use, land use change and forestry
• environmental reporting
• energy performance of buildings 

This legislative package forms part of the EU's efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and fulfil its Paris climate commitment of a 40% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

• Effort sharing regulation: Council adopts emission reduction targets (press release, 14 May 2018)
• Better protection and management of land and forests across the Union: Council adopts a new regulation (press release, 14 May 2018)
• Environmental reporting obligations: Council adopts clearer rules (press release, 14 May 2018)
• Energy efficient buildings: Council adopts revised directive (press release, 14 May 2018)

Money laundering and terrorist financing 

The Council adopted without discussion a directive strengthening EU rules to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.

These new rules respond to the need for increased security in Europe by further removing the means available to terrorists. They will enable us to disrupt criminal networks without compromising fundamental rights and economic freedoms. Vladislav Goranov, minister for finance of Bulgaria

• Money laundering and terrorist financing: new rules adopted (press release, 14 May 2018)