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General Affairs Council, 16/10/2018, 16 October 2018

Main results

October European Council

The Council finalised preparations for the European Council meeting of 18 October by discussing draft conclusions.

At this meeting EU leaders are expected to return to the issue of migration. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who represents the Austrian presidency, will report on progress on the reform of the Common European Asylum System.

The European Council will adopt conclusions on internal security, following the Leaders' thematic debate in Salzburg on 20 September.

EU leaders will also discuss external relations, including the partnership with Africa and the upcoming summit with the League of Arab States.

Highlights of the General Affairs Council on 16 October 2018, in Luxembourg.

Rule of law in Poland

As part of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure, the Commission provided the Council with an update on recent developments regarding the justice reform in Poland.

Ministers reiterated the importance of upholding the rule of law in all EU member states and stressed the need to achieve tangible progress.

The Council will come back to this matter.

Respect of EU values in Hungary

The presidency informed ministers about the next procedural steps following the triggering of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure for Hungary.

The Commission will provide the Council a factual update on the relevant infringement procedures.

Hungary has expressed its readiness to provide a written contribution on the issues raised in the European Parliament's reasoned proposal.

Next multiannual financial framework

Ministers heard an assessment from the presidency on the state of play in the examination of the Commission proposals concerning the multiannual financial framework for 2021 to 2027.

The Council took note of the written state of play report submitted by the presidency.

Over lunch ministers discussed issues related to research and innovation (Horizon Europe), as well as European Public Administration, in the context of the next long-term EU budget.

The MFF is the EU’s long-term budget. It sets the amounts that match the EU’s priorities.

Meeting files

Preparatory documents

Outcome documents

Press information

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Photos and videos

Press conference at the General Affairs Council, 16 October 2018, in Luxembourg

Press conference

Extracts from the roundtable at the General Affairs Council, taking place on 16 October 2018, in Luxembourg.

Roundtable

Arrival and doorstep by Gernot Blümel, Federal Minister for the EU, Arts, Culture and Media of Austria, at the General Affairs Council and the General Affairs Council (Article 50), taking place on 16 October 2018, in Luxembourg

Arrival by Gernot Blümel

Arrival and doorstep by Nathalie Loiseau, French Minister with responsibility for European Affairs, attached to the Minister for Europe and for Foreign Affairs, at the General Affairs Council and the General Affairs Council (Article 50), taking place on 16 October 2018, in Luxembourg.

Arrival by Nathalie Loiseau

Arrivals at the General Affairs Council, taking place on 16 October 2018, in Luxembourg

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Last review: 8 January 2025