General Affairs Council, 09/04/2019, 9 April 2019

Main results

Next multiannual financial framework

Ministers had an exchange of views on cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the context of the debate on the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 (MFF).

The discussion was part of a series of thematic debates, which will feed into the preparation of a streamlined draft negotiating box for the June European Council. The draft negotiating box brings together those elements which are most likely to require political guidance from the EU leaders with a view to facilitating agreement in the Council.

The Presidency also presented to the Council a revised progress report outlining the state of play in the negotiations on MFF-related sectoral proposals.

Under the Romanian EU Council Presidency, we have worked intensively on many MFF-related sectoral programmes. Today we presented the results of the work so far. The Council and the European Parliament now share a common understanding on ten future EU programmes. This groundwork should help us to prepare and implement the various programmes in a timely fashion. George Ciamba, Romanian Minister Delegate for European Affairs

• Progress Report on the MFF

Council conclusions on sustainable development

The Council adopted a set of conclusions concerning the implementation by the EU of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development. The 2030 Agenda was established in 2015 and comprises a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given its horizontal nature, its implementation requires a cross-policy approach by the EU and its member states. Earlier this year, the Commission published a reflection paper "Towards a sustainable Europe by 2030," to which the conclusions are a response.

In its conclusions, the Council underlines the central importance of sustainable development for the European Union and stresses that it is in the EU's interest to continue to play a leading role in implementing the 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs. Recognising its importance for the EU, the Council calls for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda to be accelerated "both globally and internally, as an overarching priority of the EU, for the benefit of its citizens and for upholding its credibility within Europe and globally."

The Council also repeats its earlier call for the Commission to draw up a comprehensive strategy for implementing the 2030 Agenda.

• Council conclusions "Towards an ever more sustainable Union by 2030"
• Commission reflection paper "Towards a sustainable Europe by 2030"

Article 7 procedures

Ministers discussed the state of play regarding EU values in Hungary and the rule of law in Poland under Article 7(1) TEU.

The Commission provided an update on the most recent developments in Hungary and Poland, respectively, after which ministers had an exchange of views.

• Reasoned proposal under Article 7(1) TEU regarding Poland
• Reasoned proposal under Article 7(1) TEU regarding Hungary

Legislative items

The Council also adopted without discussion a significant number of legislative acts covering a range of policy areas. This reflects the outcome of intensive negotiations with the European Parliament over recent weeks as the end of the current legislature approaches.

• Legislative acts adopted by the General Affairs Council