General Affairs Council, 15 October 2019

Main results

Enlargement

The Council discussed enlargement and the stabilisation and association process as regards Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia. Following the discussion, the presidency issued procedural conclusions noting that the Council would revert to the issue after the European Council.

• Presidency conclusions on enlargement and stabilisation and association process (15/10/2019)

October European Council 

Ministers continued preparations for the European Council meeting on 17-18 October by examining draft conclusions.

At their meeting leaders are expected to have a substantive discussion on the next multiannual financial framework on the basis of the work of the presidency. They will exchange views with Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen on the priorities for the EU in the next five years. Leaders will also discuss international aspects of climate change and Turkey. In the light of events, the European Council may address specific foreign policy issues.

• European Council, 17-18/10/2019

Transparency 

Under 'any other business', the presidency briefed ministers on the main takeaways from the seminar on the future of EU transparency held on 24 September in Brussels.

Finland is dedicated to promoting transparency in EU decision-making throughout its presidency. More openness can bring the EU closer to its citizens. It will strengthen our democratic processes and help combat disinformation. Tytti Tuppurainen, Minister for European affairs of Finland

• Presidency Report on the seminar on the future of EU transparency