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General Affairs Council, 19/11/2019, 19 November 2019
Main results
Strengthening the rule of law in the EU
The Council reviewed its annual rule of law dialogue and discussed a set of conclusions on the issue. In the absence of consensus on the text, the presidency decided to issue presidency conclusions. It concluded that the text was supported or not objected to by 26 delegations.
The conclusions suggest that the current thematic discussions that form part of the Council's rule of law dialogue be developed into a more general annual debate on the state of the rule of law within the EU, covering all member states and capturing positive and negative trends. Member states supporting the conclusions also agree that this yearly stocktaking could make use of the Commission’s new annual rule of law reports, whilst calling upon the Commission to closely involve the member states in their preparation.
The Council also held an exchange of views with Michael O'Flaherty, Director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, on the links between democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights.
Mr O'Flaherty stressed that fundamental rights are an integral part of the rule of law in the European Union and that all actions in the area should be evidence-based, in order to ensure objectivity, non-discrimination and equal treatment of all the member states.
The rule of law, fundamental rights and democracy are inseparable. They stand or fall as one. As the Council presidency, we are doing our utmost to preserve and strengthen this common value base. What could be more important? The presidency conclusions were supported by a vast majority of member states. We hope and trust they will serve as useful guidance for further work.
Tytti Tuppurainen, Minister for European affairs of Finland
Enlargement
The Council discussed the state of play on enlargement and the stabilisation and association process following the October European Council.
The discussion focused on possible ways forward to facilitate the next discussion at the European Council when it reverts to the issue of enlargement next spring.
At the end of the discussion the presidency took note of member states' shared commitment to the European perspective of the Western Balkans and to the continued engagement with the region. The presidency also noted a common understanding of the usefulness of examining the effectiveness of the accession negotiation process, and of further updates on reform progress.
Next multiannual financial framework
The Council took stock of the work on the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027. The presidency indicated that it plans to submit the full Negotiating Box with figures at the end of November for the final stage of negotiations. At the General Affairs Council meeting in December, ministers would hold a debate on the Negotiating Box ahead of the European Council.
December European Council
Ministers started preparations for the European Council meeting of 12-13 December by examining an annotated draft agenda.
In line with its June conclusions, the European Council is expected to return in December to the issue of climate change. Leaders will focus in particular on the target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The aim is to finalise the guidance for the adoption and submission of the EUʼs long-term strategy to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in early 2020.
Leaders are also expected to hold a substantial discussion on the next MFF following the submission by the presidency of a Negotiating Box with figures.
In the light of events, the European Council may address specific foreign policy issues.
Oceans and seas
The Council adopted without discussion conclusions on oceans and seas, stressing that climate change is a direct and existential threat to life in oceans and seas globally. The conclusions call for increased policy action at all levels of government to protect marine and coastal ecosystems.
The rule of law, fundamental rights and democracy are inseparable. They stand or fall as one. As the Council presidency, we are doing our utmost to preserve and strengthen this common value base. What could be more important? The presidency conclusions were supported by a vast majority of member states. We hope and trust they will serve as useful guidance for further work.