General Affairs Council, 10/12/2019, 10 December 2019

Main results

Next multiannual financial framework

The Council held a policy debate on the next multiannual financial framework.

Ministers discussed the negotiating box with figures presented by Finland's presidency ahead of the December European Council. The presidency proposed an overall level of €1 087 billion for the period 2021-2027, representing 1.07% of the GNI of the EU at 27.

Finland's proposal is based on consultations with member states, as well as discussions in the Council and in the European Council. We have sought to make a balanced proposal that takes into account both the new priorities and traditional policy areas. Our presidency’s work on the MFF is over, and the President of the European Council will now be in charge of the negotiations. Tytti Tuppurainen, Minister for European affairs of Finland

The negotiating box forms the basis for the final stage of negotiations on the MFF. It includes all elements which are to be given political guidance and priority setting from the EU leaders at the European Council level. The President of the European Council will now take the negotiations forward with the aim of reaching a final agreement.

• Negotiating box with figures prepared by the presidency, 5 December 2019

Article 7 procedures

As part of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure, the Council held a hearing on Hungary. The hearing focused on the independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression and academic freedom in Hungary.

The presidency closed the hearing by presenting procedural conclusions. In line with the standard modalities for hearings, no assessment on the substance of the issues is included at this stage.

The Council also took stock of the situation as regards the rule of law in Poland. The Commission updated ministers on the latest developments, including the recent judgments of the European Court of Justice concerning Polish rules on the retirement age of judges and public prosecutors and the new Disciplinary Chamber of the Polish Supreme Court.

December European Council

Ministers continued preparations for the European Council meeting of 12-13 December by discussing draft conclusions. 

In line with its June and October 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. 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.

Legislative work

Ministers exchanged views on priorities for upcoming legislative work under the new Commission. The aim of the discussion was to give input to the Commission for the preparation of its 2020 work programme and for multiannual planning.

The Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-making provides that upon the appointment of a new Commission, the EU institutions will exchange views on the principal policy objectives and priorities for the new term. They will, on the Commission's initiative and as appropriate, draw up joint conclusions to be signed by the Presidents of the Council, the Commission and the Parliament.

Ministers highlighted a number of priorities for the 2019–2024 period, such as the single market, social dimension and the rule of law.

Countering hybrid threats

The Council adopted, without discussion, conclusions which set priorities and guidelines for EU cooperation in the field of countering hybrid threats and enhancing resilience, building on the progress made in recent years. The conclusions call for a comprehensive approach to security to counter hybrid threats, working across all relevant policy sectors in a more strategic, coordinated and coherent way.

We are very pleased with the strong commitment of the member states to continue efforts to counter hybrid threats and enhance resilience. Such measures are vital for building comprehensive security for our citizens. Although the primary responsibility in this field lies with the member states, we face common threats. Building awareness and coordinating our efforts across policy areas is essential. Tytti Tuppurainen, Minister for European affairs of Finland

• Countering hybrid threats: Council calls for enhanced common action (press release, 10 December 2019)

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Council adopted, without discussion, conclusions on the Commission's Opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for EU membership.

In its conclusions, the Council welcomes the Commission's Opinion and urges executive and legislative bodies at all levels of government to start addressing the key priorities identified in the opinion, in line with the legitimate aspirations of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance towards the European Union.

• Council conclusions on Commission Opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina's application for membership of the European Union (press release, 10 December 2019)

Sustainable Europe by 2030

The Council adopted, without discussion, a set of conclusions on the implementation by the EU of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

• Sustainable Europe by 2030: Council adopts conclusions (press release, 10 December 2019)