General Affairs Council, 20 September
2022
Main results
October European Council
The Council started preparations for the European Council meeting on 20-21 October by
discussing an annotated draft agenda.
At the European Council meeting, leaders will revert to Russia’s war of aggression against
Ukraine and its consequences. They will also address the energy situation and economic
issues.
As regards external relations, the European Council will address EU-Asia relations, prepare
the EU-ASEAN summit and hold a strategic discussion on China. It will also take stock of
preparations for the UN Climate Change conference in Sharm El-Sheikh (COP27) and for
the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal.
Annual rule of law dialogue
In the framework of the annual rule of law dialogue, ministers held a horizontal discussion focusing on the main trends in the area of the rule of law in the EU.
The debate was structured around four pillars: justice systems, the anti-corruption framework, media pluralism, and other institutional issues related to checks and balances. It made use of the rule of law report by the Commission,
issued on 13 July 2022, which includes for the first time specific recommendations to member states.
The aim of the Council’s rule of law dialogue is to have an open and constructive debate on the situation regarding the rule of law across the EU, in full respect of the principles of objectivity, non-discrimination and equal treatment of all member states.
Country-specific aspects will be covered at the meeting of General Affairs Council in November. The focus will be on the following five member states: Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Sweden.
I believe that the exchanges conducted in this format allow us to have a real political discussion, in a positive and constructive atmosphere. The Council dialogue facilitates the sharing not only of good practices, but also of critical remarks: both should guide our actions in the most delicate aspects of the rule of law.
Mikuláš Bek, Czech Minister for European Affairs
Conference on the Future of Europe
Ministers exchanged views on the follow-up to the Conference on the Future of Europe.
The discussion focused on the possible use of passerelle clauses included in the Treaties to switch from unanimity to qualified majority voting in the Council, and Conference-related initiatives highlighted in the State of the Union address as well as in the related Commission’s ‘letter of intent’ outlining key initiatives planned for 2023. Ministers were also informed about the Conference proposed measures where the Council could act on its own.
During the debate on the follow-up to the Conference, ministers considered that priority should be given at this stage to the follow-up of the vast majority of Conference proposals and initiatives (approximately 95%) that can be implemented using all the possibilities offered by the current Treaty framework.
Various views were offered on the issue of the extension of qualified majority voting in the Council by using passerelle clauses. Most of the ministers were open to consider the use of passerelle clauses in certain fields, on a case-by-case basis. Several ministers pointed out that further assessment was needed before they could express a detailed position on this issue or take a decision on this matter.
Ministers welcomed the Commission’s plan to propose a number of legislative initiatives to follow up on the Conference, in line with the commitment taken by the three EU institutions when launching the exercise.
The presidency also briefed ministers on preparations for the feedback event for citizens, which is scheduled for 2 December.
The Conference set out to engage citizens in a debate on our common future and what matters the most for them. It is now time for the EU institutions to show that we have listened to their concerns. The Council is fully committed to play its part in this process.
Mikuláš Bek, Czech Minister for European Affairs
- The Conference on the Future of Europe (background information and timeline)
- Report on the final outcome of the Conference
- Preliminary technical assessment of the proposals (10 June 2022)
- European Council conclusions, 23-24 June 2022
EU-UK relations
Ministers assessed the state of play of EU-UK relations, focusing on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, in particular the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.
European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič updated ministers on the latest developments, following the UK government’s decision to table legislation disapplying core elements of the Protocol in June 2022 and its reply to the ongoing infringement procedures on 15 September 2022.
Ministers reaffirmed their support to the European Commission's approach. They reiterated in particular the EU’s readiness to constructively discuss a negotiated solution within the Protocol to the practical difficulties in implementing it on the ground.
- Commission launches four new infringement procedures against the UK (22 July 2022)
- Commission launches infringement proceedings against the UK and provides further details on possible solutions to facilitate the movement of goods (15 June 2022)
- Remarks by Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič at the press conference on the Protocol of Ireland / Northern Ireland (15 June 2022)
Legislative programming
As part of the annual legislative programming exercise, the Commission presented to the Council the 2022 Strategic Foresight Report and its ‘letter of intent’ with regard to the preparation of the Commission’s work programme. Ministers outlined their views on the main priorities for next year and the initiatives that in their view are the most needed.
Presidency priorities
The Czech presidency presented to ministers its overall priorities for the duration of its term of office, as well as those falling within the remit of the General Affairs Council.
Ukraine: €5 billion assistance adopted
The Council today formally adopted the decision to provide €5 billion of additional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine, as a matter of urgency. This financial assistance complements other EU support to Ukraine in the humanitarian, development, customs and defence fields.
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