EUROPEAN COUNCIL - General Affairs Council, 26 May 2026 - Main results
EUROPEAN COUNCIL
General Affairs Council
General Affairs Council, 26
May 2026
Main results
Ministers responsible for European affairs started preparations for
the June European Council by discussing the annotated draft
agenda and held a policy debate on the next multiannual financial
framework (MFF) 2028-2034 with a focus on its contribution to
the integration of the single market. The Council also discussed
the state of play of EU-UK relations and held country-specific
discussions under the rule of law dialogue focusing on the
situation in France, Croatia, Italy, and Latvia.
Looking ahead to the European Council in June, today’s exchange marked the beginning of our preparations. At the same time, the Cyprus Presidency’s work on the next Multiannual Financial Framework is gathering pace. We had a fruitful discussion, which allowed us to reflect on how the Multiannual Financial Framework can contribute to the integration of the single market to the benefit of the EU’s competitiveness - one of our top priorities, which is fully aligned with the commitment set out in the ‘One Europe, One Market’ joint declaration.
Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of the Republic of Cyprus
June EUCO preparation
The Council started preparations for the June European Council meeting by discussing the annotated draft agenda. Leaders are expected to discuss:
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
latest developments in the Middle East
the next Multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2028-2034
In public session, the Council held a policy debate on the next
MFF 2028-2034 with a focus on its contribution to the integration
of the EU’s single market. The MFF is the EU’s long-term budget,
covering a period of seven years.
The European Commission’s proposal for the next MFF covers
several elements that will support the integration of the single
market. The National and Regional Partnership Plans aim to encourage investments and reforms addressing barriers to the
Single Market. The new European Competitiveness Fund is
designed to support strategic industries and technologies. The
Global Europe instrument seeks to develop external partnerships as a way to advance the strategic interests of the Union. Finally, specific funds, such as the Connecting Europe Facility, will finance cross-border infrastructure, while targeted instruments such as the Single Market and Customs Programme, will focus on enforcement, standardisation, and administrative cooperation.
As a separate item under ‘any other business’, the French delegation
drew the Council’s attention to the specific role of the EU’s
outermost regionsandoverseas countries and territories
The Council held an exchange of views on the state of play of EU-UK relations.
The Commission and the EEAS updated ministers on the developments of the implementation of the existing agreements and the renewed agenda after the 1st EU-UK summit in May 2025. The Council took note of progress inter alia as regards the ongoing negotiations on a common sanitary and phytosanitary area (SPS agreement), an agreement to link the EU-UK greenhouse gas emissions trading systems (ETS agreement) and an agreement on a Youth Experience Scheme. Ministers were also updated on the implementation of the Security and Defence Partnership, as well as the upcoming negotiations on an agreement on the UK’s participation in the EU’s internal electricity market (electricity agreement), and an agreement on the UK’s financial contribution to reduce economic, social and territorial disparities in the EU (cohesion agreement).
Ministers held a country-specific discussion in the framework of the annual rule of law dialogue, focusing on the situation in France, Croatia, Italy, and Latvia.
This was the second round of country-specific discussions this year. For each country, the Commission first presented the main findings of the respective country-specific chapter in its 2025 rule of law report. The delegations concerned was then asked to present key national developments and particular aspects of their national rule of law framework. This was followed by a round of comments and questions in which other delegations shared their experiences and best practices about the developments mentioned. Afterwards, the delegation, whose situation was being discussed, presented additional remarks.
As a separate item, under ‘any other business’, the Hungarian delegation provided an update regarding the ongoing procedure under Article 7(1) TEU linked to the rule of law situation in the country.
The Council adopted a Directive on theright to vote and to stand as a candidate in municipal elections by EU citizens residing in a member state of which they are not nationals. The Council also adopted a decision to amend the European Electoral Act allowing proxy voting at the European Parliament during late pregnancy and early motherhood.
During breakfast, ministers held an informal exchange of views on strategic foresight, with the Commission also briefly presenting its intergenerational fairness strategy.
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