Brussels, 10/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - The General Affairs Council will meet on Tuesday 14 December, under the chairmanship of Steven Vanackere with the following points on the agenda:
Enlargement. Following the publication of the Commission's annual reports in November, the Council will debate enlargement policy in general and the various applicant countries in particular. Ministers will adopt conclusions the main thrust of which we have outlined (yesterday's EUROPE).
European Citizens' Initiative (ECI). The Council will welcome the agreement reached in the trialogue on the ECI implementing regulation (see EUROPE 10268). Once the EP has approved this text (expected next week), the Council will be able to adopt a new regulation, probably before the end of the year. Member states will then have 12 months to put in place the administrative structure.
Preparation of the European Council of 16-17 December. Ministers will hold an exchange of views on the draft conclusions of the summit which will be largely given over to putting in place a permanent crisis management mechanism for the euro area and the “limited changes” to the Treaty needed for this purpose. It was learned on Friday that it will be Belgium which puts the proposal for amendment of the Treaty on the Council table on the basis of the simplified treaty amendment procedure.
Disaster response. The Council will adopt conclusions on the Commission communication on enhancing EU reaction to disaster capabilities (see EUROPE 10244).
Preparation of the European Council of February 2011 devoted to energy and innovation.
EU 2020 strategy. Ministers will take stock of progress in implementing the 2020 strategy for growth and jobs, adopted in June 2010.
Regional development policy. The Commission will deliver its 5th cohesion report, and the Belgian Presidency will report on the outcome of the informal Council meeting in Liège at the end of November. (H.B./transl.rt)