Brussels, 22/06/2012 (Agence Europe) - The General Affairs Council to be held in Luxembourg on Tuesday 26 June will endeavour to reach a second partial general approach on further elements of the cohesion policy legislative package (2014-2020). Ministers will above all prepare for the European Council of 28 and 29 June, examining the revised version of the negotiation framework onthe EU's multiannual financial framework for the period 2014-2020.
The Council will seek to finalise a partial general approach on the legislative package on cohesion policy for 2014-2020. This partial general approach should include four elements. 1) Thematic concentration. Funds are concentrated on a limited number of thematic objectives reflecting the 2020 priorities of the EU and taking into account the level of development of the different regions. Minimum shares of cohesion policy expenditure are set for employment, social inclusion and education. 2) Financial instruments. The five funds covered by a common strategic framework (CSF) may be used to support financial instruments such as loans, guarantees, equity investments or other risk-sharing instruments as long as these instruments address specific market needs. 3) Net revenue generating operations and private public partnerships. This part of the partial general approach applies to operations which generate net revenue after their completion, such as the construction of infrastructure (e.g. roads) for the use of which charges are levied. 4) Performance framework. This includes provisions setting out the rules on the possibility of suspension and cancellation of funds in cases of serious underachievement in meeting performance targets.
The above general approach would complete the partial general approach relating to six relatively technical elements adopted on 24 April this year.
Multiannual financial framework (MFF). The Council is to prepare the first substantial discussion which the European Council will hold on this subject at its meeting on 28 and 29 June. For the time being, the negotiating box only contains a small number of figures in square brackets. Later in the negotiation process, figures for the ceilings of the individual headings of the MFF will be added. The European Council is also expected to approve procedural conclusions to guide the negotiation process, and also discuss the issue of how the new MFF can best contribute to the creation of growth.
Montenegro. The Council is expected to discuss the opening of membership talks with Montenegro. A decision to open accession negotiations with Montenegro during the Danish presidency would mean that the first accession conference would take place in Brussels on 29 June. With a view to opening accession negotiations with Montenegro in June 2012, the European Council of 9 December 2011 tasked the Council with examining Montenegro's progress in the implementation of reforms, with particular focus on the area of rule of law and fundamental rights, especially the fight against corruption and organised crime. (LC/transl.jl)