The European affairs ministers, meeting in the General Affairs Council (GAC) on Tuesday 18 March, prepared the discussions of the European Council of 20 March (see EUROPE 13600/18) and approved the joint declaration on legislative priorities 2025 and the conclusions on the political objectives for 2025-2029, with a view to their respective signature by the Commission, the EU Council and the European Parliament, in the margins of the Summit.
These political priorities stem from the Commission’s work programme (see EUROPE 13487/2).
Hungary was the only country to abstain, calling into question the reference made in the declaration on the 2025 legislative programme to making the EU budget conditional on respect for the Rule of law (see EUROPE 13551/14).
“This is a tool used to put pressure on certain Member States. This is not objective, it does not respect the principle of non-discrimination and it does not allow for equal treatment between Member States”, explained the Hungarian Minister for European Affairs, János Bóka.
He also expressed his opposition to “current practices” regarding the authorisation of NGOs in the EU and regretted that the issue of “the level of integrity of the European institutions” was not included in the declaration, mentioning the latest corruption scandal at the European Parliament (see EUROPE 13600/19). He also deplored the fact that the text made no mention of a “ceasefire” or proposals for “innovative solutions” as part of a peace agreement in Ukraine.
To see the joint declaration on the EU’s legislative priorities for 2025: https://aeur.eu/f/fzu
To see the joint conclusions on policy objectives and priorities for 2025-2029: https://aeur.eu/f/fzv
Conclusions of the European Council. Earlier in the day, the ministers discussed the draft conclusions of the European Council.
“Traditionally, in March, the European Council focuses mainly on economic issues, but we also discuss the most urgent issues, namely support for Ukraine, defence and the defence industry”, explained Adam Szłapka, Poland’s Minister for European Union Affairs, at a press conference.
During their discussions, the ministers also looked at the issue of competitiveness, and in particular the simplification of existing legislation.
To see the draft EU Council conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/fzx
Other items. Discussions then focused on EU-UK relations (see other news), ahead of the EU-UK Summit scheduled for May.
The ministers also held an exchange of views on a summary report on the EU Council’s contributions to the 2025 ‘European Semester’. It was also agreed to forward a draft recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area to the European Council for approval.
Minister Szłapka also welcomed the fact that the EU Council had given the green light to support for reforms and economic growth in Moldova to the tune of €1.9 billion.
In addition, the Czech Republic presented information on the cessation of funding for “Radio Free Europe” by the US Global Media Agency.
A breakfast meeting was also held with the leader of the Belarusian opposition, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, following which Mr Szłapka called on the EU to “support the opposition in Belarus and stop this regime through sanctions and other measures”. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)