Luxembourg, 10/04/2000 (Agence Europe) - In Luxembourg on Monday, the General affairs Council decided on a reduction of the number of specialised formations of the Councils of the European Union from 22 to 16. This decision, following the conclusions of the European Council of Helsinki on "An Effective Council for an Enlarged Europe" rests of the merger between several formations. These mergers must be made as quickly as possible and be fully operational at the beginning of 2000.
Here are the new names of the Council of Ministers: (1) General Affairs; (2) Agriculture; (3) Economic and Financial Affairs; (4) Environment; (5) Transport and Telecommunications; (6) Employment and Social Policy; (7) Fisheries; (8) Industry and Energy; (9) Justice, Home Affairs and Civil Protection; (10) Internal Market, Consumer Affairs and Tourism; (11) Research; (12) Budget; (13) Culture; (14) Development; (15) Education and Youth Affairs; (16) Health