Highlights from the General Affairs Council of 26 June 2018

Main results

Enlargement

The Council adopted conclusions on the EU's enlargement policy and the stabilisation and association process.

The conclusions reaffirm the EU's commitment to the enlargement process and to the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

The Council agreed to respond positively to the progress made by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Albania, and set out the path towards opening accession negotiations with both countries in June 2019.

This is an important day for Albania and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and for the Western Balkans as a whole. Member states have sent a clear signal that efforts to reform and foster reconciliation, good neighbourly relations and political dialogue to solve longstanding issues pay off. These are of direct benefit to the countries themselves, and of wider value in bringing them closer to the EU. This is a major achievement as we come to the end of our Presidency, since the European perspective of the Western Balkans has been a top priority for us. Ekaterina Zaharieva, Bulgarian deputy prime minister for judicial reform and minister for foreign affairs

June European Council

The Council finalised preparations for the European Council meeting of 28 June 2018 by discussing draft conclusions.

At this meeting EU leaders are expected to:

discuss EU migration policy and trade

address a number of issues related to security and defence

adopt conclusions on taxation, innovation and digital issues

decide on the future handling of the multi-annual financial framework, including a timeline

address the latest foreign policy developments

endorse integrated country-specific recommendations under the European Semester

adopt a decision on the composition of the European Parliament

Rule of law in Poland

The Council held a hearing under Article 7(1) TEU on the rule of law in Poland.

The hearing offered a possibility for ministers to have an in-depth exchange with Poland on the concerns identified in the Commission's reasoned proposal.

Next multiannual financial framework

Over lunch, ministers discussed the Commission's proposals for the multiannual financial framework for 2021–2027 with Commissioner Oettinger.

Aviation safety

The Council adopted without discussion updated aviation safety rules, including a revised mandate for the European Aviation Safety Agency and the first ever EU-wide rules for civil drones.

These rules will ensure that flying remains safe even when our skies become increasingly busy. Ivaylo Moskovski, Bulgarian minister for transport, information technology and communications

European Citizens' Initiative

The Council agreed without discussion its negotiating position on a proposed revision of the European Citizens' Initiative. The aim of the new rules is to make it easier to launch and support initiatives and to increase their impact.