Luxembourg, 12 April 2022
Annual rule of law dialogue
In the framework of the annual rule of law dialogue, the General Affairs Council discussed the situation with regard to the rule of law in Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands and Austria.
This exercise is an opportunity to have an in-depth, structured exchange on the rule of law, while upholding the principles of objectivity, non-discrimination and equal treatment of all member states.
Following an introduction by the Commission based on the main findings of the country-specific chapters of the 2021 rule of law report, the member states concerned were given the opportunity to present the main developments in and specificities of their national rule of law framework.
This was followed by an exchange with the member states, which shared their experiences and best practices in connection with the developments mentioned. This review did not lead to the adoption of conclusions.
Conference on the Future of Europe
The presidency took stock of the ongoing work in the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe. The Council exchanged views on the next steps following the meeting of 8 and 9 April in Strasbourg, at which the working groups presented a new version of the proposals to the conference plenary. Ministers commented on the initial – non-definitive – version of the plenary proposals.
The conference participants will have to come to a consensus on the consolidated version of the proposals at the plenary meeting on 29 and 30 April, before citizens give their final opinion. The final report of the Conference on the Future of Europe will be submitted to the co-chairs (the Presidents of the European Parliament, European Commission and Council of the EU) in Strasbourg on 9 May.
It will be for the institutions of the European Union, after 9 May 2022, to examine how to follow up on the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe and to report to citizens on this work.
Conference on the Future of Europe (background information)
2022 foresight report
In the early afternoon, an informal lunch was devoted to the preparation of the European Commission’s 2022 foresight report.
The Council also adopted without discussion the items on the lists of legislative and non-legislative ‘A’ items.
Meeting information
Meeting n°3867
Luxembourg
12 April 2022
10:15
Preparatory documents
- Provisional agenda
- List of A items, legislative deliberations
- List of A items, non-legislative activities
- Background brief
Outcome documents
Press releases
- Ukraine: EU countries to receive €3.5 billion in additional pre-financing for hosting refugees – 12 April 2022, 10:25
- EU-UK relations: the Council adopts legislation to ensure continued supply of medicines – 12 April 2022, 10:25