Brussels, 15 November 2023
December European Council
Ministers started preparations for the European Council meeting on 14-15 December 2023 by discussing an annotated draft agenda.
At their December meeting, EU leaders will address:
- Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
- the situation in the Middle East
- next steps in the enlargement and stabilisation and association process
- the proposed revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027
- security and defence issues
Rule of law in Poland
As part of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure, the Council discussed the rule of law situation in Poland.
The procedure concerning Poland was launched by the Commission in 2017 and covers a range of issues related to the independence of the Polish judiciary. The latest hearing of Poland took place in May 2023.
The Commission informed ministers about developments since the hearing, outlining the remaining concerns regarding the Supreme Court, the National Council for the Judiciary and the role and case law of the Constitutional Tribunal. It also recalled that the reform of the disciplinary regime applicable to Polish judges undertaken by the Polish authorities had not entered into force yet.
Ministers stressed the importance of addressing all the issues regarding judicial independence and rule of law in Poland and voiced their support to the Commission as regards the concerns raised, expressing the hope that Poland will soon address them. Poland had an opportunity to present its remarks.
The presidency concluded that the Council will remain seized of the matter.
- Reasoned proposal triggering the Article 7 procedure for Poland
- 2023 Rule of Law Report – Country Chapter Poland
- Rule of law (background information)
Respect for EU values in Hungary
As part of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure, the Council also discussed the state of play regarding respect for EU values in Hungary.
The procedure concerning Hungary was launched by the European Parliament in 2018 and covers several issues ranging from the judicial independence and corruption to freedom of expression, academic freedom and the rights of persons belonging to minorities. The latest hearing of Hungary took place in May 2023.
The Commission informed ministers about progress in the areas of judicial independence and the fight against corruption since the last hearing of Hungary, while pointing to remaining steps to be taken in this regard. It also outlined the serious remaining concerns related to other areas, such as media independence and pluralism, the rights of migrants and persons belonging to minorities, including LGBTI persons, pressure on civil society and the extensive use of emergency powers by the government.
Ministers echoed the concerns of the Commission and urged Hungary to continue to address all the issues raised. Hungary presented its remarks.
The presidency concluded that the Council will remain seized of the matter.
European electoral law
The Council held a policy debate on the European Parliament’s proposal for revising the EU rules governing EP elections. This was the third debate on this proposal in the Council.
Ministers were invited to indicate whether they could agree to the basic idea of transnational lists and the European constituency, and how they could envisage further work on the Parliament’s proposal.
The debate confirmed that a number of member states had clear reservations about the concept of transnational lists, and a lead candidate process and an EU-wide constituency based on such lists. Nevertheless, a large majority of member states were open to continue work at technical level on this file, starting from those elements of the Parliament’s proposal that had gathered the largest support according to the survey carried out by the Swedish presidency.
The presidency concluded that work on this file will continue at technical level.
- Proposal for a Council regulation on the election of the Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage
- Background note for the debate
- Results of the Swedish presidency survey
EU-UK relations
The Council took stock of EU-UK relations.
The Commission updated ministers on the developments in EU-UK relations in recent months and planned future work.
Ministers welcomed that the agreement on the Windsor Framework allowed the EU and the UK to turn the page in their relations and focus on developing a positive and stable partnership based on shared values, whilst ensuring that the EU interests are respected.
They stressed the importance of full implementation of all the agreements between the EU and the UK, including as regards citizens’ rights, and underlined the continued unity of the EU. Ministers also expressed their support for exploiting the full potential of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement to the mutual benefit of the EU and the UK, bearing in mind the limits stemming from the current agreements.
Without discussion, the Council also gave its green light to the UK participation in the EU’s Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes, approving the agreement in principle reached between the Commission and the UK government on 7 September 2023.
- EU-UK relations: Council gives the go-ahead to UK participation in the Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes (press release, 15 November 2023)
- EU relations with the United Kingdom (background information)
Future of Europe
Ministers also discussed EU’s internal preparations for enlargement, i.e. how the EU can integrate new member states while maintaining and deepening its own development as regards its policies, budget and capacity to act. The debate focused on the organization of the related reflection and reform process.
European affairs ministers have discussed the EU’s internal preparations for enlargement on several occasions this year, including at their informal meetings in Stockholm on 21-22 June and in Murcia on 28-29 September, and over ministerial lunches in the margins of the General Affairs Council meetings on 19 September and 24 October.
EU leaders also addressed the issue at their informal meeting in Granada on 6 October. In the Granada declaration, they affirmed that enlargement is a geo-strategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity, and stated that in parallel with the reform efforts of the aspiring members, the EU needs to lay the necessary internal groundwork and reforms.
- Informal meeting of heads of state or government, Granada, 6 October 2023
- Informal ministerial meeting on general affairs, Murcia, 28 September 2023
- Informal meeting of the General Affairs Council, Stockholm, 21-22 June 2023
EU Council regulation amending regulation no 1/1958
The presidency updated ministers on the state of play of Spain’s request to amend regulation no 1/1958 to include Catalan, Basque and Galician.
The presidency informed ministers that an adapted proposal had been tabled by Spain on 13 November, on the basis of discussions in previous General Affairs Council meetings.
The presidency also recalled that the European Commission is preparing a cost assessment on the amending of regulation no 1/1958.
Legislative work
The Commission presented its work programme for 2024, which identifies 15 new initiatives and 154 ongoing priority files, and puts a strong focus on reducing administrative burden for businesses, administrations and citizens.
Meeting information
- Meeting n°3983
- Brussels
- 15 November 2023