Ministers assessed the state of play in EU-UK relations, in light of recent events regarding the implementation of the protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.
European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič updated ministers on the latest developments, including his recent visit to Ireland and Northern Ireland, and ministers reiterated their support to the European Commission’s approach.
They highlighted the need to identify long-term, flexible and practical solutions to address the issues experienced by citizens and businesses in relation to the practical implementation of the protocol, while respecting the principles underpinning the protocol. They reiterated that the EU will not agree to a renegotiation of the protocol, which is the agreed solution between the UK and the EU to the problems caused by Brexit for the island of Ireland.
The EU will continue to engage with the UK to find solutions within the framework of the protocol. We will do our utmost to bring back predictability and stability for the citizens and businesses in Northern Ireland and to ensure they can make the most of the opportunities provided by the protocol, including access to the single market.
Gašper Dovžan, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia
- Statement by the European Commission following the UK announcement regarding the operation of the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland (European Commission, 6 September 2021)
- Statement by Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič following today’s announcement by the UK government regarding the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland (European Commission, 21 July 2021)
- Application of Union law related to meat products in Northern Ireland after the end of the transition period: unilateral declaration by the EU (30 June 2021)
EU COVID-19 coordination
Ministers exchanged views on the EU coordination on COVID-19 after the summer break. They discussed vaccination-related issues and travel measures.
It is crucial for the member states to continue providing a transparent and coordinated response to the pandemic and raising the rate of vaccination coverage of the population in order to resume normal life.
Gašper Dovžan, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia
Among the subjects discussed today, booster vaccines or additional doses were mentioned, as well as the need to address vaccine hesitancy and vaccine disinformation and the importance of vaccine sharing with third countries.
On travel measures coordination, work is now underway to consider whether a revision is necessary to take account of the present situation (inter alia, high vaccination rates, evolving epidemiological situation and experience of COVID certificates).
- COVID-19: Council adds Uruguay and removes six countries from the list of countries for which travel restrictions should be lifted (press release, 9 September 2021)
- COVID-19: Coreper endorses political agreement on the EU digital COVID certificate to facilitate free movement (press release, 21 May 2021)
- COVID-19: Council agrees its negotiating mandate on the Digital Green Certificate (press release, 14 April 2021)
- Presidency press release on solidarity vaccines (1 April 2021)
- COVID-19: research and vaccines (background information)
- Video conference of the members of the European Council, 25 March 2021
- COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic: the EU’s response (background information)
- COVID-19: travel and transport – Council updates recommendations on COVID-19 travel measures (background information)
- Commission proposes to ease restrictions on non-essential travel to the EU (European Commission, 3 May 2021)
European Council meeting on 21-22 October
Ministers had a first exchange about the annotated draft agenda for the 21-22 October European Council: coordination of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, review progress on digital issues, preparations for COP26 in Glasgow (climate) and COP15 in Kunming (biodiversity) and for upcoming summits with third countries, such as with the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the Eastern Partnership among other subjects.
- Provisional agenda (13 September 2021)
Conference on the Future of Europe
The presidency gave an update on the Conference on the Future of Europe, after the launch of the European citizens’ panels on 17 September and in the run-up to the October plenary. Delegations had the opportunity to exchange views on these issues.
- Conference on the Future of Europe: citizens in the spotlight
- Conference on the Future of Europe: launch of the citizens’ platform on 19 April
- The Conference on the Future of Europe gets green light from the Council (press release, 5 March 2021)
- Conference on the Future of Europe – Joint Declaration (5 March 2021)
- Conference on the Future of Europe – revised Council position (3 February 2021)
- Conference on the Future of Europe – Council position (24 June 2020)
Slovenian presidency priorities
During a public session, the Slovenian presidency presented its overall priorities, as well as those falling within the remit of the General Affairs Council.
Legislative programming
During a public debate, the Commission presented the 2021 Strategic Foresight Report and its letter of intent.
- Strategic Foresight Report (European Commission)
- Letter of intent with regard to the preparation of the Commission Work Programme 2022
Other business
The Commission updated ministers on EU-Switzerland relations. There was also an information point on the EU-MED summit of last Friday in Athens.
Meeting information
- Meeting n°3812
- Brussels
- 21 September 2021
- 10:00
Preparatory documents
- Provisional agenda
- Provisional list of A items, legislative deliberations
- Provisional list of A items, non-legislative activities
- List of A items, legislative deliberations
- List of A items, non-legislative activities
- Background brief
Outcome documents
- List of participants
- Video footage (A items and Priorities of the Slovenian Presidency)
- Video footage (Legislative programming)
- Meeting voting results
Press releases
- Afghanistan: Council conclusions set out the EU’s position and next steps – 21 September 2021, 10:15