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17.11.2020

Videoconference of European Affairs Ministers: What was discussed

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On 17 November, EU ministers responsible for European affairs came together for a videoconference. The meeting was chaired by German Minister of State for Europe Michael Roth under the auspices of Germany’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The videoconference began with a country-specific debate as part of the discussions surrounding the rule-of-law. In accordance with the order of protocol, it first addressed the situation of the rule of law in five countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark and Estonia. The dialogue, initiated by Germany, aims at strengthening the rule of law as a fundamental value of the EU. Portugal and Slovenia have announced that there will be further debates during their respective Presidencies of the Council of the EU.

Ministers also prepared the agenda for the meeting of the European Council in December, which will deal with, among other topics, the EU’s climate target for 2030. The day's agenda also included information from the German Presidency on the EU enlargement process with regard to North Macedonia and Albania. The ministers also exchanged views on the fight against antisemitism.

Another topic on the agenda was the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027 and the COVID-19 recovery fund. After the German Presidency and the European Parliament were able to reach a political agreement on this issue on 10 November, Minister of State Roth informed member states about the further course of action in a public session. With a view to 2021, the European Commission also presented its work program for the coming year. Finally, together with Portugal, which will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU from January 2021, the German Presidency presented participants with a roadmap for the European Semester 2021.

The next session of the General Affairs Council (GAC) is planned for 8 December.

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