General Affairs and External Relations Council
B. Kouchner
© Le Conseil de l'Union européenne
- from: 08.12.2008
- to: 09.12.2008
- In: Brussels
The ministers will prepare the European Council meeting of the 27 Heads of State and Government on 11 and 12 December.
On 8 and 9 December, the French Foreign and European Affairs Minister Bernard Kouchner will chair the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC), a monthly meeting that brings together the 27 EU foreign affairs ministers, the European Commission, and the Secretary-General of the Council and High Representative for the CFSP.
The ministers will prepare the European Council meeting of the 27 Heads of State and Government on 11 and 12 December whose agenda will focus on three subjects: economic and financial issues; the future of the Lisbon Treaty; and the energy/climate package for which the French Presidency is seeking a comprehensive agreement, in close consultation with the European Parliament within the framework of the co-decision procedure.
In view of the European Council meeting, the foreign affairs ministers also intend to adopt the central texts that will help to relaunch European security and defence, a priority for the French Presidency. This initiative involves updating the European Security Strategy (2003) and preparing statements on the reinforcement of military capabilities and on international security.
In December the GAERC will adopt, as is customary, conclusions on the EU’s enlargement strategy, on the basis of the report presented by the the European Commission on 5 November.
Following the Washington summit on 15 November and the declaration adopted by the G-20, the GAERC will, if appropriate, review the Doha Round of international trade negotiations if it is confirmed that there will be a ministerial meeting in Geneva by the end of the year.
The ministers will hold in-depth discussions on the Middle East, and particularly the peace process. They will look at boosting political dialogue and cooperation between the EU and Israel. They will also discuss the situation in the Western Balkans and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as adopt conclusions on Pakistan.
On the sidelines of the GAERC meeting, the French Presidency will chair the following meetings on behalf of the GAERC:
Monday 8 December 2008
Stabilisation and Association Council with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Tuesday 9 December 2008
EU-Georgia Cooperation Council
EU-Azerbaijan Cooperation Council
EU-Armenia Cooperation Council
Photo gallery - EuropaResults of the General Affairs and External Relations Council
- Updated: 31.12.2008
