State Secretary Metelko-Zgombić attends GAC

The Council began preparations for the European Council meeting on June 28-29, 2024, by exchanging views on the draft agenda with comments. The proposed topics for the leaders' meeting in June include Ukraine, security and defence, competitiveness, external relations, and the new institutional cycle.
 
During the discussion on Ukraine, the state secretary emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine in all aspects, particularly highlighting military support. She called for an urgent agreement on specific aid measures to ensure the delivery of critical military equipment to the Ukrainian armed forces. In the context of security and defence, she underscored the need to build a stronger and more adaptable European defence industrial and technological base and expressed support for the discussion on new, innovative financing models. The upcoming discussion on competitiveness was deemed very important, with the state secretary particularly highlighting the role of cohesion policy as a fundamental prerequisite not only for completing the single market but also for a strong and competitive Union. Within the new institutional cycle, the Council discussed the future Strategic Program (2024-2029) and the work plan for internal reforms. Metelko-Zgombić presented Croatia's expectations for focusing on security and defence, resilience and competitiveness, green and digital transitions, and agriculture, while particularly emphasizing demographic revitalization as a cross-sectoral priority. She also reiterated the importance of strong support for enlargement, which has to be based on the principles of merit, fulfilment of reforms and membership criteria, and respect for Union values.
 
In the ninth round of discussions on individual countries within the annual rule of law dialogue in the EU, the European Commission presented the findings from the 2023 Annual Report for Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, and Luxembourg. In an informal exchange of views, member states had the opportunity to share their best practices important for preserving the rule of law.
 
The Council reviewed developments regarding the Article 7(1) TEU procedure against Poland. The European Commission presented its analysis of the situation in Poland, concluding that there is no longer a clear risk of a serious breach of the rule of law in Poland within the meaning of Article 7(1) TEU and therefore announced the closure of the procedure.
 
Representatives of the member states in the General Affairs Council, the so-called ministers for the future, informally exchanged views on the impact of global trends on the EU's strategic decisions in the coming period, with a particular focus on achieving a balance between the green transition, competitiveness, and social well-being.
 
Before the formal meeting, there was an opportunity for a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration and the Chief Negotiator of Moldova, who reported on Moldova's efforts to meet the remaining conditions for adopting the negotiation framework and starting negotiations in the areas of judicial independence, the fight against oligarchization and corruption, and plans for holding a referendum on Moldova's EU path in October this year, alongside the presidential elections.

 

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