State Secretary Metelko-Zgombić attends GAC, GAC (Art. 50)

A Croatian delegation led by State Secretary for European Affairs Andreja Metelko-Zgombić attended meetings of the General Affairs Council and General Affairs Council (Art. 50)

A Croatian delegation led by State Secretary for European Affairs Andreja Metelko-Zgombić attended meetings of the General Affairs Council and General Affairs Council (Art. 50).

The Council discussed the annotated draft agenda for the European Council meeting on 13-14 December, which will focus on the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027, migration, single market, external relations and preparations for the 2019-2024 strategic agenda.

The topic of the fourth annual rule of law dialogue was trust in public institutions and the rule of law. Metelko-Zgombić underlined that trust in public institutions was one of the cornerstones of democratic societies and outlined the main goals of the ongoing judicial reform in Croatia. She stressed the role of media and the civil society, national and European MPs, as well as direct communication with the citizens via social media. Ministers exchanged views on the 2021-2027 MFF. Metelko-Zgombić outlined Croatia’s position on the proposed chapters, emphasizing the need to maintain an appropriate level of financing the cohesion and common agricultural policy as well as terms and ways of financing projects that would not hinder fund absorption.

The Commission presented its 2019 work programme and subsidiarity package, i.e. its communication on the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.

Ministers discussed the state of play of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure concerning Hungary.

Regarding the rule of law in Poland, the Commission provided an update on the latest developments.

At the GAC (Art. 50) meeting, chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier informed the ministers about the state of the negotiations. Barnier said that the talks had entered the final and very sensitive phase, outlining the possible agreement points on which negotiating teams are working on. Ministers also recalled the need to continue the work at all levels on preparations for every possible scenario.

Press releases