State Secretary for European Affairs Andreja Metelko-Zgombić 8 January 2019 in Brussels attended a meeting of the General Affairs Council (GAC).
The Council heard a presentation on the priorities of the Romanian presidency. The ministers exchanged views on the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 and on a coordinated response to disinformation.
Regarding the MFF, Metelko-Zgombić voiced support for Romania’s presidency plan, which aims at closing the negotiations by fall this year, and underlined Croatia’s priorities.
Speaking about the need for a coordinated EU response to disinformation as a form of hybrid warfare, Metelko-Zgombić said that combating disinformation was a complex challenge that required comprehensive and valid solutions. The ministers supported the efforts and coordinated activities in uncovering disinformation, strengthening resilience and building media literacy. The Joint Action Plan against disinformation presented by the Commission on 5 December 2018 represents a solid framework for a comprehensive approach to coordinating a response to disinformation, including both its internal and external aspects.
The meeting was the first meeting of the Council of the EU under Romania’s presidency and the first attended by Croatia as a member of the Presidency Trio (Croatia, Finland and Romania).