State Secretary for European Affairs Andreja Metelko-Zgombić 21 May 2019 in Brussels attended a meeting of the General Affairs Council (GAC).
The Council discussed the external action aspects of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021-2027 and exchanged views on preparations for the June European Council. The Romanian presidency reported on the results of the Bucharest Conference on the European Semester of 4 April and the Paris Ministerial Meeting on European Cultural Heritage of 3 May. The European Commission presented the communique on further strengthening of the rule of law in the EU, published in April this year.
In regard to financing the external action instruments, Metelko-Zgombić discussed the proposal for the new Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument, underlining that Croatia believes it could meet the goals in terms of unifying and simplifying the EU’s development policies as well as make them more effective.
The Council started preparations for the June European Council meeting, at which EU leaders are expected to take decisions on appointments for the next institutional cycle and adopt the EU’s strategic agenda for 2019-2024. They will also focus their discussions on the next multiannual financial framework, climate change and country-specific recommendations under the European Semester process.
Croatia advocated that agreements on filling the top-level positions in the EU be reached soon so as to ensure its normal functioning. In regard to the future budget, Metelko-Zgombić was hopeful that the member states would reach an agreement by fall this year.
On behalf of Croatia, Metelko-Zgombić supported the inclusion of enlargement references in the first draft of the European Council’s conclusions, expressing hope that the decision to launch accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania would be made soon.