State Secretary for European Affairs Andreja Metelko-Zgombić 15 October 2019 in Luxembourg attended meetings of the General Affairs Council and General Affairs Council (Article 50).
The Council discussed enlargement and the stabilisation and association process as regards Albania and North Macedonia. The presidency issued procedural conclusions noting that that the Council will revert to the issue after the European Council meeting on 17-18 October. Metelko-Zgombić underlined Croatia’s strong support for opening accession talks with both of the countries following the positive assessment by the Commission, which Croatia agrees with. She highlighted the transformative power of the negotiating process and its positive effects.
Ministers continued preparations for the European Council meeting by examining draft conclusions on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF), the next institutional cycle, strategic programme and climate change. The meeting will also discuss the EU-Turkey relations.
Metelko-Zgombić emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement on the MFF by the end of the year. She said that the budget should not drop below the level proposed by the Commission. This would ensure that the Cohesion and Joint Agricultural Policy continue to be adequately funded, while keeping an eye on the new challenges for the EU.
The Council, in the EU27 format, was informed by the EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier about the state of play on Brexit. Metelko-Zgombić was hopeful that progress will be made by the European Council meeting. The ministers expressed full support for the chief negotiator.