State Secretary for Europe Andreja Metelko-Zgombić participated in the General Affairs Council meeting held in Brussels on 26 May 2026. The agenda included discussions on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the 2028-2034 period, preparations for the European Council meeting of 18 and 19 June 2026, EU-United Kingdom relations, and the annual rule of law dialogue.
During the discussion on the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, Metelko-Zgombić stressed that the future EU budget must be sufficiently robust to address new common challenges while preserving its investment and development-oriented character. She underlined the importance of strong and stable financing for cohesion, agricultural and fisheries policies, as well as the role of cohesion policy in strengthening the single market, reducing regional disparities, and ensuring equal investment opportunities across all Member States.
The Council began preparations for the regular European Council meeting of 18 and 19 June with an exchange of views on the draft agenda. The proposed topics included Ukraine, the Middle East, MFF, global economic challenges, European defence and security, migration, the use of and trade in illegal drugs, and the European Semester.
The state secretary emphasized that support for Ukraine must remain one of the EU’s key priorities, alongside continued pressure on Russia and a stronger EU role in peace efforts. She particularly highlighted the importance of maintaining Ukraine’s European path and opening negotiations under Cluster 1 - Fundamentals.
Metelko-Zgombić also addressed the situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, namely transit passage through this international strait, in accordance with international law and as was the case prior to the conflict. She expressed satisfaction with the recently agreed EU positions and stressed the need for continued coordinated EU action aimed at de-escalation. She also underlined that the future negotiating framework for the MFF must be balanced and reflect discussions held thus far, particularly with regard to Treaty-based policies.
In the context of global economic challenges, she referred in particular to the potential consequences of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz for the chemical and agricultural sectors, alongside the energy sector, and stressed the importance of diversifying supply chains, energy partnerships, and alternative transport routes. She welcomed the European Commission’s concrete activities aimed at addressing the consequences, particularly the preparation of an action plan on fertilisers.
In the area of defence and security, the state secretary stressed that strengthening the European Union’s defence capabilities must become a concrete priority, with resources directed towards a limited number of major European defence projects of common interest, highlighting in particular the importance of drone production and counter-drone systems.
With regard to migration, Metelko-Zgombić emphasized the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, bearing in mind its entry into force on 12 June, through an approach based on solidarity and responsibility, as common threats require a common response. She welcomed the inclusion of the issue of illegal drugs on the leaders’ agenda and stressed the need for a coordinated European response, including through the European Coalition Against Drugs.
The European Commission informed the Council about the current state of EU-United Kingdom relations, focusing on the implementation of existing agreements and the further strengthening of cooperation following the summit held in London in May 2025. Particular attention was devoted to new areas of enhanced cooperation, including security and defence, energy, climate policy, youth mobility, and other issues of common interest.
As part of the regular Annual Rule of Law Dialogue in the EU, a discussion was held on four Member States - France, Croatia, Italy, and Latvia. In her presentation, Metelko-Zgombić reported on the main activities undertaken in Croatia since the publication of the EU Rule of Law Report in July 2025 and referred to the recommendations outlined by the European Commission in the Report. During the informal discussion that followed, Member States had the opportunity to compare experiences and consider both challenges and positive trends across the Union.
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