Main topics and media events 14 – 27 May 2018

Overview of the main subjects to be discussed at meetings of the Council of the EU over the next two weeks.

General Affairs Council, Monday 14 May 2018

The Council will discuss the EU’s long-term budget after 2020. It will also begin preparations for the June European Council and exchange views on the rule of law in Poland. 

General Affairs (Art. 50) Council, Monday 14 May 2018

EU27 ministers discuss the state of play of Brexit negotiations with the UK, both as regards the completion of work on the draft withdrawal agreement and the discussions on the framework for the future relationship. 

EU-Western Balkans summit, Thursday 17 May 2018 – Sofia, Bulgaria

The EU-Western Balkans summit will be an occasion to inject new energy in the EU’s relations with the region. The focus will be on connectivity and common security challenges. 

Foreign Affairs Council (Trade issues), Tuesday 22 May 2018

The Council is expected to adopt a decision recommending the opening of trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand, as well as Council conclusions on the new architecture of trade agreements. Trade ministers will also discuss the follow up to the WTO ministerial conference in Buenos Aires and the trade agreements with Japan and Singapore. Over lunch, ministers will exchange views on trade relations with the United States. 

Foreign Affairs Council (Development issues), Tuesday 22 May 2018

The Council will discuss the EU emergency trust fund for Africa, the post-Cotonou framework or the future of external financing instruments.

Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 May 2018

The Council will discuss the potential of universities, the commercialisation of elite sports, the future of the EU youth policy and of culture after 2020. It will also adopt various sets of conclusions, including on the European Education area and on bringing cultural heritage to the fore across policies in the EU.

Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Friday 25 May 2018

Ministers will discuss macroeconomic imbalances and age-related expenditure in the member states. They may be called on to agree measures in the banking sector and in the area of VAT.

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