Main topics and media events 18 June – 1 July 2018
Overview of the main subjects to be discussed at meetings of the Council of the EU over the next two weeks.
Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Monday 18 June 2018
The Council will have an exchange of views on the EMFF, fisheries controls and the fishing opportunities for 2019. It will also discuss the post 2020 CAP reform package and the agricultural market situation.
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and Social Policy), Thursday 21 June 2018
Employment and social policy ministers will discuss several legislative proposals, including the coordination of social security systems, work-life balance and transparent and predictable working conditions. They will also hold a debate on the employment and social policy aspects of the 2018 European Semester exercise.
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Health), Friday 22 June 2018
Health ministers will hold a debate on the proposed regulation on health technology assessment. They will also discuss the future of health in the EU.
Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Friday 22 June 2018
The Council is due to close the excessive deficit procedure for France, and to approve country-specific recommendations under the 2018 ‘European Semester’. It will discuss VAT, a proposed European deposit insurance scheme and fulfilment of the eurozone convergence criteria.
Foreign Affairs Council, Monday 25 June 2018
The Foreign Affairs Council will start with a joint session between foreign affairs ministers and defence ministers. They will discuss and adopt conclusions on EU cooperation in security and defence, and will hold a session on EU-NATO cooperation together with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. Over lunch, foreign ministers will discuss Yemen with UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths. The Council will adopt conclusions.
Foreign ministers will have a discussion on the implementation of the EU Global Strategy, the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea (with Council conclusions), and Jordan.
Environment Council, Monday 25 June 2018
The Council is due to adopt conclusions on delivering the EU action plan for the circular economy. Environment ministers will hold policy debates on the regulation on CO2 standards for cars and vans as well as on the directive on drinking water.
General Affairs Council, Tuesday 26 June 2018
The Council will discuss draft conclusions of the June European Council and hold a first hearing on the rule of law in Poland. It is expected to adopt conclusions on enlargement and the Stabilisation and Association Process.
General Affairs Council (Art.50), Tuesday 26 June 2018
EU27 ministers will prepare the European Council (Article 50) by discussing the state of play of Brexit negotiations and the conclusions to be adopted by the leaders.
European Council, European Council (Art.50) and Euro summit, Thursday – Friday 28 – 29 June 2018
The June European Council will focus on migration, security and defence as well as economic and financial affairs. It will be followed by a Brexit European Council (art 50) to discuss progress in the talks with the UK and a Euro summit in inclusive format to discuss the reform of the European Monetary Union.