Forward look: 22 November – 5 December 2021

© European Union, 2020, Source: Council of the EU – Audiovisual resources© European Union, 2020, Source: Council of the EU – Audiovisual resources

General Affairs Council, Tuesday 23 November

The preparations for the European Council on 16-17 December 2021, the Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association process, the EU – UK relations and the rule of law annual dialogue will be on the agenda of the General Affairs Council.

Competitiveness Council, Thursday 25 and Friday 26 November

On Thursday, ministers responsible for the internal market and industry will be focusing on the digital services act and the digital markets act, as well as on the implementation of the recovery plan for Europe.

On Friday morning, research ministers will aim to adopt conclusions on the future governance of the European Research Area, as well as a Council recommendation on a pact for research and innovation in Europe. In the afternoon, ministers for space will debate ‘New Space’ and aim to adopt conclusions on ‘space for everyone’.

Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council, Monday 29 – Tuesday 30 November 2021

The Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council will deal with blended learning approaches, civic spaces for youth, availability and competitiveness of European audiovisual and media content and key features of a European Sport Model among other things.

Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), Monday 29 November 2021

Ministers will approve Council conclusions and adopt the Decision on the EU position in the World Trade Organization’s 12th Ministerial Conference.

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), Thursday 2 December 2021

Ministers will hold a debate on the surge in energy prices and exchange views on the progress reached on the proposals to amend the renewable energies and the energy efficiency directives, that are part of the “Fit for 55 package”.

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications), Friday 3 December 2021

The Council is aiming for a general approach on a high common level of cybersecurity across the EU (‘NIS2’) and will assess progress on the Artificial Intelligence Act, a framework for a European Digital Identity and the Path to the Digital Decade. Ministers will hold a policy debate on digital rights and principles.