General Affairs Council (Art. 50) and General Affairs Council of 12 November 2018

Brexit negotiations

The Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, informed the EU27 ministers of the situation following negotiations with the UK over the last few weeks. Michel Barnier explained that intense negotiating efforts continue, but an agreement has not been reached yet. Some key issues remain under discussion, in particular a solution to avoid a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“In these final stages of the negotiations, ministers showed again today that we are determined to keep the unity of the EU 27. We have reconfirmed our trust in the negotiator. And we support his efforts to continue working towards a deal.”

Gernot Blümel, Austrian Federal Minister for the EU, Art, Culture and Media

During the meeting, ministers however also recalled the need to continue the work at all levels on preparations for every possible scenario.

• The EU’s response to Brexit
• Brexit timeline (background information)

Indicative programme

Place: Europa building, Brussels
Chair: Gernot Blümel, Federal Minister for the EU, Arts, Culture and Media of Austria

All times are approximate and subject to change.

from 08.00
Arrivals (live streaming)

+/- 08.55
Doorstep by Austrian Federal Minister Blümel

09.00
Beginning of General Affairs Council (Art. 50) meeting (Roundtable)
Adoption of agenda
Approval of non-legislative A item
Negotiations following the UK’s notification under Article 50 TEU
(poss.) Preparation of the European Council Article 50 (13 or 14 December 2018)
Other business

*           *           *

11.00
Beginning of General Affairs Council meeting (Roundtable)
Adoption of agenda
Approval of non-legislative A items

+/- 11.05
Approval of legislative A items (live streaming)
Values of the Union – Hungary / Article 7(1) TEU Reasoned Proposal
Rule of Law in Poland / Article 7(1) TEU Reasoned Proposal
Preparation of the European Council on 13-14 December 2018
Annual Rule of Law dialogue

+/- 14.30
Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 (live streaming)

+/- 17.00
Press conference (live streaming)

+/- 17.30
Legislative programming – Commission’s Work Programme 2019 (live streaming)
Subsidiarity Package
European Semester 2019 – Roadmap
Other business

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• Meeting page – General Affairs Council (Art. 50) of 12 November 2018

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• Photos and videos from the General Affairs Council (Art. 50) of 12 November 2018

• Press conferences and public events by video streaming

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