Council discussed EU’s €300 billion investment plan for growth and jobs

The General Affairs Council meeting on 18-19 November dealt with preparations for the upcoming European Council. They also discussed the €300 billion investment plan and adopted conclusions on the EU cohesion policy. On 18 and 19 December, the European Council will look at further efforts to foster growth, jobs and European competitiveness and the details of the EU €300 billion investment plan for the next two years.

The new plan would draw on additional public and private resources in an effort to spur growth and jobs in Europe. Issues of international concern like the Ebola crisis, the situation in Ukraine and in Middle-East are also likely to be debated.

On the basis of a report prepared by the Italian Presidency, EU ministers also looked at how to accelerate the implementation of the priorities agreed at the June European Council. EU ministers exchanged  views on the strategic agenda priority focusing on EU energy and climate policy. Particular attention was given to the issues linked to building an energy union.

The Council discussed the priorities to be included in the 2015 Annual Work Programme. They welcomed the agreements of the Commission and the European Parliament to coordinate their legislative priorities for Europe. EU ministers also encouraged the Council to play a central role in discussions on the respect for the rule of law within the EU.

On Wednesday 19 November, EU ministers adopted conclusions on the sixth cohesion report. Ministers will have an exchange of views on a presidency note on the contribution of cohesion policy to the preparation of the mid-term review of the EU 2020 strategy.

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