European Council

The Austrian presidency of the Council today reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on measures which will facilitate the circulation of goods across the EU. The new rules improve and expand the application of the mutual recognition principle.

With a view to the elections scheduled for 23 December 2018, the EU has issued a declaration reiterating its support for the elections, which should be held in an inclusive, transparent, credible and peaceful manner, with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

European Council President Donald Tusk has today sent the EU27 Member States the draft Political Declaration setting out the Framework for the Future Relationship between the EU and the UK.

Council gives final approval to audiovisual media services directive.

On 6 November, the Council formally adopted a Regulation on the mutual recognition of freezing and confiscation orders to improve fight against cross border crimes.

The Council extended the targeted restrictive measures in place on Venezuela until 14 November 2019.

On 6 November, the Council formally adopted the amended Regulation on Eurojust.

The Council agreed a proposal allowing member states to apply reduced VAT rates to electronic publications, contributing to the digital single market plan.

The Council removed Namibia from the list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, bringing the names on the list down to five.

Remarks by President Centeno following the Eurogroup meeting of 5 November on Italy's draft budgetary plan, financial stability in the euro-area and EMU reform.

On 5 November 2018, the Eurogroup discussed the Commission opinion on Italy’s draft budgetary plan (DBP) for 2019, issued on 23 October 2018.

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.

The EU institutions met with the social partners to discuss the macroeconomic outlook and the further development of economic and monetary union.

Weekly schedule of President Donald Tusk 5-11 November 2018

President of the European Council Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker congratulated Jair Bolsonaro on his election as President of Federal Republic of Brazil.

The Council agreed on a negotiating mandate on rules to restrict single-use plastics.

On 31 October 2018, The EU issued a declaration on the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists - 2 November 2018

On 31 October, EU ambassadors approved the Council's position on capital requirements for bad loans and invited the presidency to start negotiations with the European Parliament as soon as possible.

EU ambassadors today agreed on the draft schedule of tariff rate quotas (TRQs) that the EU will apply after Brexit. The schedule will now have to be agreed with the European Parliament before it becomes EU law.

On 25 October 2018, The EU issued a declaration on the deepening political, economic and social crisis in Venezuela.