European Union

The European Parliament voted on Thursday by a large majority in favour of freezing EU membership talks with Turkey. The vote, however, is not legally binding either for the EU Commission or for the member states. What impact will it have on relations between Ankara and the EU?

The Italians will vote on a complex constitutional reform on December 4 that among other things foresees a smaller Senate. However according to observers the referendum no longer seems to be about reform but a vote for or against Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and the potential consequences of a government crisis for all Europe. What is really at stake in Italy?

Poland's national conservative ruling party PiS plans to cut the pensions of ex-secret service agents and police officers who were active under the communist regime and remained in service after 1990. Around 32,000 people would see their pensions reduced from high to average levels as a result. How fair is the initiative?

US president-elect Donald Trump had his first telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin on Monday. According to the Kremlin both men voiced the desire for improved relations between their countries. But this is no reason to believe Putin and Trump will work together in the future, commentators write.

Ahead of Romania's parliamentary elections on December 11 a new party is making headlines. The Save Romania Union (USR) is a coalition of young activists from the private sector and the NGO scene. Although the party was formed only four months ago the USR is hitting the double digits in the polls. What can the country expect of the new party?

Place:        Justus Lipsius building, Brussels
Chair(s):    Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

All times are approximate and subject to change

+/- 08.00
Arrivals

+/- 09.30
Beginning of the meeting (Roundtable)
Adoption of the agenda
Approval of A items

European Consensus on Development

Post-Cotonou Framework

Working lunch (Energy and Development)

Migration and Development

+/- 15.00
Doorstep statement by High Representative Federica Mogherini and Commissioner Neven Mimica (VIP, live streaming)

https://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu/uploads/council-images/thumbs/uploads/council-images/remote/http_7e18a1c646f5450b9d6d-a75424f262e53e74f9539145894f4378.r8.cf3.rackcdn.com/consilium_16294_40332_27179_14.49_thumb_169_1477322992_1477322992_129_97shar_c1.jpg

EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Development meet in Brussels on 28 November 2016.

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Plenary sessions : The EU should freeze accession negotiations with Turkey in light of the country's vast crackdown that followed the failed July coup, said MEPs in a resolution adopted this week. Also during this week's plenary session MEPs called on EU countries to step up cooperation on defence. On Wednesday Parliament awarded its annual Lux Film Prize to dark comedy Toni Erdmann by German director Maren Ade.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

Plenary sessions : The EU should freeze accession negotiations with Turkey in light of the country's vast crackdown that followed the failed July coup, said MEPs in a resolution adopted this week. Also during this week's plenary session MEPs called on EU countries to step up cooperation on defence. On Wednesday Parliament awarded its annual Lux Film Prize to dark comedy Toni Erdmann by German director Maren Ade.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP