Main results - General Affairs Council (Art. 50)
15 October 2019
EU27 ministers were informed by chief negotiator Michel Barnier on the state of play regarding Brexit ahead of the European Council (Article 50) on 17 October 2019.
The Council, in an EU27 format, was informed by the EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier about the state of play on Brexit, as intensified negotiations with the UK negotiators take place to try to reach an agreement ahead of the European Council (Article 50) on 17 October 2019.
Chief negotiator Michel Barnier assessed that an agreement before the summit was very difficult but still possible. Ministers recalled some of the key principles of the EU's position, including the protection of the single market, citizens' rights and the Good Friday Agreement, among others, while expressing full trust and support in the negotiator.
The ministers today have shown their unity in what could, hopefully, be the last stretch of these very long negotiations. The EU is still committed to finding an orderly solution to Brexit. Time is of the essence.
Tytti Tuppurainen, Minister for European affairs of Finland
Press release
Enlargement
The Council discussed enlargement and the stabilisation and association process as regards Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia. Following the discussion, the presidency issued procedural conclusions noting that that the Council will revert to the issue after the European Council.
Presidency conclusions on enlargement and stabilisation and association process (15/10/2019)
October European Council
Ministers continued preparations for the European Council meeting on 17-18 October by examining draft conclusions.
At their meeting leaders are expected to have a substantive discussion on the next multiannual financial framework on the basis of the work of the presidency. They will exchange views with the Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen on the priorities for the EU in the next five years. Leaders will also discuss international aspects of climate change and Turkey. In the light of events, the European Council may address specific foreign policy issues.
Press release
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