EU Agenda: Week Ahead - 5-11 December 2022
This week, EU and Western Balkan leaders meet at a summit; the EU Council looks to adopt a common position on artificial intelligence rules and a European digital ID, and discusses the full application of the Schengen acquis in Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania; the Commission holds the EU Agricultural Outlook conference; and MEPs try to reach a deal with the Council on a regulation for deforestation-free products, and also EU rules on batteries. The week's events in the European Union including EU Council, Commission and Parliament meetings and other EU-related conferences and events. Events for the week of 5-11 December 2022.
Monday 5 December
Council of the EU and European Council | Political Meetings | Finance
Eurogroup
Brussels
The overall budgetary situation and prospects in the euro area
The Eurogroup will discuss the overall budgetary situation and prospects in the euro area and review the economic and fiscal situation of the euro area member states. This discussion will be based on:
- Commission opinions on the draft budgetary Plans (DBPs) of the euro area member states and
- the Commission communication on its overall assessment of the DBPs (22 November 2022)
The outcome of this discussion is expected to be reflected in a Eurogroup statement.
The Euro area recommendations for 2023: presentation by the Commission
Ministers will exchange initial views on the Commission recommendation for the Council recommendation on the economic policy in the euro area published with the autumn package on 22 November. The recommendation will be agreed at the Eurogroup and Ecofin meetings on 16 and 17 January 2023 before being forwarded to the European Council for its meeting on 23 and 24 March 2023.
Commission communication: orientations for a reform of the EU economic governance framework
Ministers will discuss euro area aspects of the Commission Communication on orientations for a reform of the EU economic governance framework.
Post programme surveillance reports: Cyprus, Ireland, Portugal and Spain
Ministers will discuss post programme surveillance, where the institutions will be invited to present the main outcomes of the latest reports on four of the member states concerned. The IMF will also take part in the discussions.
Greece: post programme surveillance report and policy contingent debt measures
The Eurogroup will discuss the first post programme surveillance report on Greece. The Eurogroup is also expected to discuss whether the necessary conditions are in place to confirm the release of the eighth and final tranche of policy-contingent debt measures as well as the abolition of the step-up interest rate margin from 2023. The Eurogroup will adopt a statement. The IMF will also take part in the discussion.
Election of the President of the Eurogroup
Ministers will proceed with the election of the President of the Eurogroup, which will be chaired by Nadia Calviño, Vice-President of the Eurogroup.
Eurogroup work programme for the first half of 2023
The President of the Eurogroup will present the Eurogroup work programme for the first half of 2023, on which ministers will be invited to exchange views.
Inclusive format:
Macroeconomic developments and prospects
Ministers are expected to exchange views on the macroeconomic outlook and prospects, with a focus on the coordination efforts regarding the policy response to high energy prices and inflationary pressures.
Monday 5 December
Council of the EU and European Council | Political Meetings | Transport
Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport)
Brussels
Trans-European transport network
Transport Ministers are invited to adopt a general approach on the proposal of a revised regulation for the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). The ambition of the TEN-T policy is to provide for sustainable and effective transport across the Union while strengthening social, economic and territorial cohesion. The specific proposal aims to build a reliable, seamless and high-quality trans-European transport network that ensures sustainable connectivity across the European Union without physical interruptions, bottlenecks or missing links by 2050.
Inland water transport
Ministers will adopt conclusions on the ongoing development of inland waterway transport (NAIADES III programme) which reconfirm the latter's importance and underline the need to fully develop its potential in a sustainable manner.
Other matters
The presidency will inform ministers on the state of play of the current legislative files, including the relevant components of the "Fit for 55" package, which aims to reduce the EU's greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, namely:
- the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure regulation (AFIR) setting concrete targets for developing recharging and refuelling points for cars, airplanes and ships in the EU in the upcoming years
- the RefuelEU Aviation and FuelEU Maritime regulations aiming to increase the uptake of sustainable fuels by aircrafts and ships to reduce their environmental footprint
- the decision on the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), a global scheme developed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requiring from airlines to offset CO2 emissions from international flights above a baseline by purchasing carbon credits
- the Single European Sky "package" aiming to reform and modernise Europe's air traffic management system
- the revision of the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) directive contributing to the fundamental transformation of the European transport system to achieve the objective of sustainable, smart and resilient mobility
- the directive improving stability requirements for ro-ro passenger ships aiming to increase the overall safety level for ships engaged in international voyages
Ministers will hold an exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine and explore possible ways to better implement their commitments for a coordinated EU response to the crisis in the field of transport, including the implementation of solidarity lanes.
The Presidency will also inform ministers on the outcome of the "Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility" (CCAM) states representative group meeting to be held in Prague on 29 November 2022.
The Commission will inform ministers on road safety trends and reinforced efforts to achieve road safety targets.
The French, Belgian, Luxembourg, Dutch and Portuguese delegations will inform about strengthening the sustainability and fairness of the aviation sector.
Finally, the Swedish delegation will inform ministers on the working programme of the upcoming presidency during the first semester 2023.
Monday 5 December
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
European Parliament committee and political group meetings
Brussels
Deforestation: MEPs will try to reach a deal with the Council on the regulation for deforestation-free products. The new law would make it obligatory for companies to verify (so-called "due diligence") that goods sold in the EU have not been produced on deforested land anywhere in the world. This would guarantee to consumers that the products they buy do not contribute to deforestation and reduce the EU's contribution to climate change and biodiversity loss.
Plenary preparations: MEPs and political groups will prepare for the 12-15 December session, during which the 2022 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought will be awarded to the brave Ukrainian People represented by their president, elected leaders, and civil society. MEPs will also outline their expectations for the 15-16 December EU summit, debate and vote on plans to boost the deployment of renewable energy power plants, and on prospects for the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. Plenary will also discuss strategies to defend democracy from foreign interference, assess the outcome of the climate change conference COP27, and hear from Slovenia's Prime Minister Robert Golob as part of the "This is Europe" debate series.
Monday 5 - Tuesday 6 December
Other bodies and agencies | Partner meetings | Education
Future of VET (vocational education and training): the way forward
Thessaloniki (virtual)
The conference will provide an opportunity for policy-makers, stakeholders, experts and researchers to discuss the final findings of the future of vocational education and training (VET) project.
Tuesday 6 December
Council of the EU and European Council | Political Meetings | Telecommunications
Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications)
Brussels
Telecommunications ministers are expected to adopt general approaches on two key legislative files for the EU's digital transformation:
- the regulation laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence (Artificial Intelligence Act)
- the revised regulation on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market (eIDAS)
Artificial intelligence
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act is a proposal aiming to implement the development of an ecosystem of trust by proposing a legal framework for trustworthy AI within the EU. The proposal is based on EU values and fundamental rights and aims to give people and other users the confidence to embrace AI-based solutions, while encouraging businesses to develop them.
AI should be a tool for people and be a force for good in society with the ultimate aim of increasing human well-being. Rules for AI available in the Union market or otherwise affecting people in the Union should therefore be human centric, so that people can trust that the technology is used in a way that is safe and compliant with the law, including the respect of fundamental rights.
eID
The revised regulation on electronic identification offers a European digital identity framework based on the revision of the current one, at least 80% of citizens should be able to use a digital ID solution to access key public services by 2030. Furthermore, the security and control offered by the European digital identity framework should give citizens and residents full confidence that the European Digital Identity framework will offer everyone the means to control who has access to their digital twin and to which data exactly.
Other matters
Ministers will also take note of progress reports on two pending legislative files:
- harmonised rules on fair access to and the use of data (Data Act)
- horizontal cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements (Cyber Resilience Act)
Regulating data access and use is a fundamental prerequisite for seizing the opportunities presented by the digital age we live in. The European strategy for data, adopted in February 2020, aims at building a genuine single market for data and at making Europe a global leader in the data-agile economy.
The Data Act is a key pillar of this strategy as it contributes to the creation of a cross-sectoral governance framework for data access and use by legislating on matters that affect relations between data economy actors, in order to provide incentives for horizontal data sharing across sectors.
The Cyber Resilience Act aims to ensure a better cybersecurity of both hardware and software products throughout the whole supply chain and throughout their whole lifecycle.
In the presence of the Ukrainian deputy minister of digital transformation, ministers will hold a policy debate on the digital skills for the digital decade. Given the crucial importance of basic digital skills within the working population, ministers will discuss what additional upskilling actions could be envisaged with a particular focus on upskilling measures which could be especially useful for SMEs.
Ministers will also explore possibilities to join forces building on best practices and good experiences identified in member states with a view to boosting the number of ICT specialists and sector specialists possessing advanced digital skills. Ministers will be finally invited to discuss actions that could be envisaged to help key industrial ecosystems and, in particular, SMEs to attract digital talent.
In an informal lunch, ministers will discuss the topic of international digital engagement.
In the afternoon session and in the presence of the Ukrainian deputy minister of digital transformation, the Commission will update ministers about the support that is being provided to Ukraine in the area of telecommunications.
The presidency will update ministers on the state of play of the regulation concerning the respect for private life and the protection of personal data in electronic communications (e-privacy), as well as of the European declaration on digital rights and principles for the digital decade.
The presidency will also inform ministers on the outcome of the virtual high-level expert meeting on the governance and enforcement of Union rules in the digital sphere held on 17 October 2022, as well as of the conference on "EU Secure and Innovative Digital Future" held in Prague on 3-4 November 2022.
The Commission will brief ministers on the state of play on international initiatives in the digital field with a focus on Trade and Technology Councils and digital partnerships.
Finally, the Swedish delegation will inform ministers on the working programme of the upcoming presidency during the first semester 2023.
Tuesday 6 December
Council of the EU and European Council | Political Meetings | Finance
Economic and Financial Affairs Council
Brussels
EU budget: rule of law conditionality mechanism
The Council will discuss the proposal for a Council implementing decision on measures for the protection of the Union budget against breaches of the principles of the rule of law in Hungary.
Economic recovery in Europe
The Council will take stock of the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, following a presentation by the Commission on the state of play. The Council will also discuss the Hungarian recovery and resilience plan.
Financial support to Ukraine
The Council will discuss a legislative package on €18 billion in financial support to Ukraine. The package consists of:
- Regulation amending Regulation 2020/2093 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027
- Regulation establishing an Instrument for providing support to Ukraine for 2023 (macro-financial assistance +)
- Regulation amending Regulation 2018/1046 as regards the establishment of a diversified funding strategy as a general borrowing method
Taxation: global minimum level of taxation (Pillar 2)
The Council will discuss the directive on ensuring a global minimum level of taxation for multinational groups in the Union.
EU budget for 2023
As a follow-up to the adoption of the EU budget for 2023, the Council will prepare a statement on heading 7 which concerns administrative expenditure of the EU institutions.
Economic governance review
The Commission will present its communication on the economic governance review. This will be followed by a discussion by the Council.
European Semester 2023
The Commission will present the annual sustainable growth survey 2023, alert mechanism report 2023 and recommendation for a Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area, and ministers will exchange views.
Energy taxation
Ministers will hold a policy debate on the revision of the energy taxation directive.
EU's new own resources
The Presidency will present its report on the discussions on new own resources for the Union.
Current financial services legislative proposals
The Presidency will present the state of play of financial services legislative proposals.
Report on the implementation of the EU budget
The President of the European Court of Auditors will present the annual report on the implementation of the budget for the financial year 2021, which was published on 13 October 2022.
Business taxation: Code of Conduct group
As an item without discussion, the Council will approve conclusions on the progress achieved by the Code of Conduct Group. On 8 November, EU finance ministers agreed on a revised code of conduct for business taxation, strengthening the criteria which member states use to detect harmful tax practices within the EU.
Report to the European Council on tax issues
As an item without discussion, the Council will approve its report to the European Council on tax issues. Economy and finance ministers report to the European Council on tax issues twice a year.
Tuesday 6 December
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
European Parliament committee and political group meetings
Brussels
European Year of Youth closing event: to mark the end of the European Year of Youth 2022, a closing event will take place in Parliament. Around 700 participants, including MEPs, Commissioners, civil society and a large number of young people, will take part in thematic sessions on education and mental health, meet EU decision makers, and discuss the Year's achievements.
Tuesday 6 December
Council of the EU and European Council | Political Meetings | External relations
EU-Western Balkans summit
Tirana, Albania
This is the first-ever summit between EU and Western Balkan leaders to take place in the Western Balkan region.
The summit is an opportunity to reconfirm the key importance of strategic partnership between the EU and the Western Balkans, a region with a clear EU perspective.
The main topics of discussion will be:
- tackling together the consequences the Russian aggression against Ukraine
- intensifying political and policy engagement
- reinforcing security and building resilience against foreign interference
- addressing the challenges posed by migration, the fight against terrorism and organised crime
Leaders are expected to issue a declaration at the end of the summit.
All EU-27 member states and Western Balkans partners have been invited to the summit.
Russia's war against Ukraine
Leaders will discuss cooperation in the face of common challenges stemming from Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
They will more specifically look at how to tackle its negative effects on energy and food security in the Western Balkans.
Political and policy engagement
The EU and Western Balkans leaders will discuss ways of deepening political and policy engagement, with a particular focus on young people.
They will also take stock of the progress made:
- towards integration of the Western Balkans with the EU internal market
- on the modernisation of their payments systems in line with the EU standards
- in the digital area
- in the implementation of the EU-Western Balkans green lanes, an initiative to facilitate cross-border logistics and continuous flow of goods
Security and resilience against foreign interference
The summit will be an opportunity to discuss coordinated actions on security and defence issues, which have become even more relevant in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
This includes fighting foreign information manipulation and improving collective cybersecurity.
Migration management
Leaders will exchange views on jointly addressing migration management as numbers on the Western Balkans migratory route have increased substantially in the past year. This includes alignment on EU visa policy and cooperation on return systems.
They will also discuss how to strengthen collaboration on counter-terrorism and prevention of radicalisation.
Wednesday 7 December
Other bodies and agencies | Partner meetings | Science
Citizen Science and Frontier Research: ERC Annual Event 2022
Hybrid - Brussels
Citizen science refers to activities conducted by scientists in collaboration or consultation with the public at any stage of a research project.
By sharing lessons learnt and best practices within and across scientific domains, the following challenges faced by both scientists and citizens will be addressed: Participation and motivation; Strategies for engagement; Quality and impact.
Wednesday 7 December
Commission | Conferences and summits | Single Market
Academic conference on the 30th anniversary of the single market
Prague - online
The European Commission's Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) and the Czech Presidency of the EU are organising an academic conference on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the single market. The conference brings together top researchers from academia and policy makers from EU and national institutions to present research findings and policy insights related to the single market.
Wednesday 7 December
Other bodies and agencies | Partner meetings | Aviation
EASA Certification Conference
Cologne, Germany - online
The EASA Certification Directorate is pleased to welcome you to the first EASA Certification Conference, which aims to provide its audience with the latest updates on certification activities including regulatory updates, innovation in the field of certification and future challenges for the EASA certification Directorate. The event will also provide industry representatives with an opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences of working with EASA in a number of key areas.
Wednesday 7 December
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Environment | Finance
Sustainable Finance Conference
Online
Our society is increasingly vulnerable to losses and damage from climate change. Innovation and cooperation are needed to adapt to highly disruptive systemic events, such as pandemics or large cyber-attacks. The insurance and pensions sectors are called on to foster resilience by managing risk not only from an environmental but also from a social perspective, to contribute to citizens' financial health. Addressing sustainability risks and opportunities therefore remains a key priority for EIOPA, to enhance consumer protection and secure financial stability.
As in previous years, EIOPA's 2022 Sustainable Finance Conference will gather regulators, industry and stakeholders to critically assess efforts in delivering on sustainability goals.
Wednesday 7 December
Other bodies and agencies | Conferences and summits | Research | Food safety
Risk Assessment Research Assembly (RARA) 2022
Berlin
To stimulate alignment between national and EU research funding, EFSA is bringing together funders, policy/decision makers and leading food safety researchers to showcase how research outputs can support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and the Green Deal.
The event is an important opportunity to gather and share knowledge and research needs with key actors. You can have your say on future directions in public funding and research in food safety risk assessment, both at national and EU level.
Thursday 8 December
Council of the EU and European Council | Political Meetings | Employment | Social policy
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and social policy)
Brussels
Platform work and asbestos
The presidency aims to reach a general approach (a common position of member states) on two proposed directives:
- on improving working conditions in platform work
- on the protection of workers from the risks related to the exposure to asbestos
A European care strategy
Care will be another important topic of the Council meeting. Ministers will discuss the European Care Strategy and plan to adopt recommendations on affordable high-quality long-term care and on early childhood education and care.
European Semester 2023
In their second policy debate ministers will focus on the European Semester 2023. The Council also plans to endorse key messages by the Employment Committee concerning the implementation of the recommendation on the integration of the long-term unemployed in the labour market. The European Semester is an instrument of economic, fiscal, employment and social policy coordination at both EU and member state level.
Equality and social inclusion
Equality and social inclusion does also feature on the agenda as ministers plan to approve conclusions on gender equality in disrupted economies and on the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the labour market.
Thursday 8 December
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
European Parliament committee and political group meetings
Brussels
Socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on children: the Special Committee on COVID-19 is expected to debate the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of children and teenagers, school closures and remote learning conditions, the situation of disadvantaged youth and the protection of children's rights, as well as vaccination policies.
Thursday 8 - Friday 9 December
Commission | Conferences and summits | Agricultural market | Agricultural economics
The 2022 EU Agricultural Outlook conference
Brussels
A sustainable agri-food system forged in crises - The EU Agricultural Outlook conference is the flagship annual event for broad exchanges among stakeholders on market prospects in agriculture. This includes discussion of the political framework and uncertainties surrounding market developments in the next 10 years.
Thursday 8 - Friday 9 December
Council of the EU and European Council | Political Meetings | Employment | Social policy
Justice and Home Affairs Council
Brussels
Home affairs (Thursday 8 December)
Schengen area
Ministers will discuss the full application of the Schengen acquis in Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania and will aim to adopt decisions on this matter.
Ministers will also assess the overall state of the Schengen area, as part of the annual Schengen Council cycle. They will focus in particular on countering migrant smuggling and on interoperability of IT systems.
Asylum and migration
Ministers will exchange views on the external dimension of migration and the situation along the main migratory routes. They will also be updated on the progress on ongoing work regarding the EU's asylum and migration policy. This discussion follows the extraordinary Justice and Home Affairs Council which took place on 25 November.
Russia's aggression against Ukraine
Ministers will exchange views on the situation of Ukrainian refugees in the EU and on contingency planning during winter. Ministers will also take stock of the internal security dialogue with Ukraine to address the implications of Russia's war of aggression, including the increased risks of human trafficking, illicit firearms trafficking and other serious crime.
Child sexual abuse
Ministers will assess progress on the draft regulation to prevent and combat child sexual abuse online. This text was proposed by the European Commission in May 2022 with the aim of setting out rules to effectively address the misuse of online services for the purposes of child sexual abuse, notably by obliging providers to detect, report and remove child sexual abuse material. Negotiations are currently ongoing at technical level within the Council.
Resilience of critical infrastructure
The Czech presidency will report on the state of play of the proposed Council recommendation on the resilience of critical infrastructure. Ministers are also expected to adopt, as a point without discussion, the directive on the resilience of critical entities.
Justice (Friday 9 December)
Fight against impunity in Ukraine
The Council is expected to adopt conclusions on the fight against impunity regarding crimes committed in connection with Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The European Council has repeatedly called on Russia to stop its indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Those responsible for these war crimes, and their accomplices, will be held to account in accordance with international law.
Asset recovery and confiscation
Ministers will hold a debate on a draft directive on asset recovery and confiscation. In May 2022, the Commission presented a proposal to modernise EU asset recovery rules and ensure criminals are deprived of their illegal gains. This proposal will also expand the possibilities to confiscate assets to a wider set of crimes, including the violation of EU restrictive measures.
Environmental crime
The Council will aim to adopt a general approach on the draft environmental crime directive. Once formally adopted, the new text will replace the existing directive on this topic, adopted in 2008. It will update and enlarge the list of offences covered and will harmonise, for the first time, the level of penalties.
Digitalisation of justice
The Council will aim to adopt general approaches on the directive and regulation on the digitalisation of judicial cooperation and access to justice. These proposals, presented by the Commission in December 2021, aim to shift paper-based communications to electronic channels. They will allow parties to communicate with competent authorities electronically, allow the use of videoconferencing in oral hearings and ensure the possibility of digital transfer of requests and documents between courts and national authorities.
Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP)
Ministers will discuss the draft directive against strategic lawsuits against public participation (anti-SLAPP directive). SLAPP refers to lawsuits filed by powerful subjects against individuals or organisations who have expressed a critical position on a substantive issue of public interest. The purpose is to silence defendants by draining their resources and morale with exorbitant claims for damages, long legal proceedings or a combination of different strategies. In April 2022, the Commission presented a proposal to protect journalists and rights defenders against this type of abusive litigation.
Fight against antisemitism
Over lunch, ministers will exchange views on the fight against antisemitism.
Friday 9 December
Council of the EU and European Council | Political Meetings | Health
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Health)
Brussels
The fight against cancer and vaccination will be at the center of the health session of the Council. Ministers plan to update the Council recommendation on cancer screening (which dates back to 2003) and approve conclusions on vaccination as one of the most effective tools for preventing diseases. The COVID-19 vaccine procurement will be the topic of the ministers' policy debate.
The presidency will also present the state of play on two ongoing legislative files:
- a proposed regulation on the European Health Data Space
- a draft regulation on standards of quality and safety for substances of human origin intended for human application
The European Health Data Space proposal aims to make it easier for patients to have access to their health data in electronic form and to share this data with health professionals within the EU.
Friday 9 December
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
European Parliament committee and political group meetings
Brussels
Batteries: Parliament and Council negotiators will try to reach an agreement on the final shape of EU rules for the design, production and disposal of batteries. The new rules will help the EU's transition to a circular and climate-neutral economy and increase the EU's competitiveness and strategic autonomy. The draft bill includes measures to make batteries more sustainable and easier to remove as well as on waste management.
Saturday 10 December
European Parliament | Political Meetings | Institutional affairs
European Parliament committee and political group meetings
Brussels
LUX Audience Award in 2023: the five films that will compete for the European Audience Award in 2023 will be announced at the 35th European Film Awards ceremony in Reykyavik, Iceland. The LUX Audience award promotes the distribution of quality European cinema that addresses the values that the EU is built on - human dignity, equality, non-discrimination, inclusion, tolerance, justice, solidarity.