COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

Press material Friday, 17 May 2024

● Council of the EU   17/05/2024 18:12 | Press release | Forward look: 20 May - 2 June 2024   Overview of the main topics and events at the Council of EU and European Council for the coming fortnight. General Affairs Council, 21 May 2024 Ministers will focus on preparations for the June European Council, the Council’s annual rule of law dialogue and the Article 7 procedure concerning Poland. Read more Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications), 21 May 2024 Ministers for telecommunications will hold a policy debate on the need for a collaborative approach for consistent implementation of the recently adopted legislation in the digital field. The Council will also approve conclusions on the future of EU’s digital policy and on the future of cybersecurity. Over an informal lunch, ministers will discuss the subject of promoting digital skills for an inclusive digital transformation. Finally, as an item without discussion, the Council is expected to adopt the artificial intelligence act. Read more Competitiveness Council (Research, Innovation and Space), 23 May 2024 On Thursday morning, ministers responsible for space will meet in Brussels and will aim to adopt Council conclusions on strengthening Europe’s competitiveness through space, a subject that will also be discussed in the following Joint EU-ESA Space Council. In the afternoon research ministers will take over and are expected to adopt a a political agreement on EuroHPC and AI, a recommendation on security in research, and Council conclusions on two issues: knowledge valorisation and the ex-post assessment of Horizon 2020. Read more Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry), 24 May 2024 On Friday, industry and internal market ministers will continue the COMPET Council. After the approval of A points, ministers are invited to adopt Council conclusions on three issues: the future of industrial policy; the internal market and on the report of the Court of Auditors on the EU public procurement. Read more Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 27 May 2024 The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will meet on Monday 27 May 2024 in Brussels. Agriculture ministers will discuss the current crisis situation in the agricultural sector, focusing in particular on two strands: the responses that have already been provided and those that are currently envisaged, as well as the future of crisis management. The Council will also exchange views on the market situation, in particular following the invasion of Ukraine. Read more Foreign Affairs Council, 27 May 2024 The Foreign Affairs Council, in its defence configuration, will discuss support to Ukraine and the EU’s defence readiness. Read more Foreign Affairs Council (Defence), 28 May 2024 The Foreign Affairs Council will discuss Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and current affairs. Read more Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 30 May 2024 The Foreign Affairs Council, in its Trade configuration, will discuss trade and competitiveness and the future of EU trade policy, the state of play of trade and investment relations between the EU and Africa, and the follow up to the 13th World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference (MC13). Read more Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 30 May 2024 EU energy ministers will meet in Brussels to approve conclusions on advancing sustainable electricity grid infrastructure. They will discuss the future of RePowerEU, then exchange views on how the European Green Deal can help transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy. Read more Other meetings 8th EU-Republic of Moldova Association Council, 21 May 2024 Supporting the future of Syria and the region - Brussels eight conference, 27 May 2024 European Economic Area Council, 28 May 2024   Indicative calendar of meetings under the Belgian presidency (1 January - 30 June 2024) Belgian presidency website

Press material Friday, 17 May 2024

● Council of the EU   17/05/2024 16:41 | Media advisory | Media advisory - General Affairs Council of 21 May 2024   Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Chair: Hadja Lahbib, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Belgium from 08.15 Arrivals (live streaming) +/- 09.30 Doorstep by Hadja Lahbib (live streaming) +/- 9.45 Beginning of the General Affairs Council Adoption of the agenda Approval of "A" items Non-legislative list Annual Rule of Law Dialogue: country-specific discussions +/- 12.00 Rule of law in Poland: Article 7 (1) TEU (reasoned proposal) +/- 13.30 Working lunch discussion on ‘Balancing the green agenda, competitiveness, and social well-being from a strategic foresight perspective’ +/- 15.00 Any other business: - EU relations with the United Kingdom - Informal meeting of the General Affairs Council on 30 April 2024 - Foreign interference in the run-up to the European Parliament elections +/- 16.00 Preparation of the European Council on 27 and 28 June 2024 At the end of the meeting (+/- 18.30) press conference in live streaming. Videos and photos from the event

18 Members States committed to pursue a European policy for LGBTIQ rights 17/05/2024 | Press release 18 Members States committed to pursue a European policy for LGBTIQ rights The Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) hosted a high-level conference in Brussels on Friday 17 May. This date of 17 May is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Intersexophobia (IDAHOT).