Overview of the main topics and events at the Council of EU and European Council for the coming fortnight.
Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council (Education), 7 March 2023
Ministers of education are planning to approve conclusions on skills and competences for the green transition and will hold a policy debate on high-quality teachers as the cornerstone of a successful European Education Area.
Justice and Home Affairs Council, 9-10 March 2023
Home affairs ministers will hold discussions on the internal and external dimensions of asylum and migration, and on the future of visa policy. They will also exchange views on the state of play of the internal security dialogue with Ukraine and Justice and Home Affairs/Common Security and Defence Policy cooperation in relation to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Justice ministers will aim to adopt conclusions on the EU charter of fundamental rights and the civic space. They will hold discussions on the next steps in combatting racism and antisemitism, and on barriers to access to justice and how to overcome them. Ministers will assess the state of play in the judicial responses and the fight against impunity regarding crimes committed in connection with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, 13-14 March 2023
Ministers of employment and social affairs will hold an exchange of views on the employment and social situation in the EU, with a particular focus on the labour market situation of refugees from Ukraine. They will also exchange views on the European Semester 2023 and on a proposed Council decision as regards the ratification of the ILO convention concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work. Other business points include a presentation of recommendations stemming from the mission to Ukraine of the Commission’s Special Advisor on the reception of Ukrainian refugees.
Ministers of health will hold a policy debate on a draft law on fees and charges payable to the European Medicines Agency and exchange views on the topic of the EU global health strategy which was presented by the Commission on 30 November 2022. The Council will also address the implementation of the medical device regulations.
Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 14 March 2023
The Council will aim to agree conclusions on the economic governance review. It is expected to greenlight Finland’s updated national recovery and resilience plan. Ministers will exchange views on the economic and financial impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, focusing on energy-related financial market aspects. The Council will aim to approve conclusions on the guidelines for the 2024 budget of the EU.
Environment Council, 16 March 2023
EU environment ministers will seek a general approach on a proposal to revise the industrial emissions directive. Ministers will hold a policy debate on a proposal on carbon removal certification. They will exchange views on a proposal on packaging and packaging waste. Ministers will also discuss a proposal on urban wastewater treatment. Over lunch ministers will discuss greening the European Semester.
Other events
