Main topics and media events 12 - 25 March 2018 - Main contents
Overview of the main subjects to be discussed at meetings of the Council of the EU over the next two weeks.
Competitiveness Council (Internal market and Industry), Monday 12 March
The Council will discuss the digitalisation of the EU economy, the way forward to deepen the single market and restrictions in services markets. It is due to adopt conclusions on industrial policy.
Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Tuesday 13 March
Ministers will discuss proposals on tax planning schemes and banking, as well as policy monitoring and macroeconomic imbalances under the 2018 'European Semester'. They are also expected to adjust the EU's list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Social Policy), Thursday 15 March
The Council will hold policy debates on the future of social Europe post-2020 and on closing the gender pay gap, thereby contributing to the achievement of the goals of the European Social Pillar. It will assess progress on the implementation of the Youth Guarantee. The Council is expected to adopt a recommendation setting out a European framework for quality and effective apprenticeships.
Foreign Affairs Council, Monday 19 March
The Council will discuss Ukraine, Syria and Iran. EU foreign ministers will exchange views with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Korea (South Korea) Kang Kyung-wha which will be focussed on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea(DPRK, North Korea)
Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Monday 19 March
The Council is due to adopt Council conclusions on the Commission communication on "The future of food and farming" and to exchange views on the regulation on a multi-annual plan for demersal species in the Western Mediterranean
General Affairs Council, Tuesday 20 March
The Council will continue preparations for the Spring European Council and address the European semester.
General Affairs (Art. 50) Council, Tuesday 20 March
EU27 ministers will discuss draft guidelines on the framework for a future relationship with the UK and the state of play of Brexit negotiations.
European Council, Thursday 22 March
The March European Council will focus on economic issues. Leaders will address the single market, the European Semester, social issues and trade. They will also discuss recent developments in relations with Turkey and prepare for the upcoming EU- Western Balkans summit on 17 May. Under the Leaders' Agenda they will discuss taxation. Separately, EU leaders will discuss Brexit in an EU 27 format and the future of EMU in Euro Summit format.
European Council (Art.50), Friday 23 March
EU27 leaders will adopt guidelines on the framework for the future relationship with the UK after Brexit.
Euro Summit, Friday 23 March
The 19 euro area members will discuss the long-term development of the economic and monetary union, including more ambitious proposals in the fiscal and economic dimension.