Forward look: 2 - 15 December 2019

Source: Council of the European Union (Council) i, published on Friday, November 29 2019.

Overview of the main topics and events at the Council of EU and European Council.

Justice and Home Affairs Council, 2-3 December 2019

On Monday home affairs ministers will hold two thematic debates, one on the future of EU migration and asylum policy and another on the future of EU internal security. On Tuesday, justice ministers will aim to reach general approaches on the regulation on the service of documents and the regulation on the taking of evidence, and exchange views on the issue of environmental crime. They will also aim to adopt conclusions on victims' rights, on alternative measures to detention and on the future of civil justice cooperation.

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport), 2 December 2019

The Council will aim to agree its position three proposals: updating rail passengers' rights, streamlining permit-granting measures for the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), and revising EU road charging rules (Eurovignette). Ministers will discuss 'digital transport services for people: the next steps for sustainable European solutions' and the future of the Single European Sky.

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications), 3 December 2019

The Council will adopt conclusions on the significance of 5G to the European Economy and the need to mitigate security risks linked to 5G. The Council will take note of progress on a proposal to update privacy rules for electronic communications (ePrivacy). Ministers will also discuss the European Union as a hub for ethical data use.

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 4 December 2019

The Council will discuss smart sector integration, the new Commission's energy policy priorities, and follow-up to the draft national energy and climate plans.

Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 5 December 2019

The ECOFIN Council will take stock of progress on banking union. It will also adopt a work plan on climate action and conclusions on energy taxation, money laundering, capital markets union, non performing loans and the financial architecture for development.

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, 9-10 December 2019

The Council will hold debates on the European pharmaceutical policy and the access to medicines and on the future of gender equality and gender mainstreaming in the EU, and will adopt conclusions on inclusive labour markets.

Foreign Affairs Council, 9 December 2019

The Foreign Affairs Council will have a debate on current affairs, and exchange views on EU-Africa relations and on promoting and protecting human rights in the world

General Affairs Council, 10 December 2019

The Council will focus on the Article 7 procedures and preparations for the December European Council. Ministers will also discuss the Commission's work programme for 2020 and plans for the new legislative term.

European Council, 12-13 December 2019

EU leaders will discuss the strategy on climate change and the long-term budget, among other issues.