General Affairs Council, 11 May 2021 - Main contents
Main results
EU coordination on COVID-19
The Council discussed the state of play on the COVID-19 EU coordination with a focus on the vaccination campaign, the ongoing work on digital green certificates, and the epidemiological situation and travel restrictions.
On 3 May, the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission held a first trilogue on the digital green certificate, meant to facilitate free movement, with a view to conclusion in June. A second trilogue will take place on 11 May.
The ongoing technical work on COVID-19 interoperable digital certificates is part of the preparations for a common approach to the future gradual lifting of restrictions. Work is also ongoing on the revision of the Council Recommendation on travel from third countries.
Negotiations on the Digital Green Certificate are progressing in a constructive spirit. We hope that we can reach an interinstitutional agreement soon. This would be an important contribution to get Europe on the move again.
Ana Paula Zacarias, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs
Special European Council meeting on 24-25 May 2021
The Council prepared for the special European Council meeting on 24-25 May 2021.
EU leaders will meet in Brussels to coordinate the EU response to COVID-19 and discuss the latest developments.
Heads of State or Government will also focus on climate change, following-up on the European Council conclusions of December 2020.
The EU leaders will turn to external relations, with a strategic debate on Russia. The 25 March statement of the members of the European Council provided for a strategic debate to be held "at a forthcoming European Council meeting. Lastly, the European Council will review the implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Conference on the Future of Europe
Ministers for European Affairs were informed by the presidency about the state of play and next steps regarding the Conference on the Future of Europe, following the formal inaugural event on 9 May in Strasbourg.
Right before this formal event, the Conference’s Executive Board met for the fourth time to discuss and agree on the remaining chapter of the Rules of Procedure, related with the Conference Plenary. With this, the Rules of Procedure have been completely finalised following the green light given by the Board, last 22 April, to the other two sections of the Conference's Rules of Procedure, notably that on citizens' participation and the Board’s working methods. On that occasion, the Board was also informed about the practical modalities for the organisation of European Citizens' panels.
On 19 April the Conference on the Future of Europe digital platform was launched, allowing for the conversation to start with citizens across Europe. A number of ideas and events have already been posted on the platform.
Any other business
Ministers took stock of the Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Process and EU-Switzerland relations.
Meeting information
-
-Meeting n°3793
-
-Brussels
-
-11 May 2021
Preparatory documents
Outcome documents