Forward look: 4 - 17 October 2021

Source: Council of the European Union (Council) i, published on Friday, October 1 2021.

Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 5 October 2021

Ministers will focus on the economic recovery, exchange views on Malta’s national plan and prepare for the upcoming international meetings.

Environment Council, 6 October 2021

Ministers will hold an exchange of views on the proposals presented by the Commission under the Fit for 55 package that will be treated by the Environment Council. Ministers will aim to approve Council conclusions on the preparations for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meeting (COP26). They will also hold an exchange of views on the Commission communication on a new forest strategy for 2030.

Justice and Home Affairs Council, 7-8 October 2021

On Thursday justice ministers will hold a debate on pre-trial detention and they will aim to approve Council conclusions on the EU strategy on the rights of the child. Over lunch, they will discuss the issue of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP).

On Friday, home affairs ministers will discuss the challenges posed by screening and detention of migrants. They will exchange views on the migratory situation on various routes and they will receive an update on the development of migration action plans for priority countries of origin and transit. Ministers will also follow up on the situation in Afghanistan and hold a debate on the digital dimension of investigating child sexual abuse.

Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 11-12 October 2021

Farming and fisheries ministers will meet in Luxembourg to discuss fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea, the new EU Forestry Strategy, the Fit for 55 package and the CAP strategic plans.

Informal videoconference of telecommunications ministers, 14 October 2021

Telecommunications ministers will hold a policy debate on the proposed Artificial Intelligence Act.

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and social policy), 15 October 2021

Ministers will, among other things, hold policy debates about the future of the European Semester and on safety and health at the heart of the future of work. They are also expected to approve conclusions on gender mainstreaming in the EU budget.