General Affairs Council Prepares for European Council Meeting

The General Affairs Council (GAC) met on March 18, 2025, to set the stage for the upcoming European Council meeting scheduled for March 20-21. This preparatory meeting brought together ministers from all EU member states to refine the agenda and ensure a coordinated approach to key policy matters.

Key Discussion Points

EU-UK Relations: Navigating the Post-Brexit Landscape

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to evaluating the current state of EU-UK relations. Ministers assessed the implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), particularly in areas such as trade, customs cooperation, and regulatory alignment. With ongoing challenges in Northern Ireland trade arrangements and fishing rights, the GAC stressed the need for continued dialogue with the UK to ensure stability and predictability for businesses and citizens alike.

European Semester 2025: Strengthening Economic Governance

The council reviewed the progress of the 2025 European Semester, an annual cycle of economic and fiscal policy coordination across the EU. Ministers exchanged views on member states’ economic performance, structural reforms, and budgetary plans. The discussions emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline while allowing flexibility for targeted investments in green and digital transitions. The European Commission’s latest assessment highlighted varying economic recovery rates among member states, necessitating a tailored approach to policy recommendations.

Joint Declaration on EU Legislative Priorities for 2025

Ministers finalized the joint declaration outlining the EU’s key legislative priorities for the coming year. These priorities reflect the bloc’s commitment to enhancing economic resilience, addressing climate change, and fostering digital innovation. The declaration will be presented at the European Council meeting for final endorsement, guiding the legislative agenda of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and New Own Resources

A crucial agenda item was the discussion of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and potential new own resources to finance EU priorities. The ministers explored ways to modernize the EU budget, including proposals for a digital levy, carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) revenues, and a financial transaction tax. The goal is to enhance the EU’s financial autonomy while ensuring adequate funding for cohesion policies, research programs, and defense initiatives.

Strategic Discussions Ahead at the European Council

The insights gathered from the GAC meeting will inform the strategic debates at the upcoming European Council summit. Leaders will address geopolitical challenges, economic recovery, and institutional reforms to strengthen the EU’s long-term resilience.

As the EU navigates complex internal and external challenges, the General Affairs Council remains a pivotal forum for ensuring unity and coherence in the bloc’s decision-making processes. The outcomes of this meeting will significantly shape the policy directions taken at the highest levels of EU governance.