Press Release: 3362nd Council meeting General Affairs – Brussels, 16 December 2014

Main results of the Council

The Council discussed and adopted conclusions on the enlargement and the stabilisation and association process.

In this context, the Council also expressed its serious concern following the recent arrests and clamp down on media freedom in Turkey.

The Council and the member states meeting within the Council adopted conclusions on respect for the rule of law, establishing a political dialogue among member states to promote and safeguard the rule of law within the EU. This new instrument complements the infringement procedure in the case of a breach of EU law and the so called article 7 procedure of the Lisbon Treaty which allows for the suspension of voting rights in the case of a serious and persistent breach of EU values.

The Council exchanged views on the Commission's 2015 work programme and politically endorsed conclusions on multiannual programming and legislative planning with a view to strengthening inter-institutional cooperation and ensuring a more rapid and efficient legislative process.