General Affairs Council, 14-15.02.00

The formal opening of the Intergovernmental Conference 2000 on institutional reform took place on 14.2.00 during the General Affairs Council.

The Council also discussed the preparation for the forthcoming extraordinary European Council, Lisbon, 23-24.3.00 on employment, economic reforms and social cohesion.

Amomgst other subjects discussed at the Council: Strengtheing of European Security and Defence Policy; the draft Charter of Fundamental Rights; South Africa and Indonesia.

Formal Conclusions were adopted on the following topics: reform of the European Commission; Western Balkans; Middle East Peace Process; Russia and Mexico (text included in Press Release)

Finally, the formal opening of the enlargement negotiations with the 'second wave' applicant countries took place.

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