Press Release: 3347th Council meeting General Affairs – Brussels, 18 November 2014

Main results of the Council

General Affairs: The Council prepared the European Council of 18-19 December. The European Council will particularly focus on further efforts to foster jobs and European competitiveness. 'The Commission's initiative to mobilise 300 bn euro of investment will be key to supporting long-term growth and job creation. We look forward to its presentation on the occasion of next European Council', said Sandro Gozi, State Secretary for European Affairs of Italy and President of the Council.

The Council discussed inter-institutional programming and the priorities being considered for inclusion in the 2015 Annual Work Programme. The Council also took note of the agreements for future coordination between the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament on this issue, fully taking into account the Strategic Agenda adopted by the European Council in June 2014. 'The issue is very high on the agenda of the Italian Presidency. It is important that all three EU institutions can align their legislative priorities for Europe. In this manner we will be able to promote a quicker and more efficient decision-making process thus better delivering for our citizens', State Secretary Gozi said.

Ministers also discussed the rule of law initiative. 'We would like to promote the debate on the issue on a regular basis, once or twice a year. We believe that it can help fostering the rule of law, the fundamental pillar on which the European project is based, and promoting a constructive dialogue among Member States in order to prevent, rather than address, the risks of threats to the rule of law', said State Secretary Gozi after the meeting.