Press Release: General Affairs Council, Brussels, 11 February 2014

Main results of the Council

Preparation for the March European Council
The Council examined a draft annotated agenda for the European Council meeting to be held on 20 and 21 March. The next European Council will focus on economic policy: it will conclude the first phase of the European Semester, discuss industrial competitiveness and hold a debate on the draft framework for climate and energy between 2020 to 2030. Leaders will also look at the state of preparations of the upcoming EU-Africa summit.

Genetically modified maize
The Council could not reach a qualified majority either in favour or against a Commission proposal to authorise the placing on the market for cultivation of the genetically modified maize 1507, which is resistant to certain insects (butterflies pests). "The Hellenic presidency commits to hold a debate on GMOs in the Environment Council", said the president of the Council, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece, Mr. Venizelos.

In accordance with the applicable rules it is now up to the Commission to authorise the maize 1507.

Switzerland
The Council discussed the results of the recent Swiss popular vote on the initiative “against mass immigration”. It underlined that the introduction of quotas on immigration from the EU citizens goes against the principle of free movement of persons between the EU and Switzerland as enshrined in the bilateral agreement in place.

Without discussion, the Council adopted: Sabine Lautenschläger appointed vice-chairperson of the ECB supervisory board, CO2 emissions reduction from new light commercial vehicles and Council adopts directives for the reform of public procurement.

ESO: Background information: Council adopts directives for the reform of public procurement http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-adopts-directives-for-the-reform-of-public-procurement/

ESO: Background information: CO2 emissions reduction from new light commercial vehicles http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-co2-emissions-reduction-from-new-light-commercial-vehicles/

ESO: Background information: Sabine Lautenschläger appointed vice-chairperson of the ECB supervisory board http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-sabine-lautenschlager-appointed-vice-chairperson-of-the-ecb-supervisory-board/

ESO: Background information: EU set to grow more GM maize despite strong opposition http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-set-to-grow-more-gm-maize-despite-strong-opposition/

ESO: Background information: EU-Swiss relations / Immigration debate in Switzerland http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-eu-swiss-relations-immigration-debate-in-switzerland/

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