Andrew van der Lem, Head of EU Strategy at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in the UK, gives his view of the ministerial meeting in Umeå, the road to an eco-efficient economy and the importance of a climate agreement in Copenhagen in December.
When the EU agriculture and fisheries ministers meet in Luxembourg on 19–20 October they will attempt to reach an agreement on a new EU control system, which will ensure that the Common Fisheries Policy is respected. The situation on the milk market is another important item on the agenda. Sweden’s Minister for Agriculture Eskil Erlandsson will chair the meeting.
EU finance and environment ministers will meet this week in their respective council formations to consider the financing issue in EU negotiation positions prior to the European Council summit on 29-30 October and the UN climate meeting in Copenhagen. The finance and environment ministers have a joint responsibility for this crucial issue.
The ministers reached a decision on a new fisheries control system at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 19 October. The Council also negotiated on new fishing quotas in the Baltic Sea for 2010. Measures to address the serious situation on the milk market were also discussed.
The EU Presidency's point of departure is that the Treaty of Lisbon shall enter into force as quickly as possible. All Member States, apart from the Czech Republic, have concluded their ratification processes.
The General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) is meeting on 26–27 October in Luxembourg. The ministers will make preparations for the upcoming EU Summit taking plance on 29–30 October and reach a decision on the EU's Baltic Sea Strategy. Points on the foreign policy agenda include an action plan for stronger EU actions in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the situation in Sri Lanka after the end of the war and the transition to a stronger EU presence in Bosnia. Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmström and Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will chair the Council meetings.
