At today’s meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels chaired by Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik, the discussions centred on the preparation of the spring European Council and the negotiations with the European Parliament on the Financial Perspective.
Council President Plassnik informed her colleagues about the state of the negotiations with the European Parliament and the European Commission on a new interinstitutional agreement on the Financial Perspective. In these negotiations, the Council Presidency is represented by Federal Minister Grasser. “The second political ‘trilogue’ on 21 February between the three institutions was the first opportunity for a substantive discussion of the new interinstitutional agreement. The talks are proceeding constructively and the atmosphere is good. All the institutions involved are aware of what is at stake. It is in our common interest to conclude the negotiations on schedule in April”, Plassnik said.
The Foreign Minister also presented today the first draft agenda for the European Council on 23 and 24 March. Promoting growth and jobs will top the agenda for this meeting. "Measures to boost research and innovation are particularly important. Another priority will be utilising entrepreneurial potential — particularly that of small and medium-sized businesses — and improving employment prospects for young people", Plassnik said.
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