European Union - Nathalie Loiseau’s participation in the Foreign Affairs Council (Brussels, 27 February 2018)

The ministers will prepare for the next European Council session on March 22 and 23. The minister will reaffirm France’s commitment to the different points included on the agenda (in particular with respect to trade, social issues and digital sector taxation). She will request that the European Council also convey an ambitious message with respect to research and innovation.

In addition, the European Commission will present its “Reasoned Proposal” of December 20 calling for the European Council to adopt a decision – in accordance with the procedure under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union - on the existence of a clear risk of a serious breach of the rule of law by Poland. The minister will confirm France’s support for the European Commission’s efforts and will call for efforts to ensure that the resumption of the high-level dialogue between the European Commission and the new Polish government will yield results by the end of March, the deadline for Poland to implement the recommendations addressed to it by the European Commission.

Lastly, the minister will take stock of the citizen consultations in order to underscore the European nature of this initiative which now brings together 26 member states, therefore justifying the European Commission’s full involvement.

The minister will also take part in the General Affairs Council (Article 50) meeting. Following a presentation by Michel Barnier on the progress of negotiations with the British authorities, the ministers will prepare for the European Council (Article 50) meeting on March 23, during which guidelines on the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the EU should be adopted.