Highlights

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At the meeting of the General Affairs Council on 16 November 2011, ministers continued the debate over the next multiannual financial framework (MFF), begun at their meeting on 12 September. The next MFF will cover the period running from 2014 to 2020.

In their contributions, ministers focused on spending related to cohesion policy, the "Connecting Europe" facility, the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

As regards economic, social and territorial cohesion, the debate centred on different aspects of  conditionality. It also touched upon the geographical approach and the funding proposed by the Commission.

The "Connecting Europe" facility is intended to contribute to the funding of transport, energy, and information and communication technology infrastructures. Ministers discussed the desirability of such a facility, its interlink with the funds in the field of cohesion, and the proposed use of innovative financial instruments.

Concerning the CAP, the adequacy of new elements proposed by the Commission relating to the convergence, the "greening" and the capping of direct payments was debated. Ministers also commented on the Commission's approach to rural development.

In relation to the CFP, ministers commented on the proposed outline and the amount to be granted to the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

Negotiations will formally start in 2012 under the incoming Danish presidency. 

More information:
Council debate webcast
Press conference webcast
EU's budget planning on the Council's table (18 July 2011)
First Council discussion on the EU's budget planning (12 September 2011)
MFF: Questions and answers (on Europa server)
Financial Framework 2014 - 2020 (on Europa server)