Ministerial debate on the principles of the rule of law – Regeringen.se

Czech Presidency

The Presidency will hold a regular presentation of its priorities and work plan.

EU Commission Tax Statistics and Annual Foresight Report

Ministers are due to discuss the content of European Commission President Ursula van der Leyen’s annual speech on 14 September.

The government welcomes the fact that the tax talks highlighted the EU’s continued support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.

The EU Commission is due to present a visionary report this year, which supports the Commission’s work. The 2020 and 2021 reports mainly dealt with EU resilience and strengthening the Union’s long-term capacity and freedom of action. This year, the report deals with the cooperation between green and digital transformation and the possibilities of change to make the EU sustainable and competitive in the long term. It highlights activities in 10 areas of particular importance. Among others, strengthened resilience, the EU as a global voice, strategic goods, welfare and integration policy are addressed.

The European Union’s dialogue on the principles of the rule of law

Ministers will discuss developments in the area of ​​rule of law.

The debate begins in the EU Commission’s annual report on the situation in the area of ​​the rule of law in the EU, presented in July. Discussions will mainly focus on national legal systems, anti-corruption measures, the situation in the media and other institutional questions about checks and balances.

The government believes that the development of the rule of law in the EU needs more attention and views with concern negative developments in some member states. EU budget requirements are an important tool for the continuation of the work of the EU and the conditions for receiving EU funds. The Government welcomes the fact that this year’s report also contains country-specific recommendations.

The relationship between the European Union and Great Britain

Ministers will receive a situation update focusing on the so-called Northern Ireland Protocol, part of the Withdrawal Agreement between the European Union and Great Britain.

Conference on the Future of Europe

The conference’s final report with 49 proposals must now be followed up by EU institutions.

At a meeting on September 20, ministers are expected to follow up the conference and deal with the approach to revision of treaties and decision-making rules.

The government believes that follow-up should not include treaty changes, as there is currently no consensus on the scope of such a process. The government believes that the current institutional balance is working well, but in some areas a shift from unanimity to qualified majority is favourable.

In addition, ministers should have regular preparation for the European Council meeting in October.

EU Minister Hans Dahlgren represents Sweden.