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EU member states had the chance to present their respective countries to citizens in the Council, in the atrium of the Justus Lipsius building.

Guests were informed on what the role of the member states is in the European Union, they could have information on the natural and cultural heritage of the countries exhibiting and try gastronomic products. Some of the countries had traditional dance and sing performances.

Hungary – represented by the Permanenet Representation – distributed leaflets and brochures about Hungary and offered typical Hungarian cheese, salami and sweets.

During the Open Day more than 6000 people visited the Council, a short video can be found here.

The youth and education parts of the meeting focused on how to enhance awareness and critical thinking among youngsters, how to promote European and democratic values among them and how to prevent their radicalisation. Ministers acknowledged the crucial role of teachers in the transmission of democratic values and in the development of students’ attitude, however they also emphasised that teachers need to be supported with adequate pedagogical, methodological tools and continuous professional development. Cooperation among different sectors, and on local level between different institutions - such as schools, youth organisations, social and cultural institutions - is inevitable for the efficient fight against radicalisation.
Youth ministers discussed about the role of youth policy and the youth sector in an integrated approach to support youth in their identity development. The Netherlands Presidency asked for sharing best national practices during the debate. Minister of State László Palkovics presented the network of Christian boarding schools for Roma, in which 235 student take part in 9 different locations. He informed about the programme of community places, where youngsters can be better reached, their abilities and skills can be strengthened, and beneficial free time activities are provided. He emphasized the importance of the National Talent Programme as well. The NTP reaches 300-350 thousand young person annually, providing them perspectives and helping them realizing their goals.

Education ministers also discussed about the revision of the European agenda for the modernization of higher education, for which the European Commission plans to put forward its proposal later this year. The discussion focused mainly on the labour market relevance of higher education, on the role of higher education in preparing socially engaged citizens, and the changing role of higher educational teaching staff. Ministers agreed that enhanced efforts are needed in order to achieve that graduates acquire those skills and competences during their studies that enable them to be successful in the labour market. During the debate László Palkovics acknowledged that enhancing the labour-market relevance of higher education is one of the main principles of the Hungarian higher education policy. The Hungarian Graduate Tracking System introduced in 2005 gives adequate information about how far higher education graduates use their diplomas during their carrier. Dual higher education courses introduced in Hungary in 2015 contribute significantly to the acquisition of those practical knowledge, skills and competences that can be well used in the labour market, directly after graduation.

In the framework of cultural/audiovisual topics the Council adopted conclusions on the role of Europeana for the digital access, visibility and use of European cultural heritage. Europeana can be accessed via the following link: http://www.europeana.eu/portal/

Participants exchanged views about the Commission’s Proposal on the revision of the audiovisual media services directive adopted on 25 May 2016 and about the promotion of European audiovisual contents. Members States set forth several proposals regarding the promotion of European contents and cultural values such as the financial support for European film industry and co-productions, aiding the production of quality films and the cross-border distribution of audiovisual works, while emphasising the importance of the international cooperation of the actors of the audiovisual sector. Tibor Stelbaczky Deputy Permanent Representative underlined that Hungary highly welcomes that the elimination of geographically based content restrictions (geo-blocking) is one of the priorities of the Digital Single Market Strategy. The cross-border restriction of broadcasting rights of sports events, which is a special subcategory of geo-blocking, constitutes a major problem at EU level. We think that the revision of the Directive on audiovisual media services and of the Satellite and cable Directive offers the possibility to eliminate geo-blocking regarding the broadcasting of sports events. The elimination of geographically based restrictions could, in particular, provide access to cross-border broadcasts of sports events for those who live outside the territory of a given Member State.

During the sport session the Council adopted conclusions on enhancing integrity, transparency and good governance in major sport events. Participants exchanged views about how national governments can contribute to the encouragement of good governance and integrity principles in sport, especially with regard to major sport events. After the meeting of the Council the Netherlands Presidency of the Council of the European Union invited EU sport ministers, Commissioner Tibor Navracsics and the high representatives of IOC, EOC, FIFA and UEFA to a structured dialogue, where a joint declaration of interest was adopted on enhancing regular dialogue with the sport movement on topics related to major sport events where shared responsibilities of international sport organisations and the Olympic movement and governments of EU Member States and the European Union are involved.

Each thematic session will be introduced by three keynote speeches to be delivered by the representative of a developing country, a developed country and an international organization or NGO, respectively.

Keynote addresses will be followed by moderated Davos-style discussions by a series of distinguished panellists, selected with a view to ensure a proper geographical balance.

The conclusion of each thematic session will be summarized by a rapporteur, who will present the relevant findings to the closing plenary session. The Budapest Statement 2016 will be adopted on the last day of the event before the closing plenary session. The recommendations and achievements of the forums will be included in the document.

In addition to the plenary sessions, parallel stakeholder meetings will be held, namely

• the Science and Technology Forum
• the Youth Forum
• the Civil Society Forum
• the Women’s Forum

The Forums are also invited to provide written contributions to the Budapest Statement 2016.

The Budapest Water Summit 2016’s Inauguration Session will take place at 10 am on 28 November at Millenáris Park Theater. According to our plans, the Budapest Water Summit 2016 will close its session at 5 pm on 30 November.

On the margin of the Budapest Water Summit 2016, a Sustainable Water Solutions Expo will be held as well. The Expo is intended to focus on sustainable, innovative, environment-friendly solutions in the field of drinking water production, water treatment and water supply.

Draft programme of the Plenary Session

This year the Szekszárd wine region was at the centre of the exhibition. The main goal of the event was to present the rich gastronomic culture of Hungary. Organizers are aiming to hold HUNGAstRY on a regular basis with the concept of introducing Hungary’s wine regions in Brussels. Ambassadors, members of the European Parliament, high level officials from the Commission and attaches have attended the event. Olivér Várhelyi, Permanent Representative emphasized in his opening speech that “wine growing in Hungary dates back to the time when our statehood was established, we would like to share this more than 1000 year old tradition with our guests, here in Brussels.”

Attila Szinay, deputy state secretary from the Ministry of Agriculture stressed that the Hungarian Government is committed to preserve and promote Hungarian agricultural and gastronomic traditions, this is why a law on Hungarian national values and Hungarikums was adopted.

During the event guest could enjoy wines from the Bodri, Eszterbauer, Fritz and Takler wineries, typical Hungarian foods were provided by the Hungarian Market Cooperative. Wines were presented by Kristian Kielmayer, sommelier. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy a hint of Hungarian folk music thanks the cooperation of the Liszt Ferenc prize-awarded István Pál “Szalonna” and his band.

EPSCO discussed the questions related to the Posting of Workers for the first time since 11 Member State’s national parliament issued yellow card about their concerns of subsidiarity. Hungary asked Commissioner Thyssen to take these yellow cards very seriously, and withdraw the draft accordingly. We are convinced, that the proposal would undermine the principle of the free movement of services and would cause serious, irreversible damages to the competitiveness of the EU. This view is shared by the relevant employment associations such as Business Europe or Euro Chambers. Inn our view it is not possible to verify such a legislative proposal by valid reasons, which tries to hinder a specific competitive advantage of certain Member States, while keeping the other competitive advantages untouched.

Commissioner Tibor Navracsics and Marienne Thyssen presented the recently adopted Skills Agenda. The initiative aims to ensure, that wide range of skills are acquired from an early stage and that European Human resources are best utilized. This will contribute to employability, competitiveness and economic growth.

At the Council meeting, the Member States adopted very important conclusions on food improvement with a view of making healthy food choice and easy choice for customers by means of reducing sugar, salt and saturated fat content in food by 2020.

The ministers also agreed on Council Conclusions on the next steps under the one health approach to combat antimicrobial resistance. The document invites the member states and the European Commission to have in place before mid-2017 national and European action plans that consist of actions covering human healthcare and veterinary medicine and other sectors with the aim of reducing threats related to antimicrobial resistance.

An important achievement made by the member states was to adopt conclusions on improving the balance of the European pharmaceutical systems. The document underlines that several measures should be taken to guarantee a more patient centred and sustainable European pharmaceutical policy.

At the meeting, the Presidency also informed the delegations about the successful outcome of the trilogues on the medical devices and in vitro diagnostics regulations. The formal adoption and the publication of the two pieces of legislation is expected in the course of the last quarter of 2016.

In the Environmental Council ministers discussed the revision of the EU emissions trading system (ETS) for the phase 4 of the system (2021-2030). Member States stressed the importance of a stable and predictable ETS system after 2020. Some highlighted that implementing the emissions reduction target should not endanger the competitiveness of EU industry. Ministers expect further intense debate among others on the methodology of free allocation, carbon leakage list or the financial mechanisms such as the Modernisation Fund and Innovation Fund. Member States are divided on the level of ambition. Some argue that possibility for revising the 2030 emissions reduction target should be provided, whilst others believe that the October 2014 European Council Conclusions gave strategic guidance and revision of ambition is not opportune.

Ministers adopted the statement on ratification of the Paris Agreement calling on Member States and the EU to start taking the necessary steps to finalise their ratification procedures as soon as possible. In this regard the Commission presented the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion on behalf of the EU of the Paris Agreement. Miguel Arias Cañete, Commissioner for climate action and energy and the Luxemburgish minister appreciated that Hungary was the first among all EU Member States to finalize its ratification process.

The Council statement on the ratification of the Paris Agreement can be read here:

The Ministers adopted conclusions on the Commission communication „Closing the loop - an EU action plan for the Circular Economy”. Ministers welcomed the Action Plan and called for its swift implementation. They pointed to the importance of traceability that could be ensured by regular progress reports by the Commission. It was agreed that the move towards a circular economy requires long-lasting, easily serviceable products and a holistic approach the entire global value chain. To do this it is essential to ensure proper consumer information, in addition to promoting sustainable consumption models. Several Member States stressed further reducing marine plastic waste and the the presence of harmful substances in products to achieve a non-toxic environment. The ministers agreed that the transition from a linear economy to a cyclic economy is a common European interest, towards which the reduction of waste and the application of the waste hierarchy are key prerequisites. Several delegations stressed the importance of the development of the market for secondary raw materials, which should be helped by adequate legislative steps.

As to the state of play on the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants and amending Directive 2003/35/EC, the Presidency explained that during previous negotiations with the European Parliament, the outlines of an agreement on the main issues have not yet developed, and so it is trying to take advantage of the remaining time during its Presidency to form a compromise. Minister Dijksma emphasised the importance of improving air quality and achieving progress and asked for the flexibility of Member States. Delegations supported the Presidency's efforts to achieve a first reading agreement, the majority was of the opinion that more flexibility is needed from the pert of the European Parliament and the Commission, stressing that the negotiating mandate of the Council is an appropriate basis for further negotiations.

In connection with the Council conclusions on the EU Action Plan against illegal trade in wild fauna and flora the Member States agreed on the timeliness and justified nature of the measures contained in the Action Plan. They found these particularly necessary in terms of prevention, to ensure more effective implementation and cooperation, as well as both effective action at EU level and strengthening global partnership.

Among the any other business agenda points, the Commission presented its draft acts on the proposals for determining scientific criteria for endocrine-disrupting properties, in accordance with the biocides and pesticides regulations.

The Commission also introduced its plans for the Environmental Implementation Review (EIR) to support the achievement of the objectives of existing environmental policies and legislation. It is designed as a biennial process based on country-specific reports that should help in highlighting the main themes or common problem areas in Member State implementation.

In connection with the fight against the fungus infection affecting salamanders and newts indigenous to the EU Member States agreed on the urgency of action.

These measures should be financed from the EU budget – commented István Nagy, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture during the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg.

István Nagy recalled that each actor of the food chain has to share the burden on the market equally. This burden is caused by low profitability and loss-making production. Only comprehensive measures financed from additional resources can mitigate the situation.

Due to the current market situation farmers have to face liquidity problems. Early payment of CAP advanced direct payments could be part of the solution. Last year Hungary had chosen this option which proved to be very helpful to producers. István Nagy has requested the Commission to make this early payment possible also in 2016.

The Dutch EU Presidency presented to the EU-28 agricultural ministers the progress report regarding the proposal on organic production. Negotiations with the EP will resume during the Slovakian EU Presidency during the second half of 2016. 

The Hungarian interests are clear, and the legal situation is settled, he stressed. He added that there are Hungarian students and workers living in Britain, and their interests must be protected when the negotiations on British withdrawal begin. “I do not see any unclear issues regarding the British referendum. In my view all the questions have been answered, as the Treaty provides clear guidance for this eventuality”, he said. As long as after negotiations there is no amendment to the Treaty regarding withdrawal, the legal situation remains unchanged, the Prime Minister added.

Mr. Orbán told the press that British prime minister David Cameron will inform the summit of the fact of the referendum, but they will only receive official notification of its outcome after the decision of the British government. The Prime Minister stressed that the situation is serious, and there is no doubt that there is a crisis. At the same time, all the details of this crisis situation are taken care of from a legal point of view, Mr. Orbán added.

The Prime Minister said that “The truly important question is what conclusions we Europeans – those who are still in the European Union and intend to stay in it – choose to draw from what has happened”. He said that, as far as he is concerned, the clearest conclusion is that the topic that decided the referendum was the issue of migration. He said that “if the European Union is unable to resolve the migration situation, challenges of this nature – such as the one we have experienced with the United Kingdom – will multiply”.

He added that referenda are being proposed in more and more places because people see that the European Union is unable to manage the situation caused by migration. In Mr. Orbán’s view those countries using their own resources to take action are not being appreciated by the European Union, but are being criticised by it. That is a bad policy, the Prime Minister pointed out. We need a united migration policy which clearly defines its vision, he said.

The goal of Hungary is to stop migration, while others want to let in migrants and to distribute them later. “This is why we need to make sure that the Hungarian position is stated here in the strongest, most evident and most comprehensible possible terms. This is what the Hungarian referendum will be about”, the Prime Minister added.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI, photo: Balázs Szecsődi, Prime Minister's Press Office)

“The level of terrorist threat in Europe has never before been so high”, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, according to whom “the underlying causes must be managed and they must be faced up to sincerely, just as we must also face up to the fact that radicalisation has not been successfully kept outside the borders of Europe”.

“The global fight against terrorism must be strengthened”, he added, stressing that Hungary is one of the 23 countries that is actually taking part in the fight against the Islamic State terrorist organisation with soldiers. Mr. Szijjártó also said that the 126-person contingent of Hungarian soldiers serving in Kurdistan would be increased by a further 150, and their duties would be expanded to include training tasks.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister emphasised that it is in the interests of both Hungary and Europe for the Turkish Government to be in full control of the situation in Turkey. It would be a huge security risk if the constitutional order and procedures in Turkey, which has the second largest military strength in NATO and which is the European Union’s main migration policy partner, were to fall under the control of a non-democratically elected power, the Minister highlighted.

According to Mr. Szijjártó, the European Union doesn’t need to provide detailed guidelines with regard to the mode of accountability. “Hungary’s standpoint is that three days after the coup attempt aimed at toppling the constitutional system the most important thing for the country is solidarity. All attempts at providing foreign assistance only serve to slow the settlement process”, he added.

Providing details of the meeting of Foreign Ministers, Mr. Szijjártó said that the EU wishes to cooperate with countries that are currently the source and transit countries of migration.

The Ministers who attended the meeting agreed that “only those countries that take the necessary steps to ensure that they are neither source nor transit countries of the migration that is affecting Europe should receive development funding from European taxpayers’ money”, he told the press, but stressed that this will only be of any use if it is preceded by the reacquisition of Europe’s ability to protect its external borders.

At the meeting, Hungary called for the European Union to tighten relations with Iraqi Kurdistan, in addition to Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, he added.

On the subject of the relationship between the European Union and China, Mr. Szijjártó told reporters that the EU wishes to develop infrastructural connections between the European Union and China.

According to the Council of Ministers, the EU must also strive for an agreement on experimental projects such as the renovation of the Budapest-Belgrade railway line, he said.

The Council document, which acknowledges details that are the basis of Hungary’s policy of opening towards the east and its China-related policies, represents a milestone with relation to Hungary’s foreign policy strategy for China, Mr. Szijjártó highlighted.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)

Main elements of the agenda were: Gas security of supply Regulation, New Clean Energy Package, and Energy Efficiency Labelling. European Commission presented the Clean Energy Package legislation submitted las week.

On the gas SOS Regulation Mr Aradszki reiterated that regional cooperation shall be a tool not the aim of strengthening security of gas supplies. Members States must be enabled to cooperate with their neighbours on preventive and emergency planning. On the conceptual issues of the draft legislation such as regional cooperation, solidarity and transparency of long term gas supply contracts -  the outcome of the debate as a political guidance for further negotiations is acceptable for Hungary.

On the New Clean Energy Package Hungary stressed that new provisions on electricity market brings substantial changes to existing system and may cause higher electricity prices. State Secretary highlighted during the discussion that Hungarian Government will protect the interest of the households, therefore during the negotiations Hungary  will hold on to keep regulated universal service price. Taking into due account of national, economic and social specificities, as well as national competencies  will be also important during Council negotiations where deliberate approach is needed.

Issue of regulated energy prices has been brought up during V4 consultation where partners were open for further consideration.

Péter Szijjártó explained: “Britain’s exit of the European Union has given rise to much doubt and conjecture, for instance with regard to whether they will be able to assume the rotating Presidency in the midst of exit negotiations; in any event, Hungary is prepared to take on the Presidency.”

“Hungary is the only EU Member State that, with the help of the countries of the Visegrád Group, has provided a successful answer to the greatest challenge facing the “abnormal” European situation, the migration crisis, and was the first to successfully stop the “senseless immigration”, and so a Hungarian Presidency with policies based on common sense and the security of European citizens could be of great use to Europe in the interests of normalising the situation”, he highlighted.

“Hungary received especially positive feedback with relation to its 2011 presidency of the EU and several important initiatives were launched during Hungary’s term as President, in addition to which the efforts of Hungarian diplomats also received acknowledgement”, Mr. Szijjártó noted.

“Never before has a Member State failed to fulfil its upcoming Presidency of the European Union, so there are now two possible options: either a Member State assumes the position or every upcoming President takes on the post six months early, but according to the information available those affected are not yet ready or are not willing to take on the Presidency earlier than planned”, he told the press.

“The first step to taking on the Presidency is for the British to officially announce that they will not undertake their upcoming Presidency. Once the official proceedings are underway a Council decision is required, meaning the Member States will decide on the matter”, the Foreign Minister added.

The country that plays the role of current President provides for the representation of the decision-making body made up of the governments of the Member States, the Council of the European Union. The acting President must work in close coordination with the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the President of the European Council of the heads of state and government of the EU’s Member States, as well as with EU representatives responsible for foreign and security policy.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

Minister of State for Agricultural Economy György Czerván outlined that the European Commission acknowledged the critical situation on the EU milk market. There was a consensus among agricultural ministers that mobilisation of EU funds is unavoidable to alleviate the unsustainable situation farmers are facing.

During previous negotiations Hungary highlighted the necessity to adopt a new direct support package financed from the EU budget with at least the same level of support as in September 2016. This objective has been fulfilled. It is a very important result for Hungarian farmers that the larger part of the 500 million package has been allocated to national envelopes. Hungary will have the possibility to pay 9.54 million EUR (3 billion HUF) as targeted aid to milk producers. György Czerván underlined that Member States should have the maximum level of flexibility for the distribution. Further details of the proposed measures will be elaborated at expert level during the coming weeks.

Hungary in cooperation with other Member States has requested to increase the rate of advance payments to 70 per cent for direct payments and 85 per cent for area-based rural development payments from 16 October 2016. The European Commission announced that it will prepare the necessary legislation to fulfil this request.

In accordance with the decision of the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 June 2016, the Political and Security Committee on 30 August authorised EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia to begin its two additional supporting tasks: trainining the Libyan coastguard and navy and contributing to the fight against illegal arms smuggling and trafficking on the high seas off the coast of Libya.

Although, the core mandate and primary focus of the naval operation - launched in June 2015 -, remain to disrupt the business model of human smuggling and trafficking networks on the Central Mediterranean Sea, both supporting tasks are of particular importance for tackling the challenges of migration.

The official opening ceremony took place 10 September in Kosice, events and sport activities will be organised at EU, national, regional and local level between 10 and 18 September.

More information is available on the official website of the European Week of Sport, including the programmes planned by the 31 participating countries.

The Hungarian website of the event.

The environment and climate ministers at their extraordinary meeting held on 30 September 2016 endorsed the Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Paris Agreement. With this decision the EU will enable the early entry into force of the Paris Agreement already this year. After its decision, the Council asked the European Parliament for its consent. Once the European Parliament gives its green light, the decision on conclusion will be formally adopted by the Council. The EU will then be able to ratify the agreement. Hungary was the first Member State to conclude its national ratification process in May 2016. Since then France, Austria, Malta, Slovakia and Germany have also finalized its national ratification. The EU and those Member States who concluded the ratification will submit their ratification instrument to the UN Secretariat probably by 7 October. With this step the EU and the Member States can participate in the decision making at the first meeting of the parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA). The agreement will enter into force 30 days after the ratification by at least 55 countries accounting for at least 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions. So far 61 countries have ratified, accounting for 47.79% of global emissions.

At the Council ministers adopted the EU’s position for the Marrakesh climate change conference (COP22), to be held between 7-18 November 2016, which will focus on action and implementation.

The Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Paris Agreement is available here.

The Forum was established by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in partnership with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Council for Science (ICSU), in cooperation with other partners, taking place biennially in Budapest. Since 2013, the World Science Forum has been taking place, every fourth year, in countries outside of Europe following a decision of the Steering Committee of the World Science Forum initiated by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

The 7th World Science Forum was held in Budapest, Hungary on 4-7 November 2015 focussing on the enabling power of science. The delegates of the 7th World Science Forum approved a declaration with their recommendations on how to achieve a shift for new, sustainable development paths; on climate change; and on to how advance the use of science advice.

The participants of the Steering Committee, chaired by Professor László Lovász, President of Hungarian Academy of Sciences and co-Chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, President of the Jordanian Royal Scientific Society, discussed the preparation for 2017 World Science Forum which will strive to foster collaboration between scientists of all nations and cultures through its chosen theme "Science for Peace". Katalin Bogyay, Permanent Representative to the UN of Hungary was also invited to the meeting.

The next gathering of the World Science Forum will be organised by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 2017.

Member States agreed that financing conditions can be improved through the initiatives such as the Capital Market Union (CMU), EFSI and COSME programs. Minister of State István Lepsényi underlined that we needed to build a CMU that fits for all: not only for the big capital markets, but for the small ones as well.

Member States held an orientation debate about the Commission’s communication on the collaborative economy. The Commission considers that there is no need to create new legislation at EU level, but the correct implementation of the guidelines will be monitored. Member States agreed that fair competition between traditional and new business models has to be ensured. Representing Hungary Minister of State István Lepsényi emphasised that in order to encourage and implement the objectives of the collaborative economy and to preserve level playing field for traditional services at the same time, we need well-balanced legal environment, keeping in mind not only the interests of the new entrepreneurs but that of the existing companies and consumers as well.

Since the extraordinary Council meeting last November, the state of play of the European steel industry has been closely monitored by the Competitiveness Council. This time, too, Commissioner Bienkowska reported on the most recent measures taken with the aim of easing tensions in the industry. Furthermore, she reminded the Council, once again, on the necessity to come to an agreement on the TDI (trade defence instruments) proposal tabled by the Commission in 2013.

Intervening Member States (including Hungary) agreed with the request put forward by the Belgian delegation – and also formulated in a joint letter co-ordinated by Poland – that the Commission should deal with the development of an ambitious industrial policy as a matter of priority.

Ministers were informed that the Select Committee responsible for the enforcement of the Regulations on the unitary patent protection and the Preparatory Committee working on the establishment of the Unified Patent Court have completed their work, with the exception of some minor technical details, therefore, the launch of the unitary patent system is only dependent on the ratification by two Member States.

On the request of the Hungarian delegation, Commissioner Bienkowska informed the ministers that an impact assessment has already been completed regarding the review of the Regulation on Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC) aiming at the possible introduction of an SPC manufacturing waiver, and two other studies, analysing the legal and economic impacts, are in the phase of preparation. The launch of the public consultation is foreseen in 2017, and the evaluation of the Commission and the legislative proposal can be expected at the end of next year.

During the working lunch the delegation leaders reaffirmed their commitment to food improvement. Hungary urged for legislative EU-level restrictions on trans fatty acids.

Under the first item of the agenda, the delegations exchanged views on the possibilities of tackling medicine shortages. Better exchange of information is necessary to forecast and identify shortages. It would also be useful to clarify the legal obligations of marketing authorization holders regarding supply security.

The delegations discussed the EU situation of tuberculosis (TB), particularly focusing on treatment, antimicrobial resistance and vaccination. Member States supported that the Commission develops an integrated, comprehensive policy framework on TB, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C. The delegations agreed to strengthen regional cooperation and policy dialogue on TB and antimicrobial resistance with Eastern Partnership countries.

 An exchange of views on vaccines also took place at the informal Council meeting under a separate agenda item. Ministers agreed that the European Commission could have a great impact in the communication dealing with vaccination-related aversions of certain society groups. Also, several Member States acknowledged that the joint vaccine procurement coordinated by the Commission could play an important role in securing vaccine supply. Hungary also stressed that the existence of local manufacturing capacities is of key importance for supply security.

The current Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union was represented by Ján Richter, Minister responsible for employment, social and family affairs. The European Commission was represented by Commissioner Thyssen, responsible for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility.

The ministers adopted the Council Decision on the guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States for the year 2016 and the Council Decision on the Tripartite Social Summit for Growth and Employment.

The ministers also reached general approach in first reading on the Directive Proposal of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work. The incoming Maltese Presidency will be able to negotiate with the European Parliament based on this mandate.

The employment and social affairs ministers reached political agreement on the Council Directive Proposal implementing the Agreement concluded between the General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives in the European Union (COGECA), the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the Association of National Organisations of Fishing Enterprises (EUROPÊCHE) of 21 May 2012 as amended on 8 May 2013 concerning the implementation of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 of the International Labour Organisation.

The ministers held a political debate on the Commission proposal on the New Skills Agenda for Europe and endorsed the Employment Committee’s (EMCO) opinion on the topic. During this agenda point the European Commission also presented its recent proposal on the revision of the Europass framework for the provision of better services for skills and qualifications.

In the frame of the preparation of the 2017 European Semester, the ministers endorsed the Employment Performance Monitor (EPM) by the Employment Committee (EMCO) and the Social Protection Performance Monitor (SPPM) by the Social Protection Committee (SPC) as well as the main messages prepared by the two committees.

As a follow-up of specific employment-related issues, the European Commission presented its recent Communication on the Youth Guarantee (YG) and Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) three years on. The ministers also had an exchange of views on the implementation of the Council Recommendation on Long-Term Unemployment (LTU), and endorsed the Employment Committee’s (EMCO) key messages on the integration of long term unemployed into the labour market. Commissioner Thyssen and the Vice-Chair of the PES Network also presented the first results of the bench-learning exercise of the Public Employment Services (PES) Network.

The agenda point concerning the social dialogue was dedicated to the presentation of the Slovak Presidency and the European Commission about the next Tripartite Social Summit on 19 October 2016 in Brussels. The Slovak Presidency and the European Commission also informed the ministers about the state of play concerning the joint statement on "A new start for a strong social dialogue", which was signed during the Dutch Presidency.

The Council adopted the Council conclusions on the "Report from the European Court of Auditors on EU policy initiatives and financial support for Roma integration”.

The Council generally endorsed the joint opinion of the EMCO and the SPC on the European Pillar of Social Rights in order to submit it to the public consultation launched by the European Commission this March. The joint opinion was elaborated exclusively by these two advisory committees and the Council has not examined its content. Hungary could agree with its submission to the public consultation as the own opinion of the EMCO and the SPC. At the same time from the procedural point of view we underlined that this joint opinion cannot prejudice either the further consultation process within the Council or the right of the Member States to express their position regarding the initiative to establish the European Pillar of Social Rights. This idea was recognized by the Council with the general endorsement. Hungary does not doubt the importance of social issues however at current stage of negotiations we have several concerns on the Commission’s initiative on European Pillar of Social Rights such as its legal nature, possible content etc.