Council of European Unions: Forthcoming Business (Hansard, 5 March 1996)

The following councils are scheduled:

4th March: Environment
5th March: Environment
9th March: Foreign Affairs Council (Informal)
10th March: Foreign Affairs Council (Informal)
11th March: Transport
11th March: Ecofin
18th March: Agriculture
19th March: Agriculture
19th March: Justice/Home Affairs
20th March: Justice/Home Affairs
21st March: Telecoms
25th March: Research
25th March: Foreign Affairs Council
26th March: Foreign Affairs Council
28th March: Industry Council
29th March: Social Affairs Council
29th March: European Council

The following subjects are likely to be discussed:

4/5th March: Environment Council

"A" Points

As advised by council secretariat.

"B" Points

Preparation of 4th session of Commission on Sustainable Development (Council conclusions) Draft Directive on Biocides (orientation debate on annexes)

Draft Hazardous Waste Shipment Regulation (possible common position)

Draft Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Dangerous Substances Directive (possible common position)

Draft Directive on Emissions of Off-road Machinery (orientation debate)

Open debate on Wetlands (Council conclusions)

Draft revised regulation on Leghold Traps (lunchtime orientation debate)

CO₂ from Cars (exchange of views on Commission communication)

Community strategy on the Ozone Layer (Council conclusions)

Adoption of negotiating mandate for protocol to Barcelona Convention

Adoption of negotiating mandate for Paris Convention (PARCOM)

Draft Decision revising the Community's 5th Action Programme on the environment and sustainable development (presentation by the Commission)

Joint meeting with Ministers from Central and Eastern Europe.

9/10th March: Foreign Affairs Council (Informal)

Agenda not yet available.

11th March: ECOFIN

"A" Points

As advised by council secretariat.

17WA

"B" Points

Convergence Programmes (possibly)
Contractuál Netting Directive (possibly)
Council Regulation on Community action in the field of statistics
Discharge of the Budget and Court of Auditors' report for 1994
Court of Auditors' Special Report on the Reliability of the Expenditure for 1994
Commission's report on the implementation of the Court of Auditors' recommendation and of the Council's remarks for the Budget for 1993.

11th March: Transport

"A" Points

As advised by council secretariat.

"B" Points

Aviation relations with US (debate)
Negotiations with Switzerland (Commission progress report)
Trans-European Networks (debate)
Directive on harmonisation of vehicle tests (largely consolidation of existing measures—common position)
Inland waterways liberalisation, state aid rules and scrapping scheme (common position)
Aviation statistics regulation (for agreement by simple majority).

18/19th March: Agriculture Council

"A" Points

As advised by council secretariat.

"B" Points

Reform of the fruit and vegetable regime (possibly)
Reform of the wine regime (possibly)
Price fixing
Geographical indications (possibly)
Amendment to Directive 64/432 on trade in animals (possibly)
Plant health—solidarity and responsibility (possibly)
Veal crates (possibly)
Hormones (possibly)
Inspection fees (possibly)
Pesticides (possibly)
Equivalence Agreements (possibly)
Amendment to Directive 90/675 on controls on imports (possibly)
Amendment to Directive 72/462 on equivalence (possibly)
Intra Community inspection fees (possibly)
Amendment to 90/524 on feeding stuffs (possibly)

19/20th March: Justice Home Affairs

Agenda not yet available.

18WA

21st March: Telecoms

"A" Points

As advised by council secretariat.

"B" Points

Directive on interconnection in telecommunications with regard to ensuring universal service and interoperability through applications of the principles of Open Network Provision (ONP):

Common position (possibly).

Decision on action at Community level in the field of satellite personal communications services in the EU:

Orientation debate.

Directive on a common framework for licensing of telecoms services:

Progress report.

Directive adapting Directives 90/387/EEC and 92/44/EEC for a competitive environment in Telecommunications:

Progress report.

Directive on common rules for the development of Community postal services and the improvement of quality of service:

Progress report.

Council Resolution on the future development of the market for directories and other information services in a liberalised environment (possibly).

Commission Communication on universal service in telecoms (possibly):

Commission presentation.

25th March: Research Council

"A" Points

As advised by council secretariat.

"B" Points

Decision adapting the fourth framework of programmes of activities in the field of research, technological development and demonstration for the European Community and European Atomic Energy Community:

Orientation debate.

Communication on International Cooperation: Orientation debate.

Council Conclusions (possibly).

Cooperation with Mediterranean countries (follow up to Barcelona Conference):

Debate.

Green Paper on Innovation:

Debate.

Joint meeting with Central and Eastern European countries:

Debate.

25/26th March: Foreign Affairs Council

Agenda not yet available.

19WA

28th March: Industry' Council

"A" Points

As advised by council secretariat.

"B" Points

SMEs:

Conclusions on co-ordination of Community programmes in favour of SMEs;

Presentation of Commission's proposal for new multi-annual programme for SMEs.

Textiles:

Presentation of Commission communication on competitiveness of textile and clothing industry; Conclusions on impact of international developments on EU textile and clothing sector.

Pharmaceuticals:

Resolution on competitiveness of EU pharmaceutical industry.

Defence Industry:

Presentation of Commission communication on competitiveness of defence industry.

Maritime Industry:

Presentation of Commission communication on competitiveness of maritime industry.

Research and Industry Task Forces:

Commission progress report and discussion.

20WA

29th March: Social Affairs Council

"A" Points

As advised by council secretariat.

"B" Points

Parental Leave:

Draft Directive endorsing social partners' agreement.

Draft Directive on Postal Workers.

Draft Council Recommendation on the Balanced Participation of Men and Women in Decision-Making.

Commission Communication on the Future of Social Protection:

Open Debate.

Commission Report on the Demographic Situation.

Commission Communication on the Fight against Racism and Xenophobia.

Draft Decision on Essen Programme.

Draft Decision on SAFE (health and safety) programme.

Draft Decision on Older People Programme.

29th March: European Council

Formal Opening of IGC.

Agenda not yet available.