EU and Australia officially launched negotiations for a trade agreement on Monday in Canberra.
The aim of the negotiations is to remove barriers to trade in goods and services, create opportunities for small and large companies, as well as setting ambitious rules in line with other trade agreements of the EU.
The first formal round of talks between the respective teams of negotiators will take place in Brussels from July 2 to 6.
Agriculture and Fisheries Council will gather later on Monday in Brussels where ministers will discuss the EU Commission’s proposal for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for the future programming period 2021-2028. Ministers will focus on the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy reform package.
Legislative proposals to update current EU rules on copyright will be up for a vote by the Legal Affairs Committee of European Parliament on Wednesday. The proposals aim to ensure that artists’ copyrighted works are well protected when they are accessed online.
Also on Wednesday, the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee will discuss EU-China relations. MEPs are set to urge EU countries to stand united against China's attempts to take control of Europe's strategic infrastructure and anchor their ties with China in respect for human rights and the rule of law.
The Eurogroup will meet in Luxemburg on Thursday to assess the progress achieved by Greece in implementing the prior actions required under the fourth and the final review of its program.
The assessment will enable finance ministers of the Eurozone to decide on all the elements needed to ensure the successful completion of the program by August.
The Eurogroup in inclusive format will prepare the Euro Summit which will take place on June 29. The summit is expected to take decisions and provide guidance on the way forward on the deepening of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council will gather in Luxembourg on Thursday and Friday. Ministers are expected to agree on a general approach on the coordination of social security systems. They will also discuss the future of health in the EU.
