What's coming up

Here you will find an overview of the key events which are taking place on the EU level in which the UK government has an active interest or role.

MONDAY 19 OCTOBER

The Agriculture and Fisheries Council takes place in Luxembourg (until 20 October). The agenda includes proposals on the dairy sector, genetically modified organisms and fishing controls. DEFRA Fisheries Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, DEFRA Minister for Food and Farming, Jim Fitzpatrick, and Environment and Rural Affairs Minister at the Scottish Parliament, Richard Lochhead , attending.

The plenary session of the European Parliament begins in Strasbourg (until 22 October). Highlights of the agenda include debates on a series of JHA items (Schengen, SIS II, short-stay visas – Mon), Copenhagen preparations and the draft 2010 budget (Tues), and October European Council preparations and the External Action Service (Wed).

TUESDAY 20 OCTOBER

The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) takes place in Luxembourg. The meeting will discuss preparations for the 29/30 October European Council, including climate financing, financial supervision and stability arrangements, and exit strategies. The Chancellor, Alistair Darling, will represent the UK.

The European Commission adopts a Communication on tackling health inequalities in the EU.

The Political and Security Committee (PSC) meets.

WEDNESDAY 21 OCTOBER

The Environment Council takes place in Luxembourg. The main focus will be on preparing the EU negotiating position for Copenhagen. Waste electrical goods, ship dismantling, and eco-efficiency economy are also on the agenda. DECC Secretary of State, Ed Miliband, DEFRA Minister for the Environment, Dan Norris, and Minister for Climate Change at the Scottish Parliament, Stewart Stevenson will represent the UK.

Coreper II meets .

The PSC meets .

The European Commission hosts a conference on trans-European transport networks (Naples, to 22 October)

THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER

The Justice and Home Affairs Council takes place in Luxembourg. The agenda includes visas, criminal law and SIS II. Home Office Minister for Identity, Meg Hillier, and Ministry of Justice Minister for European Affairs, Lord Bach, will represent the UK.

A series of events to celebrate European Development Days takes place in Stockholm (until 24 October). The main themes for this year’s events are responding to the economic downturn and challenges of climate change.

The European Commission will adopt a Communication on an Action Programme for Reducing Administrative Burdens in the EU.