Brussels briefing, Dec. 2

 European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde will speak with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) during the EP’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee meeting on Monday in Brussels. They are expected to discuss the economic perspectives of the euro area and the next steps for the ECB's monetary policy.

The EU and member states will take part in the 2019 UN climate change conference (COP25) in Madrid this week.

The Justice and Home Affairs Council will meet on Monday and Tuesday in Brussels to discuss the future of EU migration, the asylum policy and the future of EU internal security. Ministers will look at the implementation of the European Border and Coast Guard regulation entering in force on Dec. 4 and discuss the future of civil justice cooperation.

The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council will convene in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday. Ministers will discuss revising rail passengers' rights, road charging rules and digital transportation services. Ministers will also exchange views on the European Commission's energy policy priorities for 2019-2024.

The EP’s Environment Committee will discuss biodiversity and the decline of bees on Tuesday.

Legislative measures to reinforce the EU's fight against VAT fraud in e-commerce will be put to the vote by the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee on Tuesday. New rules include the obligation for payment service providers to keep detailed records of transactions to enable national authorities to carry out controls and set up a new central electronic system for the exchange of relevant payment information.

The Eurogroup will meet in Brussels on Wednesday when ministers from Eurozone countries will meet to discuss Greece, Spain, draft budget plans and the deepening of the European monetary union.

The Economic and Financial Affairs Council will meet in Brussels on Thursday. The Council is expected to adopt conclusions on anti-money laundering and counter the financing of terrorism. The Council will also adopt conclusions on the deepening of the capital markets union.