The Eurogroup meeting in Brussels on Monday will see discussions on the overall euro area budget and prospects in the region. They will also conduct a review of the economic and fiscal situation of the member states concerned. A Eurogroup statement is expected to reflect the outcome of these discussions.
The European Commission will present the first enhanced surveillance report for Greece to ministers.
The Commission adopted a decision on July 11 to activate the enhanced surveillance framework for Greece, which entered into force following the end of the European Stability Mechanism program in August 2018. The quarterly enhanced surveillance reports enable close monitoring of the economic and fiscal situation and the post-program policy commitments, as agreed by the June 2018 Eurogroup.
The Eurogroup in inclusive format will prepare the Euro Summit that will take place on Dec. 14, which is expected to take concrete decisions and provide guidance on the way forward on the deepening of the Economic and Monetary Union.
An update of EU rules on visas for short stays (maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period) to take into account security concerns, challenges linked to migration, and technological developments will be voted on by the Civil Liberties Committee on Monday. The proposed changes include new deadlines for lodging applications, updated visa fees and disincentives for countries not cooperating in readmitting irregular migrants.
The Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council will meet in Brussels on Monday to discuss transport issues with the aim of reaching a general approach on key proposals relating to market access and social aspects of the road transport sector. These proposals include new rules for drivers, driving and rest periods, positioning by means of tachographs and posting of drivers to other member states. The Council will also assess progress on a number of proposals, including stopping seasonal time changes and updating rail passenger rights.
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council will gather in Brussels on Tuesday. The Ministers will exchange views on the digital services tax with a view to reaching a political agreement on the proposed directive. Current tax rules were designed for the traditional economy and do not apply to activities that require no physical presence in the country where goods and services are sold. Ministers will take note of progress on work aimed at reducing risk in the banking industry and on a proposed European deposit insurance scheme. Ministers will also take stock of the implementation of the action plan to tackle non-performing loans in Europe.
Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council will meet on Tuesday in Brussels to discuss telecommunications. The Council aims to agree on a partial general approach on a proposed EU funding program; Digital Europe. This is designed to support the digital transformation of Europe's societies and economies. Ministers will take stock of progress on a proposal to establish a European cybersecurity competence center and a related network of national coordination centers.
Meetings of the NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs will be held in Brussels on Tuesday and Wednesday.
E-commerce marketplaces e.g. Amazon and eBay and online search engines, such as Google search, would be required to implement a set of measures to ensure they set up transparent and fair contracts with online businesses i.e. online retailers, hotels and restaurants businesses, and app stores, under a legislative proposal to be voted on in the Internal Market Committee on Thursday.