European Council in Brussels, 24-25/10/2002

The European Council opened with an unexpected agreement between France and Germany on agricultural funding after 2006. Ways of general financing for the enlargement were discussed. The Fifteen called on Cyprus, Malta, Slovenia, the Baltic countries, and some of the Central and Eastern European countries to complete negotiations by the end of the year, in order to become members as scheduled in 2004 and sign the Accession Treaty in Athens in April 2003. The Danish Presidency will ensure EU support for Romania and Bulgaria’s goal to join in 2007. Turkey’s economic and political “progress” has been noted, but Turkey has not yet received a date for the start of accession negotiations. The Fifteen also ratified the agreement on Kaliningrad, addressing the issue of transit to and from the Russian enclave in the context of enlargement. Additionally, EU-NATO relations were examined, particularly the EU’s military relief of NATO forces in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Finally, the Heads of State and Government issued a statement of disappointment and indignation regarding the hostage-taking by terrorists in Moscow, which took place during the European Council.