Preparation for the European Council meeting (16-17 December 2010)

The Council examined a draft annotated agenda for the European Council meeting to be held on 16 and 17 December 2010.

Further to the conclusions of its October meeting, the European Council is due to decide on the outline of a permanent crisis mechanism to safeguard the financial stability of the euro area and on a limited amendment to the EU treaties required to create such a mechanism. It will moreover take stock of work in progress on legislative proposals to strengthen EU economic governance provisions.

The European Council will also discuss work on the assessment of the EU's relations with its strategic partners, further to the conclusions of its September meeting.

The Council will hold a further discussion at its meeting on 13 December, on the basis of draft European Council conclusions.