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

The Council examined draft conclusions 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;
• take stock of work in progress on legislative proposals to strengthen EU economic governance provisions, including as regards how the impact of pension reform is accounted for in the implementation of the Stability and Growth Pact.

It will also hold a discussion on how spending at the European level can appropriately reflect the consolidation efforts made by Member States, whilst respecting the role of the different institutions and the need to meet Europe's objectives.

As regards external relations, the European Council will be informed of ongoing work on the evaluation of the European Union's relations with its strategic partners, further to its conclusions of September 2010.