Enlargement strategy and main challenges 2006-2007: the institutional aspects of the European Union's capacity to integrate new Member States

Foreign Affairs Ministers took note of the presentation by the Commission of a communication on the European Union's enlargement strategy and main challenges for 2006 and 2007, including a special report on the EU's capacity to integrate new members, as well as progress reports on candidate countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and the other Western Balkans. They held an exchange of views.

The Commission's communication (COM(2006)0649) will be used as input for debate on the EU's enlargement strategy at the European Council's meeting on 14 and 15 December, as well as for work on draft European Council conclusions.

A number of delegations highlighted the need for thorough preparation by the permanent representatives committee and the Council ahead of the European Council's meeting.