Press Release: General Affairs Council, Brussels, 22 March 2004

Items discussed include: Combating terrorism; Afghanistan - International Conference; Western Balkans - European Partnerships; Relations with Mexico - chemical products, rules of origin; Africa - human rights - report on EU activities; EU military rapid response; EU-ACP partnership - water facility; WTO commitments - EU enlargement; Enlargement and the Common Agricultural Policy; Enlargement - Bulgaria/Romania - financial framework; Protection of EU seafarers in third countries - The Tasman Spirit; Report - The EU in 2003; Italy and VAT; Reform of the EU staff regulations; Council rules of procedure; Use of buildings for the Council's activities - Residence Palace building.