Press Release: General Affairs Council, Brussels, 26 January 2004

Items on the agenda included: Council operational programme for 2004; Statute for Members of the European Parliament; European Security Strategy; EU police mission in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (Operation 'Proxima'); EU Special Representative - Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; Sudan - strengthening the arms embargo; Africa - conflict prevention, management and resolution; Development co-operation - gender equality; Relations with the Mediterranean region - Presidency priorities; Relations with Russia - EU Common Strategy; Relations with Ukraine - EU Common Strategy; Relations with Mexico - Adjustment of agreements - rules of origin; European Economic Area - adjustment of regulations and provisions; Conflict prevention; South East Asia; Denied boarding compensation for airline passengers; Energy - promotion of cogeneration; Greenhouse gas emissions; Packaging and packaging waste; Co-ordination of social security systems; Civic participation of European citizens; EC/Ivory Coast Fishing Agreement; Transparency - open debates.