Rome, 8. December 2003

Dear Prime Minister,

The next European Council meeting will be held in Brussels on the morning of Friday, 12 December 2003. It will be followed, on the afternoon of that day and on Saturday 13 December 2003, by a meeting of the Intergovernmental Conference.

The European Council meeting will begin, at 09.30 on 12 December in the Justus Lipsius building, with the customary meeting with President Cox.

The Presidency intends to have the European Council discuss the following issues: economic growth (with the approval of the European growth initiative and with consideration of employment, in the light of the outcome of the extraordinary social summit, competitiveness and completion of the internal market); the results achieved in implementing a common area of freedom, security and justice; follow-up to and prospects for the enlargement process, with reference to the accession negotiations with Bulgaria and Romania and to Turkey's candidacy. That session should finish at the end of the morning of Friday 12 December.

Over the working lunch to follow, we shall be able to consider the European security strategy and address current international issues (the situation in Iraq and prospects for the Middle East peace process).

At a separate working lunch, Ministers for Foreign Affairs will be able to discuss other current international issues, in particular the situation in Iran. Another separate working lunch is planned for Ministers for Economic and Financial Affairs.

Lunch will be followed by the customary press conference concerning the European Council meeting.

At 17.00 we shall begin the Intergovernmental Conference meeting, with the participation of President Cox. In the light of the outcome of the Naples "conclave" and the bilateral talks held over the last few weeks, we shall put forward an overall proposal on the points still at issue. We shall then open discussions, which may continue over the working dinner to follow.

Read the full letter on-line:
http://www.ueitalia2003.it/NR/rdonlyres/BD762854-67A4-49E4-893F-85FCE975A5B9/0/1208_lettera_Consiglio_EN.pdf