The Council will discuss the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the 2014-2020 period; on the basis of the revised "negotiating box" - a document drafted by the presidency outlining the main elements and options for the MFF negotiations. It is constantly updated as negotiations move forward and is ultimately intended as the basis for an agreement of the European Council which is expected by the end of this year.

The Council will also prepare the European Council meeting on 18 -19 October on the basis of a draft annotated agenda and will discuss the lessons learnt from the European Semester exercise.

Over lunch, ministers are expected to discuss General Affairs Council's horizontal role and its working methods.

The presidency will hold a briefing in the Council press room a few days before the meeting.

A press conference will take place at the end of the meeting.

Presidency briefing, agenda and background note will be published on the Council website closer to the date of the meeting.

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The General Affairs Council (GAC) consists of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Member States of the European Union. The Council covers topics that affect more than one policy area; for example negotiations on enlargement, negotiations on the multi-annual financial framework and the preparation of institutional and administrative matters.

This Council prepares - along with the president of the European Council and with the European Commission - the meetings of the European Council. This Council deals with matters it is entrusted to by the European Council. GAC also coordinates work on policies by the other council formations.