At the European Council on 16 September, the heads of state and government are planning to debate the strengthening of the EU's global role, including improved relations with strategic partners to the EU – China, India, and Brazil. Strategic discussions are also to be held on the most significant foreign policy matters and preparations for international events: the European Council in October for the preparation of the Seoul G20 Summit of 11 November; the next EU-US Summit; the Cancun Conference. In December, the European Council intends to have a discussion on the Western Balkans, and on 4 February next year, an extraordinary European Council will be held on energy issues.

Also on 16 September, the European Council will talk about economic governance. On basis of the report by the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy on the discussions held by the high level task force regarding the recommendations in the Communications of 12 May and 30 June, the European Council is expected to specify the outstanding issues and to provide indications for a speedier implementation of the conclusions. The aims of the initiative is to strengthen the functioning of the Stability and Growth Pact and expand supervision over microeconomic misbalances. 

The agenda of the General Affairs Council includes also the issue of the situation in Pakistan. Pakistan was hit by the most devastating floods in the history of the country that caused damage to infrastructure, and indirectly aggravated security and humanitarian situation in the country.