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1 & Brussels, 31 May /99 (Presse 171) WK&RXQFLOPHHWLQJ *(1(5$/$))$,56&281&,/ %UXVVHOV0D\ Presidents: 0U-RVFKND),6&+(5 Federal and Deputy Federal Chancellor of Germany 0U* QWHU9(5+(8*(1 Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany

2 &217(176 3$57,&,3$176,7(06'(%$7(' 35(3$5$7,216)25( ,7 35(3$5$7,216)25(8&$1$'$6800,7 :(67(51%$/.$16 - COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS - DECLARATION ON KOSOVO - COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS ON SPORTING CONTACTS WITH THE FRY 35(3$5$7,212)&2/2*1((8523($1&281&,/ &20,72/2*< (1/$5*(0(17 23(5$7,212)7+(&281&,/:,7+$1(1/$5*('81,21,135263(&7 1(*27,$7,216:,7+0(5&2685$1'&+,/( 35(3$5$7,216)25(8/$7,1$0(5,&$$1'&$5,%%($16800,7 1(*27,$7,216:,7+(*<37.$6+0,5&21&/86,216 &21)/,&7%(7:((1(7+,23,$$1'(5,75($&21&/86,216,7(06$33529(':,7+287'(%$7( (;7(51$/5(/$7,216 IMPLEMENTATION OF A NORTHERN DIMENSION FOR THE POLICIES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION - COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS AFRICA - REVIEW OF COMMON POSITION ON HUMAN RIGHTS, DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES, RULE OF LAW AND GOOD GOVERNANCE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA ROYAUMONT PROCESS - EU SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE $332,170(176 0,6&(//$1(286 COUNCIL RULES OF PROCEDURE* REPORT ON LEGAL DATA PROCESSING WORK )RUIXUWKHULQIRUPDWLRQFDOORU

3 3$57,&,3$176 The Governments of the Member States and the European Commission were represented as follows: %HOJLXP Mr Erik DERYCKE 'HQPDUN Mr Niels HELVEG PETERSEN Mr Friis Arne PETERSEN *HUPDQ\ Mr Joschka FISCHER Mr Günter VERHEUGEN *UHHFH Mr Giorgos PAPANDREOU Mr Giannos KRANIDIOTIS 6SDLQ Mr Abel MATUTES Mr Ramón de MIGUEL )UDQFH Mr Hubert VEDRINE Mr Pierre MOSCOVICI,UHODQG Mr David ANDREWS,WDO\ Mr Lamberto DINI Mr Umberto RANIERI /X[HPERXUJ Mr Jacques POOS 1HWKHUODQGV Mr Dick BENSCHOP $XVWULD Mr Wolfgang SCHÜSSEL 3RUWXJDO Mr Francisco SEIXAS da COSTA )LQODQG Ms Tarja HALONEN Mr Kimmo SASI 6ZHGHQ Ms Anna LINDH Mr Gunnar LUND State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Federal Chancellor Minister of State, Foreign Affairs Deputy State Secretary for Foreign Policy and the European Union Minister attached to the, with responsibility for European affairs State Secretary for Foreign Affairs State Secretary for Foreign Affairs State Secretary for European Affairs Minister of Foreign Trade State Secretary to the

4 8QLWHG.LQJGRP Mr Robin COOK Ms Joyce QUIN Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office &RPPLVVLRQ Mr Jacques SANTER Sir Leon BRITTAN Mr Manuel MARIN Mr Hans VAN DEN BROEK President Vice-President Vice-President Member *HQHUDO6HFUHWDULDWRIWKH&RXQFLO Mr Jürgen TRUMPF Secretary General

5 35(3$5$7,216)25( ,7 The Council was informed by the Presidency and Commission on the preparations for the forthcoming EU/US Summit in Bonn on 21 June. The Council took note of a presentation by the Commission of a communication setting out a number of options for resolving the banana dispute. The Council agreed to return to this issue following an examination by Coreper, in co-operation with the Article 133 (former Article 113) Committee and the Special Committee on Agriculture. The Council invited the Commission to continue its contacts with all the relevant parties, and to submit as soon as possible, in the light of further discussions in the Council, a formal proposal for amending the banana regime. The Council also took note of a short report by the Commission on the latest developments in the dispute over hormones. It welcomed the fact that there would be substantive scientific discussions on this issue, and reconfirmed its conclusions reached at its session on 17 May. 35(3$5$7,216)25(8&$1$'$6800,7 The Council was informed by the Presidency and the Commission on the preparations for the EU/Canada summit in Bonn on 17 June. The Council invited the Presidency and the Commission to make use of this opportunity to discuss with the Canadian government how to avoid difficulties that its new legislation on fisheries (Bill C- 27) could create for European fishing activities. It requested its relevant bodies to examine this issue further. :(67(51%$/.$16 &281&,/&21&/86, The EU plays a key role providing both financial help and technical assistance to enable the countries of South Eastern Europe without association agreements (i.e. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Albania) to overcome the effects of war, and regain economic viability, develop democratic, civil society, economic and administrative structures, promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, foster economic co-operation in the region and to underpin the European vocation to which their peoples aspire. 2. The Council reaffirms the readiness of the EU to draw the countries of this region closer to the perspective of full integration into its structures. The Commission proposes that this will be done through a new kind of contractual relationship taking into account the individual situations of each country, including progress in regional co-operation. The Council recalls in this respect its Common Position on the Stability Pact adopted on 17 May, in particular paragraph 7 of the preamble. 3. In this regard, the Council welcomes the Commission Communication on "The Stabilisation and Association Process for Countries of South Eastern Europe". This Communication outlines, inter alia, the development of a new kind of contractual relationship with these countries that will be progressive and based on the Regional Approach and the conditions set out in the Council s conclusions of 29 April This EU process will also take into consideration the achievement of the objectives of the Stability Pact, in particular progress in developing regional co-operation.

6 4. Furthermore, the Commission Communication is aiming at the following objectives: - To support the consolidation of democracy, rule of law, economic development and reform, adequate administrative structures, and regional co-operation, - To establish a formalised framework for political dialogue, both at bilateral and regional level, - To promote economic relations, trade, investment, enterprise policy, transport and development, and co-operation in the customs area, with the perspective of closer integration into the world trading system, including the possibility of establishing a free trade area or areas, when sufficient progress has been made in economic reform, - To provide a basis for co-operation in the field of justice and home affairs, - To provide a basis for economic, social, civil, educational, scientific, technological, energy, environmental and cultural co-operation (including a plan to safeguard the cultural heritage of these regions), underpinned by "association-orientated" assistance programmes which would also be designed to facilitate approximation of legislation in accordance with relevant EC acquis. The realisation of these objectives will require the putting in place of the necessary mechanisms and means to enable the flexible, well-coordinated and efficient use of Community instruments. To this effect, the Council has noted the Commission s intention to present proposals, including on the necessary financial and human resources for the implementation of EU policy in the region. The Council instructs its competent bodies to examine the Commission s Communication as a matter of urgency, with a view to formulating a comprehensive policy for the region, taking into account the individual situation of each country as well as progress in regional co-operation. This policy will be a crucial point of departure for the future Common Strategy on the Western Balkans, including the future contractual relations with the countries concerned. 5. In the framework of this comprehensive policy for the region, the Council will consider the Commission Communication at its next meeting on 21 June with a view to making conclusions for each of the countries concerned. In this context, the Council: - noted that the development of contractual relations between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU and Croatia will be examined on the basis of reports by the Commission in the context of the Stabilisation and Association Process. - reiterated its support for the efforts of FYROM to alleviate the plight of refugees and encouraged it to continue along this road, which includes full co-operation with and access by international organisations and NGOs. The Council, recalling its conclusions of 8 and 26 April, welcomes the intention of the European Commission to examine urgently the upgrading of the contractual relations between the European Union and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia towards a new kind of agreement. The Council notes the intention of the Commission to present, at the GAC on 21 June, its feasibility study.

7 - reiterated its commitment to stand by Albania, and help it shoulder the political, economic and social burden imposed by the Kosovo crisis. The Council, recalling its conclusions of 8 and 26 April, notes the intention of the European Commission to present, as soon as possible, its feasibility study on the upgrading of the contractual relations between the European Union and Albania towards a new kind of agreement. 6. The participation of FRY in this process will be examined in due course, once it has met the conditions of the International Community on Kosovo. The solution of the Kosovo crisis represents a prerequisite. Furthermore, the Council recalled the necessity for progress in democratic freedoms and respect for the rights of minorities. The EU will do its utmost to support the Republic of Montenegro under its democratic Government. 7. The Council also adopted the annexed declaration on Kosovo.

8 ANNEX '(&/$5$7, The International Community continues to exert strong pressure on the Belgrade authorities to reverse their course of action in Kosovo and accept its demands for a political solution. The Council reaffirmed the EU s full support for the efforts, including a possible mission to Belgrade in the coming days, by the President of Finland, Martti Ahtisaari, on behalf of the EU, in close co-operation with the US, Russia and the United Nations. In this regard, the Council expects Belgrade to translate its reported statements into a firm, unambiguous and verifiable commitment to accept the G8 principles and a UN Security Council resolution. The Presidency will remain in close contact with President Ahtisaari with a view to his attending the European Council in Cologne. 2. The Council welcomed the strong endorsement by the international community of the Stability Pact for South East Europe and the result of the Petersberg Conference of 27 May. Work should now be carried forward urgently to clear remaining open issues among participants. The EU looks forward to an early Ministerial meeting to adopt the Stability Pact, and welcomed the Presidency s preparations for it. &281&,/&21&/86, ,1*&217$&76:,7+7+()5< Recalling its conclusions of 26 April on sporting contacts with the FRY and taking into account developments since then, the Council expresses its disappointment that some major sporting events are still taking place. It calls on international sporting organisations in Europe, notably UEFA, to reconsider decisions which would permit such sporting fixtures. 35(3$5$7,212)&2/2*1((8523($1&281&,/ The Council was informed by its President about the arrangements and work programme for the Cologne European Council, and of the state of preparation on the various topics likely to be discussed at that meeting. The President indicated that there will be working sessions in the morning and afternoon of the first day and a working dinner. The morning of the second day will be devoted to reviewing the draft Presidency conclusions. The discussions of the European Council are expected to focus on foreign policy questions (in particular the common strategy for Russia, the situation in the Balkans and the future European Security and Defence Policy) on employment and growth (with special emphasis on the Employment Pact), the future development of the Union (in particular the institutional reforms and the convening of the next IGC), and on the Presidency s proposal for an EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The Heads of State and Government will also discuss several appointments and have an exchange of views with the President designate of the Commission, Romano Prodi, on the future work of the Commission and the necessary reforms. The Council discussed in detail the preparation of the European Council concerning - the European Security and Defence Policy - the institutional reforms - the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights With regard to the European Security and Defence Policy, the Council reached broad agreement on the text of a Presidency report to the European Council and on a draft declaration to be submitted to the European Council for adoption.

9 As far as institutional reforms are concerned - essentially the questions not resolved in Amsterdam - the Council had an in-depth discussion on the basis of a Presidency Paper, and noted that large agreement had been reached on the scope, the preparation and timing of the next IGC in advance of the decisions to be taken in this respect by the European Council. The Council also discussed the Presidency initiative for a Charter of Human Rights of the European Union. The Presidency indicated that it will put forward a revised text to the European Council for approval, taking into account, as far as possible, the comments made by Member States. The Council also took note with satisfaction of the work on other issues carried out for Cologne by the General Affairs Council itself, by other Council formations, in particular ECOFIN (on the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines, on reinforced tax policy co-operation, on the single market for financial services, and on improvements in the functioning of the international financial system) and by the Presidency (report on the reinforcement of EU action in the field of Human Rights) in fulfilment of the remits from the Vienna European Council. &20,72/2*< The Council discussed the main political question still open with regard to the revision of the decision of 13 July 1987 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission, which concerns the reform of the regulatory procedure. This question is also of great interest to the European Parliament with respect to the role it is seeking in "Comitology" in particular with regard to legislation adopted under the co-decision procedure. Following the EP s opinion given on 6 May and contacts with the EP, the Presidency has presented a compromise proposal on the reform of the regulatory procedure, consisting in replacing by qualified majority the simple majority by which the Council could block so far a Commission proposal, referred to it because it did not obtain the necessary majority in the regulatory committee. Most Member States have indicated that they can accept the Presidency compromise; essentially one delegation finds it however very difficult to give up (particularly in the field of environment, health and social affairs) the possibility for the Council of vetoing a Commission proposal by simple majority. Today s discussion aimed at convincing this delegation that the compromise solution is the best available in order to secure a regulatory procedure that could be effectively used and that would avoid any further interinstitutional conflict in this respect. During the debate suggestions were made to further refine the compromise in order to make it also acceptable to the delegation opposed so far. The Council agreed to come back to this matter at its next session in order to try to reach a final result. From its side, the European Parliament has already signalled that it could accept the compromise solution given in particular, that the so called "double safety net" will disappear and that the Council will have to act in future by qualified majority to oppose a Commission proposal. The Parliament is also satisfied that, under the new system, it will get comprehensive information on the work of the Committees and a right of scrutiny on every phase of the procedure.

10 (1/$5*(0(17 The Council held an informal discussion of the implications for the further enlargement of the Union of the events in South Eastern Europe following in particular from the Kosovo crisis. The Council will return to this question at a future session. 23(5$7,212)7+(&281&,/:,7+$1(1/$5*('81,21,135263(&7 The Council welcomed the presentation by the Secretary-General of the Secretariat s report on the operation of the Council with an enlarged Union in prospect, as an important contribution to work on the reform of the Council s organisation and working methods which will need to be undertaken in order to cope effectively with further enlargement. Although the questions raised in this context are linked to the broader discussion on institutional reform, reform of the operation of the Council should be conducted as a separate exercise from preparatory work for a future Intergovernmental Conference. The General Affairs Council agreed to undertake an examination of all issues relevant to the operation of the Council in an enlarged Union in order to draw up a list of operational recommendations for the European Council in Helsinki. In order to assist in the preparation of this operation report, the Council requested Coreper to undertake a detailed examination of the issues raised in the Secretariat s report, as well as any relevant points not covered. 1(*27,$7,216:,7+0(5&2685$1'&+,/( The Council discussed questions still open regarding the mandate to be given to the Commission for the negotiation of Association Agreements with Mercosur and Chile on the basis of a compromise proposal presented by the Presidency. This matter will be brought to the attention of the European Council in Cologne. The Council requested Coreper to continue work on this mandate in the light of discussions in the Council - and at the European Council - with the aim of achieving a formal adoption of the negotiating mandate before the Summit in Rio at the end of June. 35(3$5$7,216)25(8/$7,1$0(5,&$$1'&$5,%%($16800,7 The Council took note of the state of preparation of the Summit between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean to be held in Rio on 28/29 June as well as comments made by certain delegations in this respect. 1(*27,$7,216:,7+(*<37 With regard to negotiations with Egypt concerning a Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement, the Council approved the latest results of the negotiations and had a discussion about questions still open concerning trade in agricultural products.

11 The Council confirmed its determination to conclude the negotiations with Egypt by its next meeting on 21 June $6+0,5&21&/86,216 The recent military escalation at the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir, following the infiltration of a large number of armed personnel across the line of control into the Indian held Kargil sector gives reason for deep concern. The EU has urged India and Pakistan to exercise utmost restraint and take every necessary step to avoid further confrontation. India and Pakistan are called upon to solve all outstanding questions, including Kashmir, through dialogue held in the spirit of the Lahore declaration and other bilateral commitments. &21)/,&7%(7:((1(7+,23,$$1'(5,75($&21&/86,216 The Council discussed the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. It condemned with force the continuation of warfare and underlined its support for the mediation of the Organisation of African Unity.,7(06$33529(':,7+287'(%$7( (In the case of legislative acts, votes against or abstentions are indicated. Decisions containing statements, which the Council had decided may be released to the public or explanations of vote are asterisked; the statements and explanations of vote in question may be obtained from the Press Office.) (;7(51$/5(/$7,216,03/(0(17$7,212)$1257+(51',0(16,21)257+(32/,&,(62)7+((8523($1 81,21&281&,/&21&/86,216 "1. Following the request by the European Council in Vienna, the Council has defined the basis for a northern dimension for the policies of the European Union and identified guidelines for its implementation. %DVLV 2. The Council notes that significant differences in development opportunities and living standards existing in the northern regions bordering the EU, increasing interdependence between the enlarging European Union and Russia, the strategic importance and economic potential of these northern regions, as well as the environmental conditions pose important challenges for the EU policies. These challenges are addressed by the concept of the Northern Dimension which covers the following geographical area:from Iceland on the West across to North-West Russia, from the Norwegian, Barents and Kara Seas in the North to the Southern coast of the Baltic Sea. The geographic focus of the Northern Dimension concept is understood to be on the countries bordering the Baltic Sea and on the North/West Russian regions, as well as Kaliningrad. The Council considers that the Northern Dimension for the policies of the EU can provide added value through better co-ordination and complementarity of Community and Member States programmes as well as through increased synergies, improving thereby the visibility, the effectiveness and the cohesion of EU s policies and that of its Member States.

12 The Council considers that the Northern Dimension of the EU can contribute to the reinforcement of positive interdependence between the European Union, Russia and the other states inthe Baltic Sea region, also taking into account the enlargement process and thus enhance security, stability and sustainable development in Northern Europe. The Council notes that the Northern Dimension is a horizontal concept and will apply it within the existing financial and institutional framework in the relevant region. *XLGHOLQHVIRULPSOHPHQWDWLRQ 3. The Council considers that the Northern Dimension concept is particularly important with regard to certain aspects in sectors in which expected value added is greatest, such as infrastructure, including transport, energy, and telecommunication, natural resources, environment, nuclear safety, education, research, training, and human resources development, public health and social administration, cross-border co-operation, cross border trade and investment,fight against crime, in particular cross border crime: - The scope for closer co-operation between the EU, applicant countries and other interested partner countries should be explored in the planning and construction of major transport, energy and communication infrastructure and networks; - Natural resources should be utilised in a sustainable manner. Particular attention should be given to the sensitivities of the extremely vulnerable land, water and sea areas both in the Baltic and Arctic regions. Measures are needed to address environmental and ecological consequences of transboundary pollution from maritime and land-based sources; - Co-operation on nuclear safety issues should be actively supported both by harmonisation of the required legal frameworks and by continued technical assistance; - Education and human resource development offer the younger generations possibilities to create a common European future and it should therefore be supported by the relevant EU programmes. People to people contacts should be encouraged together with twinning arrangements at all levels. Research co-operation in the relevant fields should be enhanced; - Exchange of information and contacts between relevant administrations related to the threat against public health caused by spread of communicable diseases as well as to specific social problems caused by i.a. deep economic discrepancies between the regions should be enhanced. Cross-border co-operation should make maximum use of available local resources and local structures; Concerning trade and investment in the northern regions, economic operators should be encouraged to make full use of the provisions of existing agreements between the EU and countries concerned. Co-operation in order to increase trade and remove local trade barriers should be focused on improving bordercrossings, exchange of information and closer co-operation between relevant national and local authorities; - Crime prevention and closer co-operation between law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities should be encouraged in particular as borders are becoming more open and contacts at all levels more frequent. The envisaged plan focused on common action with Russia to fight organised crime will be of particular importance in this regard.

13 :RUNZLWKSDUWQHUVDQGUHJLRQDOERGLHV 4. The implementation and further development of the Northern Dimension should be done in close consultation with the partners through the existing agreements (i.e. Europe agreements, PCA, EEA) and within regional bodies such as the Council for Baltic Sea States (CBSS) and the Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC): - The Foreign Minister conference on the Northern Dimension on 11 and 12 November 1999 in Helsinki will offer an important opportunity for the Union and its Member States to further discuss the concept and elaborate concrete ideas to bring it forward in co-operation with the applicant countries of the region, Russia, Iceland and Norway; - The Member States concerned and the Commission should continue to contribute actively tothe work ofthe pertinent regional bodies, in particular in the CBSS and the BEAC and should encourage close co-operation between them; further work in the targeted areas should be considered by the European Union in order to enhance the implementation of the priorities of the Northern Dimension. Contacts with the Arctic Council with a view to exploring further co-operation could be considered by the Commission. When issues of concern to the indigenous peoples in the North and their communities are addressed, the indigenous people would be fully involved and their rights should be protected according to respective national legislations. 6\QHUJLHVEHWZHHQH[LVWLQJ(8SURJUDPPHVDQGLQVWUXPHQWV 5. The Council recommends that the relevant bodies should consider, as proposed by the Commission, how to improve the interoperability and coordination of EU-programmes such as PHARE, TACIS and INTERREG with a view to creating synergies between these and other existing EU-programmes and between such programmes and those of the Member States: - by enhancing the capabilities of PHARE, TACIS and INTERREG to coordinate their support for cross-border projects. Timely information exchange has to be guaranteed in order to ensure better co-ordination of programming; - by increasing themultiplier effects of theeu s assistance. 3DUWLFLSDWLRQRIWKHSULYDWHVHFWRUDQGRI,),V 6. The Council would welcome further participation of the private sector as well as of International Financing Institutions, where appropriate and within their respective mandates, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, the Nordic Investment Bank and the World Bank with a view to theirfinance activities in the region. In these activities transatlantic co-operation is useful and should be enhanced.

14 &DOHQGDUDQGLQYHQWRU\ 7. The Council considers that, to increase transparency and to allow for co-ordination, a calendar of Northern Dimension relevant events and an inventory of Community and Member States programmes in the region should be established." $)5,&$ 5(9,(: 2) & ,7, $1 5,*+76 '(02&5$7,& 35,1&,3/(658/(2)/$:$1'*22'*29(51$1&( The Council approved a document reviewing the activities undertaken by the EU in the past six months in implementation of its Common Position of 25 May 1998 on Human Rights, Democratic principles, the Rule of Law and Good Governance in Africa: "Introduction 1. Article 5 of the Common Position of 25 May 1998 on Human Rights, Democratic Principles, the Rule of Law and Good Governance in Africa (98/350/CFSP) stipulates that the Union s activities in implementation of this Common Position should be reviewed on a six-monthly basis. This report of the Presidency covers the period 25 November 1998 to 25 May Human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance are key criteria and objectives in a number of co-operation agreements between the EU and African countries, in particular in the revised Lome convention. Programmes to support e.g. development of human resources, capacity building, non-governmental organisations and other elements of civil society all aim at enhancing the basic pre-requisites to create an environment conducive to sustainable democratic development in Africa. 3. While the period under review has been marked by striking changes in Nigeria, many countries in Africa showed little progress towards increased respect for human rights, or adherence to democratic principles, the rule of law or good governance. One third of the countries of Subsaharan Africa are presently involved in armed conflicts (civil wars, supporting parties of civil wars in other countries, armed intervention outside own country or self defence). The EU remains particularly concerned at the use of child soldiers in armed conflicts. No durable progress to achieve the objectives of the Common Position will be possible until peace prevails. The Council is considering how the flow of arms to and between African countries can be restricted and how to promote a demilitarisation of African society. Human rights and democracy-building remain the primary objectives of EU Africa policies. The efforts to support the role and strengthen the capacity of the OAU, regional organisations and governments, as well as African institutions specialised in these areas and NGOs have continued during the period under review. The EU remains particularly concerned that certain traditional and customary practices affecting the health of women and girls constitute a definite form of violence against them and a serious violation of their human rights. Around the world an estimated 200 million women and girls have been subjected to female genital mutilation, most of them in African countries. Apart from legal sanctions, the real key to eradicating this form of mutilation is a fundamental change of attitude by all involved. Those responsible must realise the harmful consequences and stop defending it as a cultural necessity. The EU welcomes the work of UNFPA, WHO and UNICEF in this regard.

15 4. In view of its commitment, as expressed by the Common Position, to promote human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance in Africa and to serve as a framework for actions in this respect by individual Member States, the EU has inter alia: - welcomed the United Nations Secretary General s Report of 13 April 1998 on "the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa". - continued to give high priority to these issues in the ongoing EU political dialogue with the OAU and regional organisations such as SADC, as well as in contacts with individual countries; - monitored closely the evolution of the political situation throughout the continent; - continued to develop action in the field of human rights, which it intends to reflect in particular in the Annual EU report on Human Rights; - undertaken demarches, issued declarations and common statements in multi-lateral fora, and conveyed its views through letters by the Presidency urging African Governments to respect human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, in particular in the context of conflicts; - supported elections and sent election observers to a number of African countries. In some cases this has not appeared necessary, as the elections were generally expected to be free and fair without monitoring. Benin and South Africa were such cases. In other cases, no observers were sent, because the minimum standards formally agreed by the EU as preconditions for observation were not met and the EU did not want to be seen to be giving legitimacy to a flawed process. In order to encourage African Governments to assume their responsibilities to a far greater extent, they should not be given reason to believe that the EU will automatically support, let alone give its stamp of approval to their elections, irrespective of the manner in which they are carried out; - co-operated closely within the framework of the 55th session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva and took the lead on resolutions on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Sudan;. - pursued its efforts through the EU Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, to promote respect for human rights and democracy, not by imposing a European model but in accordance with African values and societies. These rights include at least the right to elect and be elected, the separation of powers and the respect for fundamental freedoms, including the rights of minorities. The message has been conveyed to the participants of the Arusha peace process for Burundi. In Rwanda, the elections at local level have been welcomed by the EU as first step towards democratisation and national reconciliation. The EU Special Envoy has encouraged the Government of Rwanda to find alternative judicial methods to deal with the some 120,000 persons detained for having instigated or participated in the 1994 genocide. The EU takes note of the Government s recent decision to refer to the traditional local judicial procedures the cases of the less seriously implicated. In the context of the DRC conflict, the Special Envoy has also to all parties involved stressed the need to fight against all forms of racial hatred and the need to protect the civilian population in the war zones;

16 - reaffirmed in a declaration of 18 February 1999 its commitment to supporting the democratisation process in its dialogue with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The current political situation and the ongoing civil war in the DRC have not allowed for the implementation of the planned support for the electoral programme within the framework of the Joint Action on support for Democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (97/875 CFSP) of 19 December Moreover, in view of the lack of commitment from the DRC Government to broaden its political base and take any credible steps towards democratisation, the Council is considering the renewal of the Common Position, due to expire on 30 June In order to create the conditions necessary for a proper democratisation process, consideration is also being given to supporting the current African mediation efforts in the DRC conflict and the national debate in DRC if the necessary conditions are met; - followed with growing concern the political situation in Angola where the Government is now engaged in an all out war with UNITA and at the same time involved in the DRC conflict. The EU in a declaration on 28 December, expressed deep concern about the serious deterioration of the overall political, military and security situation in Angola and repeatedly urged UNITA to fulfil unconditionally its obligations under the Lusaka protocol and respect relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The EU has also expressed its concern over the increasing human rights abuses and urged both parties to respect the international humanitarian law, to stop remining activities and to allow humanitarian organisations to operate freely throughout the country; - the EU has followed the preparations of the general elections due to take place in Mozambique in 1999 and has signed a 21 Meuros financing agreement with the Government in support of the elections; - made a demarche in Harare on 29 January and later called in the Zimbabwean ambassadors in European capitals to express the EU s concern regarding the unlawful arrest of journalists by the military, alleged torture by the military and by police authorities, the non-compliance with court orders and the violation of the freedom of expression. The EU continued to follow closely the situation in Zimbabwe, analysing the political impact of the deteriorating economic situation and of the military involvement in the DRC conflict, considering ways to support the country and has conveyed its concern to the Government of Zimbabwe; - through demarches to the Governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea and in various declarations, urged them to respect the human rights of each others citizens resident in their territory. The EU has also repeatedly appealed to both governments to refrain from violence and military action and to cooperate with the OAU s efforts to mediate a peaceful negotiated solution to the conflict. In this context, it has stressed the importance for both sides to de-escalate the conflict by adopting policies geared to the restoration of confidence between the governments and peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea including measures to improve the humanitarian situation. In October 1998, the Austrian Foreign Minister, in his capacity as President of the Council, sent letters to The President of Eritrea and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia to this effect. In February 1999, an EU Ministerial Troika led by German Minister of State Ludger Volmer, visited Asmara and Addis Ababa to urge both governments to stop the fighting and solve their conflict peacefully. Deeply troubled by the on-going influx of arms to the region, the EU imposed an arms embargo against Ethiopia and Eritrea in a Common Position of 15 March 1999;

17 - adopted on 22 December 1998 a Joint Action in support of the democratic process in Nigeria. Through the joint action, technical assistance was given to the Nigerian Independent Election Committee and to NGOs involved in preparing the elections. The EU sent a team of 100 observers to the 20 February parliamentary elections and the 27 February presidential elections. The Council congratulated the people of Nigeria on the outcome in a declaration on 3 March. Despite cases of fraud and manipulation, the Council believes the outcome reflected the will of the Nigerian people. The Council is considering further support to Nigeria in the transition to a democratically-elected civilian Government; - agreed, at the request of the Government of Togo and the opposition parties, together with France and Germany, to provide three facilitators who, together with a fourth facilitator from the Organisation of the Francophone Countries (OIF), would assist with the internal dialogue between the Government and the opposition, in seeking ways to overcome the political deadlock in Togo. However, the Government refused the request from the opposition to delay the parliamentary elections scheduled for 21 March. The EU in a declaration on 25 March expressed its regret that the envisaged dialogue between all Togolese parties had not taken place before the elections were held. The outcome of these elections, having been held without the participation of the opposition, could not be considered to reflect the will of the Togolese people. The EU has reiterated its readiness to support a future resumption of dialogue between all political forces in Togo. - in a declaration on 14 April, condemned the military coup in Niger. The Council on 29 April decided that the EU would reexamine its development cooperation with Niger, in accordance with the provisions in article 366a of the fourth revised Lome convention and invited the Government of Niger for consultations on how to remedy the situation; - made a detailed statement to the Consultative Group Meeting on Uganda in Kampala in December 1998, stressing that a consolidation of Uganda s achievements, further political and economic steps were necessary, not least to control corruption, to settle armed conflicts in a peaceful way and to allow broad-based political participation to take place. The EU expressed its willingness to assist Uganda in this endeavour. - made a demarche to the Government of Uganda urging it not to carry out the announced execution of 28 persons in Uganda on 29 April. In a declaration on 4 may it deplored that the executions had taken place, thus breaking a moratorium on executions in Uganda dating from 1996; - in a declaration on 7 May, condemned the military coup in the Comoros and announced that the EU would reexamine its development cooperation with the Comoros, in accordance with the provisions in article 366a of the fourth revised Lome convention. 5. The Council on 30 November 1998 adopted conclusions on democratisation, the rule of law and good governance. These confirm the principles of the Common Position and relate to the Commission Communication on Democratisation, the Rule of Law, Respect for Human Rights and Good Governance: The challenge of the partnership between the European Union and the ACP States. These Council conclusions cover all developing countries, not only the ACP countries, and emphasise the importance of a permanent dialogue between the EU and its developing country partners. The Conclusions also underline the need for coherence with the Union s external policy, in particular as defined by the Common Position.

18 The Council also on 30 November 1998 adopted a resolution on indigenous peoples. On 10 December it adopted a declaration on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the signature of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and notably the six point Action Programme which puts particular emphasis on education, training and awareness-raising in human rights. 6. The Council further on 29 April 1999 adopted two regulations laying down the requirements for the implementation of Community operations, both in the fields of development co-operation and in other areas, which, within the framework of the Community co-operation policy, contribute to the general objective of developing and consolidating democracy and the rule of law and to that of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. 7. The Council will continue to seek to improve further the co-ordination between its various bodies responsible for the different aspects of the issues covered by the Common Position and the Council s Conclusions on the matter to ensure that the objectives of the Common Position are taken into account in the work of all competent bodies, in particular in the implementation of the EU Code of Conduct on the Exports of Arms. 8. The Council will continue to review on a six-monthly basis the progress made concerning the implementation of the Common Position." (8523($1(&2120,&$5($ The Council approved on behalf of the EU two draft Decisions of the EEA Joint Committee amending Protocol 31 to the EEA Agreement on co-operation in the fields of: - information society and security of information systems, - and civil protection. These Decisions aim to ensure full participation of the EEA-EFTA States in Community actions in these areas. 52<$ &(66(863(&,$/5(35(6(17$7,9( The Council adopted a Decision appointing Panagiotis Roumeliotis as EU Special Representative for the Process of stability and good-neighbourliness in South East Europe (Royaumont Process). He shall perform his tasks under the responsibility of the EU Presidency and in full association with the Commission. This Decision aims at providing Mr Roumeliotis, who has already been acting as "Co-ordinator" for the Royaumont Process since November 1997, with the logistical base and the human resources needed to carry out his functions. It provides that the financial reference amount for the implementation of this Decision during the period from 31 May 1999 to 31 May 2000 will be euro (covering costs related to the remuneration of the Special Representative and his team, travel expenses and communication expenditure). $332,170(176 The Council adopted a decision appointing Mr Jörg HAIDER member of the Committee of the Regions in place of Mr Christoff ZERNATTO, who resigned following elections in Carinthia, for the remainder of his term of office, which expires on 25 January 2002.

19 0,6&(//$1(286 &281&,/58/(62)352&('85( The Council adopted its new Rules of Procedure, which are applicable from 1 June 1999, following to the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam. The main innovations in the new Rules of Procedure of the Council concern: - greater transparency when the Council acts in its legislative capacity: the new Rules provide a definition of cases where the Council acts in its legislative capacity. In those cases, the results of votes and explanations of votes by Council members, as well as the statements in the Council minutes and the items in those minutes relating to the adoption of legislative acts, shall be made public; - absence of entitlement to vote: for the purposes of application of the Rules of Procedure, due account will be taken of cases in which, under the Treaties, one or more members of the Council are not entitled to vote, i.e. in areas such as Economic and Monetary Union and Schengen cooperation; - the number of acts which will be automatically published in the Official Journal is increased; - Coreper may adopt under specific conditions certain procedural decisions; - reference is made in several provisions to the (new function of) Deputy Secretary-General; - there is a new provision in order to improve the quality of drafting. 5(325721/(*$/'$7$352&(66,1*:25. The Council took note of the "Report on legal data processing work during the first half of 1999". This report reviews work carried out i.a. on the CELEX system, and electronic dissemination of law in general, including the Commission Green Paper on public sector information in the information society.