PRESS RELEASE. 2896th Council meeting. General Affairs and External Relations. General Affairs. Luxembourg, 13 October 2008

Transcription

1 COU CIL OF THE EUROPEA U IO EN 14136/08 (Presse 287) PRESS RELEASE 2896th Council meeting General Affairs and External Relations General Affairs Luxembourg, 13 October 2008 President Bernard KOUCH ER French Minister for Foreign and European Affairs * The 2897th meeting on External Relations is the subject of a separate press release (14137/08). P R E S S R u e d e l a L o i B B R U S S E L S T e l. : ( 0 ) / F a x : ( 0 ) press.office@consilium.europa.eu /08 (Presse 287) 1

2 Main results of the Council The Council adopted conclusions welcoming the increase in the pace of its relations with the Republic of Moldova, stating that the EU was ready to have a deeper relationship in the framework of the European eighbourhood Policy and to negotiate a new and ambitious agreement with Moldova soon. This agreement, which will go beyond the current Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, and which will include the aim of a free trade area, will aim gradually to bring the Republic of Moldova and the EU closer together. The pace and quality of reforms in Moldova will continue to affect the nature of its relations with the EU. The Council also agreed to establish a strategic partnership with Mexico, which will enable the parties jointly to promote their values and common interests on the world stage. This strategic partnership will aim to strengthen cooperation between the EU and Mexico on crisis situations and global challenges, and to give renewed impetus to cooperation in many areas /08 (Presse 287) 2

3 CO TTS 1 PARTICIPA TS... 5 ITEMS DEBATED PREPARATION FOR THE OCTOBER MEETING OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL... 7 OTHER ITEMS APPROVED EXTER AL RELATIO S Preparation for the EU-Canada Summit... 8 EU-South Africa... 8 Relations with the Republic of Moldova - Council conclusions... 8 Georgia - Monitoring Mission - Mandate of the Special Representative for the South Caucasus... 9 Arms exports - Report on the implementation of the EU Code of Conduct... 9 EU-Mexico strategic partnership - Council conclusions EUROPEA SECURITY A D DEFCE POLICY EUFOR Tchad/RCA military operation - Participation by Russia United States - Participation in the "EULEX KOSOVO" Rule of Law Mission DEVELOPMT COOPERATIO Rehabilitation aid following the tsunami in December 2004 and Hurricane Mitch Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation - Budget ACP Countries Economic partnership agreement with the Caribbean countries Guyana BUDGETS The Union's Agencies - Court of Auditors' Report - Council conclusions Where declarations, conclusions or resolutions have been formally adopted by the Council, this is indicated in the heading for the item concerned and the text is placed between quotation marks. Documents for which references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site ( Acts adopted with statements for the Council minutes which may be released to the public are indicated by an asterisk; these statements are available on the Council's Internet site or may be obtained from the Press Office /08 (Presse 287) 3

4 TRADE POLICY Anti-dumping measures Cuba Tariff quotas for cane sugar - EU enlargement GERAL AFFAIRS Communicating Europe in partnership Proceedings in the Council's various configurations /08 (Presse 287) 4

5 PARTICIPA TS The governments of the Member States and the European Commission were represented as follows: Belgium: Mr Olivier CHASTEL Bulgaria: Mr Ivailo KALFIN Czech Republic: Mr Alexandr VONDRA Mr Karel SCHWARZENBERG Denmark: Mr Per Stig MØLLER Germany: Mr Günter GLOSER Estonia: Mr Urmas PAET Ireland: Mr Micheál MARTIN Greece: Ms Theodora BAKOYANNI Spain: Mr Miguel Ángel MORATINOS CUYAUBÉ Mr Diego LÓPEZ GARRIDO France: Mr Bernard KOUCHNER Mr Jean-Pierre JOUYET Italy: Mr Franco FRATTINI Cyprus: Mr Andreas MAVROYIANNIS Latvia: Mr Māris RIEKSTIŅŠ Lithuania: Mr Petras VAITIEKŪNAS Luxembourg: Mr Jean ASSELBORN Mr Nicolas SCHMIT Hungary: Ms Kinga GÖNCZ Malta: Mr Tonio BORG etherlands: Mr Maxime VERHAGEN Mr Frans TIMMERMANS Austria: Ms Ursula PLASSNIK State Secretary for Foreign Affairs with responsibility for preparing for the European Presidency, attached to the Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister for Foreign and European Affairs State Secretary for the European Union Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs Permanent Representative Deputy Prime Minister, and Immigration Minister with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs Federal Minister for European and International Affairs 14136/08 (Presse 287) 5

6 Poland: Mr Mikołaj DOWGIELEWICZ Portugal: Mr Manuel LOBO ANTUNES Romania: Mr Lazăr COMĂNESCU Slovenia: Mr Dimitrij RUPEL Slovakia: Ms Olga ALGAYEROVA Finland: Mr Alexander STUBB Ms Astrid THORS Sweden: Mr Carl BILDT Ms Cecilia MALMSTRÖM United Kingdom: Mr David MILIBAND State Secretary, Office of the Committee for European Integration Deputy State Secretary with responsibility for European Affairs State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister for Migration and European Affairs Minister for European Affairs Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Commission: Ms Benita FERRERO-WALDNER Member General Secretariat of the Council: Mr Javier SOLANA Secretary-General/High Representative for the CFSP 14136/08 (Presse 287) 6

7 ITEMS DEBATED PREPARATIO FOR THE OCTOBER MEETI G OF THE EUROPEA COU CIL The Council examined the draft conclusions drawn up by the Presidency for the meeting of the European Council to be held in Brussels on 15 and 16 October The European Council will focus mainly on the financial situation. It should also address: the Treaty of Lisbon; the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum; environmental and energy questions (energy and climate change, energy security); follow-up to the extraordinary meeting of the European Council on 1 September on the crisis in Georgia /08 (Presse 287) 7

8 OTHER ITEMS APPROVED EXTER AL RELATIO S Preparation for the EU-Canada Summit The Council noted the preparations for the EU-Canada Summit to be held in Montreal on 17 October EU-South Africa The Council noted the preparations for the 9th meeting of the EU-South Africa Cooperation Council, to be held in Cape Town on 21 October Relations with the Republic of Moldova - Council conclusions The Council adopted the following conclusions: "1. The EU welcomes the recent increase in the pace of its relations with the Republic of Moldova. It is ready to have a deeper relationship in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy and to negotiate a new and ambitious agreement with Moldova soon. This agreement will go beyond the current Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and will include the aim of a comprehensive and deep free-trade area, to be put in place when the Republic of Moldova is ready to sustain the effects of full liberalisation of its trade with the EU. The aim of the agreement will be gradually to bring the Republic of Moldova and the EU closer together. The Council recalls in this connection, the facilitation agreement on visas which lays down the introduction of a visa-free travel regime for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova as a long-term perspective. 2. The Council would recall that the pace and quality of reforms in the Republic of Moldova will affect the nature of its relations with the EU. In this context, it would encourage the Moldovan authorities to make the necessary efforts to strengthen the rule of law and to implement their commitments on human rights and fundamental freedoms. The EU attaches particular importance to the parliamentary elections in the spring of 2009 being conducted in a democratic manner /08 (Presse 287) 8

9 3. The EU will increase its engagement in efforts to resolve the conflict in Transnistria and reaffirms its attachment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova. The Council would recall that the "5 + 2" negotiating format is the only guarantee of the transparency and legitimacy needed to find a lasting solution. It calls on all the parties concerned to resume negotiations in the "5 + 2" format. It encourages the parties to the conflict to work together on confidence-building measures and stresses the contribution made by assistance from the Community and the Member States in supporting and facilitating this process." Georgia - Monitoring Mission - Mandate of the Special Representative for the South Caucasus The Council adopted a Joint Action amending the mandate of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Mr Peter Semneby, to extend his coordination role in the region in relation to the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (13185/08). On 15 September 2008, the Council adopted a Joint Action establishing an EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia ("EUMM Georgia"), with the aim of contributing to stability in Georgia and in the region. This Mission, in which some 200 observers are participating, has been active on the ground since 1 October See also: Arms exports - Report on the implementation of the EU Code of Conduct The Council noted the tenth annual report on the EU Code of Conduct on arms exports (13539/08). The Code of Conduct provides for the annual submission to the Council of a summary report drawn up on the basis of contributions from the Member States. The report reviews the operation of the Code and incorporates any improvements which need to be made /08 (Presse 287) 9

10 The Code of Conduct sets out criteria for the control of conventional arms, and a denial notification procedure requiring Member States to consult on possible undercuts. It contributes to the harmonisation of national arms export control policies. Several third countries have also aligned themselves with the criteria and principles of the Code: the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, Iceland, Montenegro and Norway. See also: EU-Mexico strategic partnership - Council conclusions The EU and Mexico have maintained unbroken relations since 1960, and are tied by a global and ambitious Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement that entered into force in The EU and Mexico share the same commitment to the principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and to an effective multilateral system, the keystone of which is the United Nations. Trading relations and cooperation between the two sides are constantly intensifying, to mutual advantage. The Council also recognises Mexico's growing role on the international scene, e.g. as the only Latin American member of the OECD, a participant in the G 5 and one of the major economic and political powers in Latin America. The EU and Mexico have long, fruitful experience of coordination in international organisations. The Council has therefore given a favourable response to Mexico's suggestion for the establishment of a strategic partnership and has accordingly adopted the following conclusions: "The Council welcomes the communication from the Commission entitled: "Towards an EU-Mexico Strategic Partnership" proposing the strengthening of relations between the EU and Mexico /08 (Presse 287) 10

11 1. The Council notes that since 1960 the European Union and Mexico have maintained unbroken relations which have been constantly consolidated and deepened. It notes that the EU and Mexico are tied by a global and ambitious Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement that was signed in 1997 and entered into force in The Agreement constitutes a preferential framework for deepening bilateral relations in the political, trade and cooperation areas. The Council has further observed that on a political level a sustained dialogue has been established between the two Parties, in particular by regularly holding bilateral Summits, Joint Council meetings at ministerial level and Joint Committee meetings in the framework of the Association Agreement. The Council welcomes the fact that, in the economic area, the European Union is the second trading partner of Mexico and the second foreign investor in that country. 2. Based on this, the Council considers that the time has now come to enter a new stage as this will enable the EU to fully enhance its special relations with a State that shares similar values and principles and exerts growing influence on the global scene. 3. The Council further notes that this key country shares the EU's commitment to the principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It notes with satisfaction that political changeover at the head of the State has consolidated democratic life. Mexico has moreover become a party to most international instruments on the promotion and respect of human rights, including the rights of indigenous peoples. The Council underlines the efforts made by Mexico to meet the requirements set by those instruments. It encourages Mexico to continue on this path with a view to securing their full implementation and strengthening governance and respect for human rights throughout its territory. 4. The Council recalls that the European Union and Mexico share the same commitment to an effective multilateral system, the keystone of which is the United Nations. It observes that Mexican support for multilateralism is apparent notably at financial level through Mexico's contribution to the United Nations budget, the tenth largest contribution at global level. Mexico's and the European Union's commitment towards multilateralism should contribute to the development of a fruitful partnership in international fora /08 (Presse 287) 11

12 5. The Council also acknowledges Mexico's growing role on the global scene. It recalls that Mexico is the only Latin American member of the OECD, that it takes part in the Heiligendamm Process within the G5 and is one of the major economic powers in Latin America, a region in which it exerts far-reaching influence. The Council underlines the strategic positioning of Mexico between North America and Latin America which makes Mexico the link between these two regional entities and enables it to play a growing role in working out the international community's responses to global challenges. The Council welcomes Mexico's contribution to bringing closer together the positions of developed countries and emerging powers. 6. The Council therefore subscribes to the Commission's recommendation aimed at establishing a strategic partnership between the European Union and Mexico. The Council considers that this partnership should primarily be implemented in the existing legal and institutional framework established by the Association Agreement and which has proved both relevant and effective. 7. The Council considers that the strengthening of the relationship between the EU and Mexico should help deepen the strategic partnership between the EU and Latin America by facilitating the search for a consensus at regional level. In the Council's view, the principal objective of the strategic partnership between the EU and Mexico should be to jointly promote their values and common interests on the global scene. The partnership should in particular help both parties strengthen their dialogue and cooperation in international fora on crisis situations and global challenges. Finally, the Council believes that the partnership will give renewed impetus to cooperation between the two parties in many areas including those of peace and security, the fight against terrorism, organised crime and illicit drugs as well as arms and human trafficking, human rights, social cohesion, migration and regional integration, sustainable development, environmental protection and the fight against climate change." As with other strategic partners, a joint action plan will subsequently be drawn up /08 (Presse 287) 12

13 EUROPEA SECURITY A D DEFCE POLICY EUFOR Tchad/RCA military operation - Participation by Russia The Council adopted a Decision approving the conclusion of an agreement with Russia on Russia's participation in the European Union military operation in Chad and in the Central African Republic (Operation EUFOR Tchad/RCA) (10806/08). United States - Participation in the "EULEX KOSOVO" Rule of Law Mission The Council adopted a Decision authorising the conclusion of an agreement with the United States with a view to US participation in the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX KOSOVO). (12599/08). DEVELOPMT COOPERATIO Rehabilitation aid following the tsunami in December 2004 and Hurricane Mitch The Council adopted the conclusions set out in 13259/08. Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation - Budget ACP Countries The Council gave its agreement to a draft Decision on the adoption by the ACP-EU Committee of Ambassadors of the budget for the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation for 2009 (13228/08) /08 (Presse 287) 13

14 Economic partnership agreement with the Caribbean countries Guyana The Council approved a draft joint statement to be made with the Cariforum states concerning the signing by the Cooperative Republic of Guyana of the EU/Cariforum Economic Partnership Agreement (13715/08). The draft statement declares the intention of the countries signing the partnership agreement to adopt a protocol which will allow Guyana to sign and apply the agreement in the future. The EU/Cariforum Economic Partnership Agreement is due to be signed in Barbados on 15 October BUDGETS The Union's Agencies - Court of Auditors' Report - Council conclusions The Council adopted conclusions on the Court of Auditors' report on the decentralised agencies of the Union, as set out in 13538/08. TRADE POLICY Anti-dumping measures The Council adopted Regulations to: impose a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of sulphanilic acid originating in China and India following an expiry review pursuant to Regulation 384/96 (13063/08); 14136/08 (Presse 287) 14

15 impose a definitive countervailing duty on imports of sulphanilic acid originating in India following an expiry review pursuant to Regulation 2026/97 and a partial interim review pursuant to Regulation 2026/97 and amending the Regulation imposing a definitive antidumping duty on imports of sulphanilic acid originating in China and India following an expiry review pursuant to Regulation 384/96 (13075/08); and imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain tube and pipe fittings, of iron or steel, originating in the Republic of Korea and Malaysia following an expiry review pursuant to Regulation 384/96 (13103/08). Cuba Tariff quotas for cane sugar - EU enlargement The Council adopted a Decision and a Regulation on the adjustment of tariff quotas for cane sugar from Cuba to the requirements of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) following EU enlargement in The Council Decision (13194/08) approves the conclusion of an agreement with Cuba on the addition of tonnes of raw cane sugar for refining to the present volume of the Community tariff quota ( tonnes). The agreement also provides for a specific quota of tonnes for the 2008/2009 marketing year and a specific quota of tonnes for the 2009/2010 marketing year. This agreement follows upon negotations under the GATT relating to the modification of concessions in the schedules of Bulgaria and Romania in the course of their accession to the EU in January The Regulation (13198/08) amends and supplements Regulation 2658/87 on Community customs tariffs /08 (Presse 287) 15

16 GERAL AFFAIRS Communicating Europe in partnership The Council adopted the text of a political statement (13712/08) entitled "Communicating Europe in partnership", which is also to be adopted by the European Parliament and by the Commission. The statement follows upon the Commission White Paper on a European communication policy, submitted in February 2006, and the communication "Communicating Europe in partnership", presented by the Commission in October It is intended to reinforce cooperation between the EU institutions and the Member States in the area of communication regarding the Union, inter alia by annual identification of common communication priorities. Proceedings in the Council's various configurations The Council took note of a report produced by the Presidency on proceedings in its various configurations (13802/08) /08 (Presse 287) 16