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Europaudvalget 2009-10
3017 - Transport, tele- og energi
Offentligt

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

10418/10

PROVISIONAL VERSION

PRESSE 146

PRESS RELEASE

3017th Council meeting

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy

(Telecommunications and Energy items)

Brussels, 31 May 2010

President

Mr Miguel SEBASTIÁN

Minister for Industry, Tourism and Commerce of Spain

Mr Pedro Luis MARÍN URIBE

Secretary of State for Energy of Spain

PRESS

Rue de la Loi 175

B – 1048 BRUSSELS

Tel.: +32 (0)2 281 8914 / 6319

Fax: +32 (0)2 281 8026

[email protected] http://www.consilium.europa.eu/Newsroom

10418/10

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31.V.2010

Main results of the Council

telecommunications,

the Council took note of the presentation by the Commission of a communication on "A digital

agenda for Europe", on which it adopted conclusions.

In the same context, it held an exchange of views on a "European Code of rights of users of

electronic communications services".

In the margins of the Council, the Conference of the representatives of the governments of the

Member States took the decision to locate the Office of BEREC in Riga, Latvia.

energy,

the Council

–

took note of a progress report from the Presidency on the regulation concerning measures

to safeguard security of gas supply;

held an exchange of views concerning the approach to setting national targets for energy

efficiency, in preparation of the European Council of 17 June 2010;

adopted conclusions on the forthcoming Energy Strategy for Europe 2011-2020 and took

note of a report from the Commission on the implementation of Trans-European energy

network in the period 2007-2009;

was briefed by the Presidency and the Commission on recent developments regarding

international relations in the field of energy.

–

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

31.V.2010

CONTENTS

PARTICIPANTS................................................................................................................................ 5

ITEMS DEBATED

TELECOMMUNICATIONS............................................................................................................... 7

Digital agenda for Europe .................................................................................................................... 7

–

Council conclusions................................................................................................................................................. 7

"European Code of rights of users of electronic communications services" ........................................................... 8

ENERGY ............................................................................................................................................. 9

Regulation concerning measures to safeguard security of gas supply................................................. 9

National energy efficiency targets ..................................................................................................... 11

Energy strategy for Europe 2011-2020

- Council conclusions

.......................................................... 12

International relations in the field of energy...................................................................................... 14

OTHER BUSINESS .......................................................................................................................... 16

WORK PROGRAMME OF THE INCOMING PRESIDENCY....................................................... 19

MEETINGS IN THE MARGINS OF THE COUNCIL .................................................................... 19

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

TRANSPORT

–

Transportable pressure equipment*....................................................................................................................... 20

GENERAL AFFAIRS

–

Pre-accession assistance for Iceland...................................................................................................................... 20

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

(http://www.consilium.europa.eu).

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.

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FOREIGN AFFAIRS

–

31.V.2010

Relations with the Gulf States ............................................................................................................................... 21

EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Council ........................................................................................ 21

FISHERIES

–

EU-Seychelles agreement - Renewal of protocol .................................................................................................. 21

TRANSPARENCY

–

Transparency - public access to documents........................................................................................................... 21

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31.V.2010

PARTICIPANTS

Belgium:

Mr Vincent VAN QUICKENBORNE

Mr Paul MAGNETTE

Mr Didier SEEUWS

Bulgaria:

Mr Traicho TRAIKOV

Mr Parvan RUSINOV

Czech Republic:

Mr Martin TLAPA

Denmark:

Ms Lykke FRIIS

Mr. Jonas BERING LIISBERG

Germany:

Mr Rainer BRÜDERLE

Mr Jochen HOMANN

Mr Guido PERUZZO

Estonia:

Mr Juhan PARTS

Mr Gert ANTSU

Ireland:

Mr Eamon RYAN

Ms Geraldine BYRNE NASON

Greece:

Mr Nikos SIFOUNAKIS

Mr Leonidas C. ROKANAS

Spain:

Mr Miguel SEBASTIÁN

Mr Pedro Luis MARÍN URIBE

Mr Francisco ROS

France:

Ms Nathalie KOSCIUSKO-MORIZET

Italy:

Mr Paolo ROMANI

Mr Stefano SAGLIA

Cyprus:

Ms Zeta EMILIANIDOU

Mr George CHACALLI

Latvia:

Ms Dagnija STAKE

Mr Kaspars GERHARDS

Mr Artis KAMPARS

Lithuania:

Mr Rimvydas VASTAKAS

Luxembourg:

Mr François BILTGEN

Ms Michèle EISENBARTH

Minister for Enterprise and Simplification

Minister for Climate and Energy

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism

Deputy Minister for Transport, Communications and

Information Technology

Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade

Minister for Climate and Energy and Minister for Gender

Equality

Deputy Permanent Representative

Federal Minister for Economics and Technology

State Secretary for Economics and Technology

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for Economic Affairs and Communications

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural

Resources

Deputy Permanent Representative

Vice-Minister for Transport and Communications

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for Industry, Tourism and Trade

Secretary of State for Energy

Secretary of State for Telecommunications and the

Information Society

Secretary of State for Strategic Studies and the

Development of the Digital Economy

Vice-Minister for Communications

Deputy Minister for Economic Development

Permanent Secretary for Commerce,

Industry and Tourism

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for regional Development

Minister for Transports

Minister for Economics

Deputy Minister for Transport and Communications

Minister for Labour and Employment, Minister for

Culture, Higher Education and Research, Minister for

Religious Affairs

Deputy Permanent Representative

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Hungary:

Ms Agnes VARGHA

Malta:

Ms Theresa CUTAJAR

Netherlands:

Ms Maria VAN DER HOEVEN

Mr Peter W. KOK

Austria:

Mr Harald GÜNTHER

Poland:

Mr Marcin KOROLEC

Mr Piotr KOLODZIEJCZYK

Portugal:

Mr José Carlos ZORRINHO

Mr Paulo CAMPOS

Ms Ana Paula ZACARIAS

Romania:

Mr Adriean VIDEANU

Mr Cristian BADESCU

Slovenia:

Mr Jozsef GYÖRKÖS

Mr Uroš VAJGL

Slovakia:

Mr Lubomír VÁ�½NY

Finland:

Ms Suvi LINDÉN

Ms Riina NEVAMÄKI

Sweden:

Mr Leif ZETTERBERG

Mr Ola ALTERÅ

United Kingdom:

Mr Charles HENDRY

Mr Ed VAIZEY

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for Economic Affairs

Deputy Permanent Representative

Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs

Under-Secretary of State for the Interior and

Administration

31.V.2010

State Secretary for Energy and Innovation

Under-Secretary of State for Public Works, Transport and

Telecommunication

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for Economics

Deputy Permanent Representative

State Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science

and Technology

Deputy Permanent Representative

Minister for Transport

Minister for Communications

Secretary of State,

Ministry of Employment and the

Economy

State Secretary, Ministry of Communications

State Secretary, Ministry of Enterprise and Energy

Minister of State, Department for Energy and Climate

Change

Minister for Culture

Commission:

Ms Neelie KROES

Mr Günther OETTINGER

Vice-President

Member of the Commission

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ITEMS DEBATED

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Digital agenda for Europe

–

Council conclusions

31.V.2010

The Council took note of a presentation by commissioner Neelie Kroes of the Commission's

communication "A digital agenda for Europe"(9981/10), on which it adopted conclusions that can

be found in document (10130/10).

Ministers welcomed the "digital agenda", endorsing the seven main areas for action identified in it

and emphasising the importance of digital technologies for employment and economic growth.

Several delegations highlighted support for the development of a digital single market with fast

internet and interoperable applications, as well as the environmental added value of the agenda.

The digital agenda for Europe is the first of the seven flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020

strategy for jobs and growth. Concrete proposals still have to follow as the Commission will report

annually on the implementation of the agenda.

The conclusions acknowledge the importance of the "digital agenda" in economic, social and

cultural contexts.

They endorse the establishment of an ambitious action agenda for instance to :

–

create a fully functioning digital Single Market to the benefit of European businesses, in

particular SMEs, and European consumers and

take coordinated measures on network and information security in order to increase trust

and confidence in cyberspace.

–

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–

"European Code of rights of users of electronic communications services"

31.V.2010

The Council held an exchange of views on a "European Code of rights of users of electronic

communications services".

It reached a broad consensus about a codification of existing EU legislation on online rights.

The aim is to have at EU level a simple, user-friendly tool bringing together all the rights of users of

electronic communications services in the areas of ICT (Information and Communications

Technology) and consumer protection. By being better informed, citizens can better exercise their

rights and benefit from the procedures provided by member states for redress and dispute

resolution.

Moreover, the Commission proposal for a "digital agenda" indicates the Commission's intention to

issue a code of EU online rights by 2012 that summarises existing digital user rights in the EU in a

clear and accessible way.

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ENERGY

Regulation concerning measures to safeguard security of gas supply

31.V.2010

In public deliberation, the Presidency informed the Council of progress achieved on this proposal

(9817/10)

which was presented by the Commission in July 2009

(11892/09),

in response to the call

by the European Council and the European Parliament for an accelerated revision of the existing

directive to take into account the new developments in the Union's internal gas market and to

prevent new crises in the sector. The Council has been working steadily on the proposal which

constitutes one the main priorities of the Spanish presidency. Negotiations with the EP are already

underway and the Presidency expects to reach a first-reading agreement during this six-month

period.

The aim of the regulation is to establish measures for safeguarding the security of gas supply by

ensuring the proper and continuous functioning of the internal gas market and by providing a clear

definition and allocation of responsibilities, as well as an efficient coordination of response at the

level of the member states and the Union regarding both preventive action and the response to

specific disruptions of supply.

In general, ministers agreed that priority should be given to market based measures -

inter alia,

production and import flexibility, fuel switch, increased use of renewable energy sources - for as

long as possible when coping with disruptions, and that one of the requirements for completing the

internal market for gas, as well as for complying with the so-called N-1 rule was investing in

infrastructures, in particular interconnections, equipment allowing physical bidirectional flows on

pipelines, storage capacities, etc.

Regarding the supply standard, some member states favoured a narrower definition of "protected

customers", while others considered that this should be understood as a minimum standard,

allowing member states to go beyond the minimum requirements set out in the regulation under

certain specific conditions.

Ministers also underlined the importance of regional cooperation as a valuable element of the

solidarity among member states which is acknowledged and encouraged in the regulation although

its modalities will remain voluntary and will have to be implemented in a flexible way.

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Several ministers also called for a clearer definition of the roles of member states- notably through

their competent authorities- and of the Commission concerning actions to be taken in case of a

Union or regional emergency.

Most member states underlined that the Union's dependence on imported energy is a significant

additional risk for its security of energy supply and that relations with third countries were of

particular relevance in the context of the necessary diversification of sources of supply and routes.

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National energy efficiency targets

31.V.2010

In preparation for the European Council of 17 June 2010, ministers held an exchange of views

concerning the approach to setting national targets for energy efficiency, on the basis of a note from

the Presidency

(9767/10 +

COR 1)

and taking into account the outcome of the bilateral dialogues of

the Commission with member states on this issue, as presented by Commissioner Oettinger.

The Commission recalled that it had been invited by the March European Council to monitor the

consistency of national targets with the European headline target of 20% increase in energy

efficiency, using a common approach. The aim of its current stocktaking exercise is to obtain a clear

overall picture of the ongoing and/or already planned national measures designed to attain the 20%

indicative target for energy savings by 2020, in order to establish a methodology for defining those

targets and how to compare them with the EU target.

Most ministers stressed the fact that national targets will have to be indicative reflecting the

individual needs and specific situations of the member states, and that member states should choose

the calculation method which they find most appropriate, especially since several of them have

already established plans and are implementing measures for reaching the 20% energy efficiency

goal.

One of the main issues discussed during the bilateral contacts was the use for calculations at the EU

level of "primary energy savings" (derived from "primary energy consumption", which includes the

generation and transport of energy), as favoured by the Commission, versus "final energy savings"

(derived from "final energy consumption", which is the amount consumed by end users), preferred

by several member states.

Concluding, the Commission indicated that it would launch a study on how best to set targets on

energy efficiency and that it expects member states to provide information on their energy

efficiency targets/programmes in due course. The Presidency will report on this matter to the

General Affairs Council which will prepare the June European Council.

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Energy strategy for Europe 2011-2020

- Council conclusions

31.V.2010

Ministers held an exchange of views on the forthcoming Energy Strategy for Europe 2011-2020, as

a first contribution to the consultation process that was launched by the Commission- prior to its

presentation of the new strategy. The strategy is expected to be endorsed by the European Council

in March 2011.

Following an assessment of what has been achieved over recent years in the energy sector, the

Commission identified a series of shortcomings/gaps that need to be addressed within the

framework of the following five policy areas, in addition to better implementation of agreed

policies:

–

Modern integrated grids

Making progress towards a low-carbon energy system

Achieving leadership in technological innovation

Strong and coordinated external energy policy

Protecting EU citizens.

Most ministers agreed on the key role of the energy policy in the framework of the Europe 2020

strategy

and underlined that a balance must be found between sustainable energy goals and

economic growth. Several ministers considered that the EU should look beyond 2020 and in this

context welcomed the Commission's forthcoming decarbonisation roadmap for 2050.

A significant number of member states also called for the swift implementation of the Industrial

Initiatives projects under the SET-Plan (European Strategic Energy Technology Plan)

(6688/10).

Several ministers expressed concern that the implementation of these and other projects and

initiatives could imply additional administrative burdens for member states.

Several ministers again stressed the importance of the external dimension of the EU's energy policy

and called for progress in the development of interconnections.

Europe 2020: a strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth"(7110/10).

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31.V.2010

By way of preparation for the future Energy Action Plan, the Council also adopted conclusions

(9744/10)

on principles underlying the future EU energy strategy and on certain procedural steps

leading up to its endorsement.

Furthermore, Ministers took note of a report from the Commission on the implementation of

Trans-European energy networks

in the period 2007-2009

(9354/10),

considering its relevance to

the Commission's future Energy Action Plan. The EU policy on TEN-E projects was launched in

1996 and the current objectives of the TEN-E framework are to:

–

support completion of the internal energy market;

reduce isolation of less-favoured and island regions;

secure and diversify energy supplies, including through cooperation with third countries;

contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection.

This analysis and its conclusions prepare the ground for the upcoming proposal for a new EU

Energy Security and Infrastructure Instrument (as requested by the March 2009 European Council

and as anticipated in the Second Strategic Energy Review

) and the Green Paper on energy

networks.

See also:

–

Council conclusions on Energy Security

(5215/09);

Council conclusions on the Second Strategic Energy Review

(5964/09);

Green Paper: Towards a secure, sustainable and competitive European energy network

(15927/08).

6692/09

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International relations in the field of energy

31.V.2010

Ministers were informed by the Presidency and the Commission of recent developments regarding

international relations in the field of energy.

EU-US Energy Council

The EU-US Energy Council, established at the EU-US Summit on 3 November 2009, met for the

first time on 4 November 2009. Since then, work has focused on the establishment of its three

Working Groups and their priorities. All working groups have already held their first meeting and

the main items in discussion are the following:

–

global energy security and global market: Southern Corridor/Trans-Caspian and global

energy markets, among others;

energy policies: biofuel sustainability, nuclear safety, energy efficiency, carbon capture

and storage (CCS) and smart grids/electric vehicles;

energy technology, R& D: such as, solar power, biofuels, smart grids, energy-efficient

buildings.

–

EU-OPEC

The seventh meeting of the EU-OPEC Energy Dialogue is scheduled for 28 June 2010 in Brussels.

Recent energy policies, oil market developments and long-term energy developments will be

discussed.

12th International Energy Forum (IEF), Cancún (Mexico)

This meeting took place on 29-31 March 2010, and was hosted by Mexico, with Germany and

Kuwait co-hosting. Sixty three countries were represented at ministerial level, and a ministerial

declaration was approved.

(www.ief.org/)

The main result of the meeting is that a High-Level Steering Group was established and given the

task of drafting the IEF Charter. The Forum also identified areas for cooperation with the

International Energy Agency (IEA) and OPEC. The IEF Charter is expected to be approved by

Ministers convening in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) before March 2011. The 13th IEF will take place in

Kuwait in 2012.

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Euromed - Union for the Mediterranean

31.V.2010

Preparations are underway for the sixth Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial meeting on energy and

renewable energy which could take place after the summer. The main items on the agenda are the

Mediterranean Solar Plan, the Euro-Med Energy Strategy and Energy Cooperation, and the

sustainable development of the energy sector. A ministerial declaration and a Strategy Paper on the

Mediterranean Solar Plan are expected to be approved during the meeting.

Russia/Ukraine

The relations between these two countries have significantly improved. Furthermore, Ukraine

continues to take part in the work of the Energy Security Platform of the Eastern Partnership

which held its third meeting on 20 May, addressing security of supply and energy efficiency in

buildings.

Energy Community

The Republic of Moldova became a full member as of 1 May 2010 while Ukraine's full accession is

linked to the adoption of a law on the gas sector. The next ministerial Council is scheduled for 24

September 2010 in Skopje, under the presidency of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Eastern dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy (EU-27 + Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia,

the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine).

A treaty aimed at establishing a fully integrated electricity and gas market among the countries of South

Eastern Europe (Albania, Bosnia- Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, FYROM, Romania, Serbia-

Montenegro

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OTHER BUSINESS

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Universal Service - Outcome of the public consultation

31.V.2010

The Commission informed the Council on the first results of the consultation (10244/10) about the

future of the universal service. The main potential policy options for further examination that

resulted from the consultation are following:

–

Phasing out the current sector-specific universal service provisions at EU level;

Providing clarity and legal certainty within the current EU legislative provisions on

universal service, in particular regarding national flexibility on internet / broadband access;

and

Amending the EU legislative provisions on universal service in order to contribute meeting

the universal coverage objective of "broadband for all".

–

Progress Report on the Single European Electronic Communications Market 2009

The Commission presented its annual progress report on the single European electronic

communications market (10245/10), outlining market and regulatory developments in the EU’s

electronic communications sector in 2009.

Europe's Digital Competitiveness Report

The Commission presented the annual benchmarking report analysing recent developments in the

ICT field and identifying areas where further action is needed, as the Commission has proposed in

its digital agenda for Europe (9857/10).

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Ministerial meeting EU-Latin America and Caribbean Countries

31.V.2010

The Presidency informed delegations about the ministerial meeting on "digital content for a digital

society", which took place from 14-16 March 2010, in La Granja de San Ildefonso (Spain). The

Forum took stock of the public policies implemented in the last few years and debated the needs

and priorities of future digital agendas that may contribute to reducing the digital gap and

promoting economic growth, taking into account the characteristics of each region. The main

conclusions of the Forum were agreed in a Declaration (10036/10).

ENERGY

Proposal for a Regulation regarding a programme to aid economic recovery by granting

Community financial assistance to projects in the field of energy

Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the

implementation of the European Energy Programme for Recovery

The European Energy Programme for Recovery (EEPR) forms part of the European Economic

Recovery Plan, adopted in November 2008 as a response to the economic and financial crisis in

Europe. This report is an obligation under the current regulation (art. 28), which lays down that the

Commission is to monitor and present an annual report on its implementation.

The original Regulation 663/2009

granted € 3.98 billion for gas and electricity infrastructure

projects, offshore wind electricity projects, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. In its

report the Commission estimates that around € 114 million will not be committed. The Commission

therefore proposes to use these funds for the creation of a dedicated financial instrument to support

energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, especially in urban settings within the

Sustainable Energy Financing Initiative, as announced in the Second Strategic Energy Review. The

proposed instrument is limited to the financing of measures that have a rapid, measurable and

substantial impact on economic recovery within the EU, increase energy security and reduce

greenhouse gas emissions.

Signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Turkey and the

Hellenic Republic on cooperation in the field of energy

The Council was informed of the above by the Greek delegation.

(OJ L 200, 31.7.2009)

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Baltic Energy Market interconnection plan (BEMIP)

31.V.2010

The Commission briefed the Council on progress concerning the plan's implementation. The

BEMIP is an action plan on energy interconnections and market improvement in the Baltic Sea

Region which was launched in June 2009 and is aimed at connecting Finland, Estonia, Latvia and

Lithuania (the so-called "energy islands") to the EU internal market.

Oil spill in Mexico

The tragic accident that occured on a drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico highlighted the risks

associated with off-shore oil and gas operations. Europe, including Norway, is producing about 200

million tonnes of crude oil a year, most of it coming from the North Sea. The EU must also deal

with the possibility of an accident near its shores. Although there are specific bodies and

mechanisms in the EU which can quickly respond to a possible accident, it is important to underline

that no regulatory regime in itself can give a 100% guarantee of safety.

In this context, Commissioner Oettinger, with the participation of Commissioner Georgieva, held a

high-level meeting with the largest operators active in European waters on 11 May. In this meeting

the industry was asked to make a commitment that all possible efforts are made to avoid a similar

accident near EU shores. A second meeting is scheduled for July.

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WORK PROGRAMME OF THE INCOMING PRESIDENCY

31.V.2010

The Council heard a concise presentation by the Belgian delegation of the major outlines of a work

programme in the field of telecommunications to be undertaken during its term, from July to

December 2010.

The incoming Presidency also outlined its main priorities in the field of energy:

–

Energy Strategy

Infrastructure package

Decarbonisation roadmap

Consumer protection

Energy efficiency.

MEETINGS IN THE MARGINS OF THE COUNCIL

In the margins of the Council, the Presidency convened the Conference of the representatives of the

governments of the member states which took the decision to locate the seat of the Office of

BEREC (Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications) in Riga, Latvia.

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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

TRANSPORT

Transportable pressure equipment*

31.V.2010

The Council adopted a directive (PE-CONS

14/10

9574/10

ADD 1)

updating and streamlining the

provisions of a 1999 directive on transportable pressure equipment, aimed at enhancing transport

safety for such equipment and ensuring its free movement in a single transport market.

This revision eliminates conflicting rules and simplifies the regulatory framework, especially as

regards conformity assessment procedures, without substantially modifying the scope or measures

provided for by the 1999 directive. As a consequence of the revision, several directives relating to

pressure equipment are repealed.

The text contains rules on the obligations of the different economic operators, the conformity of the

equipment, and inspection and monitoring bodies and their mutual recognition.

GENERAL AFFAIRS

Pre-accession assistance for Iceland

The Council adopted a regulation including Iceland in the list of eligible countries for EU pre-

accession assistance (12/10). EU pre-accession assistance provides for assistance to candidate and

potential candidate countries in their progressive alignment with standards and policies of the

European Union with a view to membership.

Following Iceland's application for membership of the European Union on 16 July 2009, the

Council invited the Commission to submit to the Council its opinion on Iceland's application. The

Commission submitted its opinion on 24 February 2010. The Council is studying the issue in order

to decide whether to grant candidate status to Iceland and to open accession negotiations.

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FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Relations with the Gulf States

31.V.2010

The Council took note of preparations in view of the 20th EU-Gulf Cooperation Council joint

ministerial meeting, to take place in Luxembourg on 14 June 2010.

EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Council

The Council took note of the preparations for the first meeting of the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation

and Association Council, to take place in Luxembourg on 14 June 2010.

This will be the first meeting of the EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Council after the

entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement on 1 May 2010. The agreement

provides the contractual framework within which the EU and Montenegro will intensify their co-

operation and take stock of developments in their relationship.

FISHERIES

EU-Seychelles agreement - Renewal of protocol

The Council adopted a decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations for the renewal of

the existing protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreements with Seychelles which will expire on

17 January 2011.

TRANSPARENCY

Transparency - public access to documents

The Council adopted the reply to confirmatory application No 13/c/01/10, the Danish, Finnish and

Swedish delegations voting against (doc.

8498/10).

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