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Europaudvalget 2014-15 (1. samling)
Rådsmøde 3341 - alm. anl.
Offentligt

Council of the

European Union

14452/14

(OR. en)

PRESSE 531

PR CO 53

PRESS RELEASE

3341st Council meeting

General Affairs

Luxembourg, 21 October 2014

President

Sandro Gozi

State Secretary for European Affairs of Italy

PRESS

Rue de la Loi 175 B – 1048 BRUSSELS Tel.: +32 (0)2 281 6319 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 8026

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

14452/14

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21 October 2014

Main results of the Council

European Council preparations

The Council prepared the European Council meeting of 23-24 October and held an exchange of

views via video link with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy. The European Council

will focus in particular on climate and energy, with the objective of reaching agreement on a new

climate and energy policy framework for 2030. "The

tone of the discussions was very encouraging.

There is a real political will to find a solution and an agreement is possible",

said Sandro Gozi,

State Secretary for European Affairs of Italy and President of the Council.

Follow-up to the June European Council

As a follow-up to the June European Council the Council took stock of the strategic agenda,

focusing on the chapter on freedom, security and justice. Ministers discussed what could be done to

improve or accelerate implementation. Particular attention was given to the issues of foreign

fighters and EU passenger name records.

Strengthening interinstitutional annual and multiannual programming

The Council mandated the Presidency to contact the Commission regarding the 2015 Annual Work

Programme and also to initiate contacts with both the Commission and the European Parliament

with a view to establishing a consultation process for a new and efficient multiannual

interinstitutional programming. "This

is another priority of the Italian Presidency, which will have

a very concrete effect. It will make it easier and quicker for the EU to act and react",

State Secretary

Sandro Gozi said at the press conference after the meeting.

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21 October 2014

CONTENTS

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

ITEMS DEBATED

Preparation for the October European Council .................................................................................... 7

Follow-up to the June European Council............................................................................................. 7

Application of Article 10 of Protocol 36 to the Treaties...................................................................... 8

The Committee of the Regions ............................................................................................................ 9

Strengthening interinstitutional annual and multiannual planning ...................................................... 9

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

GENERAL AFFAIRS

–

Cohesion policy funds - support for renewable energy generation ....................................................................... 10

Governance of macro-regional strategies .............................................................................................................. 10

ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS

–

Capital requirements directive: Technical standards ............................................................................................. 10

JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS

–

Automated data exchange (VRD) with Cyprus ..................................................................................................... 11

Automated data exchange (VRD) with Estonia..................................................................................................... 11

TRADE POLICY

–

WTO - Japan - Railway procurement .................................................................................................................... 11

COMPETITION

–

EU-Switzerland cooperation agreement on competition laws ............................................................................... 12



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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21 October 2014

EMPLOYMENT

–

Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Belgium and France ...................................... 12

CULTURE

–

European Capitals of Culture 2020-2033 .............................................................................................................. 13

Public access to documents ................................................................................................................................... 13

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21 October 2014

PARTICIPANTS

Belgium:

Mr François ROUX

Bulgaria:

Mr Rumen ALEXANDROV

Czech Republic:

Mr Lubomír ZAORÁLEK

Denmark:

Mr Martin LIDEGAARD

Germany:

Mr Michael ROTH

Estonia:

Mr Matti MAASIKAS

Ireland:

Mr Dara MURPHY

Greece:

Mr Dimitrios KOURKOULAS

Spain:

Mr Iñigo MENDEZ DE VIGO

France:

Mr Harlem DÉSIR

Croatia:

Mr Mato ŠKRABALO

Italy:

Mr Sandro GOZI

Cyprus:

Mr Ioannis KASOULIDES

Latvia:

Mr Edgars RINKĒVIČS

Lithuania:

Mr Rolandas KRIŠČIŪNAS

Luxembourg

Mr Jean ASSELBORN

Hungary:

Mr László SZABÓ

Malta:

Mr Louis GRECH

Netherlands:

Mr Bert KOENDERS

Austria:

Mr Walter GRAHAMMER

Poland:

Mr Rafał TRZASKOWSKI

Portugal:

Mr Bruno MAÇÃES

Romania:

Mr George CIAMBA

Director-General for European Affairs

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Permanent Representative

Minister of State for European Affairs

State Secretary for Foreign Affairs

State Secretary for European Affairs

Permanent Representative

State Secretary in charge of European Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Minister for

Immigration and Asylum

Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and

Trade

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs

and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Permanent Representative

Minister for European Affairs and

State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Secretary of State for European Affairs

State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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21 October 2014

Slovenia:

Ms Dragoljuba

BENČINA

Slovakia:

* Mr Miroslav LAJČÁK

Mr Peter JAVORČÍK

Finland:

Ms Lenita TOIVAKKA

Sweden:

Ms Margot WALLSTRÖM

United Kingdom:

Mr David LIDINGTON

State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister of State for Europe, Foreign and Commonwealth

Office

Commission:

Mr Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ

Vice President

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21 October 2014

ITEMS DEBATED

Preparation for the October European Council

The Council examined draft conclusions for the European Council meeting to be held on 23-24

October, and held an exchange of views with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy,

via video link.

The June European Council will focus on:

–

Climate and energy; the objective is to reach an agreement on a new climate and energy

policy framework for 2030;

Economic issues; the European Council will discuss the economic situation in the EU on

the basis of a presentation by the Commission and work undertaken in the Council;

Other items; specific external relations issues, such as the Ebola crisis, may be addressed in

the light of developments.

The European Council is also expected to adopt a European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and

Ionian Region. Furthermore, and subject to a vote of consent by the European Parliament on the

President, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the

other members of the Commission as a body, the European Council will adopt a decision appointing

the European Commission.

An annotated draft agenda was discussed by the Council on 29 September (12780/14).

Follow-up to the June European Council

By way of a follow-up to the June European Council, the Council took stock of the strategic agenda

focusing on the chapter on freedom, security and justice. Ministers discussed how better to

implement European Council conclusions concerning this pillar of the strategic agenda, and gave

their assessment of where we stand and what can be done to improve or accelerate implementation.

Particular attention was given to the issues of foreign fighters and EU passenger name records.

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21 October 2014

The discussion was based on a Presidency note

(14208/14)

which sets out the state of play on the

main orientations in the area of freedom, security and justice. The note aims to provide the Council

with an overview of progress achieved on relevant policies, such as migration, asylum, smart

borders, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, data protection, EU passenger name record data

and terrorism, including foreign fighters.

The implementation discussion is a new exercise launched by the Presidency, which at the July

General Affairs Council proposed to improve the follow-up to European Council orientations, and

to focus it on the priorities set out in the strategic agenda adopted in June. The idea is to

complement the comprehensive implementation reports that are published every six months, and

which cover all sectors, by issuing monthly reports that focus on a specific pillar of the strategic

agenda.

Application of Article 10 of Protocol 36 to the Treaties

The Council was briefed on the state of play as regards preparations for the end of the post-Lisbon

transition period for ex-third pillar measures on 30 November this year.

The Presidency noted that some good progress has been made and concluded that work on these

issues would continue in the run-up to the deadline of 1 December 2014. The United Kingdom also

presented a declaration for the minutes of the meeting on its intentions regarding the Prüm

Decisions and the Probation Framework Decision.

Protocol 36 of the Treaty of Lisbon enables the United Kingdom to decide whether it should

continue to be bound by approximately 130 police and criminal justice measures, or if it should

exercise its right to opt out of them all.

However, the same protocol also stipulates that the UK may request to re-join such acts. The United

Kingdom has already informally indicated its intention to seek to opt back into a number of

instruments. Final discussions on this issue are currently being held between the Commission and

the United Kingdom, as well as within the Council.

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21 October 2014

The Committee of the Regions

The Council held a discussion on the composition of the Committee of the Regions and decided to

return to that issue at one of its subsequent meetings.

Noting the concerns expressed, the Presidency indicated that consultations would continue in order

to find a solution to ensure the proper functioning of the EU institutions.

According to the EU treaties, the number of members of the Committee of Regions and the

European Economic and Social Committee cannot exceed 350. Nevertheless, the accession of

Croatia to the EU increased the number of members to 353. This was a temporary measure for the

period running from the date of accession until the end of the term of office. The current term of

office of the Committee of theRegions comes to an end on 25 January 2015.

Strengthening interinstitutional annual and multiannual planning

The Council mandated the Presidency to contact the Commission on the 2015 Annual Work

Programme and also to initiate contacts with both the Commission and the European Parliament

with a view to establishing a consultation process for a new and efficient multiannual

interinstitutional programming.

The Presidency, in its presentation, noted that the basic elements were already in place; the

Strategic Agenda adopted by the European Council in June and Commission President-elect

Juncker's ten points should be the common starting point for all three institutions.

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21 October 2014

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

GENERAL AFFAIRS

Cohesion policy funds - support for renewable energy generation

The Council adopted conclusions on the European Court of Auditors' special report entitled

"Cohesion policy funds support for renewable energy generation - has it achieved good results?", as

set out in

13856/14.

Governance of macro-regional strategies

The Council adopted conclusions on the governance of macro-regional strategies, as set out in

13374/14.

A macro-regional strategy is an integrated framework to address common challenges in a given

geographical area in which both member states and third countries are located. Its objective is to

strengthen cooperation in order to achieve economic, social and territorial cohesion.

ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS

Capital requirements directive: Technical standards

The Council decided not to object to the adoption by the Commission of two regulations

supplementing the so-called capital requirements directive ("CRD4") 2013/36/EU with regard to:

–

Information to be provided when exercising the right of establishment and the freedom to

provide services.

Identification of the geographical location of the relevant credit exposures for calculating

institution-specific countercyclical capital buffer rates.

The regulations are delegated acts pursuant to Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the

EU. They can now enter into force, unless the European Parliament objects.

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21 October 2014

JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS

Automated data exchange (VRD) with Cyprus

The Council adopted a decision on the launch of automated data exchange with regard to Vehicle

Registration Data (VRD) in Cyprus (13438/14). The evaluation procedure required by Decision

2008/616/JHA (OJ L 210, 6.8.2008) concluded that the general provisions on data protection are

fully implemented by the Republic of Cyprus and this country is therefore entitled to receive and

supply personal data as from the date of the entry into force of this decision.

Automated data exchange (VRD) with Estonia

The Council adopted a decision on the launch of automated data exchange with regard to Vehicle

Registration Data (VRD) in Estonia (13730/14). The evaluation procedure required by Decision

2008/616/JHA (OJ L 210, 6.8.2008) concluded that the general provisions on data protection are

fully implemented by Estonia and this country is therefore entitled to receive and supply personal

data as from the date of the entry into force of this decision.

TRADE POLICY

WTO - Japan - Railway procurement

The Council decided to withdraw its objections to the delisting of three Japanese railway companies

from Japan's commitments under the WTO agreement on government procurement.

The Council's decision establishes the EU's position within the WTO's committee on government

procurement. It will allow the committee to acknowledge the withdrawal of the last outstanding

reservation.

The three companies are East Japan Railway Company, Central Japan Railway Company and West

Japan Railway Company.

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21 October 2014

COMPETITION

EU-Switzerland cooperation agreement on competition laws

The Council approved the conclusion of a cooperation agreement with Switzerland on competition

law.

The purpose of the agreement

(12513/12)

is to contribute to the effective enforcement of the

competition laws of each Party through cooperation and coordination, including the exchange of

information, and to avoid or lessen the possibility of conflicts between the Parties in all matters

concerning the application of the competition laws.

The agreement was signed in Brussels on 17 May 2013. The Council authorised the signing of the

agreement on 22 April 2013 and the European Parliament consented to its conclusion on 5 February

2014.

EMPLOYMENT

Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Belgium and France

The Council adopted two decisions mobilising a total of EUR 13.6 million under the European

Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), providing support for workers made redundant in Belgium

and France.

An amount of EUR 12.7 million is being deployed following the dismissal of 6 120 workers at

Peugeot Citroën Automobile. The redundancies are the result of major structural changes in world

trade patterns due to globalisation. A further EUR 911 934 is being mobilised following the

dismissal of 939 workers by Carsid, a Belgium enterprise operating in the field of continuously-cast

crude steel production, following major structural changes in world trade patterns which have led to

a substantial loss of the EU market share in world markets.

The EGF helps workers to find new jobs and develop new skills when they have lost their jobs as a

result of changing global trade patterns, e.g. when a large company shuts down or a factory is

moved outside the EU, or as a result of the global financial and economic crisis. The EGF's help

consists of co-financing measures such as job-search assistance, careers advice, tailor-made training

and re-training, mentoring and the promotion of entrepreneurship. It also provides one-off, time-

limited individual support, such as job-search allowances, mobility allowances and allowances for

participating in lifelong learning and training activities.

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21 October 2014

CULTURE

European Capitals of Culture 2020-2033

The Council confirmed that Latvia, Finland and Germany can recommend one expert each to the

selection and monitoring panel of the European Capital of Culture action for the period 2015-2018.

Those countries were selected through a draw that took place at the meeting of the Permanent

Representatives Committee (Part 1) on 10 October 2014 , in accordance with the Council's

implementing decision on the practical and procedural arrangements for the appointment by the

Council of three experts to the selection panel

Following due scrutiny, the Council will appoint the experts before the end of 2014. The panel will

have a total of ten experts; the remaining seven will be appointed by other EU institutions and

bodies.

TRANSPARENCY

Public access to documents

On 21 October 2014, the Council approved:

–

the reply to confirmatory application No 28/c/01/14 (13897/14)

OJ L 132, 3.5.2014.

OJ L 175, 14.6.2014

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