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Europaudvalget 2003-04
EUU Alm.del Bilag 1001
Offentligt

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 16 June 2004

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POLGEN 30

NOTE

From :

To :

Subject :

The Presidency

European Council

European Council (17-18 June 2004)

– Draft Conclusions

Following the preparatory work, in particular at GAERC on 14 June, the Presidency now submits

draft Conclusions to the European Council.

The Presidency recalls that on the occasion of the European Council Heads of State or Government

will meet in an Inter-Governmental Conference which is expected to reach agreement on the new

Constitutional Treaty.

The European Council is also expected to

−

nominate the person it intends to appoint as the next President of the Commission;

designate the Secretary-General of the Council/High Representative for CFSP and the Deputy

Secretary-General of the Council for the period as from 18 October 2004.

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The European Council reviewed progress across a range of areas and set out guidelines for future

policy development in each of these areas.

The meeting was preceded by an exposé by the President of the European Parliament, Mr Pat Cox,

followed by an exchange of views.

The European Council expressed its concern at the low voter turnout in last week’s elections to the

European Parliament. It recognises the need to strengthen a sense among the citizens of Europe of

the importance of the work of the Union and its relevance to their daily lives. Following a

preliminary discussion on this occasion, the European Council intends to return to the subject at its

next meeting. In the interim, it welcomes the intention of the Netherlands Presidency to take

forward the "Communicating Europe" initiative of the Irish Presidency.

AREA OF FREEDOM, SECURITY AND JUSTICE; FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

The citizens of Europe increasingly look to the Union to deliver practical advances in the

Justice and Home Affairs area based on our common shared values of liberty, respect for

human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.

The European Council welcomes the Commission report on the progress achieved under the

five year Tampere programme, which demonstrates the substantial progress made in creating

a genuine area of freedom, security and justice.

It notes that a number of further important steps have been taken in the first half of this year.

These include the adoption of the Asylum Qualifications Directive and the political agreement

reached on the Asylum Procedures Directive; the political agreement on the Directive on the

admission of third country nationals for studies and related purposes; the adoption of the

Regulation on a European Enforcement Order for uncontested claims; and the general

agreement on the text of the Framework Decision on the mutual recognition of confiscation

orders.

The European Council believes that the time has now come to launch the next phase of the

process. It therefore invites the Council and the Commission to prepare proposals for a new

programme for the coming years to be considered by the European Council before the end of

2004.

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The European Council underlines the need to pursue with determination the objective of

building a common area of freedom, security and justice. The new programme must be

commensurate with the scale of the challenge and with the expectations of our citizens. It

should be practical, building on work underway arising from the Tampere programme and an

evaluation of first generation measures. It should also be grounded in the general principles

of need for European added value and respect for the principles of subsidiarity,

proportionality, and solidarity. At the same time, the multi-year programme should make real

and substantial progress towards enhancing mutual confidence and promoting common

policies, including practical cooperation, to the benefit of all our citizens.

Momentum must be maintained pending adoption of the new programme. The European

Council emphasises in particular a number of priorities in the asylum and immigration area.

The new European Borders Agency, on which the Regulation is close to finalisation, should

become operational at the outset of 2005. The implementation of the Plan for the

Management of the Maritime Borders should be reviewed. The Council and the Commission

are invited to consider further proposals for a financial instrument for return management,

drawing on the experience gained in the return area to date. Council is also invited to

examine proposals contained in the Commission's Communication on entry to the Union of

persons in need of international protection, as well as in the Communication on the relations

between legal and illegal immigration.

Drug abuse and drug trafficking are scourges which must be vigorously confronted. The

Council is invited to agree proposals no later than December 2004 for a new EU Drugs

Strategy for the period 2005-2012. The proposals should have regard to the Commission's

final evaluation of the 2000-2004 Drugs Strategy and Action Plan as well as the outcome of

the recent Dublin Conference on an EU Strategy on Drugs/The Way Forward.

Fight Against Terrorism

At its Spring session, in the aftermath of the Madrid bombings, the European Council adopted

a wide-ranging Declaration on Terrorism. It reaffirms its determination to confront the

terrorist threat relentlessly and comprehensively. The appointment of an EU counter-

terrorism co-ordinator will help to improve co-ordination and visibility of the EU's actions in

this field.

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The European Council welcomes the report on implementation of its 25 March Declaration.

Good progress has been achieved in the interim. Notable steps include completion of work on

the Directive on compensating victims of crime; the Regulation introducing new functions for

the Schengen Information System, including in the fight against terrorism; the Council

Decision establishing the Visa Information System; and the Europol and Eurojust Agreement.

10.

The European Council welcomes the Council's revised Action Plan/Roadmap and urges the

institutions and Member States to fulfil outstanding commitments within the deadlines

established. It will review implementation of the Action Plan/Roadmap twice a year,

beginning at its December 2004 meeting.

11.

The European Council welcomes the report by the Secretary-General/High Representative on

integrating in the Council Secretariat an intelligence capacity on all aspects of the terrorist

threat. It requests him to implement such arrangements as soon as possible, taking into

account the views expressed at the Council (JHA) on 8 June 2004. It also requests the SG/HR

to keep this question under review and report on progress to the December 2004 European

Council.

12.

On the practical and operational front, the European Council welcomes the re-establishment

of the Counter Terrorism Task Force within Europol; the steps being taken to encourage the

flow of criminal and operational intelligence to Europol; the decision taken to reinforce the

working structures in the Council; and the decisions of heads of the security forces of the

Member States to meet regularly in the Counter-Terrorist Group format. It requests the

Council to take forward work on proposals for reinforcing the Police Chiefs Task Force's

operational capacity with a view to adoption of new arrangements no later than December

2004.

13.

Work must now move ahead with a real sense of urgency in a number of priority areas. The

Commission has published a substantial Communication on Information Policy for law

enforcement and is invited to bring forward proposals as quickly as possible. The Council is

called upon to draw up a coherent overall approach for further strengthening of the fight

against terrorist financing by December 2004, on the basis of proposals by the High

Representative and the Commission. By June 2005, Council should reach agreement on the

initiatives on exchange of information and cooperation concerning terrorist offences and on

retention of communications data. Agreement should be reached by December 2005 on the

initiative on simplifying the exchange of information and intelligence between law

enforcement agencies.

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14.

The Council and the Commission are invited to assess the capabilities of Member States both

in preventing and coping with the consequences of any type of terrorist attack; to identify best

practices and to propose the necessary measures. Existing cooperation on civil protection

should be enhanced, reflecting the will of Member States to act in solidarity in the case of

terrorist attack in any Member State or in the case of attack against EU citizens living abroad.

By the end of this year, on the basis of a coordinated approach by the SG/HR and the

Commission, Council is asked to prepare an overall strategy to enhance the protection of

critical infrastructures.

An integrated approach

The European Council underlines the importance of making use of the wide ranging

instruments of the European Union in the context of addressing all the factors which

contribute to terrorism. It emphasises the need to ensure that the fight against terrorism is

fully integrated into EU external relations policy and requests that concrete proposals are

submitted to the December European Council on how this is most effectively achieved.

15.

16.

The European Council emphasises that solidarity and international cooperation are integral to

combating terrorism and to addressing its root causes. The Union will continue to develop

initiatives for closer cooperation with international organisations, particularly the UN, and to

maintain the closest possible coordination with the United States and other partners.

Combating terrorism must be a key element in political dialogue with third countries, with

particular emphasis on ratification and implementation of International Conventions,

preventing the financing of terrorism, addressing factors which contribute to terrorism, as well

as non-proliferation and arms control.

ENLARGEMENT

II.

Bulgaria and Romania

17.

The European Council underlines that Bulgaria and Romania are an integral part of the

ongoing round of enlargement which saw ten new Member States join the Union on

1 May 2004. The Union recalls that the guiding principles which applied to the accession

negotiations with the ten new Member States continue to apply to Bulgaria and Romania,

which are part of the same inclusive and irreversible enlargement process.

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18.

The European Council welcomes the very substantial progress made by Bulgaria and

Romania in the accession negotiations over the past months and reiterates the Union's

common objective to welcome the two countries as members of the Union in January 2007, if

they are ready.

19.

In reaching agreement on a fair and equitable financial package for Bulgaria and Romania at

the beginning of the year, the Union paved the way for concluding negotiations on the key

financially-related chapters and the accession negotiations with the two countries thus entered

a significant phase. Provided that real and effective progress in reforms and preparations on

the ground for accession is maintained by Bulgaria and Romania, the Union confirms its

determination to bring the accession negotiations to a successful conclusion for both countries

in 2004, on the basis of own merits.

The Union notes with great satisfaction that all of the outstanding chapters in the negotiations

with Bulgaria have been provisionally closed and that Romania has also made important

progress and is substantially closer to achieving this goal. Member States and the

Commission will continue to assist Romania in this regard. The European Council looks

forward to the Commission 2004 Regular Report, which will assess the two countries’ ability

to assume all the obligations of membership by accession. With a view to signature of the

Accession Treaty for Bulgaria and Romania as early as possible in 2005, drafting of the

Accession Treaty for the two countries will begin in July 2004.

20.

21.

Being prepared to assume all the obligations of membership is crucial for Bulgaria and

Romania. The Union therefore urges both countries to further intensify their efforts in order

to be ready for membership in January 2007. The Union underlines that particular attention

should be paid by Bulgaria and Romania to improving their administrative and judicial

capacity, as well as to continuing economic and structural reform, and to the full and timely

implementation of negotiated commitments. The Union will closely monitor preparations and

implementation of commitments undertaken in all areas of the Acquis.

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Turkey

22.

The European Council welcomes the significant progress made to date by Turkey in the

reform process, including the important and wide-ranging constitutional amendments adopted

in May. It welcomes the continued and sustained efforts of the Turkish Government to meet

the Copenhagen political criteria. In this context, the European Council emphasises the

importance of concluding the remaining legislative work and of accelerating efforts to ensure

decisive progress in the full and timely implementation of reforms at all levels of

administration and throughout the country.

23.

The European Union will continue to assist Turkey in its preparations and to work towards

full implementation of the pre-accession strategy, in particular as regards strengthening the

independence and functioning of the judiciary, the overall framework for the exercise of

fundamental freedoms (association, expression and religion), cultural rights, the further

alignment of civil-military relations with European practice and the situation in the Southeast

of the country.

24.

The Union reaffirms its commitment that if the European Council decides in December 2004,

on the basis of a report and recommendation from the Commission, that Turkey fulfils the

Copenhagen political criteria, the EU will open accession negotiations with Turkey without

delay.

The European Council encourages the Turkish Government to remain firmly committed to

macroeconomic and financial stabilisation, including full implementation of the structural

reform agenda.

The European Council invites Turkey to conclude negotiations with the Commission on

behalf of the Community and its 25 Member States on the adaptation of the Ankara

Agreement to take account of the accession of the new Member States.

27.

The European Council welcomes the positive contribution of the Turkish Government to the

efforts of the UN Secretary General to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus

problem.

25.

26.

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Croatia

28.

The European Council welcomes the Commission Opinion on Croatia's application for EU

membership and the recommendation that accession negotiations should be opened. The

European Council considered the application on the basis of the Opinion and noted that

Croatia meets the political criteria set by the Copenhagen European Council in 1993 and the

Stabilisation and Association Process conditionalities established by the Council in 1997. It

decided that Croatia is a candidate country for membership and that the accession process

should be launched.

29.

The European Council decided to convene a bilateral intergovernmental conference with

Croatia early in 2005 in order to begin negotiations. In advance of the negotiations, the

Council will agree a general negotiating framework, taking full account of the experience of

the fifth enlargement process. The European Council requests the Commission to present an

evaluation in this regard, before the end of its mandate. It confirms that the negotiations will

be based on Croatia's own merits and that the pace will depend solely on Croatia's progress in

meeting the requirements for membership.

30.

The European Council emphasises that Croatia needs to maintain full cooperation with ICTY

and take all necessary steps to ensure that the remaining indictee is located and transferred to

The Hague. Croatia also needs to make additional efforts on minority rights, refugee returns,

reform of the judiciary, regional cooperation and the fight against corruption.

In order to prepare for negotiations, work should begin on an examination of the acquis,

which might best be undertaken in the framework of the Stabilisation and Association

Agreement with Croatia.

The European Council requests the Commission to prepare a pre-accession strategy for

Croatia, including the necessary financial instrument.

The European Council notes the Croatian decision not to apply to EU Member States any

aspect of the Ecological and Fisheries Protection Zone. In this context, it welcomes the

agreement reached by Italy, Slovenia and Croatia at the Trilateral meeting in Brussels on

4 June 2004.

31.

32.

33.

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34.

Implications of Croatia’s status for other countries of the Western Balkans

The European Council emphasises that the achievement of candidate status by Croatia should

be an encouragement to the other countries of the Western Balkans to pursue their reforms. It

reaffirms its commitment to the full implementation of the Thessalonika agenda, which makes

clear that the future of the Western Balkans rests within the European Union. The advance of

the individual countries of the region towards European integration will proceed in parallel

with the regional approach, which remains an essential element of EU policy. The European

Council urges Croatia to continue to make a strong contribution to the development of closer

regional cooperation.

III. FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVES

35.

The European Council takes note of the Analytical Report prepared by the Presidency on the

basis of preliminary work in the Council. It considers this Report a useful contribution

towards clarifying issues and positions and offering feedback to the Commission on its

Communication and in preparation of its legislative proposals. The incoming Presidency is

invited to continue work on the issues identified in the Analytical Report. The further work

on the financial perspectives should take full account of the range of positions of Member

States and bear in mind the timeframe envisaged in the Multiannual Strategic Programme.

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ISSUES, EMPLOYMENT AND ENVIRONMENT

IV.

Broad Economic Policy Guidelines and Employment Guidelines

36.

The European Council endorses the draft update of the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines,

which include a specific reference to the Eurozone, and the draft Employment Guidelines and

employment recommendations. It welcomes the two major innovations in the economic and

employment processes this year: the integration of the ten new Member States into the

established policy framework and the incorporation of the policy messages of the report of the

Employment Task Force, chaired by Mr. Wim Kok, in the employment recommendations. It

emphasises that Member States should ensure that both sets of guidelines and the

recommendations are implemented fully and in a coherent manner.

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Lisbon reform agenda

37.

The European Council welcomes the progress made since its Spring meeting on important

measures of direct and tangible benefit to citizens as part of the Union's pursuit of social,

economic and environmental goals. In doing so, it acknowledges the good co-operation the

Council has enjoyed with the outgoing European Parliament and the Commission during a

period of considerable opportunity and challenge. In particular, the European Council wishes

to highlights major progress in the following areas:

•

the

Financial Services Action Plan,

with the necessary decisions made on its

remaining elements relating to transparency and investment services

mobility

of European citizens, businesses and services; through legislation on

recognition of professional qualifications, social security co-ordination, the Europass

and the introduction of the European Health Insurance Card

intellectual property rights

and arrangements for patentability of computer-

implemented inventions, through agreement on measures that will stimulate and protect

European innovation.

consumer protection,

through measures on enforcement and on unfair commercial

practices

environmental protection,

through measures on air quality, maritime protection,

environmental liability, biodiversity conservation and climate change, including putting

in place all the necessary mechanisms for the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme to

facilitate compliance with the Kyoto Protocol Goals

•

infrastructural development,

through the decisions on Trans-European Networks for

Transport and Energy.

38.

The European Council regrets that it has not proved possible to secure unanimous agreement

on the adoption of a Regulation on the Community Patent; a period of reflection should be

used to see how to move forward, taking account of the support by all Member States for the

principle of a Community Patent.

39.

Reflecting the equality goals of the Lisbon agenda, and on the basis of political agreement

which has been reached within the Council, the European Council expresses its support for

the establishment of a European Gender Institute and invites the Commission to bring forward

a specific proposal.

•

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40.

The European Council reiterates its call to the Council and the Member States for further

efforts to close the delivery gap in the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy.

41.

In light of the good initial work carried out on proposals and initiatives that will further

contribute to sustainable growth and development, the European Council urges that work

proceed quickly, inter alia on the following:

−

all necessary arrangements to ensure

better regulation

in the European Union

improvements in the area of

corporate governance

the proposed framework Directive on

services

consideration of the White Paper on

services of general interest

the REACH proposal regarding

chemicals

encouragement for the

mobility of researchers,

as an example of practical action to

further stimulate innovation

the review of the

Sustainable Development Strategy

further work on

emission reduction strategies

in the context of climate change, and on

the promotion

of environmental technologies

the implementation of the appropriate measures to reach the agreed target of halting the

decline of

biodiversity

by 2010

examination of the Commission Communication on the Strategy for the

Outermost Regions.

42.

In the run up to the mid-term review of the Lisbon Strategy, the European Council looks

forward to the report of the High-level Group to be presented to the Commission by

1 November 2004.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS/CFSP/ESDP

European Security Strategy

43.

The European Council reiterates that the European Security Strategy adopted at the European

Council in December 2003 provides a key framework for policy formulation. Follow-up has

been taken forward over the past six months, including in the four areas identified for initial

work (effective multilateralism with the UN at its core; the fight against terrorism; a strategy

towards the region of the Middle East and a comprehensive policy towards Bosnia-

Herzegovina). The European Council asked the incoming Presidency in cooperation with the

SG/HR and the Commission to continue this work.

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44.

The European Council particularly welcomes the focus on effective multilateralism, with

transmission of the EU's contribution to the UN Secretary General's High Level Panel on

Threats, Challenges and Change in support of a strengthened UN; work undertaken to

implement the EU-UN Joint Declaration on Co-operation in Crisis Management of 24

September 2003; and joint commitments on support for effective multilateralism made with

key regional partners. It also looks forward to the proposals to be submitted by the SG/HR

and the Commission on concrete steps designed to promote the development of a rules-based

international order.

45.

The European Council welcomes the approval by Council of basic principles on the use of

restrictive measures (sanctions), in the context of the further development of a policy

framework for more effective multilateralism in line with the European Security Strategy.

46.

The European Council adopted a comprehensive policy towards Bosnia and Herzegovina,

setting out practical arrangements to enhance the coherence and effectiveness of the EU's

engagement in support of the European perspective of the country.

The remaining two areas – the fight against terrorism; and a strategy towards the region of the

Middle East – are addressed elsewhere in these Conclusions.

47.

Addressing Policy Challenges

48.

The Union is taking significant steps to meet a range of key policy challenges. The European

Council endorses the Presidency report on EU activities in the framework of conflict

prevention; incoming Presidencies are invited to build on the substantial progress made so as

to make the Union more coherent, capable and active in this area. In the human rights area,

the European Council welcomes the adoption of EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders

and the adoption of a strategy for implementation of the EU Guidelines on Children and

Armed Conflict.

49.

The European Council also reaffirms its commitment to use all instruments at its disposal in

the fight against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery; it

endorses the report on the implementation of the EU Strategy on Proliferation of WMD and

adopted a Declaration on Criminal Sanctions in WMD-related materials.

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50.

The Union must continue to strengthen its leadership role in the fight against global poverty.

The European Council expresses its concern at the faltering progress towards the achievement

of the Millennium Development Goals, especially in Africa. It reiterates that the EU will

intensify its efforts to fulfil the commitments undertaken in Monterrey, including through the

exploration of innovative sources of financing, and will strongly support UN attempts to

accelerate progress towards the achievement of the Goals.

The European Council again draws attention to the continuing ravages of HIV/AIDS in many

of the world's poorest countries: despite some progress, the pandemic is rolling back decades

of development effort in Africa and is also spreading at an alarming rate in some other areas.

Sustained efforts by the EU and other international partners are essential. The European

Council calls for vigorous follow up by the Union and relevant regional bodies on the

outcome of the Ministerial Conference on HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia hosted by

the Presidency in Dublin on 23/24 February.

51.

A More Active and Capable European Union

52.

The European Council endorses the Presidency progress report on ESDP, which includes the

mandate for the incoming Presidency.

It welcomes the substantial progress on preparations for an ESDP mission in follow on to

SFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It requests the incoming Presidency and the SG/HR to

take forward the operational planning for the ESDP mission, should NATO decide to

terminate SFOR at its forthcoming summit meeting in Istanbul. This is also a practical

example of the strategic partnership in crisis management with NATO.

54.

The European Council notes the successful conduct of the two ongoing ESDP missions – the

EU Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Operation Proxima in the Former

Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It also welcomes progress being made towards

deployment of the first EU Rule of Law mission under ESDP which is to commence shortly

in Georgia.

53.

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55.

Concrete progress is being achieved towards enhancing EU capabilities. The European

Council endorses the Headline Goal 2010. The European Council also endorses the Action

Plan for Civilian Crisis Management and welcomes the steps taken to further improve EU

capacity to undertake military rapid response operations for crisis management. It also

endorses the elaboration of modalities under which the EU could provide military capabilities

in support of the United Nations. The incoming Presidency and the Secretary General/High

Representative are invited to continue contacts with the UN on this issue.

The European Council welcomes the agreement on the Joint Action providing for the

establishment of the European Defence Agency.

56.

57.

The European Council welcomes the important progress made on measures to enhance

NATO/EU consultation, planning and operations as set out in the declaration accompanying

these Conclusions and agrees to take the work forward as outlined. It emphasises the

importance of these measures coming into force as soon as possible and of the necessary

resources being provided as a matter of priority, thus enabling the new ESDP facilities to

begin their work according to the agreed timetable.

Establishing new Partnership Initiatives

European Neighbourhood Policy

The European Council welcomes the Commission's proposals for a European Neighbourhood

Policy (ENP) and endorses the GAERC Conclusions of 14 June. Enlargement has brought the

Union closer to its neighbours to the east and to the south. The European Council reiterates

the importance it attaches to strengthening co-operation with these neighbours, on the basis of

partnership and joint ownership and building on shared values of democracy and respect for

human rights.

59.

The European Council welcomes enhanced dialogue with all ENP partners, east and south. It

notes that the forthcoming Summit on 8 July will provide an opportunity to take stock of EU

Ukraine relations. It also welcomes the inclusion of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia in the

ENP. This gives the EU another important instrument to promote progress on the wider

reform agenda in each of these countries. It will also be possible to extend the full benefits of

the ENP to Belarus when that country has established a democratic form of government,

following free and fair elections; strengthened support for civil society in Belarus will help to

build a more democratic, stable and prosperous country.

58.

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60.

The European Council agrees that ENP action plans be developed with all Euro-

Mediterranean partners that have association agreements in force. It invites the Council and

the Commission to take the work forward. It notes that the Commission, with the

contribution of the High Representative where appropriate, will present by July proposals for

a first series of action plans with countries in the east and south, which have been prepared in

consultation with the partner countries, for consideration by the Council.

Strategic Partnership with the Mediterranean and the Middle East

The European Council endorsed the Report of the Presidency, SG/HR and Commission on the

EU's Strategic Partnership with the Mediterranean and the Middle East, which will establish a

consistent basis for the EU's policies towards the countries concerned by setting out general

principles and objectives.

61.

62.

The objective of this Strategic Partnership is to promote the development of a common zone

of peace, prosperity and progress in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It sets out a

concrete policy agenda under which, through partnership and dialogue, and recognising

diversities, the Union will seek to:

•

Promote political reform, good governance, democracy and human rights;

Stimulate trade and economic cooperation, economic liberalisation and people to people

contacts;

Promote conflict prevention and resolution in the Mediterranean and the Middle East

and measures to combat terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and

illegal immigration.

63.

The European Union reiterates its view that it will not be possible to fully build a common

zone of peace, prosperity and progress unless a just and lasting settlement of the Arab-Israeli

conflict is found. However, progress on the resolution of the conflict cannot be a pre-

condition for confronting the urgent reform challenges facing our partners in the

Mediterranean and the Middle East, nor vice versa.

64.

The European Council recognises that the challenges identified cannot be addressed by

maintaining the status quo. It welcomes the fact that this understanding is shared by the

countries of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Their commitment to reform has been

expressed both in their consultations with the Union and through public statements, in

particular the Tunis Declaration of the Arab League Summit of 22/23 May 2004 as well as the

earlier Alexandria and Sana'a Declarations.

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65.

The European Union will pursue these goals with its partners primarily through existing

structures and arrangements. The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership and the European

Neighbourhood Policy will remain the cornerstone of the Union's framework for relations

with the Mediterranean countries. The EU will also strengthen relations with members of the

Gulf Cooperation Council and other countries of the Middle East. It will ensure that regional

and bilateral assistance programmes under these instruments and frameworks reflect and

contribute to the achievement of the objectives outlined above.

66.

The European Council reaffirms the readiness of the EU to work with the US and other

partners in cooperating with the countries concerned. It looks forward to reviewing the

Middle East Peace Process and exploring the possibilities for coordinating our respective

efforts to assist the reform process at the coming EU-US Summit on 26 June 2004.

The European Council will monitor development under the Strategic Partnership, and will

review its progress and future direction in June 2005.

67.

Working with Strategic Partners

68.

The Union is continuing to develop its relationship with key strategic partners through

productive co-operation across a range of issues as well as through Summit meetings. The

European Council expresses its confidence that the strength, depth and significance of the

EU-US relationship will be demonstrated in a successful EU-US Summit on 26 June; the

relationship is also being reinforced through enhanced economic partnership and intensified

business dialogue. Substantial progress has been made over the recent period in EU-Canada

relations, particularly at the Summit in Ottawa on 18 March. The continuing importance of

the EU-Japan relationship will be marked at the EU-Japan Summit on 22 June.

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69.

The European Council welcomes the outcome of the EU-Russia Summit on 21 May,

including the agreement reached in relation to preparations for Russia's accession to the

WTO. The Summit followed extension of the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement to the

enlarged Union; the EU now looks forward to ratification without delay of the PCA Protocol.

It also welcomes the Russian government's commitment to early signature and ratification of

agreements on Russia's borders with Estonia and Latvia. The European Council emphasises

that a full agenda lies ahead with our Russian partners, including the priority of developing

the four "common spaces". Environmental cooperation in the Baltic sea region will form an

important part of this agenda. Reiterating its call for early ratification by Russia of the Kyoto

Protocol, and following President Putin's commitment to speed up movement towards

ratification, the European Council invites the Commission to engage with the Russian

authorities on the benefits which ratification will bring within Russia as well as more widely.

70.

The European Council reiterates its commitment to pursue its strategic partnership with China

and to develop a strategic relationship with India, based on shared understanding and

dialogue.

Regional Relationships

71.

The European Council reaffirms its commitment to deepen the dialogue with regional

partners. It welcomes recent progress in the EU-Africa dialogue, including the productive

outcome to the Ministerial Troika in Dublin on 1 April, and encourages further efforts to

develop and upgrade this dialogue. The new spirit of self-help exemplified by NEPAD

provides a real impetus. The successful launching of the African Peace Facility, as well as

work within the ESDP framework, establishes a basis for closer and more effective

co-operation between the EU and Africa in the vitally important area of conflict management

and prevention.

The European Council also welcomes the reinforcing of the EU-Latin America and Caribbean

relationship at the Summit in Guadalajara, Mexico on 28/29 May and underlines its

commitment to fully developing the potential of this relationship. Building on the outcome of

the Guadalajara Summit, the Union will begin to work towards the next Summit in Vienna in

2006.

72.

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Specific situations of concern

73.

The European Council considered a number of specific situations of concern. It adopted

Conclusions on Iraq and on the Middle East Peace Process as attached.

Sudan/Darfur

The European Council emphasises its deep concern at the continued humanitarian crisis and

large scale human rights violations in Darfur. It calls on the Government of Sudan to do its

utmost to ensure humanitarian access, the protection and security of civilians and

humanitarian workers, and to disarm the militias. It welcomes the N'djamena ceasefire

agreement of 8 April 2004 and urges the parties to conclude a political agreement as soon as

possible. It commends the efforts by the African Union (AU) to implement the ceasefire

monitoring mechanism in the Darfur region and confirms the EU's involvement in, and

financial support to this mission.

Democratic Republic of Congo

The European Council expresses its deep concern at the recent events in the Eastern Congo,

which could jeopardise the transition process. It calls upon the Congolese leadership to fully

assume its responsibility in carrying out the transition agenda and reiterates that rapid

disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of ex-combatants as well as the establishment

of a unified, integrated army and police are critical factors for its success. It reiterates its

support to the UN operation in the DRC. The European Council calls upon all neighbouring

countries, in particular Rwanda, to do all in their power to support the peace process in the

DRC and to co-operate both bilaterally and multilaterally in fields of mutual benefit. The EU

stands ready to assist these countries in these efforts.

Iran

The European Council stresses the Union's desire to move towards a closer relationship with

Iran, on the basis of action by Iran to address the EU's concerns regarding Iran's nuclear

programme, the fight against terrorism, human rights, and Iran's approach to the Middle East

Peace Process. It notes the ongoing work of the IAEA in Iran and urges full cooperation with

the Agency in a spirit of full transparency in relation to its nuclear programme, with a view to

solving all outstanding questions. The European Union will continue discussion in light of

IAEA Director-General El-Baradei's recent report and the outcome of the IAEA Board of

Governors meeting currently taking place in Vienna.

********************

74.

75.

76.

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EUROPEAN COUNCIL 17/18 JUNE

EUROPEAN DEFENCE: NATO/EU CONSULTATION, PLANNING AND OPERATIONS

The European Council welcomed the report (doc no 10596/04 of 15 June 2004) by the

Secretary-General/High Representative on the progress so far in taking forward the proposals in the

document "European defence: NATO/EU consultation, planning and operations", which was

welcomed by the European Council in Brussels in December 2003. The European Council

reaffirmed the importance of these measures coming into force as soon as possible and of the

necessary resources being provided as a matter of priority.

The European Council agreed to take forward work on the establishment of a civilian/military cell

within the EU Military Staff, as set out in the abovementioned report, and agreed that the cell

should begin its work at the latest by the end of this year.

The European Council agreed to take forward work on the establishment of a small EU cell at

SHAPE and NATO liaison arrangements with the EUMS, as set out in the abovementioned report,

and invited the SG/HR to contact the NATO Secretary-General with the aim of securing early

agreement, entering into force by the end of this year.

The European Council agreed to take forward work on establishing an operations centre. The

European Council agreed that the ability rapidly to set up an operations centre should be available

by 1 January 2006 at the latest. The European Council reaffirmed the importance of the parameters

for this capacity set out in the Presidency paper endorsed by the December 2003 European Council,

in particular that this will not be a standing HQ, that the main option for autonomous military

operations remains national HQs and that a decision to draw on the collective capacity of the EUMS

would be taken, upon the advice of the Military Committee, in particular where a joint civil/military

response is required and where no national HQ is identified. In this context, and thus taking into

account the capabilities and other specificities which arise from this not being a standing HQ, the

European Council agreed that the objective should be for an operations centre to be able to plan and

conduct operations, within the spectrum of tasks envisaged in the Treaty, on the scale of operation

Artemis. The European Council invited the SG/HR to provide a detailed proposal to that effect, as

the basis for further discussion in the PSC, on advice from the EUMC and Civcom. It recalled that,

in the light of lessons learned, further developments of the scope or nature of this capacity could be

examined and that this would require further decision by the Council.

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The European Council emphasised the need to exploit fully the synergies between these new ESDP

facilities and existing Council structures. In that context, the European Council welcomed the

understanding that the civ/mil cell and facilities for an operations centre should be located in the

same building as the main structures of the EUMS, as well as, to the maximum extent possible, with

the pol-mil structures of DGE.

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EUROPEAN COUNCIL 17/18 JUNE

IRAQ

The EU affirms its objective of a secure, stable, unified, prosperous and democratic Iraq that will

make a positive contribution to the stability of the region; an Iraq that will work constructively with

its neighbours and with the international community to meet shared challenges. It agrees that the

EU as a whole should work in partnership with the Iraqi Interim Government and the Iraqi people,

with the aim of realising these objectives.

Against this background, the European Council looks forward to the restoration of Iraqi sovereignty

by 30 June 2004 and welcomes the formation, with the help of the UN, of a fully sovereign Iraqi

Interim Government which will assume full authority from that day, upon the end of the occupation

and the dissolution of the Coalition Provisional Authority.

In this context, the European Council welcomes the unanimous adoption of UNSCR 1546, which

provides the Iraqis with international support so they can freely determine their political future and

rebuild their country, and mandates the UN to play, as circumstances permit, a leading role in the

political transition.

The European Council welcomes the new Iraqi Prime Minister's commitment to strengthening

national unity, and underlines the importance of the forthcoming National Conference as a further

way of increasing political representativeness in Iraqi political institutions before the holding of

elections by January 2005.

The European Council welcomes the prospect of the elections to the Transitional National

Assembly by January 2005 as a major step towards the establishment of a democratic Iraq. In this

regard, the European Council welcomes the formation of the Independent Electoral Commission for

Iraq, and the UN's leading role in advising the Iraqi Interim Government on the electoral process.

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The European Council endorses the Commission Communication "The EU and Iraq - A Framework

for Engagement" and the High Representative and Commission's letter setting out further areas for

engagement. The European Council requests that the GAERC in July consider the specific

recommendations of the Commission and High Representative and agree appropriate first steps to

be taken. These steps could include:

−

continued provision of technical, economic and reconstruction assistance;

establishing close engagement with UN teams, including on preparations for elections;

enhancing the representation of the EU in Iraq, as circumstances permit;

beginning a process of political dialogue;

using the EU's dialogue with Iraq's neighbours to encourage positive engagement and regional

support for the political and reconstruction process in Iraq.

To take this forward, the Council is invited to hold a Troika meeting with the new Iraqi Government

as soon as possible, and to invite the Iraqi Prime Minister to address the Council.

The European Council will examine progress on engagement with Iraq at the November 2004

European Council.

The European Council welcomes the possibility of an international meeting to support the Iraqi

political transition and Iraqi recovery, to the benefit of the Iraqi people and in the interest of

stability in the region.

Referring to the report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the present situation of

human rights in Iraq, the European Council emphasises the importance of the effective protection

and promotion of human rights and encouraged the new Iraqi Government to take appropriate

action.

The European Council reiterates its condemnation of terrorist attacks, which have been the cause of

so much death and destruction. It also condemns the taking of hostages and the murders which

have been committed. The European Council regrets that the campaign of terrorist violence in Iraq

is prolonging the suffering of the Iraqi people by posing difficulties for political progress and

economic reconstruction in Iraq. The European Council welcomes the commitment under

UNSCR 1546 for all parties to act in accordance with international law, including obligations under

international humanitarian law and calls on them to ensure observance of these obligations.

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EUROPEAN COUNCIL 17/18 JUNE

MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

The European Council reviewed recent developments in the Middle East. It expresses concern at

the continuing violence affecting both Israelis and Palestinians. It repeats its call for an end to

terrorist attacks which have claimed many innocent lives. It calls upon the Palestinian Authority to

take action against those involved in terrorism. While recognising Israel's legitimate right to self

defence, it recalls the obligation on Israel to exercise this right within the parameters of

international law. It expresses deep concern at the continuing humanitarian crisis in the Occupied

Palestinian Territories and calls on the Israeli Government, in line with international law and UN

Security Council Resolution 1544, to cease demolitions and to take urgent action to alleviate the

suffering of Palestinians.

The European Council welcomes the prospect of Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Such a

withdrawal would represent a significant step towards the implementation of the Roadmap,

provided that it is implemented in accordance with the elements identified in the conclusions of the

European Council of March 2004. The EU will not recognise any change to the pre-1967 borders

other than those arrived at by agreement between the parties. The European Council invites the

High Representative to meet Israeli and Palestinian authorities to examine the European

contribution to the withdrawal and the implementation of the Roadmap.

The European Council welcomes the outcome of the Quartet meeting held in New York on 4 May.

It also welcomes the renewal of the Beirut Peace Initiative of the League of Arab States and

continued support for the Roadmap at the Summit meeting held in Tunis on 22/23 May and the

League's rejection of acts of violence against civilians without discrimination. The European

Council welcomes the G8 Statement inviting the Quartet to meet before the end of this month to

reinvigorate the Middle East Peace Process.

The European Council reaffirms its belief that the Roadmap represents the only route to achieving a

negotiated two-State solution. It is determined to pursue vigorously the course set out in the

Roadmap and calls on both sides to fulfil their obligations under the Roadmap.

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The European Council urges the Palestinian Authority to take immediate, decisive steps to

consolidate all Palestinian security services under the clear control of a duly empowered Prime

Minister and Interior Minister. It reaffirms its readiness to support the Palestinian Authority in

taking responsibility for law and order, and in particular, in improving its civil police and law

enforcement capacity. The European Union commends and supports the involvement of the

Government of Egypt in this regard. The European Council urges the development of contacts and

dialogue between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

The European Council also urges Israel to reverse its settlement policy and to freeze all settlement

activity, to dismantle outposts erected since March 2001 and to end land confiscations and the

construction of the so-called security fence, all of which threaten to render the two-State solution

physically impossible to implement.

The European Council calls for renewed efforts towards a comprehensive ceasefire as a step

towards dismantlement of terrorist capabilities and infrastructure and renewed progress towards

peace.

The European Council welcomes the establishment of the World Bank's Trust Fund and urges

international support for this important initiative for Palestinian economic and social reconstruction.

The European Council reaffirms its conviction that a just and durable solution in the peace process

can only be achieved through negotiations between the parties and the support of the international

community. Violence and terror have no place in the search for a just and lasting peace in the

Middle East. A political perspective is essential to the peace process. The European Council

recalls that a comprehensive peace must also include Syria and Lebanon.

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