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Europaudvalget 2004-05 (1. samling), Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2004-05 (1. samling)
Det Europæiske Råd 16-17/12-04 Bilag 4, UPN Alm.del Bilag 35
Offentligt

Medlemmerne af Folketingets Europaudvalg

og deres stedfortrædere

Bilag

Journalnummer

400.C.2-0

Kontor

EUK

7. december 2004

Til underretning for Folketingets Europaudvalg vedlægges formandskabets

reviderede udkast til konklusioner vedrørende Det Europæiske Råds møde i

Bruxelles den 16.-17. december 2004, 15630/04.

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COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 6 December 2004

15630/04

LIMITE

POLGEN 50

NOTE

from :

to :

Subject :

The Presidency

Coreper

European Council (16-17 December 2004)

– Draft Conclusions

The Presidency hereby submits to Coreper a revised draft of the conclusions to be

arrived at by the European Council at its meeting on 16-17 December 2004.

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The meeting of the European Council was preceded by an exposé by the

President of the European Parliament, Mr Josep Borrell, followed by an

exchange of views.

The European Council welcomed the President of the Commission, Mr José

Manuel Barroso. It congratulated him on the assumption of office of his

College and expressed its wish to work closely with the new Commission.

The European Council discussed the following items

II.

III.

IV.

VI.

Enlargement

Terrorism

Financial Framework 2007-2013: principle and guidelines

Area of Freedom, Security and Justice: the EU Drugs Strategy 2005-

2012

External Affairs

Other issues

ENLARGEMENT

General

The European Council welcomed the findings and recommendations

presented by the Commission on 6 October 2004 to the Council and the

European Parliament in its Regular Reports on Bulgaria, Romania and

Turkey, Strategy Paper on Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia,

Recommendation on Turkey and document on Issues Arising from

Turkey's Membership Perspective.

With the accession of ten new Member States to the European Union

successfully accomplished, the European Council expressed its

determination to continue the process it has engaged in with the candidate

countries, thus contributing to Europe's prosperity, stability, security and

unity.

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Bulgaria

The European Council recalled that all of the outstanding chapters in the

accession negotiations with Bulgaria had been provisionally closed earlier

in 2004. [It welcomed the successful completion of these negotiations with

Bulgaria on 14 December 2004.]

Taking due note of the relevant assessments and recommendations by the

Commission, the European Council considered that Bulgaria will be able

to assume all the obligations of membership at the envisaged time of its

accession, January 2007, provided that it continues its efforts to that end

and completes in a successful and timely way all necessary reforms and

commitments undertaken in all areas of the acquis. Safeguard clauses will

provide for measures to address serious problems that may arise before

accession or in the three years after accession.

The European Union will continue to monitor closely Bulgaria's preparations

and achievements; to this end the Commission will continue to submit

annual reports on Bulgaria's progress towards accession, together with

recommendations if appropriate.

Anticipating the successful completion by Bulgaria of its preparations for

accession to the Union, the European Council called for the finalisation of

the Accession Treaty with a view to its signing on [date to be decided]

2005.

Romania

[The European Council noted with satisfaction that progress made by

Romania in implementing the acquis and commitments entered into as

regards, in particular, Justice and Home Affairs and Competition, has

made it possible to close formally all of the outstanding chapters with this

candidate on 14 December 2004.

These tw o sections m ay be m erged at a later stage in the light of

N B: one com m on Treaty is envisaged for both cou ntries

d evelop m ents.

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Taking due note of the relevant assessments and recommendations by the

Commission, the European Council considered that Romania will be able

to assume all the obligations of membership at the envisaged time of its

accession, January 2007, provided that it continues its efforts to that end

and completes in a successful and timely way all necessary reforms and

commitments undertaken in all areas of the acquis, in particular the

important commitments regarding Justice and Home Affairs, Competition

and Environment. Safeguard clauses will provide for measures to address

serious problems that may arise before accession or in the three years after

accession.

The European Union will continue to monitor closely Romania's

preparations and achievements; to this end the Commission will continue

to submit annual reports on Romania's progress towards accession,

together with recommendations if appropriate.

Anticipating the successful completion by Romania of its preparations for

accession to the Union, the European Council called for the finalisation of

the Accession Treaty with a view to its signing on [date to be decided]

2005.]

Croatia

The European Council noted with satisfaction the progress made by Croatia

in preparation for the opening of accession negotiations.

Reaffirming its conclusions of June 2004, it urged Croatia to take the

necessary steps for full cooperation with ICTY and reiterated that the

remaining indictee must be located and transferred to the Hague as soon as

possible.

It invited the Commission to present to the Council a proposal for a

framework for negotiations with Croatia, taking full account of the

experience of the fifth enlargement. It requested the Council to agree on

that framework with a view to opening the accession negotiations on

[date] provided that full cooperation with ICTY has been confirmed by the

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Council.

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Turkey

The European Council recalled its previous conclusions regarding Turkey, in

which at a first stage it agreed that Turkey was

a candidate state destined

to join the Union on the basis of the same criteria as applied to the other

candidate states

and, subsequently, concluded that, if it were to decide at

its December 2004 meeting,

on the basis of a report and recommendation

from the Commission, that Turkey fulfils the Copenhagen political criteria,

the European Union will open accession negotiations with Turkey without

delay.

It also recalled its previous conclusions that

the Union's capacity to

absorb new members, while maintaining the momentum of European

integration, is also an important consideration in the general interest of

both the Union and the candidate countries.

The European Council welcomed the decisive progress made by Turkey in

its far-reaching reform process and reiterated its determination to enable

Turkey to join the European community of values, confident that Turkey

will sustain the process of reform to that end. Furthermore, it expects

Turkey to actively pursue its efforts to bring into force the six specific

items of legislation identified by the Commission. To ensure the

irreversibility of the political reform process and its full implementation,

notably with regard to fundamental freedoms and to full respect of human

rights, that process will continue to be closely monitored by the

Commission, which is invited to continue to report regularly on it to the

Council, addressing all identified points of concern, including the

implementation of the zero-tolerance policy relating to torture and ill-

treatment.

The European Council welcomed Turkey's [ decision ] to sign the protocol

regarding the adaptation of the Ankara Agreement, taking account of the

accession of the ten new Member States.

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The European Council welcomed the improvement in Turkey's relations with

its neighbours and Turkey's unequivocal commitment to good neighbourly

relations and its readiness to continue to work with Member States towards

resolution of border disputes, in conformity with the principle of peaceful

settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter. In

accordance with its previous conclusions, the European Council reviewed

the situation relating to outstanding disputes; in this connection it

reaffirmed its view that unresolved bilateral issues, which might have

repercussions on the accession process, should if necessary be brought to

the International Court of Justice for settlement.

The European Council noted the resolution adopted by the European

Parliament on […] December 2004.

[PM: decision, date, process.]

Framework for negotiations

The European Council agreed that accession negotiations with individual

candidate states will be based on a framework for negotiations. Each

framework, which will be established by the Council on a proposal by the

Commission, taking account of the experience of the fifth enlargement

process, will address the following elements, according to own merits and

specific situations and characteristics of each candidate state:

As in previous negotiations, the substance of the negotiations, which

will be conducted in an Intergovernmental Conference where

decisions require unanimity, will be broken down into a number of

chapters, each covering a specific policy area. The Council, acting

by unanimity on a proposal by the Commission, will lay down

benchmarks for the provisional closure and, where appropriate, for

the opening of each chapter; depending on the chapter concerned,

these benchmarks will refer to legislative alignment and a

satisfactory track record of implementation of the acquis as well as

obligations deriving from contractual relations with the European

Union.

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Long transition periods, derogations, specific arrangements or

permanent safeguard clauses may be considered. The Commission

will include these, as appropriate, in its proposals for each

framework, for areas such as freedom of movement of persons,

structural policies or agriculture. Furthermore, the decision-taking

process regarding the eventual establishment of freedom of

movement of persons should allow for a maximum role of individual

Member States. Transitional arrangements or safeguards should be

reviewed regarding their impact on competition or the functioning of

the internal market.

The financial aspects of accession of a candidate state must be

allowed for in the applicable Financial Framework. Hence, accession

negotiations yet to be opened with candidates whose accession could

have substantial financial consequences requiring financial reform

can only be concluded after the establishment of the Financial

Framework for the period from 2014.

[ PM: paragraph regarding goal and outcome of negotiations; ref.

COM line: "open-ended process whose outcome cannot be

guaranteed beforehand" ]

In the case of a serious and persistent breach in a candidate state of

the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and

fundamental freedoms and the rule of law on which the Union is

founded, the Commission will, at its own initiative or on the request

of the Member States, recommend the suspension of negotiations

and propose the conditions for eventual resumption. The Council

will decide by qualified majority on such a recommendation, after

having heard the candidate state, whether to suspend the negotiations

and on the conditions for their resumption. The Member States will

act in the IGC in accordance with the Council decision, without

prejudice to the general requirement for unanimity in the IGC. The

European Parliament will be informed.

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Parallel to accession negotiations, the Union will engage with every

candidate state in an intensive political and cultural dialogue. With

the aim of enhancing mutual understanding by bringing people

together, this inclusive dialogue also will involve civil society.

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TERRORISM

The European Council reiterated its unyielding determination to combat the

continuing terrorist threat through a comprehensive and integrated

approach reinforcing both internal and international cooperation, in

accordance with the principles on which the European Union is founded.

Democracy and respect for fundamental rights must not be allowed to be

undermined by terrorism. The European Council stressed the importance

of promoting respect, tolerance, dialogue and full participation in society

by all.

Radicalisation and terrorist recruitment can be closely connected. The

European Council called on the Council to establish a long-term strategy

and action plan on both issues by the end of 2005, building on the report

on recruitment recently adopted by the Council. It invited the Secretary-

General/High Representative and the Commission to submit proposals to

this effect.

The European Council called for prompt implementation of measures

identified in the

Hague Programme on strengthening freedom, security

and justice

relevant to combating terrorism. As, in particular, obstacles to

the exchange of information between terrorism related services must be

removed, the European Council invited the Commission to present

proposals to this end based on the principle of availability of information.

The European Council welcomed the revised EU Action Plan and additional

reports presented by the Secretary-General/High Representative and the

Commission on combating terrorism and the progress made since June

2004, which should lead to further concrete results as demonstrated in

these contributions, notably:

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the reinforcement of practical and operational cooperation notably

through Europol and the Police Chiefs Task Force; better exchange

of information between Member States and Europol and Eurojust;

the exchange of data on lost and stolen passports with Interpol; the

peer evaluations in 15 Member States of the national structures on

combating terrorism to be completed for 25 by September 2005.

Member states are called upon to report on implementation of

recommendations aimed at strengthening these structures;

concerning judicial cooperation: improved exchange of information

from criminal records (to be further developed by the end of 2005 on

the basis of the Commission's White Paper); progress on retention of

telecommunications data and the European Evidence Warrant (both

to be agreed in 2005). The European Council invites the Commission

to present proposals for a European Protection Programme – as soon

as possible – to protect and assist victims of terrorism, as well as

witnesses in terrorism cases;

as regards border and document security: the enhanced security of

EU passports by the inclusion of biometric data (facial image and

fingerprints) and the establishment of the European Border Agency

(to be operational by May 2005);

concerning intelligence cooperation, the links established between

the Counter Terrorism Group and the re-enforced EU Situation

Centre which as of 1 January 2005 will provide the Council with

strategic threat assessments based on intelligence from national

services; and the improved exchange of information with Europol.

The European Council invited the SG/HR to report on progress,

including enhanced co-operation between police and security

services, also in connection with the SitCen;

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measures to combat terrorist financing, notably agreement on

controls on cash entering or leaving the Union and on the third

Money Laundering Directive; best practices in implementing

financial sanctions against terrorists and their organisations; and the

overall strategy paper presented by the SG/HR and the Commission.

In particular, the Commission is invited to present to the Council as

soon as possible proposals to prevent misuse of charitable

organisations for the financing of terrorism and Member States are

urged to put forward the names of individuals and groups for

inclusion in the European Union list for freezing of assets, thus

contributing to the enhancement of the effectiveness of the sanctions

system;

conclusions on strengthening civil protection capacity on prevention,

preparedness and response to terrorist attacks and the establishment

of a Solidarity Programme regarding the consequences of terrorist

threats and attacks. Further assessment and development of civil

protection capabilities, including joint exercises and coordination of

public information aspects, as well as improved availability of

medical resources is required by June 2005. A European Programme

for critical infrastructure protection with potential trans-boundary

effects should be established before the end of 2005;

progress on external policies through counter terrorism clauses in

agreements with third countries which should be made operational as

soon as possible; the implementation of the 2004 EU-US Declaration

on combating terrorism; the conceptual framework and action points

on the ESDP dimension of the fight against terrorism; and

strengthening cooperation with priority third countries through

dialogue and assistance. The Council and the Commission are called

upon to set up a network of national experts to respond to requests

for technical assistance by third countries and to establish a new

financial instrument comparable with the twinning concept.

The European Council urged all Member States to implement on a priority

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basis the measures agreed by the European Union and other relevant

international organisations, and urged the Council and the Commission to

continue their efforts to implement the EU Action Plan and respect its

deadlines.

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The European Council requested the General Secretariat of the Council,

together with the Commission, to submit a further progress report

including any recommendations they may wish to make on improving

delivery and/or additional efforts and initiatives in June 2005.

FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK 2007-2013

Principles and Guidelines

The European Council took note of the Presidency Progress Report on the

intensive work undertaken on the Commission's 2007-2013 Financial

Framework proposals, including the Interinstitutional

Agreement/flexibility and own resources.

The European Council confirmed that the new Financial Framework, to be

agreed in comprehensive negotiations, should equip the enlarged Union

with the financial means necessary to enable it to address effectively future

challenges through policies agreed in accordance with the Treaty,

consistent with the principles of subsidiarity, proportionality and solidarity

and providing added value. Expenditure for individual policy areas must

be seen in the context of the overall expenditure level, and such

expenditure must be seen in the context of the overall negotiation

including the linked question of own resources.

The next Financial Framework should attest to determined efforts towards

budgetary discipline within a general context of budgetary rigour. Those

efforts will be assisted by maintaining a strict demarcation between broad

policy areas and a balanced ratio of commitments to payments. As existing

measures to ensure budgetary flexibility have worked well, at this stage

additional flexibility arrangements are not deemed necessary.

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The European Council pointed out that alongside regulation, coordination and

structural reforms, EU expenditure programmes also contribute to

achieving the Lisbon objectives. In an enlarged Union the main effort in

the context of structural policy should be directed towards reducing the

disparities in development levels, with special attention to the least

prosperous parts of the Union. On market related expenditure and direct

payments under the Common Agricultural Policy, the European Council

recalled its agreement of October 2002 as part of the overall agreement.

The Area of Freedom, Security and Justice will be the main priority within

the framework of actions designed to further citizenship and due account

should be taken of the financial implications of the

Hague Programme

agreed in November 2004. Finally to make the European Union able to

fulfil its international responsibilities, a set of simplified and effective

foreign policy instruments has to be put in place with adequate means,

including a margin to allow the Union to respond to unforeseen events.

The European Council endorsed the Commission proposal to maintain the

ceiling for the own resources at the current level of 1,24% of EU GNI. The

European Council took note of the presentation by the Commission of the

report on the operation of the own resources system, including its

budgetary consequences for the Member States, as well as a proposal to

introduce a generalised correction mechanism. It called on the

Commission and the Council to continue the examination of issues arising

in this connection, including possible simplification of the system towards

a GNI-based system in the light of discussions up to now.

The incoming Presidency is invited to press ahead with the work towards

establishment of the next Financial Framework. Further work on the

Financial Framework should take full account of the range of positions of

Member States as reflected in the Progress Report including the building

blocks and will comply with the timeframe of the Multiannual Strategic

Programme, including the aim of reaching political agreement by June

2005.

The incoming Presidency is furthermore invited to take all necessary steps to

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establish appropriate contacts with the European Parliament.

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AREA OF FREEDOM, SECURITY AND JUSTICE

EU Drugs strategy 2005-2012

The European Council adopted the Drugs strategy 2005-2012, which will be

included in the Hague Programme. The Strategy will be a key instrument

to effectively confront drugs use and trafficking with a view to ensuring a

high level of health protection, wellbeing and social cohesion, as well as a

high level of security for the general public. The European Council invited

the Commission to present to the Council a proposal for an Action Plan for

implementation of the Strategy in 2005-2008 with a view to its adoption

by the Council early in 2005 and to prepare an impact assessment of its

implementation in 2008.

Immigrant integration policy

Recalling its conclusions of June 2003 and November 2004, the European

Council welcomed the establishment of common basic principles for

immigrant integration policy of the Member States. These are to be the

basis of a comprehensive framework on immigrant integration, taking into

account the legal, political, economic, social and cultural diversity of

Member States. They need to be developed in the light of shared

experiences. The European Council noted that effective integration

policies and exchange of best practices within the Union can contribute to

this, and in this respect welcomed the outcome of the Ministerial

Conference on integration which paid special attention to youth

susceptible to radical influences.

The European Council furthermore welcomed the outcome of the Ministerial

Conference on Urban Policy and recognised the importance of urban areas

for promotion of social inclusion.

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EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

The European Council reiterated its commitment to the European Security

Strategy, which it adopted one year ago. It invited the incoming

Presidency to continue to implement the Strategy in cooperation with the

High Representative and the Commission.

Addressing key threats

The European Council endorsed the report on the implementation of the EU

Strategy on Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and

noted the progress in this respect in the relations with third countries and

cooperation with the IAEA and the OPCW. It reaffirmed its commitment

to use all instruments at its disposal to counter the threat of proliferation of

WMD and their means of delivery.

The European Council welcomed the agreement reached with Iran regarding

nuclear issues and future cooperation on 15 November, following talks

with France, Germany and the UK supported by the High Representative.

It underlined that sustaining the full suspension of all enrichment related

and reprocessing activities was essential for the continuation of the overall

process. The European Council confirmed the Union's readiness to explore

ways to develop political and economic cooperation with Iran, following

action by Iran to address the EU's areas of concern.

The European Council reaffirmed its objective of a secure, unified,

prosperous and democratic Iraq that will work constructively with its

neighbours and the international community to meet common challenges.

It reiterated its determination to support the Iraqi authorities and people,

i.a. through elections support, financing of UN protection, reconstruction

assistance, strengthening the criminal justice sector and promoting respect

for the rule of law, and developing political and trade cooperation with

Iraq.

The European Council underlined the EU's long-term commitment to the

reconstruction, development and stabilization of Afghanistan. The EU will

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continue to support the ongoing democratisation process, including next

year's parliamentary and local elections, the counter-narcotics efforts and

the security-sector reform.

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Building security in our neighbourhood

The European Council noted with satisfaction that a first series of Action

Plans jointly prepared with Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Moldova, Ukraine,

Israel and the Palestinian Authority were successfully finalised within the

framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). It adopted

separate declarations on Ukraine and the Middle East peace process

(annex). The EU looked forward to working together with partner

countries to implement reforms and other agreed priorities, and to promote

progress on the wider reform agenda in the countries of the Southern

Caucasus and Belarus. The European Council invited the Commission and

the High Representative to report regularly on progress accomplished.

It welcomed the start of the implementation of the EU Strategic Partnership

with the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It reiterated the importance of

the commitment of the partners concerned to engage in reform and

recognised that the EU's relations with these countries have distinct

characteristics that merit a differentiated approach.

Regarding the Mediterranean region, the European Council welcomed the

progress in the field of political and security issues that was made at the

Barcelona Process ministerial meeting on 29-30 November in The Hague

and the agreement to make good use of the Barcelona Process to foster the

process of modernisation and reform. The ENP and its Action Plans are

the main tools for partnership, cooperation and dialogue with the region.

The European Council welcomed the progress made with the other countries

of the Middle East region and invited further consultations with

governments and other stakeholders concerned. It called on the relevant

bodies of the Council to continue the work towards strengthening relations

with these countries – including Yemen and eventually Iran and Iraq – in

all relevant political, economic, social and cultural fields.

The European Council reaffirmed its commitment to the full implementation

of the Thessaloniki agenda, which sets out the road for the Western

Balkans towards the EU. The recent ministerial meetings of the EU-

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Western Balkans Forum served to assess progress achieved and identify

challenges ahead. The European Council underlined that the progress of

each country towards the EU depended on its own efforts in meeting the

Copenhagen criteria and the conditions of the Stabilisation and

Association Process, in particular on key issues such as full cooperation

with the ICTY.

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An international order based on effective multilateralism

The European Council welcomed the report of the United Nations Secretary-

General's High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, in

particular the comprehensive approach to collective security. The

European Council urged UN member states to commit themselves to the

reform process and called for decisions on reforms at the High Level

Summit in September 2005. The follow up to the European Security

Strategy regarding effective multilateralism and a rule based international

order, as requested by the European Council in June, should aim at

supporting the efforts of the UN Secretary-General in this respect.

The European Council welcomed the decision to appoint an EU

Special/Personal Representative on Human Rights as a contribution to the

coherence and continuity of the EU human rights policy. It called for

further implementation of its decision in December 2003 to establish an

EU Human Rights Agency which can play a role in monitoring the human

rights situation within the EU.

Working with partners

The European Council underlined that a strong transatlantic partnership was

crucial to address the key threats and challenges of our time and looked

forward in this respect to President Bush's forthcoming visit to Europe. It

welcomed the initiative of a yearly Justice and Home Affairs ministerial

troika with the US and the broad participation of the stakeholders on both

sides of the ocean in the consultations on the further deepening of

transatlantic economic relations.

The importance the EU and Russia attach to their strategic partnership, based

on common values and shared interests, was underlined at the latest EU-

Russia Summit. Considerable progress was made on the creation of the

four Common Spaces and the European Council looked forward to

adopting a comprehensive package of roadmaps at the next EU-Russia

Summit in Moscow in May 2005. In parallel, work on the implementation

of elements on which agreement has been reached provisionally should

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start as early as possible.

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The European Council welcomed the outcome of the Summit meetings with

ASEM, the Republic of Korea, India and China, which broadened and

deepened the relationships with the Asian partners. It invited the Council

and the Commission to initiate the development of the Action Plan with

India to be endorsed at the 6

EU-India Summit in New Delhi in 2005 and

to further explore the feasibility of a new EU-China framework agreement

and possible cooperation with China on issues such as re-admission and

market economy status. The European Council also called on the Council

and the Commission to intensify the cooperation with Indonesia in fields

like counter-terrorism, interfaith dialogue, reforms and sustainable

development.

During the past six months the EU strengthened its cooperation with the

African Union (AU) and sub-regional organisations, including ECOWAS

and SADC. The European Council underlined its commitment to

continued contributions by the EU to improvement of the situation on the

African continent. It welcomed increased regional ownership and

underlined that the EU will continue to strengthen its ties with the AU and

sub-regional organisations, notably in the field of peace and security.

[PM: Somalia]

ESDP

The European Council welcomed the successful start of the EU military

operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 2 December, which

underlines the Union's pledge to stability and security in this country and is

a practical example of the strategic partnership in crisis management with

NATO. It also noted the successful conduct of the three ongoing ESDP

missions – the EU Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, EUPOL

Proxima in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the Rule of

Law Mission Themis in Georgia. It requested the incoming Presidency and

the SG/HR to take forward the preparations for a police mission in the

Democratic Republic of Congo and for an integrated police, rule of law

and civilian administration mission to Iraq that is expected to start after the

January 2005 elections. The European Council endorsed the Presidency

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Report on ESDP, including the mandate for the incoming Presidency, and

welcomed in particular the progress in the development of military and

civilian capabilities reflected in this report.

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Separate declarations on issues to be discussed at dinner:

MEPP

Ukraine

International cooperation

The European Council emphasised the importance of ensuring a coherent

contribution of EC ODA to poverty eradication in all developing countries.

In this context, whilst honouring existing commitments, the European

Council underlined the need to find ways to increase the focus on the

poorest, with a specific focus on Africa.

The European Council confirmed the full commitment of the European Union to

the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to the need to ensure

progress towards achieving them, especially in Sub-Sahara Africa. In that

respect, the European Council welcomed the consultation by the

Commission of individual Member States with a view to presenting to the

Council (GAERC) in April 2005 concrete proposals on setting new and

adequate ODA targets for the period 2009-2010, while taking into account

the position of new Member States. The European Union will also explore

innovative ways of financing based upon proposals submitted by the

Commission with a view to the 2005 high level Event.

The European Council called, in the framework of achieving the MDGs, for

further strengthening of policy coherence for development by making

wider and more systematic use of existing mechanisms for consultation

and impact assessment and procedures to screen all relevant policies for

their impact on developing countries.

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OTHER ISSUES

Commonly shared values

The European Council noted with approval the series of public debates hosted

by the Presidency, engaging participants with wide-ranging backgrounds

and experience, on the European identity and the concept of commonly

shared values as foundation of European integration and cooperation.

The European Council took note of the results of this series of debates, of the

report of the Education Council on Education and Citizenship and of the

follow up initiatives and welcomed further initiatives to advance the values

which contribute to active citizenship in the Union. The European Council

invited the European Commission to incorporate the results of the debates

and the main findings of the report into its future Citizens' Programme and

its communication strategy for 2005.

Consular cooperation

The European Council confirmed the importance of intensified consular

cooperation. It welcomed the agreement reached in the Council on pooling

consular resources and cooperation both in normal times and in times of

crises, thus helping Member States to deal more effectively with the

increasing demand for consular services.

European External Action Service

The European Council welcomed the fact that, following the signature of the

Constitutional Treaty, work on the European External Action Service has

begun by the Presidency, Secretary-General/High Representative and the

Commission.

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It invited the Secretary-General/High Representative together with the

Commission and the Member States to continue this preparatory work, in

particular by identifying key issues, including the scope and structure of

the future service. To ensure the full involvement of Member States in this

process, regular discussions will take place in the General Affairs and

External Relations Council, prepared by Coreper.

The European Council invited the Secretary-General/High Representative

together with the Commission to prepare a progress report on this

preparatory work to its June 2005 meeting at the latest, and to take

appropriate steps to keep the European Parliament informed.