Rådsmøde nr. 3400 (udenrigsanliggender) den 22. juni 2015

Europaudvalget 2015-16
Rådsmøde 3400 - udenrigsanliggender
Offentligt

Council of the

European Union

10185/15

(OR. en)

PROVISIONAL VERSION

PRESSE 45

PR CO 37

OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING

3400th Council meeting

Foreign Affairs

Luxembourg, 22 June 2015

President

Federica MOGHERINI

High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security

Policy

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

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Rådsmøde nr. 3400 (udenrigsanliggender) den 22. juni 2015 - Bilag 1335993:

PROVISIONAL VERSION

22 June 2015

CONTENTS

ITEMS DEBATED

Energy diplomacy ................................................................................................................................ 3

Asia ...................................................................................................................................................... 3

EU-UN Cooperation ............................................................................................................................ 4

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ........................................................................................... 4

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

–

Burundi .................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Lebanon ................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Russia: extension of economic sanctions ................................................................................................................ 8

EU annual report on human rights and democracy in the world ............................................................................. 8

Humanitarian assistance .......................................................................................................................................... 8

Bosnia and Herzegovina: extension of the mandate of the EU Special Representative .......................................... 8

Syria - restrictive measures...................................................................................................................................... 9

COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY

–

EUNAVFOR Med ................................................................................................................................................... 9



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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Rådsmøde nr. 3400 (udenrigsanliggender) den 22. juni 2015 - Bilag 1335993:

PROVISIONAL VERSION

ITEMS DEBATED

Energy diplomacy

22 June 2015

The Council exchanged views on how EU foreign policy can support the EU's energy union and

how to develop a common EU vision of energy diplomacy and the role it can play.

The energy union sets out to increase the EU's energy security while reducing the EU's carbon

footprint and making the EU a leader in renewable energy.

The Council also had a first debate on an energy diplomacy action plan. Work on this plan will

continue in the next weeks.

Asia

The Council held a strategic debate on EU relations with Asia. Ministers stressed the need to

continue to strengthen relations at a multilateral level, including on security matters. The Council

adopted conclusions on EU-ASEAN relations, notably emphasising the need to move the

relationship to a strategic level.

A few days ahead of the EU-China Summit, ministers exchanged views on relations with China.

They highlighted the importance of strengthening the work with China to further improve the

framework of economic exchanges and cooperation and of continuing to promote human rights.

The importance of developing better connectivity in Asia was also highlighted. In particular, the

need to ensure compatibility between European transport networks and future Asian networks was

stressed.

The Council also adopted conclusions on forthcoming elections in Myanmar/Burma and on the

revised EU strategy on Central Asia.

Council conclusions on EU-ASEAN

Council conclusions on forthcoming elections in Myanmar/Burma

Council conclusions on the EU strategy for Central Asia

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Rådsmøde nr. 3400 (udenrigsanliggender) den 22. juni 2015 - Bilag 1335993:

PROVISIONAL VERSION

EU-UN Cooperation

22 June 2015

For lunch, ministers were joined by Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General, for a debate on current

preparations for key UN summits and EU-UN cooperation in tackling current crises.

2015 is an important year for the UN and for global sustainable development, with key UN

conferences taking place in Addis Ababa (Financing for Development in July), New York (post-

2015 summit in September) and Paris (Climate Change COP 21 in December).

The Council also adopted the EU priorities at the United Nations and the seventieth UN General

Assembly September 2015 – September 2016, as set out

here.

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

The Council discussed the political situation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

After the debate, the High Representative stressed that foreign ministers encouraged the

implementation of the agreement reached on 2 June, in particular the work on reforms, early

elections and a transition that can bring back faith and trust in the institutions.

The General Affairs Council of 23 June 2015 is expected to adopt conclusions on the situation in

the country.

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Rådsmøde nr. 3400 (udenrigsanliggender) den 22. juni 2015 - Bilag 1335993:

PROVISIONAL VERSION

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Burundi

The Council approved the following conclusions on Burundi:

"1.

22 June 2015

The political deadlock in Burundi and the deteriorating security and economic situation have

serious consequences for the population and pose risks for the region as a whole. Faced with

this critical situation, the EU welcomes the fact that the region has mobilised to find a

solution. The decisions on the situation in Burundi adopted at the African Union (AU) summit

of 13 June, as well as the conclusions of the East African Community (EAC) summit of

31 May 2015, establish an indispensable framework for enabling Burundi to overcome the

crisis.

Recalling the Council conclusions of 16 March and 18 May 2015, the EU shares the view

expressed by the AU, the EAC and the United Nations (UN) that only through dialogue and

consensus, in compliance with the Arusha Agreement and the Burundian Constitution, can a

lasting political solution be found in the interests of security and democracy for all Burundi's

people. It calls on all Burundian stakeholders to resume dialogue on all areas of disagreement

between the parties, and undertakes to support them in this.

The European Union calls for full compliance with the conditions identified by the AU and

the EAC, which are vital for the credibility and smooth running of the electoral process in a

way that is peaceful, inclusive and transparent, and does not infringe political freedoms,

including freedom of expression. The EU calls for greater coordination, supports the

mediation efforts made by the AU, the EAC and the UN, and is ready to support the

implementation of the specific measures recently announced by the AU. Both the EAC and

the AU have clearly declared that conditions conducive to the holding of elections are not

currently in place. There is a strong likelihood that it will not be possible to put such

conditions in place within the time frames provided for in the Burundian Constitution. The

EU urges the Burundian Government to accept that this is an accurate reflection of the

situation, and to respond to the decisions taken by the Peace and Security Council of

the AU by taking specific steps as soon as possible.

Echoing the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the EU expresses its deep

concern at the numbers of victims and cases of serious human rights violations reported since

the beginning of the crisis, particularly those abuses attributed to the security forces and to

members of the Imbonerakure. It asks that leaders bring to a halt to the actions that are at the

root of this violence, and urges the Burundian authorities to ensure that these events are fully

investigated, and that those responsible are brought to justice. The EU reiterates that there can

be no impunity for those responsible for serious human rights violations, and that they must

be held individually responsible and brought to account in a court of law. In this context,

the EU considers that it is of particular importance that the human rights observers and

military experts announced by the AU be deployed immediately.

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22 June 2015

The EU is determined to adopt, if necessary, targeted restrictive measures against those whose

actions might have led or might lead to acts of violence and repression and serious human

rights violations, and/or might hamper the search for a political solution within the framework

proposed by the AU and the EAC. As a preventive measure, the Council requests that the

High Representative initiate preparatory work to that end.

The EU recalls the obligations under the Cotonou Agreement in terms of respect for human

rights, democratic values and the rule of law, and the possibility of instituting the consultation

procedures provided for in the Agreement, including Article 96.

Depending on the reaction of the Burundian Government to the decisions taken by the Peace

and Security Council of the AU and on future developments, the EU is prepared to institute

those procedures, including in the area of cooperation, in order to ensure that Burundi respects

those commitments.

The EU underlines that the obligations under the Cotonou Agreement also apply to all States

which are party to it.

The EU is also deeply concerned about the continued outflow of refugees to neighbouring

countries. It reiterates its support for the humanitarian organisations present in the region

which are addressing the refugees' immediate needs. It congratulates the authorities of the

host countries for their open and welcoming attitude towards those seeking refuge beyond

their borders."

Lebanon

The Council approved the following conclusions on Lebanon:

"1.

The EU recalls the Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU marking the

passage of one year since former President Michel Sleiman of Lebanon left office issued on

25 May and the Presidential Statement adopted by the UNSC on 19 March.

The EU strongly reiterates its call on all political forces to take decisive action to elect a new

President and put Lebanon's stability and national interest ahead of partisan politics. The EU

restates its call to all Members of the Parliament to uphold Lebanon's longstanding

democratic tradition and to convene to elect a President without further delay in line with the

Constitution. It is of utmost importance that all parties uphold the Constitution, fully

implement the Taef Agreement, and the National Pact. This protracted Presidential vacuum

increasingly poses severe risks for the country as a whole.

The deepening crisis has further undermined the functioning of the institutions. The EU

reiterates its support for the efforts of Prime Minister Tammam Salam to govern under

difficult circumstances and calls on all the parties to enable the government to function

properly, including appointments to major public offices. It recalls the importance of the

continuity of the institutions, in particular in the security and military sector. Lebanese

political forces have a major responsibility in this regard. The EU welcomes recent steps to

foster dialogue and conciliation and encourages all political parties to step up efforts in that

regard.

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22 June 2015

The EU urges the Parliament to meet for urgent legislative matters, including the

implementation of international aid. This institutional stalemate has a negative impact also on

the country's economy> It is increasingly difficult for donors to operate in Lebanon in such

conditions.

The institutional impasse increasingly affects Lebanon's ability to address the security,

economic and social challenges resulting from the conflict in Syria. As the security situation

continues to deteriorate particularly at the Eastern border, the costs of the institutional

stalemate are growing by the day. The EU and its Member States fully support the efforts of

all Lebanese security institutions, notably the Lebanese Armed Forces, to maintain stability

and respond to complex security threats. That is why the EU and its Member States have

stepped up their assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces and to the security sector and will

remain actively engaged in this respect. The EU also confirms its willingness to support

Lebanon in its fight against terrorism and its efforts to counter radicalisation and violent

extremism.

The EU reiterates its commitment to the sovereignty, stability, territorial integrity and

independence of Lebanon. The EU is concerned about the incursions, cross-border fire, as

well as, abductions, and trafficking in human beings, arms and artefacts across its borders.

The EU reiterates its call for a renewed commitment to the dissociation policy from all

regional conflicts by all political parties in line with the Baabda Declaration.

The EU stresses the importance of Lebanon's continued commitment to the full

implementation of its international obligations, including UNSC Resolutions 1559, 1680,

1701, 1757. The EU reiterates its support to the role of UNIFIL in supporting peace and

stability in South Lebanon.

The EU is fully aware of the extraordinary challenges that the refugee crisis is posing on the

stability Lebanon. The EU commends the Lebanese authorities and population for their efforts

to host, assist and protect the refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria. The EU takes note of

Lebanon's border policy introduced in January 2015 and other recent decisions and, at the

same time, underscores the importance of upholding human rights and humanitarian

principles, as well as the principle of non-refoulement in line with the Berlin Communiqué of

28 October 2014. As the largest donor in the country, the EU is committed to support

Lebanon in addressing the growing needs of all vulnerable communities and refugees,

including the Palestinian refugees. The implementation and coordination of international

assistance requires effective decision-making by the government.

The EU encourages Lebanon to advance on key economic and social reforms, including the

adoption of the national budget, effective implementation of strategic sectorial policies to

address the economic and social needs of the population, thus contributing to job creation and

economic stability and growth in the country. The strengthening of the civil society should

also be part of these reforms.

The EU supports Lebanon in addressing its extraordinary challenges. The EU reaffirms its

strong partnership with Lebanon anchored in our common values of democracy, pluralism,

rule of law and respect for human rights. The EU highlights the importance of upholding

Lebanon's freedom and diversity as a model of moderation in the entire region."

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Rådsmøde nr. 3400 (udenrigsanliggender) den 22. juni 2015 - Bilag 1335993:

PROVISIONAL VERSION

Russia: extension of economic sanctions

22 June 2015

The Council extended the EU economic sanctions, which respond to Russia's destabilising role in

Eastern Ukraine, until 31 January 2016.

For more details, see

press release.

EU annual report on human rights and democracy in the world

The Council approved the EU annual report on human rights and democracy in the world in 2014.

The report gathers information on EU initiatives to promote respect for human rights across the

world. The EU focused on promoting key priorities such as freedom of expression offline and

online, women's rights, work against torture, abolition of the death penalty, LGTBI rights, support

for human rights defenders, freedom of association and peaceful assembly, children's rights, and

support for democratic reforms and values. In 2014, the EU held formal human rights dialogues and

consultations with 37 partner countries including, for the first time, a human rights dialogue with

Myanmar/Burma.

For more details, see the

press release,

and the full

text of the report.

Humanitarian assistance

The Council adopted conclusions on common principles for multi-purpose cash-based assistance to

respond to humanitarian needs. These 10 principles provide a strategic framework for the use of

cash-based assistance and will contribute to more effective, efficient and innovative humanitarian

assistance.

Read the full text of the

conclusions.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: extension of the mandate of the EU Special Representative

The Council extended the mandate of Mr Lars-Gunnar Wigemark as European Union Special

Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a further four months, i.e. until 31 October 2015.

The EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina offers advice and facilitates the political

process, notably in the areas of the rule of law and security sector reform. He also contributes to the

further development of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

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Rådsmøde nr. 3400 (udenrigsanliggender) den 22. juni 2015 - Bilag 1335993:

PROVISIONAL VERSION

Syria - restrictive measures

22 June 2015

The Council amended the EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime. It withdrew a

deceased person from the list of those subject to a travel ban and an EU asset freeze over their

responsibility for the repression of the civilian population and human rights violations.

COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY

EUNAVFOR Med

The Council launched the EU naval operation to disrupt human smuggling in the Mediterranean.

For more details, see

press release.

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