Rådsmøde nr. 3438 (udenrigsanliggender) den 14. december 2015

Europaudvalget 2015-16
Rådsmøde 3438 - udenrigsanliggender
Offentligt

Council of the

European Union

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(OR. en)

PRESSE 81

PR CO 73

OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING

3438th Council meeting

Foreign Affairs

Brussels, 14 December 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 9773 / 6319 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 8026

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

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CONTENTS

ITEMS DEBATED

Eastern Partners.................................................................................................................................... 3

Counter-terrorism ................................................................................................................................. 4

Libya .................................................................................................................................................... 5

Iraq ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

Turkey .................................................................................................................................................. 9

Meetings in the margins of the Council ............................................................................................. 10

–

EU-Morocco Association Council ......................................................................................................................... 10

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

–

European Neighbourhood Policy........................................................................................................................... 11

Morocco - Court appeal ......................................................................................................................................... 14

Afghanistan - EU police mission ........................................................................................................................... 15

Court of Auditors report on EU support for the fight against torture .................................................................... 15

DEVELOPMENT POLICY

–

Development and external assistance policies and their implementation in 2014 ................................................. 15

Court of Auditors report on the ACP investment facility ...................................................................................... 15



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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ITEMS DEBATED

Eastern Partners

The Council discussed political developments in the EU's eastern partner countries and how best to

take forward the Eastern Partnership in line with the outcome of the Riga summit in May 2015.

Ministers emphasised the need to have a tailor-made differentiated approach for each of the six

partner countries, in order to cater to their very different situations.

The Council took stock of the implementation of deep and comprehensive free trade areas

(DCFTAs) in Georgia and the Republic of Moldova, as well as the start of implementation in

Ukraine on 1 January 2016. The objective remains to support all three countries in creating new

opportunities for trade and economic growth and aligning with EU standards and practice.

The Council discussed the recent opening of negotiations with Armenia on a new overarching

framework for the deepening of bilateral relations. Ministers confirmed the EU's readiness to

further deepen and broaden its relations with Azerbaijan. The Council agreed that the EU should

continue to pursue its policy of critical engagement with Belarus.

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Counter-terrorism

The Council discussed the external dimension of the EU's counter-terrorism work.

Ministers were joined by the EU's counter-terrorism coordinator Gilles de Kerchove. They took

stock of the implementation of the Council conclusions adopted on 9 February 2015, along with a

statement by heads of state and government adopted on 12 February 2015, which together set the

direction of the EU's counter-terrorism policy in the external field.

The High Representative updated ministers on the progress achieved during the last eight months,

as well as on forward-looking measures. The Council assessed cooperation with countries in the

Middle East and North Africa, Turkey and the Western Balkans. It discussed thematic priorities

such as efforts against foreign terrorist fighters, improving border security and aviation security,

curtailing terrorist financing and countering radicalisation and violent extremism.

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Libya

The Council took stock of recent developments in Libya.

Ministers were briefed by the UN's special representative for Libya, Martin Kobler, on the Libyan

political dialogue and his efforts to support Libyan interlocutors in finding an agreement on a

Government of National Accord. This was the first meeting between the Council and Martin Kobler

since he took up office in November 2015.

Ministers unanimously supported the results of an international conference in Rome on

13 December 2015, which backed the formation of a Government of National Accord in Libya and

pledged economic and security support to help stabilise the country. They emphasised the need to

keep the process open, before and after the signing of the agreement, in order to broaden support for

it.

The Council reconfirmed the EU's readiness to work with the new Government of National

Accord, once it is formed, to offer immediate and substantial support in a number of different areas

defined together with the Libyan authorities. It asked its services to prepare, over the coming days,

the initial measures for humanitarian and economic support and the provision of local and

municipal services, to ensure they are in place as soon as an agreement has been signed.

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Iraq

The Council approved the following conclusions:

" 1.

The EU reiterates its firm support for Iraq's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The

EU remains committed to achieving lasting peace, stability and security in Iraq and the wider

region, as well as to countering Da'esh which poses a clear threat to Iraq, our partners in the Middle

East, to wider international security and to Europe directly. The EU supports efforts by the Global

Coalition to counter Da'esh, including military action in accordance with international law. It recalls

that military action in this context is necessary but not sufficient to defeat Da'esh. The EU

underlines that inclusive political governance is crucial to sustainable peace and stability in Iraq. It

stresses that a strong and unified Iraq is key to resolving the present crisis and to the country's long

term development and prosperity. The EU calls on the countries of the region to play a constructive

role and support the Iraqi Government in its efforts to restore long-lasting peace and stability in

Iraq.

Furthermore the EU reiterates its strong support for the democratically-elected Iraqi

Government, led by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, and welcomes the government's commitment

to pursue reforms and comprehensive dialogue with a view to tackle the underlying political crisis

in Iraq, achieving inclusiveness, reconciliation at national and local level and long-term peace and

stability. The EU emphasises that the Iraqi Government's September 2014 programme, as well as its

August 2015 reform package, which aims to tackle corruption, improve the delivery of services to

citizens and strengthen good governance, remain the basis for delivering meaningful, tangible

reforms for all of Iraq's people. The EU commends Prime Minister al-Abadi's courage in proposing

these measures and calls on the Iraqi authorities to step up their reform efforts, accelerate the pace

of their implementation and deliver comprehensive dialogue, in order to achieve effective progress

rapidly. In particular the establishment of the National Guard, the review of the so-called De-

Ba'athification law and the release of prisoners held without charge are measures that should be

adopted and implemented without delay. The EU calls on all Iraq's political forces to work

constructively in support of these vital endeavours to the benefit of all segments of Iraqi society.

The EU also underlines the urgency of reviving the agreement on the transfer of revenues and oil

between the Federal Government of Iraq and the Government of the Kurdistan Region.

The EU condemns in the strongest terms continued gross, systematic and widespread human

rights abuses and violations, as well as the destruction of cultural heritage carried out by Da´esh.

Whilst the primary victims of these acts have been Iraqi Muslims, persons belonging to minority

groups, particularly Christians and Yezidis, have also been the target of Da'esh atrocities that are

likely to amount to crimes against humanity. Those responsible for these crimes must be held

accountable.

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The EU welcomes progress in the fight against Da'esh that has been accomplished in Iraq

throughout 2015 by Iraqi Security Forces including the Peshmerga, and strongly supports the efforts

of the Global Coalition to back Iraq to counter Da'esh. The EU will continue to implement its

Regional Strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the Da'esh threat and the Counter-terrorism Strategy

for Syria and Iraq, with particular focus on Foreign Fighters, as its main framework to tackle the

threat posed by Da’esh and its extremist ideology and it looks forward to the next six monthly

report on the implementation of the March 2015 Strategy. It will in particular step up its efforts to

prevent the terrorist financing, curbing its revenues such as illicit sales of oil and cultural artefacts.

Efforts will also be multiplied to counter the terrorist narrative and improve information exchanges

to stop terrorist foreign fighters. Moreover, the EU intends to deepen its political dialogue on these

issues with its partners and in this context will seek to accelerate implementation of the strategies

where possible, and refers to the outcomes of the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on 3-4

December 2015.

The EU underlines the importance of full respect for international law, human rights and the

rule of law in the fight against Da´esh and in all the liberated areas. It recalls that the fight against

terrorism will only be successful if conducted in full respect of international human rights,

preventing sectarian violence, defusing sectarian tensions and preserving the multi-ethnic, multi-

religious and multi-confessional character of the Iraqi society, as underlined in the action plan

adopted at the 8 September Paris Conference on the Victims of Ethnic and Religious Violence in

the Middle East. It stresses the necessity of rebuilding inclusive and democratically controlled Iraqi

Security Forces and underlines that all armed groups must come under the command and control of

the Iraqi State. In this context, it particularly urges the Iraqi Government and the Council of

Representatives to press ahead with security sector reforms aimed at centralising the command and

control of these forces and improving their respect for human rights. The EU welcomes PM al-

Abadi's commitment to investigate all allegations of abuses and violations and ensure the

perpetrators are brought to justice. The EU reiterates its call on Iraq to accede to the Rome Statute.

The EU stresses that IDPs returns to places of origin must be safe, informed, voluntary and

non-discriminatory, in line with international protection standards. The EU recognises stabilisation

as a key condition for the return of IDPs as well as for reconciliation. In this context it reaffirms its

support for the Iraqi Government-led stabilisation efforts in liberated areas, such as the training of

the Iraqi Police forces. It commends the Government for its constructive work and cooperation with

the Global Coalition's Working Group on Stabilisation (SWG) as well as the United Nations. The

EU welcomes Member States' contributions to UNDP's Funding Facility for Immediate

Stabilisation (FFIS), which has been crucial in providing rapid and effective stabilisation support to

liberated areas of Iraq, such as Tikrit. The EU will continue to work closely with the Iraqi

Government and all relevant actors contributing to stabilisation in Iraq, including the SWG and the

United Nations.

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The EU remains extremely concerned at the dire humanitarian situation and the

displacements of large numbers of civilians and strongly condemns the egregious violations of

International Humanitarian Law in the conflict. The EU and its Member States, the largest

humanitarian donors responding to the crisis in Iraq, will continue to provide humanitarian

assistance guided by independent needs assessments and seeking to provide an impartial response.

They will also insist with all relevant parties on the need to comply with the International

Humanitarian Law, bringing the protection of civilians to the forefront of the EU humanitarian and

political engagement in Iraq. The EU reiterates its call for the Federal Government of Iraq and the

Government of the Kurdistan Region, to make all possible efforts to ensure that humanitarian aid is

delivered to all civilians, in particular IDPs and refugees, including all vulnerable groups, in line

with international law and humanitarian principles and again stresses the importance of offering

equal protection to all ethnic and religious communities that are part of Iraqi society. This is crucial

to alleviate the suffering of all civilians and consistent with the objectives of avoiding further

deepening of sectarian and ethnic fault lines, without impacting on the diverse and plural character

of the Iraqi society. The EU also acknowledges the strong role played by the United Nations in

coordinating much-needed humanitarian assistance.

The EU calls on the different parties in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to work together in a

spirit of compromise to resolve the current political impasse through dialogue and moderation. The

EU reiterates the necessity of unity and stability at a time when the Kurdistan Region is facing

economic, social, humanitarian challenges and is making a substantial contribution to the fight

against Da'esh. It invites the Government of the Kurdistan Region and all political parties to respect

democratic principles and values in order to restore the institutional order and press ahead with

necessary reforms.

The EU remains strongly committed to working closely with the Iraqi partners who face

many challenges, including through the EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. It intends

to maintain its focus on counter-terrorism cooperation, immediate stabilisation of liberated areas,

and support to reconciliation and peacebuilding initiatives. The EU and its Member States reiterate

their sustained and comprehensive engagement in the medium and longer term to address the root

causes of the crisis and improve Iraq's governance, ensuring continued enhanced support to rule of

law and human rights (including the reform of the judiciary and the civilian security), and, closely

linked to that, the socio-economic development. The EU and its Member States will explore the

possibilities to further support these areas, using all available instruments. The EU continues its

strong support of UNAMI's role in providing assistance and reconstruction to the people of Iraq."

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Turkey

Over lunch, ministers held an exchange of views with the Turkish foreign minister, Mevlüt

Çavuşoğlu, on foreign policy and regional issues.

They discussed recent developments in Syria and Libya, the fight against Da’esh, counter-terrorism

and the issue of foreign fighters.

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Meetings in the margins of the Council

–

EU-Morocco Association Council

The EU-Morocco Association Council held its 13th meeting.

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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

European Neighbourhood Policy

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

" 1.

The Council welcomes the Joint Communication of 18 November 2015 on the 'Review of

the European Neighbourhood Policy', aimed at better responding to changes and challenges in the

neighbourhood. As set out in the April 2015 Council Conclusions, a democratic, stable and

prosperous neighbourhood is a strategic priority and a fundamental interest for the EU. Underlining

the importance of a special relationship with the EU's neighbours, the stabilisation of the

neighbourhood in political, economic and security terms will be the main political priority for the

EU in the next years. In doing so, the EU will pursue its interests and promote universal values.

The European Neighbourhood Policy is key for both the EU’s Common Foreign and

Security Policy and other areas of the EU’s external action. The findings of the review should feed

in to the development of wider EU policy, in particular the Global Strategy on Foreign and Security

Policy. The Council recalls the importance it attaches to the High Representative and the

Commission ensuring better policy coherence with all aspects of EU external action. It encourages

enhanced co-ordination between EU Delegations and Member States, and also with international

organisations, in partner countries.

The Council welcomes that the revised ENP, as set out in the Joint Communication, takes

into account interests and needs of the EU and its neighbours, neighbours' commitment to reforms,

the level of ambition of the partnership as well as different challenges and the geopolitical

environment.

Recalling the need to ensure the EU Member States’ full involvement in the ENP, the

Council will remain seized of the review process and looks forward to a regular dialogue on its

implementation. The Council invites the High Representative and the Commission to engage with

partner countries on the revised policy and then present progress to the Council for discussion. The

Council looks forward to regular high-level dialogue on delivery of the European Neighbourhood

Policy.

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The Council welcomes the engagement and consultation with partner countries in the review

process. Enhanced differentiation between and greater ownership by partner countries are key

principles for the reviewed ENP. The Council welcomes the proposals set out in the Joint

Communication to further develop relations with partners wishing to pursue deeper relations with

the EU based on shared values, including by increasing opportunities for political dialogue at

ministerial level. The Council underlines the importance of assisting all partners in their reform

efforts with a corresponding level of support. The Council confirms the intention to start a new

phase of engagement with partners in 2016 which could lead to the setting of new partnership

priorities, where appropriate, focused on agreed priorities and interests.

The Council underlines that the EU's partnerships under the ENP should be focused on

people as well as governments. The Council calls for effective promotion of good governance,

democracy, rule of law and human rights, which are important for long-term stability. These topics

will be discussed with all partners, in mutually agreed formats, as well as in partnership with the

wider society. This should include enhanced support to civil society and a renewed focus on the

importance of gender equality. The European Endowment for Democracy can play an important

role in this regard.

The Council stresses the importance of sustainable economic development for stabilisation

through investment in economic modernisation with a particular focus on youth, education and

employment to boost prosperity. The Council stresses the need for renewed action on connectivity,

energy security and climate action.

Full and effective implementation of Association Agreements/ Deep and Comprehensive

Free Trade Areas (AAs/DCFTAs) is a key priority which, accompanied by reforms, will result in

relevant partners' comprehensive approximation with international standards and EU legislation and

standards. This will lead to the gradual economic integration of AA/DCFTA partners in the EU

internal market and therefore to the creation of an economic area. Such a vision will also contribute

to the long-term goal of a wider area of economic prosperity based on World Trade Organisation

(WTO) rules and sovereign choices throughout Europe and beyond. The Council encourages the

Commission to work with all ENP partners in their ongoing and possible future negotiations. For

those who do not wish to engage in negotiations for a DCFTA, there should be the opportunity to

jointly determine attractive and realistic alternatives to promote economic integration and

strengthen trade and investment relations that reflect mutual benefits.

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The Council welcomes the new proposals to strengthen the security dimension of the ENP,

and reiterates its calls for greater coherence of the ENP with the security and foreign policy

dimensions of the EU's other actions abroad. This will include measures to reinforce partners’

resilience such as countering the terrorist threat and preventing radicalisation, and supporting

Security Sector Reform and border management. Such security measures and cooperation will be

conducted in full compliance with the rule of law and international law, including international

human rights law. The ENP security proposals should be implemented in line with the

comprehensive approach and with the external dimension of other relevant EU policies with closer

coordination between the security-related work financed under the ENI and wider CFSP/CSDP

activities, where appropriate. In addition, the Council will enhance cooperation with partners,

including through, where appropriate, CSDP activities or the EU’s Special Representatives, to

support the management and resolution of conflicts in the neighbourhood including through agreed

frameworks. In addition, cross-cultural dialogue, such as that promoted by the Anna Lindh

foundation, can play a role in conflict prevention.

10.

The Council welcomes proposals for intensified cooperation on both regular and irregular

migration. The Council calls on the High Representative and the Commission to continue increasing

the support for partner countries receiving and assisting refugees and IDPs. The Council calls for

enhanced effective cooperation on returns, readmission and sustainable reintegration and for

continued engagement with partners beyond the neighbourhood building on the Valletta Summit

and other existing initiatives. Tackling together with partners the root causes of irregular migration

and forced displacement including of unaccompanied minors should remain priorities. The Council

reconfirms that enhanced mobility in a secure and well managed environment and people-to-people

contacts should be promoted. Mutually-beneficial regular migration including circular migration

should be promoted through better support schemes.

11.

The Council reaffirms the importance of the Eastern Partnership and its commitment to

continue implementing the shared priorities agreed at Riga and previous Eastern Partnership

Summits. The Council supports further strengthening of this regional dimension, including through

the regional programmes of the EU and the multilateral framework of the EaP.

12.

The Council acknowledges that the Union for the Mediterranean has proved to be a valuable

forum for political and economic discussion, as well as for agreeing concrete projects in priority

sectors. The Union for the Mediterranean should be considered as a key regional framework for

political dialogue and regional cooperation efforts, including through regular ministerial meetings.

13.

The Council supports outreach beyond the neighbourhood in order to tackle shared

challenges. The High Representative and the Commission in consultation with the Council will

develop new Thematic Frameworks with interested ENP partners to offer cooperation on regional

issues in the neighbourhood, to state and multilateral actors, as well as to other partners.

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14.

The Council also recalls the importance of other existing initiatives with EU and Member

States involvement such as the Black Sea Synergy and AMICI (A southern Mediterranean

Investment Coordination Initiative).

15.

The Council supports increasing the flexibility of existing financing instruments in order to

improve the EU's capability to respond flexibly to crisis situations. The EU will also preserve the

predictability and continuity of its support for implementing the mutually agreed long-term reform

goals and other elements required by the ENI regulation. Commitment to and implementation of

reform will continue to guide the allocation of funds under the ENI umbrella programme, in line

with the incentive based approach. The Council looks forward to examining proposals for more

effective delivery of financial support, including those set out in the Joint Communication.

16.

The Council recognises the need to improve communication of the ENP, and on ensuring

better visibility and outreach for the policy and its outcomes. This should include enhanced strategic

communication efforts, including related support to partners and support to independent media in

the neighbourhood.

17.

The Council welcomes the new approach to reporting, focusing specifically on meeting the

goals agreed with partners. This reporting will support the work of Association Councils, Co-

operation Councils and other high-level meetings. In addition, the Council invites the High

Representative and the Commission to provide regular reporting to track developments in the

neighbourhood as required by the ENI regulation."

Morocco - Court appeal

The Council decided to lodge an appeal against the judgment of the EU General Court annulling

Council Decision 2012/497/EU on the conclusion of an agreement between the EU and Morocco

concerning reciprocal liberalisation measures on agricultural products, insofar as it applies to the

territory of Western Sahara.

The Council also agreed that an application should be made for interim measures in the form of

suspension of the operation of the judgment of the General Court.

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Afghanistan - EU police mission

The Council set a new financial reference amount of €43.65m to cover expenditure related to the

EU police mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL AFGHANISTAN) from 1 January 2016 to

31 December 2016.

This follows a decision by the Council in December 2014 to extend the mission until

31 December 2016.

Court of Auditors report on EU support for the fight against torture

The Council adopted conclusions on the special report entitled "EU support for the fight against

torture and the abolition of the death penalty". (14640/15)

DEVELOPMENT POLICY

Development and external assistance policies and their implementation in 2014

The Council adopted conclusions on the 2015 Annual report on the EU’s development and external

assistance policies and their implementation in 2014. (15083/15)

Court of Auditors report on the ACP investment facility

The Council adopted conclusions on the special report entitled "The ACP Investment Facility: does

it provide added value?”. (15186/15)

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