COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION latest very interesting news

Council of the European Union     14/5/2018  Main results - General Affairs Council (Art. 50), 14/05/2018 EU27 ministers discussed the state of play of Brexit negotiations with the UK on the draft withdrawal agreement and on the framework for future EU-UK relations.

General Affairs Council (Art. 50), 14/05/2018

The Council was informed that not much progress had been made since the European Council in March
Main results

The Council, in EU27 format, was briefed by the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier about the ongoing Brexit negotiations. Ministers discussed the state of play in the talks with the UK, in relation to both the completion of the work on withdrawal issues to finalise the draft withdrawal agreement, and on the framework of the future EU-UK relations, the outcome of which will be reflected in a political declaration.

October is only five months away and some key issues still need to be settled. We urgently need to progress on Ireland, on governance and on all other remaining withdrawal issues. We also need to provide a framework for the future relationship. Our citizens and our businesses, on both sides of the Channel, need reassurance that there will be an orderly Brexit. They also need clarity about the future relationship.Ekaterina Zaharieva, Bulgarian deputy prime minister

The Council also began preparations for the next meeting of the European Council (Article 50) to take place in June 2018 by looking at the annotated draft agenda for the summit.
Brexit (background information and timeline)

Meeting information

Meeting n°3616
Brussels
14/05/2018
Preparatory documents
Indicative programme, General Affairs Council (Art. 50), 14 May 2018
Provisional agenda, General Affairs Council (Art. 50), 14 May 2018
Background brief
Outcome documents
Outcome of the Council meeting
List of participants

Council of the European Union

14/5/2018

	Ukraine: EU adds five persons involved in the organisation of Russian presidential elections in illegally annexed Crimea and Sevastopol to sanctions list
	The Council added five persons to the list of those subject to restrictive measures over actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. They are listed because of their involvement in the organisation of the Russian presidential elections of 18 March 2018 in the illegally annexed Crimea and Sevastopol, thereby actively supporting and implementing policies that undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The five individuals hold positions of responsibility in the electoral commissions of Crimea or Sevastopol. The measures consist of a travel ban and an asset freeze. The decision brings the total number of individuals listed by the EU to 155. In addition, the EU has frozen the assets of 38 entities under this sanctions regime. The legal acts, including the names of the persons concerned, are available in the EU Official Journal of 14 May 2018.

Council of the European Union

14/5/2018

	Money laundering and terrorist financing: new rules adopted
	On 14 May 2018, the Council adopted a directive strengthening EU rules to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. The directive sets out to close down criminal finance without hindering the normal functioning of payment systems. Amending directive 2015/849, it is part of an action plan launched after a spate of terrorist attacks in Europe in 2016. "These new rules respond to the need for increased security in Europe by further removing the means available to terrorists", said Vladislav Goranov, minister for finance of Bulgaria, which currently holds the Council presidency. "They will enable us to disrupt criminal networks without compromising fundamental rights and economic freedoms." The directive was adopted at a meeting of the General Affairs Council, without discussion. This follows an agreement with the European Parliament reached in December 2017. The Parliament approved the agreed text on 19 April 2018. The main changes to directive 2015/849 involve: broadening access to information on beneficial ownership, improving transparency in the ownership of companies and trusts;  addressing risks linked to prepaid cards and virtual currencies; cooperation between financial intelligence units; improved checks on transactions involving high-risk third countries. May 2018 directive on strengthened rules to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing (PE-CONS 72/17) December 2017 press release on trilogue agreement on money laundering and terrorist financing

Council of the European Union

14/5/2018

	EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia: operation to contribute to better information sharing on crime in the Mediterranean
	The Council today adopted a decision allowing for the creation of a crime information cell within EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia. The information cell will be composed of up to 10 staff members from relevant law enforcement authorities of member states and from the EU agencies FRONTEX and EUROPOL in order to improve information sharing between them. The cell will be tasked to facilitate the receipt, collection and transmission of  information on human smuggling and trafficking, the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya, illegal trafficking, as well as crimes relevant to the security of the operation itself. Background EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia is the EU naval operation set up to disrupt the business model of migrant smugglers and human traffickers in the Southern Central Mediterranean. Since the beginning of the active phase of the operation (October 2015), the operation has contributed to the arrest and transfer to the Italian authorities of 143 suspected smugglers and traffickers, and has neutralised 545 vessels. In addition, the operation has helped rescue 44251 lives. The operation has also a number of supporting tasks: training the Libyan Coastguard and Navy, and monitor the trainees to ensure the long-term efficiency of this training, contributing to the implementation of the UN arms embargo on the high seas off the coast of Libya in accordance with UNSCR 2292 (2016) and 2357 (2017) and conducting surveillance activities and gather information on illegal trafficking of oil exports from Libya in accordance with UNSCR 2146 (2014) and 2362 (2017). The operation was launched on 22 June 2015 and its current mandate runs until 31 December 2018. EUNAVFOR MED's Operation Commander is Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino, from Italy. The headquarters of the mission are located in Rome. EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia Factsheet about mission EUNAVFOR MED - Operation Sophia Council of the European Union      14/5/2018  Effort sharing regulation: Council adopts emission reduction targets The Council today adopted a regulation on greenhouse gas emission reductions. The regulation sets out binding emission reduction targets for member states in sectors falling outside the scope of the EU emissions trading system for the period 2021-2030.  This brings the EU closer to fulfilling its Paris climate commitment of a cut in greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The regulation aims to ensure that the EU's target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% in 2030 compared to 2005 levels in the effort-sharing sectors is reached. This includes buildings, agriculture (non-CO2 emissions), waste management and transport (excluding aviation and international shipping). "We all agree on the need to tackle climate change. Today's decision provides us with a further tool in our armoury to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Protecting the environment and the health of Europe's citizens is one of the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency." Neno Dimov, Bulgarian Minister of Environment and Water Background and next steps The European Commission presented its proposal on effort sharing in July 2016. Following detailed discussions between ministers at three Environment Council meetings, the Council reached a general approach on 13 October 2017, and the Estonian Presidency started negotiations with the European Parliament shortly afterwards. This resulted in a provisional agreement on 21 December 2017. EU ambassadors endorsed the deal on 17 January 2018. Following today's formal adoption of the legislative act, which is the final step in the process, the regulation will be published in the Official Journal and enter into force twenty days after its publication. Regulation Statements to the Council minutes Effort sharing regulation: EU ambassadors approve provisional agreement (press release, 17/01/2018) Provisional deal on effort sharing emissions - another step towards Paris targets (press release, 21/12/2017) Council of the European Union      14/5/2018  Environmental reporting obligations: Council adopts clearer rules The Council today adopted a decision which streamlines EU legislation in the field of environmental reporting. By amending or repealing legislation that is no longer applicable or relevant, the decision brings legal clarity, enhances transparency and reduces the administrative burden in the Member States. "Today's decision is about cutting red tape and making things simpler. I am very pleased that ministers have approved this revision of legislation, which will make environmental reporting obligations clearer and more efficient." Neno Dimov, Bulgarian Minister for Environment and Water Background and next steps In its 2014 communication on the regulatory fitness and performance programme (REFIT), the Commission undertook to work on concrete proposals to remove obsolete legislation related to environmental reporting. The Commission adopted a communication on better regulation in May 2015 and launched a REFIT fitness check for environmental monitoring and reporting. On 15 December 2016, the Commission published a standardised reporting directive “repeal package” consisting of three initiatives, the third of which is the decision adopted today. Following negotiations between the Estonian Presidency and the European Parliament, a provisional deal was reached on 22 November 2017. Today's adoption of the decision by the Council is the final step in the legislative procedure. The legislation will enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the official journal. Decision Statements to the Council minutes Environmental reporting: Estonian presidency strikes a deal with the European Parliament (press release, 22/11/2017) Environmental reporting: ensuring legal clarity and improving transparency (press release, 04/10/2017 Council of the European Union      14/5/2018 Better protection and management of land and forests across the Union: Council adopts a new regulation The Council today adopted a regulation establishing a framework for the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) in the 2030 climate and energy framework. This legislation will help reduce EU greenhouse gas emissions during the period 2021-2030 through improved protection and management of land and forests across the Union. The new regulation provides a framework for ensuring that emissions and removals generated by this sector are taken into account. This will enable the EU to reach its Paris Agreement target to cut emissions by at least 40% by 2030. "Today we have reached a milestone which recognizes the important role that our green resources, forests, cropland, grassland and wetland, can play in reaching our long-term environmental policy goals. We are fully on track to deliver on our Paris Agreement commitments." Neno Dimov, Bulgarian Minister of Environment and Water The new rules will provide member states with incentives for climate-friendly land use, without creating any new restrictions or red tape. The regulation does not set any obligations for private parties, farmers or foresters.  Background and next steps In its October 2014 conclusions, the European Council made a clear commitment: all sectors, including land use and forestry, should contribute to the EU's target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The regulation on land use and forestry sets out a binding commitment for each member state and the accounting rules for determining compliance. It covers CO2 from forestry and agriculture. It amends Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 and Decision No 529/2013/EU. Land use and forestry include the use of soils, trees, plants, biomass and timber, which are in a unique position to contribute to a robust climate policy. This is because the sector not only emits greenhouse gases but can also remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. EU forests absorb the equivalent of nearly 10% of all EU greenhouse gas emissions each year. The European Commission presented its proposal on LULUCF in July 2016. Following detailed discussions between ministers at three Environment Council meetings, the Council reached a general approach on 13 October 2017, and the Estonian Presidency started negotiations with the European Parliament shortly afterwards. This resulted in a provisional agreement on 14 December 2017. EU ambassadors endorsed the deal on 20 December 2017. After today's formal adoption of this legislation, which is the final step in the process, the regulation will be published in the Official Journal. Regulation Statements to the Council minutes Mitigating climate change through well-managed EU forests and land: a provisional agreement with Parliament (press release, 14/12/2017) Better EU forest and land management to help cut greenhouse gas emissions and meet Paris commitments (press release, 13/10/2017) Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης      14/5/2018  Βελτιωμένη προστασία και διαχείριση της γης και των δασών σε ολόκληρη την Ένωση: το Συμβούλιο εκδίδει νέο κανονισμό Το Συμβούλιο εξέδωσε σήμερα κανονισμό για τη θέσπιση πλαισίου για τη συμπερίληψη των εκπομπών αερίων θερμοκηπίου και των απορροφήσεων από δραστηριότητες χρήσης γης, αλλαγής χρήσης γης και δασοπονίας (LULUCF) στο πλαίσιο για το κλίμα και την ενέργεια έως το 2030. Αυτή η νομοθετική πράξη θα συμβάλει στη μείωση των εκπομπών αερίων θερμοκηπίου της ΕΕ κατά την περίοδο 2021-2030 μέσω της βελτιωμένης προστασίας και διαχείρισης της γης και των δασών σε ολόκληρη την Ένωση. Ο νέος κανονισμός παρέχει το πλαίσιο με το οποίο διασφαλίζεται ότι οι εκπομπές και οι απορροφήσεις από τον εν λόγω τομέα λαμβάνονται υπόψη. Με τον τρόπο αυτόν, η ΕΕ θα μπορέσει να επιτύχει τον στόχο της στο πλαίσιο της Συμφωνίας των Παρισίων για μείωση των εκπομπών κατά τουλάχιστον 40 % έως το 2030. "Η σημερινή ημέρα αποτελεί ορόσημο με το οποίο αναγνωρίζεται ο σημαντικός ρόλος που μπορούν να διαδραματίσουν οι πράσινοι πόροι, τα δάση, οι καλλιεργήσιμες εκτάσεις, οι χορτολιβαδικές εκτάσεις και οι υγροβιότοποί μας στην επίτευξη των μακροπρόθεσμων στόχων μας στον τομέα της περιβαλλοντικής πολιτικής. Είμαστε απολύτως στον σωστό δρόμο για την υλοποίηση των δεσμεύσεών μας στο πλαίσιο της Συμφωνίας των Παρισίων." Ο κ. Neno Dimov, υπουργός περιβάλλοντος και υδάτων της Βουλγαρίας Οι νέοι κανόνες θα παρέχουν στα κράτη μέλη κίνητρα για τη χρήση γης με σεβασμό στο κλίμα, χωρίς να δημιουργούνται τυχόν νέοι περιορισμοί ή γραφειοκρατία. Ο κανονισμός δεν ορίζει καμία υποχρέωση για ιδιωτικούς φορείς, αγρότες ή δασοπόνους. Ιστορικό και επόμενα στάδια Στα συμπεράσματα του Ευρωπαϊκού Συμβουλίου του Οκτωβρίου 2014, το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο προέβη σε μία σαφή δέσμευση: όλοι οι τομείς, συμπεριλαμβανομένων της χρήσης γης και της δασοπονίας, θα πρέπει να συμβάλουν στον στόχο της ΕΕ για μείωση των εκπομπών αερίων του θερμοκηπίου κατά τουλάχιστον 40% έως το 2030 σε σχέση με τα επίπεδα του 1990. Ο κανονισμός για τη χρήση γης και τη δασοπονία ορίζει μία δεσμευτική υποχρέωση για κάθε κράτος μέλος και τους λογιστικούς κανόνες για τον προσδιορισμό της συμμόρφωσης. Καλύπτει τις εκπομπές CO2 από τη δασοπονία και τη γεωργία. Τροποποιεί τον κανονισμό (ΕΕ) αριθ. 525/2013 και την απόφαση αριθ. 529/2013/ΕΕ. Οι τομείς της χρήσης γης και της δασοπονίας περιλαμβάνουν τη χρήση εδαφών, δέντρων, φυτών, βιομάζας και ξυλείας, που μπορούν να συμβάλουν με μοναδικό τρόπο σε μια ισχυρή πολιτική για το κλίμα. Αυτό οφείλεται στο γεγονός ότι ο τομέας όχι μόνον εκπέμπει αέρια του θερμοκηπίου, αλλά μπορεί και να απορροφά CO₂ από την ατμόσφαιρα. Τα δάση της ΕΕ απορροφούν το ισοδύναμο του 10% περίπου όλων των ετήσιων εκπομπών αερίων του θερμοκηπίου στην ΕΕ. Η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή υπέβαλε την πρότασή της για τον κανονισμό LULUCF τον Ιούλιο του 2016. Κατόπιν λεπτομερών συζητήσεων μεταξύ υπουργών σε τρεις συνόδους του Συμβουλίου Περιβάλλοντος, το Συμβούλιο κατέληξε σε γενική προσέγγιση στις 13 Οκτωβρίου 2017, και η Εσθονική Προεδρία ξεκίνησε διαπραγματεύσεις με το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο λίγο αργότερα. Η διαδικασία αυτή κατέληξε σε προσωρινή συμφωνία στις 14 Δεκεμβρίου 2017. Οι πρέσβεις στην ΕΕ ενέκριναν τη συμφωνία στις 20 Δεκεμβρίου 2017. Μετά τη σημερινή επίσημη έκδοση της νομοθετικής πράξης, που αποτελεί το τελικό στάδιο της διαδικασίας, ο κανονισμός θα δημοσιευθεί στην Επίσημη Εφημερίδα. Κανονισμός Δηλώσεις προς καταχώριση στα πρακτικά του Συμβουλίου Μετριασμός της κλιματικής αλλαγής μέσω της σωστής διαχείρισης των δασών και της γης στην ΕΕ: προσωρινή συμφωνία με το Κοινοβούλιο (δελτίο Τύπου, 14/12/2017) Η καλύτερη διαχείριση των δασών και των γαιών της ΕΕ, συμβολή στη μείωση των εκπομπών αερίων θερμοκηπίου και στην εκπλήρωση των δεσμεύσεων του Παρισιού (δελτίο Τύπου, 13/10/2017) Council of the European Union      14/5/2018  Energy efficient buildings: Council adopts revised directive The Council today adopted a revised directive on the energy performance of buildings, so completing the final stage in the legislative procedure.  The directive improves energy efficiency in buildings and encourages building renovation. Decarbonising the existing, highly inefficient European building stock is one of its long term goals. It promotes cost-effective renovation work, introduces a smartness indicator for buildings, simplifies the inspections of heating and air conditioning systems and promotes electro-mobility by setting up a framework for parking spaces for electric vehicles. "I am very pleased that ministers have today given their approval to the directive on the energy performance of buildings. Enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings is one of the most cost-effective ways of improving the quality of life for all of us. It helps in moving towards a low-carbon economy, which in turn generates economic growth, boosts investment and creates jobs." Temenuzhka Petkova, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Bulgaria Background and next steps The review of the energy performance of buildings directive amends Directive 2010/31/EU and complements measures under the energy efficiency directive as well as EU legislation on energy efficiency of products. It is part of the Clean Energy packagepresented by the Commission on 30 November 2016. The Council agreed on a negotiating position on the directive in June 2017. Negotiations between the Estonian Presidency and the European Parliament led to a provisional agreement on 19 December 2017 which was confirmed by the EU ambassadors on 31 January 2018. Following today's formal approval of the regulation by the Council, which is the final step in the legislative process, the directive will be published in the Official Journal of the EU, and will enter into force twenty days later. The transposition period for this legislation is 20 months. Revised regulation Statements to the Council minutes Energy efficient buildings: EU ambassadors endorse agreement (press release, 31/01/2018) Energy efficient buildings – Presidency secures provisional deal with European Parliament (press release, 19/12/2017)