|
As we approach the June European Council, the debate on migration is becoming increasingly heated, and it is set to be the main point on the agenda. To better prepare our work, let me share with you some reflections and my intentions for the summit.
After the migration crisis in 2015, it became clear that the situation had to change, which is why we agreed to focus all our efforts on stemming illegal migration to Europe. That meant ensuring full control of the EU’s external borders. A number of measures were put in place to achieve this objective. As a result, illegal border crossings into the EU have been brought down by 96% from their peak in October 2015, which proves that we must continue these measures. However, to fully control the external borders, we also need to be ready to make additional efforts. I will therefore propose that the European Council endorse the following:
- Setting up regional disembarkation platforms outside Europe, if possible together with the UNHCR and IOM, in order to change the functioning of Search And Rescue Operations. Our objective should be to break the business model of the smugglers, as this is the most effective way to stop the flows and bring an end to the tragic loss of lives at sea.
- Creating in the next multiannual EU budget a DEDICATED financial facility geared towards combatting illegal migration. We need a flexible budgetary tool managed by those responsible for migration, as only they are capable of ensuring effective cooperation with the countries of origin and transit on stemming the flows.
- Stepping up our cooperation with countries of origin and transit, and in particular our support for the Libyan Coastguard, so that they have all the necessary resources to fully control Libyan territorial waters.
A precondition for a genuine EU migration policy is that Europeans effectively decide who enters European territory. Failure to achieve this goal would in fact be a manifestation of our weakness, and above all, it could create the impression that Europe does not have an external border. The people of Europe expect us – and they have done for a long time now – to show determination in our actions aimed at restoring their sense of security. People want this not because they have, all of a sudden, become xenophobic and want to put up walls against the rest of the world, but because it is the job of every political authority to enforce the law, to protect its territory and the border. That was, after all, the purpose of creating border guards – to guard borders.
There are voices in Europe and around the world claiming that our inefficiency in maintaining the external border is an inherent feature of the European Union, or – more broadly – of liberal democracy. We have seen the creation of new political movements, which offer simple answers to the most complicated questions. Simple, radical and attractive. The migration crisis provides them with a growing number of arguments. More and more people are starting to believe that only strong-handed authority, anti-European and anti-liberal in spirit, with a tendency towards overt authoritarianism, is capable of stopping the wave of illegal migration. If people believe them, that only they can offer an effective solution to the migration crisis, they will also believe anything else they say. The stakes are very high. And time is short.
Beyond migration, we will also discuss the reform of the Economic and Monetary Union. As agreed in December, my intention is to take the first decisions about completing the Banking Union and strengthening the European Stability Mechanism. I am convinced these are important steps that will reinforce not only the common currency, but also – more importantly – our Union. And given the global political context, it would be very encouraging to see Euro area governments deepening their economic cooperation. Therefore, I welcome the fact that the Franco-German Meseberg declaration provides an additional boost for the reform, together with other important contributions. We must not waste this opportunity.
Last but not least, while discussing migration or the Euro area reform, it is important that we keep in mind the geopolitical context following the G7 summit in Canada. Despite our tireless efforts to keep the unity of the West, transatlantic relations are under immense pressure due to the policies of President Trump. Unfortunately, the divisions go beyond trade. I will share with you my political assessment of where things stand. It is my belief that, while hoping for the best, we must be ready to prepare our Union for worst-case scenarios.
As for the choreography of the meeting: after our exchange of views with European Parliament President Tajani at 15.00 on Thursday, Prime Minister Borissov will give us an overview of progress in implementing our previous conclusions. We will then welcome NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, for a short exchange of views on EU-NATO cooperation, ahead of the next NATO summit. After that, we will adopt the conclusions, with the exception of the migration chapter. When it comes to our conclusions on trade, I expect there to be a discussion. Finally, before we break for press conferences, we will adopt the decision on the composition of the European Parliament. Over dinner, we will start with my information point following the G7. After that, Prime Minister May will update us on the recent developments in the UK and then we will start our migration debate, including the adoption of relevant conclusions. Before we finish, Chancellor Merkel and President Macron will report on the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.
On Friday, together with the chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, as EU27, we will review progress in our negotiations with the UK, and we will adopt conclusions.
Finally, for the Euro Summit in an inclusive format, we will be joined by European Central Bank President Draghi and Eurogroup President Centeno to discuss next steps in the reform of the Economic and Monetary Union
| Council of the European Union | |
|
|
|
Renewable energy: Council confirms deal reached with the European Parliament
|
|
|
On 27 June 2018, EU ambassadors endorsed the provisional agreement reached by the Bulgarian Presidency on the revision of the renewable energy directive. Negotiators of the Bulgarian Presidency reached a deal with the European Parliament at the fifth trilogue meeting, in the early morning of 14 June. Today's endorsement means that the Council has approved the deal.
This new regulatory framework will pave the way for Europe's transition towards clean energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, tidal, geothermal, and biomass energy. It will also allow Europe to maintain its leadership role in the fight against climate change and in meeting the goals set by the Paris Agreement.
The agreement sets a headline target of 32% energy from renewable sources at EU level for 2030. There is a clause to review this target in the event of changes in demand of energy consumption and to take account of the EU's international obligations.
"I am very pleased that member states have given their agreement to the compromise text today. With the new EU-wide target of 32% for energy from renewable sources Europe is showing leadership in the transition to clean energy."
Temenuzhka Petkova, Minister of Energy of Bulgaria
Other key elements of the agreement:
- The design of support schemes will provide for a possibility of technology specific support, aligned with state aid guidelines. The opening of renewable support towards neighbouring member states will be voluntary, at an aspirational pace of at least 5% between 2023 and 2026 and 10% between 2027 and 2030. Except for certain cases, member states will be obliged to issue guarantees of origin.
- Permit granting procedures will be simplified and streamlined with a maximum of two years for regular projects and one year in case of repowering, both extendable for an additional year in case of specific circumstances and notwithstanding environmental and judicial procedures. For small-scale projects below 10.8kW simple notification procedures will apply. Each member state may choose to apply simple notification procedures also to projects up to 50kW.
- The annual increase of energy from renewable sources in heating and cooling will be 1.3 percentage points indicatively, or 1.1 percentage points if waste heat is not taken into account.
- Via obligations on fuel suppliers, renewables will reach a level of at least 14% in transport by 2030, supplemented by a set of facilitative multipliers to boost renewables in different sectors.
- Conventional biofuels will be capped EU-wide at a maximum of 7%, with additional member state caps if below 7%. The counting of biofuels with a high risk of indirect land use change (ILUC) will be freezed at 2019 levels and gradually phased out from 2023 towards 2030.
- For biomass based electricity production, efficiency criteria will be applied according to the size of installations.
- The directive also establishes a clear and stable framework for household self-consumption. This means that consumers with small-scale installations of up to 30kW will be exempt from any charges or fees, while allowing member states to apply charges if self-consumption grows excessively.
Background and next steps
The revised renewable energy directive is one of the eight legislative proposals of the clean energy package which the Commission presented in November 2016. The EU has undertaken to cut CO2 emissions by at least 40% by 2030. By boosting renewable energy, which can be produced from a wide variety of sources including wind, solar, hydro, tidal, geothermal, and biomass, the EU is lowering its dependence on imported fossil fuels and making its energy production more sustainable. The renewable energy industry also drives technological innovation and employment across Europe.
The Council adopted its position on the proposal on 18 December 2017. This enabled the Bulgarian Presidency to start trilogue negotiations with the European Parliament on 27 February 2018. Following intense negotiations, a provisional deal was reached between the co-legislators at the fifth trilogue meeting on 13 - 14 June.
Today's endorsement by EU ambassadors means that the directive can be submitted for approval to the European Parliament, where the plenary vote is expected in October, and then back to the Council for final adoption. The directive will enter into force 20 days following its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
| Council of the European Union | |
|
|
|
Medicated feed: Council's green light wraps up the animal medicines package
|
|
|
On 27 June 2018 EU ambassadors meeting in the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) confirmed an agreement reached on 19 June between the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council and European Parliament representatives on a regulation on medicated feed, i.e. feed containing medicines for the purpose of treating or controlling disease in farmed animals, aquaculture species and pets.
The aim of the new rules is to harmonise at a high safety level the manufacture, marketing and use of medicated feed and intermediate products in the EU and to reflect technical progress in this field.
"Today we put in the last piece of the puzzle: the animal medicines package is complete, the sector is now equipped with modern rules that will help, competitiveness and innovation, will also facilitate trade and reinforce the EU fight against antimicrobial resistance."
Rumen Porodzanov, minister of agriculture, food and forestry of the Republic of Bulgaria and president of the Council
| Council of the European Union | |
|
|
|
Controls on cash entering and leaving the EU: Council endorses agreement
|
|
|
The EU's committee of permanent representatives (Coreper) today endorsed an agreement between the Council, represented by the Bulgarian presidency, and the European Parliament on a draft regulation aimed at improving controls on cash entering or leaving the Union.
"Terrorist financing, money laundering and other criminal activities will be easier to detect in Europe following today's agreement on the modernisation of the Cash Controls Regulation. Experience has shown that we have to adapt our tools more quickly if we are to address new threats and prevent criminal activities from undermining the security of our citizens."
Vladislav Goranov, Minister of Finance of Bulgaria
The regulation will improve the existing system of controls with respect to cash entering or leaving the EU. It replaces the 'Cash Controls Regulation' (regulation 1889/2005), which applies since 2007.
The objective is to ensure that the latest developments in international standards on combating money laundering and terrorism financingdeveloped by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) are reflected in EU legislation.
The definition of cash has been extended to cover not only banknotes but also other instruments or highly liquid commodities, such as cheques, traveller's cheques, prepaid cards and gold.
The regulation is also extended to include cash that is sent by post, freight or courier shipment.
It complements the EU’s legal framework for the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing laid down in directive 2015/849.
The new legislation extends the obligation of any citizen entering or leaving the EU and carrying cash of a value of €10 000 or more to declare it to the customs authorities.
The declaration will have to be done irrespective of whether travellers are carrying the cash in their person, their luggage or means of transport. At the request of the authorities they will have to make it available for control.
If the cash is to be sent in postal packages, courier shipments, unaccompanied luggage or containerised cargo (“unaccompanied cash”), the competent authorities will have the power to request the sender or the recipient, as the case may be, to make a disclosure declaration. The declaration will be done in writing or electronically using a standard form.
The authorities will have the power to carry out controls on any consignments, receptacles or means of transport which may contain unaccompanied cash.
The authorities of the member states will exchange information where there are indications that the cash is related to criminal activity which could adversely affect the financial interests of the EU. This information will also be transmitted to the European Commission.
The new regulation will not prevent member states from providing additional national controls on movements of cash within the Union under national law, provided that these controls are in accordance with the Union's fundamental freedoms.
The Council and the European Parliament will now need to confirm the regulation through a vote, after which it will be published in the EU's Official Journal.
Background
Current rules on the movement of cash in and out of the EU apply since 15 June 2007 and are an integral part of the EU's Anti Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing framework.
Under this existing legislation, travellers entering or leaving the EU are legally obliged to declare amounts of cash valued at €10 000 or more (or its equivalent in other currencies or bearer negotiable instruments) to customs authorities. The new regulation extends this obligation to cover highly liquid commodities or financial instruments such as gold and prepaid cards.
The new legislation is needed to take account of the fact that terrorists and criminals have managed to find ways to circumvent the rules on cash controls. Criminal organisations whose illicit activities generate large volumes of cash should not be able to take advantage of loopholes in the current system to move and launder their money.
| Council of the European Union | |
|
|
|
Cheaper euro transfers: Council agrees its negotiating stance
|
|
|
On 27 June 2018, EU ambassadors agreed the Council's negotiating stance on the Commission's proposal to make cross-border payments in euros cheaper across the EU. They asked the presidency to start negotiations with the European Parliament as soon as the Parliament is ready to negotiate.
"For a well-functioning single market, all consumers and businesses should have access to the same benefits when it comes to payments in euros. Today we agreed that a euro transfer should never be subject to a disproportionately high fee, whether or not the consumer is based in the euro area."
Vladislav Goranov, minister for finance of Bulgaria, which currently holds the Council presidency
Since 2009, cross-border and national transactions in euros cost the same price in the euro-area. However, cross-border payments in euros from non-euro countries are subject to high fees.
The Council endorsed the Commission's proposal to align the charges for cross-border payments in euros for services such as credit transfers, card payments or cash withdrawals with the charges for corresponding national payments of the same value in the national currency of the Member State where the payment service provider of the payment service user is located. This measure will extend the benefits of cheap cross-border euro transfers to an additional 150 million non-euro area consumers, and a potential extra 1,8 billion transactions per year.
In addition, the proposal revised by the Council increases transparency requirements on the costs of currency conversion when such a service is offered before a payment transaction is carried out. This is achieved by introducing an obligation to disclose the charges applied as the difference between the total amount of the transaction in the currency of the payer’s account and the amount resulting from the application of the latest available reference exchange rate of the European Central Bank.
Next steps
Negotiations with the European Parliament can proceed as soon as the Parliament has agreed its stance.
A qualified majority is needed for adoption by the Council, in agreement with the European Parliament.
| Council of the European Union | |
|
|
|
Council conclusions on enlargement and stabilisation and association process
|
|
|
The Council adopted conclusions on the EU's enlargement policy and the EU-Western Balkans stabilisation and association process.
| Council of the European Union | |
|
|
|
Ensuring aviation safety and safe use of drones: Council signs off on EASA reform
|
|
|
The Council today adopted updated aviation safety rules, which include a revised mandate for the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the first ever EU-wide rules for civil drones of all sizes. The reform introduces proportionate and risk-based rules designed to enable the EU aviation sector to grow, make it more competitive and encourage innovation. A provisional deal was concluded with the European Parliament on 29 November 2017.
"These rules will ensure that flying remains safe even when our skies become increasingly busy," said Ivaylo Moskovski, Bulgarian Minister for Transport, Information Technology and Communications.
The rules on drones lay down the basic principles to ensure safety, security, privacy, data protection and environmental protection. The text establishes the registration threshold for drone operators: operators must be registered if their drones are capable of transferring more than 80 Joules of kinetic energy upon impact with a person. The other detailed rules on drones will be set by the Commission with help from EASA, on the basis of the principles outlined in this regulation.
Today's Council vote concludes the legislative procedure at first reading. The European Parliament voted on 12 June 2018. The regulation will be signed by both institutions and published in the EU Official Journal, probably by the end of July. It will enter into force 20 days after publication.
| Council of the European Union | |
|
|
|
Encouraging participation: Council ready to launch talks on a revised European Citizens' Initiative
|
|
|
The Council is ready to launch talks with the Parliament to make the European Citizens' Initiative more user-friendly and increase its impact.
On 26 June 2018, the Council agreed its position on a proposal for a new regulation which includes a number of changes which will improve the Initiative and encourage participation.
The Council's position will serve as a mandate for the Austrian presidency to enter negotiations with the European Parliament, once the Parliament has agreed its negotiating stance.
"Citizens must be able to make their voice heard and draw the attention of EU decision-makers to matters close to their heart. The European Citizens' Initiative offers everyone the opportunity to make a difference. Member states are determined to ensure that this important tool is both simple to use and effective."
Ekaterina Zaharieva, deputy prime minister for judicial reform and minister for foreign affairs of Bulgaria
In its negotiating mandate, the Council backs most of the suggestions put forward by the Commission. This includes proposals concerning:
- enhanced information and assistance to the organisers, including the creation of contact points in Member States and an online collaborative platform
- the possibility of partial registration of initiatives
- translation of all initiatives into all EU languages
- enabling organisers to choose the start date of the 12-month collection period
- providing a free online service for the collection of signatures, with the possibility of uploading signatures collected on paper, as well as using e-ID for support
- allowing EU citizens to support an initiative regardless of their country of residence
- extending the examination phase and providing for a more inclusive public hearing for successful initiatives
On the minimum age for supporting a European Citizens' Initiative, the Council prefers to keep the current system whereby initiatives can be signed by EU citizens whose age entitles them to vote in elections to the European Parliament.
Given that a common system for the collection of signatures will be made available, free of charge, the Council also proposes to discontinue the use of individual collection systems. This would simplify the procedure for both organisers and national authorities.
Next steps
The European Parliament is due to vote on its negotiating mandate in its plenary in July. Negotiations between the Council and the Parliament are expected to start after the summer break.
Background
Under the EU treaties, the European Commission has the sole right of legislative initiative, with exceptions in only a few areas.
The European Citizens' Initiative is an instrument of participatory democracy which enables one million EU citizens from at least one quarter of the member states to invite the Commission to propose a legal act in areas where it has the power to do so. EU citizens have this right alongside the Council and the European Parliament, which may also request the Commission to submit proposals on matters on which they consider that a Union act is required.
In the event of a successful European Citizens' Initiative, the Commission is required to provide its answer in a communication setting out its legal and political conclusions on the initiative, the action it intends to take, if any, and its reasons for taking or not taking that action.
| Council of the European Union | |
|
|
|
Eleventh meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro at Ministerial level, Luxembourg, 25 June 2018
|
|
|
The eleventh meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro at Ministerial level was held today in Luxembourg to open negotiations on Chapter 17 - Economic and monetary policy.
The European Union delegation was led by Ms Ekaterina Zaharieva , Minister of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The European Commission was represented by Mr Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations. The Montenegrin delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Srdjan Darmanović, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
With today's Conference, out of a total of 35 negotiation chapters, 31 chapters have now been opened for negotiations of which 3 chapters have already been provisionally closed. Further Accession Conferences will be planned, as appropriate, in order to take the process forward in the second half of 2018. The accession negotiations were launched in June 2012.
Chapter opened
Regarding the opening of negotiations on Chapter 17 - Economic and monetary policy, the Union has closely examined Montenegro's present state of preparations. On the understanding that Montenegro has to continue to make progress in the alignment with and implementation of the acquis in this chapter, the EU noted that there are benchmarks that need to be met for the provisional closure of this chapter.
In addition, the EU underlined that it would devote particular attention to monitoring all specific issues mentioned in its common position. Monitoring of progress in the alignment with and implementation of the acquis will continue throughout the negotiations. The Conference will have to return to this chapter at an appropriate moment.
The benchmarks for the chapter opened are as follows:
Chapter 17- Economic and monetary policy
- Montenegro has aligned its legal framework with the acquis in order to ensure full central bank independence, the prohibition of monetary financing of the public sector, the prohibition of privileged access by public authorities to financial institutions, and the full integration of its central bank into the European System of Central Banks.
- Montenegro has adopted the required constitutional change in order to ensure that the primary objective of price stability is defined in compliance with Articles 127(1) and 282(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
- Montenegro has aligned its legal framework to comply with requirements for national budgetary frameworks as laid down in Council Directive 2011/85/EU.
- Montenegro has fulfilled the criterion of being a functioning market economy.
- Montenegro has agreed to a solution developed by the EU on how to apply the EU's framework for the adoption of the euro.
| Council of the European Union | |
|
|
|
Circular economy: Council adopts conclusions
|
|
|
On 25 June 2018, the Council adopted the following conclusions on delivering on the EU action plan for the circular economy.
| Council of the European Union | |
|
|
|
EU priorities at the United Nations and the 73rd UN General Assembly adopted
|
|
|
The Council adopted the EU priorities for the UN and the 73rd UN General Assembly. The conclusions highlight how in today's volatile and unpredictable world, the EU will engage to boost multilateralism.
The key EU priority will be to support the UN through a period of change, translating the EU commitment to multilateralism into a proactive multilateral agenda. For the 73rd UNGA, the EU will focus on peace and conflict prevention, a common positive agenda with the promotion and protection of human rights at the heart of multilateralism, as well as an expanding global engagement on issues such as climate action, the environment, migration, counterterrorism and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The conclusions also highlight that partnerships and outreach are essential to deliver strong multilateralism at the country level, where it matters the most. The conclusions underscore the importance of an overarching EU-UN strategic partnership.
| Council of the European Union | |
|
|
|
Trade with Australia and New Zealand: negotiating directives made public
|
|
|
On 25 June, the Council decided to publish the mandates given to the Commission on 22 May to negotiate trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand.
Trade agreements with both countries would aim primarily at further reducing existing barriers to trade, removing custom duties on goods, and giving better access for services and public procurement in Australia and New Zealand. The sectors likely to benefit the most from the FTAs are motor equipment, machinery, chemicals, processed foods and services.
The negotiating directives are particularly concerned to protect vulnerable sectors such as agriculture by maximising the benefits of market opening without harming local producers. The mandates do not envisage full liberalisation of trade in agricultural products, which are foreseen as benefiting from specific treatment.
The mandates also provide for a comprehensive and modern framework, based on the highest standards of labour, safety, environment, climate and consumer protection.
The Commission officially launched the trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand, respectively on 18 and 21 June. A first round of talks is expected to take place in the course of July.
| Συμβούλιο της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης | |
|
|
|
Βενεζουέλα: η ΕΕ προσθέτει 11 αξιωματούχους στον κατάλογο κυρώσεων
|
|
|
Στις 25 Ιουνίου 2018 το Συμβούλιο αποφάσισε να επιβάλει περιοριστικά μέτρα σε 11 πρόσωπα που κατέχουν επίσημες θέσεις. Τα πρόσωπα αυτά είναι υπεύθυνα για παραβιάσεις των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων και για υπονόμευση της δημοκρατίας και του κράτους δικαίου στη Βενεζουέλα. Τα μέτρα περιλαμβάνουν ταξιδιωτική απαγόρευση και δέσμευση περιουσιακών στοιχείων.
Η απόφαση αυτή είναι άμεσο επακόλουθο των συμπερασμάτων που ενέκρινε το Συμβούλιο στις 28 Μαΐου 2018, με τα οποία ζητούσε συμπληρωματικά στοχευμένα και αναστρέψιμα περιοριστικά μέτρα, τα οποία δεν θα στρέφονται κατά του λαού της Βενεζουέλας, ως αποτέλεσμα των πρόσφατων προεδρικών εκλογών στη χώρα.
Όπως σημειώνεται και στα συμπεράσματα, οι εκλογές της 20ής Μαΐου 2018 στη Βενεζουέλα δεν ήταν ούτε ελεύθερες ούτε δίκαιες και το αποτέλεσμά τους δεν διαθέτει αξιοπιστία, δεδομένου ότι η εκλογική διαδικασία δεν διασφάλισε τις αναγκαίες εγγυήσεις ώστε να είναι δημοκρατικές και με τη συμμετοχή όλων. Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, η ΕΕ ζητούσε επίσης τη διεξαγωγή νέων προεδρικών εκλογών σύμφωνα με τα διεθνώς αναγνωρισμένα δημοκρατικά πρότυπα και τους συνταγματικούς κανόνες της Βενεζουέλας. Ταυτόχρονα, η ΕΕ επανέλαβε ότι απαιτείται ο σεβασμός όλων των δημοκρατικά εκλεγμένων θεσμών, ιδιαίτερα της εθνικής συνέλευσης, η ελευθέρωση όλων των πολιτικών κρατουμένων και ο σεβασμός των δημοκρατικών αξιών, του κράτους δικαίου και των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων. Αυτά παραμένουν ουσιώδη σημεία βάσει των οποίων η ΕΕ θα προσαρμόσει την πολιτική της.
Η σημερινή απόφαση ανεβάζει στους 18 τον συνολικό αριθμό των προσώπων που υπόκεινται σε κυρώσεις λόγω της κατάστασης στη Βενεζουέλα. Στις 22 Ιανουαρίου 2018, το Συμβούλιο περιέλαβε για πρώτη φορά στον κατάλογο 7 αξιωματούχους της Βενεζουέλας που εμπλέκονται στην μη τήρηση των δημοκρατικών αρχών ή του κράτους δικαίου και στην παραβίαση των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων. Τα περιοριστικά μέτρα έχουν ως στόχο να συμβάλλουν στην εξεύρεση δημοκρατικών κοινών λύσεων που μπορούν να φέρουν πολιτική σταθερότητα στη χώρα και να της επιτρέψουν να ανταποκριθεί στις επείγουσες ανάγκες του πληθυσμού.
Οι νομικές πράξεις, μεταξύ άλλων τα ονόματα των εμπλεκομένων, δημοσιεύθηκαν στην Επίσημη Εφημερίδα στις 25 Ιουνίου 2018.
| Council of the European Union | |
|
|
|
Security and defence cooperation: EU will enhance its capacity to act as a security provider, its strategic autonomy, and its ability to cooperate with partners
|
|
|
Today, foreign affairs ministers and defence ministers discussed the implementation of the EU Global Strategy in the area of security and defence.The Council then adopted conclusions which highlight the significant progress in strengthening cooperation in the area of security and defence and provide further guidance on next steps.
Permanent structured cooperation (PESCO)
The Council adopted today a common set of governance rules for projects within the PESCO framework. The sequencing of the more binding commitments undertaken by member states participating in PESCO is expected to be defined through a Council recommendation, in principle in July 2018. An updated list of PESCO projects and their participants, including a second wave of projects, is expected by November 2018. The general conditions for third state participation in PESCO projects are expected to be set out in a Council decision in principle also in November.
Capability development plan and coordinated annual review on defence (CARD)
The Council approved the progress catalogue 2018, which provides a military assessment of the prioritised capability shortfalls and high impact capability goals to be achieved in a phased approach. It forms a key contribution to the EU capability development priorities. These priorities are recognised by the Council as a key reference for both member states’ and EU defence capability development initiatives. The aim of CARD, for which a trial run is being conducted by the European Defence Agency, is to establish a process which will provide a better overview of national defence spending plans. This would make it easier to address European capability shortfalls and identify new collaborative opportunities, ensuring the most effective and coherent use of defence spending plans.
European defence fund
The European Defence Fund is one of the key security and defence initiatives by the Commission, reaffirmed in its proposal for the future multiannual financial framework (2021-2027), with a proposed envelope of €13 billion. The European Defence Fund aims to foster innovation and allow economies of scale in defence research and in the industrial development phase by supporting collaborative projects in line with capability priorities identified by Member States within the CFSP framework. This will strengthen the competitiveness of the Union's defence industry.
Under the current financial framework, with the same objectives, the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) was agreed by the representatives of the co-legislators on 22 May 2018. The Council welcomes this agreement. The EDIDP should aim at incentivising collaborative development programmes in line with defence capability priorities commonly agreed by EU member states, in particular in the context of the capability development plan.
European peace facility
The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy proposed the creation of a European Peace Facility in the context of the future multiannual financial framework, an off-EU budget fund devoted to security and defence. The aim of the facility would be: funding the common costs of military operations under the Common Security and Defence Policy (currently covered by the Athena mechanism); contributing to the financing of military peace support operations led by other international actors (currently covered by, for example, the African Peace Facility); and providing support to third states' armed forces to prevent conflicts, build peace and strengthen international security. The Council takes note of the proposal and invites the relevant Council preparatory bodies to take the work forward and present concrete recommendations on the proposed facility.
Military mobility
The aim of improving military mobility is to address those obstacles which hinder the movement of military equipment and personnel across the EU. The High Representative and the Commission presented a joint communication on improving military mobility in the EU on 10 November 2017 and an action plan on 28 March 2018. The Council welcomes this action plan and calls for its swift implementation. As a first step in this direction, the Council approves the overarching high-level part of the military requirements for military mobility within and beyond the EU.
The Council also stresses that improvement in military mobility can only be achieved with the full involvement and commitment of all member states, fully respecting their national sovereignty.
The conclusions also touch on other strands of work in the field of EU security and defence, including strengthening civilian CSDP, developing a more strategic approach for EU partnerships on security and defence with third countries, and increasing resilience and bolstering capabilities to counter hybrid threats, including further developing the EU's strategic communication approach together with member states.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
