COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION interesting latest news

Meetings Thursday 13 October 2022

● Council of the EU   13/10/2022 17:19 | MEETING | Main results - Justice and Home Affairs Council, 13-14 October 2022   On Thursday, ministers took stock of ongoing work on judicial responses and the fight against impunity regarding crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. They exchanged views on judicial training and its impact on access to justice, as well as on upholding fundamental rights in times of crises. Ministers assessed progress on the draft environmental crime directive and took stock of the work of the European Public Prosecutor's Office.

ONGOING
Council of the EU
Justice and Home Affairs Council, 13-14 October 2022

Main results - Thursday 13 October
Justice
Judicial responses and the fight against impunity in Ukraine

Ministers took stock of ongoing work on judicial responses and the fight against impunity regarding crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This includes support for the investigation and prosecution of war crimes and the other most serious crimes, as well as action to ensure the full implementation of the individual and economic sanctions adopted.



In the last week we have witnessed more horrific and indiscriminate attacks by Russia targeting Ukrainian citizens and civilian infrastructure. These are the latest in a long list of atrocities committed by Russia throughout Ukraine. The EU stands firmly behind the Ukrainian people and will work hand in hand with the Ukrainian authorities and the international community to bring those responsible to justice.Pavel Blažek, Czech Minister of Justice

The authorities of six EU member states and Ukraine, with the support of Eurojust, have established a joint investigation team or joined it later to facilitate the exchange of information and evidence and support criminal investigations into the crimes committed in Ukraine. The role of Eurojust has also been strengthened to allow the agency to preserve, store and analyse evidence of war crimes. Member states are providing an additional €7 million to support the International Criminal Court, as well as forensic support to Ukraine for the collection of evidence.

To ensure the full implementation of the sanctions adopted, the European Commission has created a ‘freeze and seize taskforce’ to facilitate coordination. On 24 October the Council is expected to adopt a decision extending the list of ‘EU crimes’ to include the violation of EU’s restrictive measures. The Commission will then be able to submit a proposal to harmonise national legislation on this matter.Judicial responses and the fight against impunity regarding crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression (state of play)
Support in the investigation and prosecution of war crimes (background information)
EU restrictive measures against Russia over Ukraine (background information)
Judicial training

Ministers of justice exchanged views on judicial training and its impact on access to justice in the context of the rule of law. In this respect, the importance and role of training in ensuring a better quality of the judiciary and in further reinforcing its independence was emphasised.

Ministers highlighted the existence of national training schools, as well as the participation of judges in European trainings and exchanges. They focused on how to ensure a high level of participation by judges in continuing training and shared existing national measures for monitoring participation in judicial training and assessing its impact and effectiveness.

Ministers also shared whether any links exist at national level between the participation in judicial training and the career development of judges. They stated that they have not experienced tensions between the participation of judges in judicial training and their independence.Judicial training and its impact on access to justice (Presidency note)


Infographic - How the EU fights environmental crimeSee full infographic
Environmental crime

Ministers assessed progress made in discussions on the draft environmental crime directive. During discussions at technical level, experts have made substantial progress towards a legislative text that can be supported by a qualified majority of member states. A large majority could agree to sanction levels for natural persons regarding serious and less serious crimes to be set at five and three years respectively. Other aspects relating to sanctions, including the maximum level of penalties for legal persons, remain open.

The Presidency aims to reach an overall general approach on this text at the December Justice and Home Affairs Council.Environmental crime directive (progress report)
Environmental crime directive (partial general approach)
European Public Prosecutor's Office

The Commission and the European Chief Prosecutor informed ministers about the latest developments in the functioning of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO). The EPPO started its operations in June 2021 and in its first year it opened 929 investigations, issued 28 indictments, secured 4 convictions, and was granted freezing orders for €259 million. Within the Council, work is ongoing on the relations of the EPPO with third countries and international organisations and the process to appoint 8 new European Prosecutors who will replace those ceasing their functions in July 2023 will be launched soon.

The European Commission and the European Chief Prosecutor also mentioned the question of possible extension of the mandate of the EPPO to cover the prosecution of violation of EU sanctions. This topic would require in depth consideration.European Public Prosecutor's Office (background information)
European Public Prosecutor's Office website
Fundamental rights in times of crises

Over lunch, ministers exchanged views on upholding fundamental rights in times of crises, in the presence of the director of the Fundamental Rights Agency. They assessed the resilience of the human rights infrastructure (in particular national institutions, the judiciary and civil society) in the face of crises. They also considered what further steps should be taken to increase this resilience.Protection and promotion of human rights (background information)
Other items

Under any other business the Presidency informed ministers of ongoing work on a number of legislative proposals and reported on the workshop on cross-border protection of vulnerable adults which took place on 20 September.

The European Commission presented its legislative package on civil liability in relation to the use of artificial intelligence and liability for defective products. It also informed ministers about the first report on the application of the data protection law enforcement directive, as well as of the latest developments on an EU-US data privacy framework.

The Council also adopted without discussion the items on the lists of legislative and non-legislative A items.Overview of the current legislative proposals
Live streaming
Live streaming


Friday 14 October08:30 Arrivals (Home Affairs)
17:00 Public session (Home Affairs)
17:30 Press conference (Home Affairs)

Estimated schedule
Agenda highlights - Home Affairs, 14 October
Schengen Council

Ministers will exchange views on the overall state of the Schengen area with a particular focus on the management of external borders, and will decide actions in this field. This exchange will take place on the basis of a Commission barometer and a risk analysis by Frontex. Regular discussions on the state of Schengen aim to ensure a better overall steering at ministerial level of matters concerning the Schengen area. Since March 2022, this format is convened on the occasion of every Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting.

The Council will be invited to approve conclusions on the multiannual strategic policy cycle for European integrated border management (EIBM). Taking into account the political guidance by the Council contained in the conclusions, the Commission will publish its EIBM communication by the end of 2022 and, on that basis, enable Frontex to prepare a technical and operational strategy for EIBM and the member states their national EIBM strategies.Strengthening the EU’s external borders (background information)


Infographic - Refugees from Ukraine in the EUSee full infographic
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

Ministers will discuss the situation of refugees in the EU, as well as the internal security implications in the context of the war in Ukraine.

Since 24 February, EU member states have put in place reception capacities to host over 4 million people who have arrived to the EU seeking refuge from the war in Ukraine. On 4 March the Council unanimously introduced temporary protection to provide immediate and collective protection to these persons. The EU has also provided support to the most affected member states through its civil protection mechanism and EU agencies and is working to unlock additional funds to provide emergency support.

EU home affairs ministers have also supported the mobilisation of the EU platform for fighting organised and serious crime (EMPACT) to help EU member states tackle criminal networks and individuals who may try to exploit the war in Ukraine. Crimes in conflict situations may include human trafficking, cyber-attacks or arms trafficking.Reception of refugees (background information)
EU fight against organised crime (background information)
Asylum and migration

The presidency will provide a state of play on the files regarding asylum and migration.

Over lunch, ministers will discuss recent evolutions in the Western Balkans migratory route, which has seen a large upsurge in migrant numbers this year.EU asylum reform (background information)
EU migration policy (background information)


Meeting information

Meeting n°3899
Luxembourg
13 October 2022
09:30
Preparatory documentsProvisional agenda
List of A items, non-legislative activities
List of A items, legislative deliberations
Background brief
Outcome documentsList of participants
Meeting voting results

 

13/10/2022 | Press release | Presidency press release - Informal meeting of ministers for employment and social affairs focused on the integration of refugees from Ukraine On October 13, representatives of EU member states, European social partners and non-profit organisations met in Prague for the informal meeting of ministers for employment and social affairs. The main topic of discussion was the consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, specifically the integration of Ukrainian refugees into the labour market. Read the full text of the press release in EN and CZ. Further information Dmitrij Černikov Czech presidency spokesperson (Coreper 1) Tel. +32 2 2139 440 GSM +32 472 904 980

Press material Thursday 13 October 2022

● Council of the EU   13/10/2022 17:45 | Press release | Nicaragua: EU sanctions regime prolonged for a further year   The Council has today prolonged the framework for imposing targeted restrictive measures in view of the situation in Nicaragua for an additional year, until 15 October 2023. The restrictive measures currently in place apply to a total of 21 persons and three entities. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories. This decision takes place following the unjustified decision of the Nicaraguan regime to expel the Head of the EU Delegation from the country, and cut diplomatic ties with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as well as the EU reciprocal response to declare the Head of the Mission of the Republic of Nicaragua to the EU as persona non grata. The EU reaffirms its continued commitment to the Nicaraguan people and to defending democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The current political crisis in Nicaragua should be resolved through genuine dialogue between the government and opposition. The EU remains open to dialogue with Nicaragua, provided that this dialogue is conducted in a respectful manner. Background and next steps The sanctions regime was first introduced in October 2019 to address Nicaragua’s deteriorating political and social situation, after the Council had repeatedly expressed its concern about such deteriorating situation in the country. On 4 May 2020, the Council adopted the first restrictive measures against six individuals. They targeted persons and entities responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses, or for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Nicaragua, as well as persons and entities whose actions, policies or activities undermine democracy and the rule of law in the country. The EU follows developments in Nicaragua constantly and can decide to renew sanctions and amend the list of targeted entities or persons based on developments in the country. Nicaragua: head of mission to the EU declared persona non grata, 10 October 2022 Delegation of the European Union to Nicaragua

Meetings Thursday 13 October 2022

● Council of the EU   13/10/2022 14:32 | MEETING | General Affairs Council, 18 October 2022   Background brief - General Affairs Council, 18/10/2022

Council of the EU
General Affairs Council, 18 October 2022

Agenda highlights
October European Council

The Council will continue preparations for the European Council meeting on 20-21 October by discussing draft conclusions.European Council, 20-21 October 2022
Electoral law

In public session, ministers will hold a debate on the European Parliament's proposal for revising the EU rules governing the EP elections.Proposal for a Council regulation on the election of the Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage
Conference on the Future of Europe

The Council will exchange views on the follow-up to the Conference on the Future of Europe.

The discussion will focus on the timing for submitting the European Parliament's proposals under Article 48(2) TEU and the organisation of the feedback event for citizens.Conference on the Future of Europe (background information and timeline)
Rule of law in Poland

As part of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure, the Council will discuss developments regarding the rule of law in Poland.Reasoned proposal regarding the rule of law in Poland


Meeting information

Meeting n°3902
Luxembourg
18 October 2022
10:00
Preparatory documentsProvisional agenda
Background brief

Press material Thursday 13 October 2022

● Council of the EU   13/10/2022 14:10 | Press release | Border management: Council decides to sign agreement with North Macedonia on Frontex operational cooperation   The Council today adopted a decision to sign an agreement on border management cooperation between the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) and North Macedonia. It also agreed to send the draft decision on the conclusion of the agreement to the European Parliament for its consent. "The EU and the Western Balkans share common migratory challenges and the only way to address these is through joint action. The agreement with North Macedonia is an important step in this close cooperation. It will allow Frontex to provide concrete support on the ground, to the benefit of both North Macedonia and EU countries." Vít Rakušan, Minister of the Interior of Czech Republic Once this agreement is in force, Frontex will be able to assist North Macedonia in its efforts to manage migratory flows, counter illegal immigration, and tackle cross border crime. The agreement will allow joint operations to be organised and Frontex border management teams to be deployed in North Macedonia, subject to the country’s agreement. Reinforcing controls along North Macedonia’s borders will contribute to further enhancing security at the EU’s external borders. In line with the European border and coast guard regulation, the agreement also includes provisions for compliance monitoring and for the protection of fundamental rights. Next steps The European Commission, the Council Presidency and North Macedonia are expected to sign the agreement on 20 October. The European Parliament will be invited to provide its agreement as soon as possible Background A first agreement on border management cooperation was concluded with Albania in 2019. Following this, Frontex launched the first-ever joint operation on the territory of a neighbouring non-EU country in Albania on 22 May 2019. Status agreements with Montenegro and Serbia were concluded in May 2020. A similar agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina is under negotiation. Council decision on the signing of the EU-North Macedonia agreement on operational activities carried out by Frontex Draft Council decision on the conclusion of the EU-North Macedonia agreement on operational activities carried out by Frontex Agreement between the EU and North Macedonia on operational activities carried out by Frontex

Press material Thursday 13 October 2022

● General Secretariat   13/10/2022 13:57 | Press release | Thérèse Blanchet appointed new Secretary-General of the Council   On 13 October 2022, the Council appointed Ms Thérèse Blanchet as the next Secretary-General of the Council for the period from 1 November 2022 to 31 October 2027. This follows an agreement reached on 7 October 2022 at the informal meeting of the Heads of State or Government in Prague. Ms Thérèse Blanchet is currently the Legal Counsel of the Council and European Council, and Director-General of the Council Legal Service. New Secretary-General of the Council (press release, 7 October 2022) Role of the Secretary-General The Treaties provide that the General Secretariat of the Council assists both the European Council and the Council and that it is placed under the responsibility of a Secretary-General appointed by the Council. The Secretary-General is responsible for the management of the General Secretariat. He or she ensures the continuity and progress of the Council’s and European Council’s work and advises both institutions. Under the responsibility of the Secretary-General, the General Secretariat of the Council assists the European Council and the Council of the EU and their preparatory bodies in all fields of their activities. The GSC provides advice and support, including policy and legal advice, coordination with other institutions, and working out compromises. It also attends to all the practicalities that are necessary for the good preparation and running of the European Council and the Council. The Secretary-General of the Council attends the meetings of the European Council. CV of Thérèse Blanchet Current position: Director General of the Council Legal Service, Legal Counsel of the European Council and the Council Born: 22 May 1962 Nationality: French Civil status: married to Jouko Lempiäinen, one child Career 2019 Director General of the Council Legal Service, Legal Counsel of the European Council and the Council 2012 Director for Justice and Home Affairs in the Council Legal Service 2000 Adviser to the Director General of the Council Legal Service and Head of its Coordination Unit 1995 Legal adviser in the Council Legal Service 1990 Legal adviser in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) 1987 Attorney at law, Geneva (Switzerland) Education 1989 Master of European Law (postgraduate), College of Europe, Bruges (Belgium) 1987 Admitted to the Bar (Bar exams), Geneva (Switzerland) 1984 Graduate in Law, University of Geneva (Switzerland) Languages French, English. Some German.

Press material Thursday 13 October 2022

● Council of the EU   13/10/2022 13:54 | Press release | Chemical weapons: EU sanctions renewed for a further year   The Council has today prolonged the restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons for another year, until 16 October 2023. The restrictive measures currently in place target a total of 15 persons and 2 entities. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories. The EU sanctions regime aims to contribute to the EU’s efforts to counter the proliferation and use of chemical weapons, as well as support the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (CWC). Background and next steps The sanctions regime was first introduced in 2018 in order to target individuals and entities directly responsible for the development and use of chemical weapons, and for those providing financial, material, and technical support. The EU follows the developments in this domain closely and can decide to renew sanctions and amend the list of targeted persons and entities in case its objectives have not been met. EU sanctions against chemical weapons renewed for one year (press release, 11 October 2021)

Press material Thursday 13 October 2022

● Council of the EU   13/10/2022 09:48 | Press release | Council gives the final go-ahead to further flexibility in the use of cohesion policy funds in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine   The Council today adopted a package of legislative changes to step up support for EU governments and regions in managing the effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine, including hosting more Ukrainian refugees. The new measures complement the funding already mobilised in support of Ukrainian refugees under Cohesion’s Action for Refugees in Europe (CARE), adopted in April. They further increase flexibility in the use of EU cohesion policy funds to channel resources towards supporting refugees, while taking into account the budgetary constraints faced by member states and ensuring maximum efficiency of support. The legislative amendments also address the delayed implementation of some projects due to high energy prices and market disruptions caused by the war, compounded by the long-lasting consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for project implementation. Some of the specific measures adopted today include: a further €3.5 billion of pre-financing for projects to provide additional liquidity from the 2014-2020 programmes extending the possibility of obtaining 100% co-financing for investment in promoting the socio-economic integration of third-country nationals extending the possibilities for transferring resources for actions to support refugees not only between the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund, but also from the Cohesion Fund retroactively reimbursing projects dealing with refugee-related needs that have already been completed ring-fencing 30% of the expenditure on refugees for local authorities and civil society organisations operating in local communities In practice, the new measures will facilitate the financing of a wide range of actions to support people fleeing the war, ranging from providing first reception and accommodation to ensuring refugees’ access to healthcare and the labour market. They will also ensure sufficient direct support for those providing the first line of assistance to refugees in local communities. In addition, the measures make it easier to phase delayed projects from the 2014-2020 programmes to the 2021-2027 programmes. The EU co-legislators agreed on these legislative changes through a fast-track procedure, in order to provide a rapid response to urgent needs on the ground, making no amendments to the Commission proposal submitted at the end of June. The legislative changes will enter into force following their publication in the Official Journal. Regulation amending Regulations (EU) No 1303/2013 and (EU) 2021/1060 as regards additional flexibility to address the consequences of the military aggression of the Russian Federation (FAST-CARE) FAST-CARE: Council adopts negotiating mandate on further help for refugees from Ukraine and on addressing the consequences of Russia’s aggression (press release, 20 July 2022) Ukraine: €17 billion of EU funds to help refugees (press release, 4 April 2022) Ukraine: Council approves swift release of cohesion resources to help refugees (press release, 16 March 2022)

13/10/2022 17:00 | Press release The Informal EPSCO Council focused on the integration of refugees from Ukraine On October 13 2022, representatives of the member states responsible for the employment agenda and social policy, European social partners and non-profit organizations met in the Prague Congress Center at the Informal Meeting of Ministers for Employment and Social Affairs (EPSCO). The main topic of discussion was the consequences of Russian aggression in Ukraine, specifically the integration of Ukrainian refugees into the labour market. The meeting will continue on 14 October and will focus on the impact of the energy crisis.

Press release

13 October 202217:00

The Informal EPSCO Council focused on the integration of refugees from Ukraine





On October 13 2022, representatives of the member states responsible for the employment agenda and social policy, European social partners and non-profit organizations met in the Prague Congress Center at the Informal Meeting of Ministers for Employment and Social Affairs (EPSCO). The main topic of discussion was the consequences of Russian aggression in Ukraine, specifically the integration of Ukrainian refugees into the labour market. The meeting will continue on 14 October and will focus on the impact of the energy crisis.


The war in Ukraine caused by Russian aggression has displaced millions of people who have found safety in many European countries. Member states provide refugees with accommodation, health care, and ensure they have access to the labour market or the education system. European countries also face other challenges in the field of social protection. Currently, the extent to which countries allow refugees to benefit from their national welfare systems is not united. There are differences in the range of benefits that can be provided to persons with temporary protection. In this context, the discussion focused on, among other things, whether the member states consider the current financial assistance of the EU to be sufficient and what forms of assistance they expect if the refugee crisis gets worse in the future.

For the next few months, the arrival of winter and Russia's targeted attacks against civilian infrastructure can cause another wave of refugees. It is our task to prepare for this eventuality. Available resources are not unlimited.Marian JurečkaDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs

The discussion also included examples of successful strategies and programs aimed at supporting people fleeing war and their integration into the labour market. "Our mutual exchange of experiences is key. Each country coped with the Ukrainian refugees in its own way, which gives us a large number of examples of good and also less successful practice. Acquainting ourselves with both the good practice of our neighbors and dead ends can significantly help us in further progress on a strategic and practical level," added Minister Jurečka. In the Czech Republic, more than 440,000 people received temporary protection after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, which is the highest ratio of refugees to population in comparison with other European countries.