| ● Council of the EU | | | 17/10/2022 15:19 | Press release | | | | | The Council today added eleven individuals and four entities to the list of those subject to restrictive measures in the context of the existing Iran human rights sanctions regime. This is in view of their role in the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent response to the recent demonstrations in Iran. Today’s designations include those responsible for the death of Mahsa Amini: Iran’s Morality Police and two of its key figures Mohammad Rostami and Hajahmad Mirzaei. In addition, the EU designates the Iranian Law Enforcement Forces (LEF), as well as a number of its local chiefs for their role in the brutal repression of the protests. Moreover, the EU lists Issa Zarepour, the Iranian Minister of information and Communications Technology, for his responsibility in the internet shutdown. The measures imposed today consist of a travel ban and an asset freeze. In addition, EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to the listed individuals and entities. The Iran human rights sanctions regime also includes a ban on exports to Iran of equipment which might be used for internal repression and of equipment for monitoring telecommunications. The list now comprises a total of 97 individuals and 8 entities. The European Union and its member states condemn the widespread and disproportionate use of force against peaceful protestors. This is unjustifiable and unacceptable. People in Iran, as anywhere else, have the right to peacefully protest and this right must be ensured in all circumstances. The EU expects Iran to immediately stop the violent crackdown against peaceful protesters, to free those detained, and to ensure the free flow of information, including internet access. Furthermore, the EU expects Iran to clarify the number of deaths and arrested, and provide due process to all detainees. The killing of Mahsa Amini must be duly investigated and any proved responsible for her death must be held accountable. Council implementing decision and Council implementing regulation, Official Journal of the EU (including the list of sanctioned individuals and entities) Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the recent protests in Iran, 25 September 2022 |
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 17/10/2022 14:15 | Press release | | | | | Agriculture and Fisheries ministers reach a political agreement on Baltic Sea catch limits for 2023. |
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Council of the EU
Press release
17 October 2022
14:04
Baltic Sea: Council agrees catch limits for 2023
Agriculture and Fisheries ministers reach a political agreement on Baltic Sea catch limits for 2023.
At today’s Agriculture and Fisheries Council, ministers reached a political agreement regarding next year’s total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for fish stocks in the Baltic Sea. This agreement sets the quantities each member state will be allowed to catch for each species in the Baltic Sea in 2023. The agreement is in line with the scientific advice provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and further sets out conditions for fishing vessels operating in the region.
The agreement includes:Due to the status of the stocks, a decrease in the TAC for herring in the Gulf of Bothnia (subdivisions 30-31) of -28%, for herring in the Gulf of Riga (subdivision 28.1) of -4%, and for sprat (subdivisions 22-32) of -11%.
In view of the lack of improvement with regards to the situation of cod stocks, the Council agreed to continue to set TACs only for bycatches of Eastern Baltic cod (subdivisions 25-32) and of Western Baltic cod (subdivisions 22-24). This will also be the case for Western Baltic herring (subdivisions 22-24), and for main basin salmon (subdivisions 22-31).
As a result of the healthy status of the stocks, an increase of fishing opportunities by 32% and 25% respectively for Central Baltic herring (subdivisions 25, 27, 28.2, 29) and for plaice (subdivisions 22-32).
This agreement shows ministers’ commitment to uphold the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy, while also taking appropriate actions to tackle environmental concerns and ensure the preservation of specific fish stocks in the region. The agreement further takes into account the socio-economic situation of smaller-scale fleets, especially in light of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.Zdeněk Nekula, Minister of Agriculture of the Czech Republic
The agreement in detail
This agreement on TACs and quotas in the Baltic Sea for 2023 respects the aims of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the provisions of the multiannual management plan for the Baltic Sea. It is based on the latest scientific advice provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and takes into account the socio-economic impact in the fisheries sector. The work conducted by BALTFISH, the regional fisheries forum for the Baltic Sea, currently chaired by Lithuania, contributed to reach a political agreement at the Council.
In addition to the abovementioned TACs and national quotas, the Council agreed on specific measures, including:That recreational fishers of salmon shall be limited to no more than one specimen of adipose fin-clipped salmon retained per fisher per day. After catching the first specimen, recreational fishers shall stop fishing salmon for the remainder of the day.
As part of the political agreement on the Baltic stocks, the Council also decided on fishing opportunities for Norway pout between the Union and the United Kingdom (subdivisions 3a, UK and EU waters of subarea 4 and UK waters of 2a), as this is a shared stock. Following consultations with the United Kingdom, delegations agreed to establish a TAC of 30 000 tonnes to apply from 1 November to 31 December 2022. Delegations further agreed to continue consultations for the setting of fishing opportunities for Norway pout for the period 1 January to 31 October 2023 in the EU-UK annual fisheries consultations for 2023, scheduled to take place in November and December 2022.
The agreement further ensures a TAC of 14 429 tonnes for southern hake (subdivisions 8c, 9 and 10) in Union waters.
Next steps
Today’s decision will be formally adopted by written procedure following legal and linguistic revision and will enter into force on 1 November.
Background
Under article 43(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the Council is responsible for fixing and allocating fishing opportunities, on the basis of a Commission proposal and without the need to consult the European Parliament or the European Economic and Social Committee.
Council agreement on 2023 catch limits in the Baltic Sea
| ● Council of the EU | | | 17/10/2022 13:06 | Press release | | | | | The Council today adopted additional assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to further support the capabilities and resilience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. With this, the EU is further stepping up its support to Ukraine to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders of their country, and protect the civilian population against the ongoing Russian war of aggression. The sixth tranche worth €500 million will now bring the total EU contribution under the EPF for Ukraine to €3.1 billion. "The mobilisation of an additional €500 million by EU member states is yet another proof that we remain steadfast in our support to the Ukrainian armed forces to defend the country against the escalating illegal aggression. Russia’s latest indiscriminate attacks on Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure are another proof of Russia’s complete disrespect for human rights and international law. The EU will continue supporting Ukraine as long as it takes and as long as is needed."
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy The scope of the equipment to be provided in the new support package is in line with the current priorities as expressed by the Ukrainian government. In this light, the assistance measures consist of €490 million for military equipment designed to deliver lethal force for defensive purposes, as well as €10 million intended to cover the provision of equipment and supplies, such as personal protective equipment, first aid kits, and fuel. In addition, both assistance measures will also allow for the provision of maintenance and repair of already donated military equipment by EU member states to Ukraine under the EPF.
| ● Council of the EU | | | 17/10/2022 13:05 | Press release | | | | | The Council today agreed to set up a Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). The aim of the mission is to contribute to enhancing the military capability of Ukraine’s Armed Forces to effectively conduct military operations, in order to allow Ukraine to defend its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, effectively exercise its sovereignty and protect civilians. In response to Ukraine’s request for military support, EUMAM Ukraine will provide individual, collective and specialised training to Ukraine’s Armed Forces, including to their Territorial Defence Forces, and coordination and synchronisation of member states’ activities supporting the delivery of training. "Today we step up our support to Ukraine to defend itself from Russia’s illegal aggression. The EU Military Assistance Mission will train the Ukrainian Armed Forces so they can continue their courageous fight. EUMAM is not just a training mission, it is clear proof that the EU will stand by Ukraine for as long as is needed."
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy EUMAM Ukraine will operate in the territory of the EU member states and will have its Operational Headquarters within the EEAS in Brussels in order to ensure overall coordination at the strategic level. Vice Admiral Hervé Bléjean, the Director of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) within the EEAS, will be the Mission Commander. The mandate of the non-executive mission will initially last two years, and the financial reference amount for the common costs for this period will be EUR 106 700 000. The mission will ensure coordination with member states’ bilateral activities in support of Ukraine, as well as with other like-minded international partners, and will be open to participation of third states. BackgroundIn its conclusions of 23-24 June 2022 the European Council stated that the EU remained strongly committed to providing further military support to help Ukraine exercise its inherent right of self-defence against the Russian aggression and defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty. To that end, the European Council called on the Council to swiftly work on a further increase of military support. In a letter to the High Representative, on 30 September 2022, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defence of Ukraine jointly requested military support, and confirmed that Ukraine’s needs in that regard include individual and collective (up to brigade level), as well as specialised military training. European Council conclusions, 23-24 June 2022 EU response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine |
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 17/10/2022 11:47 | Press release | | | | | - The Council welcomes the Communication from the Commission of 22 June 2022 on “The power of trade partnerships: together for green and just economic growth”, as the outcome of an early review of the 15-Point Action Plan.
- The Council considers that new policy orientations for sustainable trade agreements, coupled with the new drive for engagement with partners, against the backdrop of a new geopolitical situation caused by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, are necessary to build broad support for the advancement of the proactive and balanced EU's trade agenda based on sustainability, fairness and open markets.
- The Council reaffirms the importance of trade agreements for the economic growth, high value-added jobs, diversification and resilience of supply chains, including those for raw materials essential for the green transition, and for the promotion of international human rights, including labour rights, as well as for environmental standards and gender equality in accordance with EU values. To this end, the Council welcomes the strengthened implementation, monitoring and enforcement of these commitments in trade agreements and calls upon the Commission to take forward quickly actions in this respect. The Council looks forward to the new approach ensuring the EU’s capability to negotiate, conclude and implement new trade agreements swiftly.
- Sustainability is one of the main priorities for the EU, as underlined in the European Green Deal and Decent Work Worldwide initiatives, and together with openness and assertiveness constitutes three pillars of the broader strategic approach towards the EU’s trade policy. The EU must be at the forefront of the sustainability efforts. Cooperation and engagement with partners bilaterally as well as at plurilateral and multilateral levels are crucial in order to bring about the real change. The EU must continue to promote a cooperative approach and provide incentives and support including, where needed, technical or financial assistance to trading partners, especially to developing and Least Developed Countries, in their endeavour to comply with sustainability commitments. Effective coordination of the Commission and Member States on support measures is essential in this context.
- In this respect, the Council reiterates the crucial role of multilateral institutions such as the World Trade Organization, the International Labour Organization and Multilateral Environmental Agreements, including the UNFCCC, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity, as platforms for strengthening multilateralism and a rules-based order. It is important to continue closely cooperating with multilateral organisations and bodies in order to pursue sustainability objectives anchored in international standards. Building on the necessary development of a future robust Global Biodiversity Framework, it welcomes the Commission's commitment to evaluate the possibility of proposing to include the Convention on Biological Diversity in the new approach reflected in this review.
- The Council acknowledges that EU trade agreements are not standalone tools and that the EU autonomous approach in the field of environmental, economic and social sustainability, such as manifested in the revision of the EU’s Regulation on the Generalised Scheme of Preferences, is complementary to bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral cooperation. Legislative proposals on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms, the Regulation on deforestation-free products, the Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence and the Regulation on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market are other examples of autonomous measures that support sustainable development in compliance with WTO rules. It is important to make the best choice of each tool with regard to specific sustainability objectives and to apply all tools coherently. Furthermore, the Council appreciates the central role of the Chief Trade Enforcement Officer and supports the Commission in facilitating the use of the Single Entry Point for breaches in the area of trade and sustainable development.
- The Council welcomes the intention of the Commission to step up the country-specific approach in a more tailored and targeted fashion with a view to identifying country-specific sustainability priorities and roadmaps for implementation. Mainstreaming trade and sustainable development (TSD) objectives throughout trade agreements, including by prioritising market access for environmental goods and services is important. The Council also stresses the importance of reinforcing the role of civil society, ensuring an inclusive consultation process through all stages of the lifecycle of trade agreements, further strengthening the role of Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs) and closer cooperation with Member States and ensuring the monitoring by the Council of the implementation of TSD commitments. The Council also attaches great importance to the timely finalisation of sustainable impact assessments of trade agreements that will feed the debate on the respective negotiations.
- The Council supports the Commission's commitment to strengthen further the implementation and enforcement of TSD provisions in all future negotiations of trade agreements and to reflect it in the ongoing negotiations as appropriate, including by proposing to apply the compliance stage of the general state-to-state dispute settlement to the TSD chapter of such agreements. The Council invites the Commission to use review clauses and, where relevant, joint committees to align existing trade agreements with the new TSD approach, as appropriate. Moreover, the involvement of DAGs in monitoring the compliance stage must also be strengthened in line with the Communication. Furthermore, trade sanctions, which may take the form of suspension of trade concessions, could be applied, as a matter of last resort, after exhausting possibilities for an amicable settlement. They can be applied for serious violations of agreed commitments concerning ILO fundamental principles and rights at work as well as cases of failure to comply with obligations that materially defeat the object and purpose of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Any such trade sanctions should be temporary, targeted and proportionate. In addition, the respect of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change will be proposed by the EU to be an essential element in future trade agreements.
Council Conclusions on the Trade and Sustainability Review |
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 17/10/2022 10:28 | Press release | | | | | The Council today gave its final go-ahead to EU rules to promote more balanced gender representation on the boards of listed companies. "The new rules will help to remove the obstacles women often face in their careers. I also believe that companies would greatly benefit from women realising their potential in decision-making positions. The positive impact of the measures will surely trickle down to all levels of national economies."
Marian Jurečka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Czechia The directive, which will have to be transposed into national law, lays down that at least 40% of non-executive director positions in listed companies should be held by members of the underrepresented sex by 2026. If member states choose to apply the new rules to both executive and non-executive directors, the target would be 33% of all director positions by 2026. The core of the directive stipulates that listed companies which do not achieve the objectives will need to adjust their selection process. They will have to put in place fair and transparent selection and appointment procedures, based on a comparative assessment of the different candidates on the basis of clear and neutrally formulated criteria. When companies have to choose between equally qualified candidates, they should give priority to the candidate of the underrepresented sex. |
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 17/10/2022 10:22 | Press release | | | | | In response to some of the most consequential cyber attacks to date and series of threats the information and communication technologies (ICT) supply chains are exposed to, Member States approved Council conclusions contributing to enhanced security of the EU’s ICT assets. This urgent call for action was driven by the current geopolitical circumstances, the damaging nature of supply chain attacks and the ever-increasing dependence of our society on digital technologies. The call aims at strengthening ICT supply chain security, and is also a first step to address threats of unwanted strategic dependencies in ICT supply chains. "Our recent experience shows how quickly can an external strategic dependence turn into a very real vulnerability. That is why we need to protect critical ICT supply chains, which are essential for the security of EU’s digital infrastructure – the backbone of our modern society and economy."
Ivan Bartoš, Czech Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalisation and Minister for Regional Development |
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 17/10/2022 10:35 | Press release | | | | | The Council adopted today a decision prolonging the restrictive measures against ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaeda and persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them for a further year, until 31 October 2023. Currently, the sanction regime in place applies to 13 individuals and 4 groups. Those targeted are subject to an asset freeze and a travel ban to the EU. Additionally, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to those listed. These autonomous restrictive measures are complementary to those imposed by the UN Security Council against ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaeda. The EU remains committed to act against those who continuously threaten international peace and security by planning, financing, and execute terrorist attacks, as well as by spreading deadly terrorist propaganda around the world. |
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 17/10/2022 08:10 | Press release | | | | | The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) and its member states have signed the Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement between the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the European Union and its member states (“ASEAN-EU CATA”) at the 28th ASEAN Transport Ministers’ Meeting on 17 October 2022, in Bali, Indonesia. The ASEAN-EU CATA is the world’s first bloc-to-bloc air transport agreement and reflects the latest policy thinking in air transport regulation. Negotiations on the agreement commenced in 2016 and concluded on 2 June 2021 at the Extraordinary ASEAN-EU Senior Transport Officials Meeting. This was followed by legal scrubbing and translation of the text in preparation for signature. The agreement will provide greater opportunities for airlines of ASEAN and the EU to operate passenger and cargo services between and beyond both regions, which will help bolster the recovery of air connectivity between the two regions following the COVID-19 pandemic. Passengers can look forward to a greater variety of destinations, more flight frequencies, and more travel options between South-East Asia and Europe. Under the ASEAN-EU CATA, airlines of ASEAN and the EU will be able to fly any number of services between both regions. In addition, airlines of each country of one bloc will be able to fly up to 14 weekly passenger services and any number of cargo services to each country of the other bloc with 5th freedom traffic rights, via any third country or beyond to any third country. The ASEAN-EU CATA provides a foundation for closer cooperation between ASEAN and the EU in areas such as aviation safety, air traffic management, consumer protection, and environmental and social matters. This deeper cooperation builds upon existing initiatives such as the Enhanced ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the EU (ARISE Plus) programme on technical assistance and capacity building, the EU-South East Asia Cooperation on Mitigating Climate Change impact from Civil Aviation: Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (EU-SEA CCCA CORSIA), which supports CORSIA implementation, and the EU-South East Asia Aviation Partnership Project (EU- SEA APP). Alongside the ASEAN-EU CATA, ASEAN and the EU have signed the Record of Statements Made on the Occasion of the Signature of the ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement. Dato Lim Jock Hoi, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, said: “This year marks the 45th anniversary of ASEAN-European Union Dialogue Relations, and to commemorate this historic occasion, it is heartening that ASEAN and EU signed the world’s first region-to-region air transport agreement in Bali on 17 October 2022, and set a significant milestone in world aviation history. I believe that the ASEAN-EU CATA will strengthen air transport services, connecting people, cultures, and businesses across continents, as well as supporting the sustainable growth of aviation. The ASEAN-EU CATA emerges at an opportune time as ASEAN and the EU celebrate our 45 years of partnership.” Ms Adina Vălean, the European Commissioner for Transport, said: “The signature of this first-ever region-to-region air transport agreement between the EU and ASEAN brings our aviation partnership to a new level. The agreement will help to support the aviation sector’s recovery post-COVID 19, and restore much-needed connectivity between our two regions, to the benefit of some 1.1 billion people, by enabling greater business, trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. It replaces more than 140 bilateral air services agreements, thereby providing a single set of rules and reducing red tape. The agreement also provides us with a new platform to work jointly towards our shared commitment to economically, socially and environmentally sustainable aviation.” Mr Budi Karya Sumadi, Chair of the 28th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting and the Minister of Transportation of Indonesia, said: “The signing of this agreement will create more harmonious synergies to accelerate economic recovery, especially air connectivity between ASEAN and Europe, and will re-invigorate the global economy, in particular in the ASEAN and EU regions.” Mr Martin Kupka, Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic, which holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU, said: “By signing off the world’s first bloc-to-bloc air transport agreement, we took an important step in bolstering connectivity between Europe and the ASEAN. This will provide greater opportunities to EU and ASEAN airlines to operate passenger and cargo services between and beyond both regions. This will not only boost aviation industry both in Europe and Asia, but also our economies during the economic recovery.” Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations of Singapore, said: “The ASEAN-EU CATA is a landmark agreement that will enhance air connectivity between ASEAN and Europe and facilitate people-to-people and business exchanges. It comes at an opportune time, opening up new growth opportunities for the aviation industry in both regions, as we work towards recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Singapore is honoured to have been ASEAN’s lead coordinator from the inception to the conclusion of the agreement, and would like to thank our fellow ASEAN member states and the EU for their strong cooperation and support.” The ASEAN-EU CATA will now undergo ratification in accordance with the respective procedures of the ASEAN member states and the EU and its member states.
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 17/10/2022 10:31 | Press release | | | | | The Council today decided to deploy up to 40 EU monitoring experts along the Armenian side of the international border with Azerbaijan with the objective of monitoring, analysing and reporting on the situation in the region. This decision follows the quadrilateral meeting between President Aliyev, Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Macron and President Michel on 6 October, and is aimed at facilitating the restoration of peace and security in the area, the building of confidence and the delimitation of the international border between the two states. "The EU’s deployment of up to 40 EU monitoring experts along Armenia’s international border with Azerbaijan will aim to build confidence to the unstable a situation that is putting lives at risk and jeopardizes the conflict resolution process. This is another proof of the EU’s full commitment to contributing to the ultimate goal of achieving sustainable peace in the South Caucasus."
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy In order to ensure a swift deployment of the EU monitoring capacity, it was decided that the monitoring experts will be temporarily deployed from the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM Georgia). The EUMM is taking operational steps so that its monitoring capacity in Georgia is not impacted. The monitoring mission will have a temporary nature and in principle will not last more than two months. |
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