COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION update

 

24/10/2022 18:30 | Press release The Prague Process: Conference on Migration returns to Prague after 13 years Current migration challenges in our region and beyond or the future of cooperation within the Prague Process, these are the main topics of the two-day ministerial conference taking place on 24 and 25 October 2022 in Prague as part of the Czech EU Presidency. The ministers agreed on a joint Declaration and Action Plan for 2023-2027

https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-232386?&lg=INT

Press release

24 October 202218:30

The Prague Process: Conference on Migration returns to Prague after 13 years





Current migration challenges in our region and beyond or the future of cooperation within the Prague Process, these are the main topics of the two-day ministerial conference taking place on 24 and 25 October 2022 in Prague as part of the Czech EU Presidency. The ministers agreed on a joint Declaration and Action Plan for 2023-2027.


The Ministerial Conference of the Prague Process was opened today by Interior Minister Vít Rakušan. It is one of the one of the biggest events organised by the Ministry of the Interior as part of the Czech Presidency bringing together representatives of almost 50 countries. These countries are currently facing several challenges. From war conflicts, to migration, to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.

Cooperation between our countries is now more important than ever. The fact that we are all here today is a testament to our migration partnership. I am glad that we have agreed that we want to tackle all the current challenges together and we will continue our cooperation on migration,Vít Rakušan1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior



The ministers opened the first day of the conference with a debate on the current migration challenges in our region and beyond. They discussed the impact of the war in Ukraine, the problems related to dramatic increase in irregular migration and the situation along the Western Balkan migration route, which is currently the main route for illegal migration to the EU.

"If we want to do something about the current increase in migration, we need to address the situation primarily at the EU's external border and work closely with countries of origin and transit," added Vít Rakušan. The conference is attended by ministers responsible for migration from the EU, Schengen area, Eastern Partnership, Western Balkans, Central Asia, Turkey, EU institutions and representatives of EU agencies.

By adopting a Joint Declaration and Action Plan at the end of the first day of the conference, the Ministers confirmed strengthening cooperation and partnership. The adopted documents reflect the cooperation to date within the framework of the Prague Process, but also the latest challenges in the area of migration. In the Joint Declaration, the Ministers endorsed, for example, the establishment of Migration Resource Centers in countries of origin. These centres should provide information on the risks associated with irregular migration, assist with vocational and language training and cooperate with local authorities to share best practices. The Action Plan 2023-2027 then presents six areas of cooperation for the Prague Process, which were identified at its inception. These relate to such as preventing and combating irregular migration, promoting readmissions and voluntary returns, legal labour migration, or strengthening capacities in the field of asylum and international protection. These six areas are developed into 53 concrete actions to be taken by the participating countries over the next five years over the next five years.

Prague Process

After 13 years, the Prague Process has returned to Prague, where it was established during the first Czech Presidency in April 2009. It represents an intergovernmental dialogue promoting migration partnerships between the participating countries. It currently involves 47 countries that represent a priority for the Czech Republic (especially the countries of the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership are a priority for the Czech Republic in the long term. Russia and Belarus were not invited due to the current political situation.

Press material Monday 24 October 2022

● Council of the EU   24/10/2022 19:45 | Press release | Council sets out EU position for UN climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh (COP27)   The Council today approved conclusions that will serve as the EU’s general negotiating position for the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to be held from 6 to 18 November 2022. In its conclusions, the Council underlines the opportunities that ambitious climate action brings for the planet, the global economy and the people, and the importance of ensuring a just transition towards sustainable climate resilient economies and societies, that leaves no one behind. "All eyes will be on us in Sharm El-Sheikh. The EU has always been at the forefront of climate action and we will continue to lead by example. Protecting our planet for future generations requires a strong common global action. I am glad the EU has proved today that it is serious in its ambitions." Anna Hubáčková, Czech minister of the environment Member states highlight that global ambition must increase substantially to keep the 1.5°C objective within reach, in line with the Paris Agreement. They underline that collectively, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and their updates are currently insufficient. Therefore, all countries should come forward with ambitious targets and policies and major economies in particular should revisit and strengthen their NDCs in time for COP 27. The Council recalls that in June 2022 the Council agreed its position on the essential elements of the ‘Fit for 55’ package that will enable the EU to implement its NDC and reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and to achieve climate neutrality at the latest by 2050 and aim to achieve negative emissions thereafter. It notes the advancement of the legislative process for the adoption of the climate package thus far and the aim to conclude negotiations of these essential elements by the end of 2022, in a balanced manner. It stands ready as soon as possible after the conclusions of these negotiations to update, as appropriate, the NDC of the EU and its Member States, in line with § 29 of the Glasgow Climate Pact to reflect how the final outcome of the essential elements of ‘Fit for 55’ package implements on EU headline target as agreed by the European Council in December 2020. The Council recalls the EU member states’ continued commitments as agreed with social partners, and also calls on all Parties, to close the book on unabated coal through a phasedown and ending inefficient fossil fuel subsidies to accelerate their energy transition, and to deliver on the Glasgow Climate Pact in a way that benefits workers and communities. The Council acknowledges that all countries must enhance adaptation efforts while urgently reducing emissions. They underline that a clear progress towards the Global Goal on Adaptation is key and thus the EU will continue to support and constructively engage in the two-year Glasgow-Sharm-el-Sheikh work programme on the Global Goal on Adaptation. The Goal’s purpose is to achieve a better understanding of how to enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to protect people, livelihoods and ecosystems. The Council calls on all countries to scale up their efforts to mobilise finance from all sources to support climate action and to mainstream climate in all financial flows. It recalls that the EU and its Member States are the largest contributor to international public climate finance. It renews the strong commitment made by the EU and its member states to continue scaling up their international climate finance towards the developed countries’ goal of mobilising at least USD 100 billion per year as soon as possible and through to 2025 from a wide variety of sources. The Council expects the goal will be met in 2023. The Council looks forward to the continuation of the Glasgow Dialogue to discuss arrangements for funding of activities for averting, minimising and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change. It reiterates its readiness to engage constructively with partner countries, including through a new agenda item that would make full use of the Glasgow Dialogue to promptly strengthen the existing institutions providing support towards averting, minimising and addressing the risk of loss and damage, and to deliver concrete solutions to the challenges faced by most vulnerable countries. In this context, the Council welcomes the ‘Early Warnings for All’ initiative launched by the UN Secretary General with the objective to cover everyone on Earth with early warning systems within 5 years. It welcomes the G7 Leaders’ commitment to work towards a Global Shield against Climate Risks for poor and vulnerable countries and people and commits to support these efforts including through the Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (CDRFI). In addition, the EU is determined to work with all Parties to: - Foster the discussion on the future of UNFCCC; - Discuss ways forward to implement climate action in the agricultural sector sustainably, - Enable the ambitious implementation of the Glasgow Work Programme on Action for Climate Empowerment - Address the gender dimension. Background COP27 will take place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on 6-18 November 2022. The Egyptian Presidency has set 4 goals: - Mitigation: implementation of the Glasgow Pact, reviewed ambition on NDCs - Adaptation: progress on the Global Goal on Adaptation, adaptation at the forefront of global action - Finance: follow-up on the existing commitments and pledges, progress on delivery of the annual USD 100 billion - Collaboration: between governments, the private sector and civil society. The Paris Agreement (PA) was adopted in 2015 at the 21st UN Climate Change Conference (COP 21) and entered into force on 4 November 2016. It counts to date 186 parties. It sets out the dual goals of mitigation (limiting the global average temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C) and adaptation (increasing Parties’ ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development). Council conclusions on EU preparations for COP 27 Council conclusions on climate financing (press release, 4 October 2022) Financing the climate transition (background information) Climate change: what the EU is doing (background information)

Meetings Monday 24 October 2022

● Council of the EU   24/10/2022 20:31 | MEETING | Main results - Environment Council, 24 October 2022   EU environment ministers approved two sets of Council conclusions in view of the 27th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP27), and the 15th United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP 15). Ministers held policy debates on Commission proposals concerning the Industrial Emissions Directive, the Waste Landfill Directive and the Eco-Design Regulation. Council of the EU Environment Council, 24 October 2022 Main results Climate Summit COP 27 EU environment ministers approved Council conclusions that will serve as the EU’s general negotiating position for the 27th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP 27). All eyes will be on us in Sharm El-Sheikh. The EU has always been at the forefront of climate action and we will continue to lead by example. Protecting our planet for future generations requires a strong common global action. I am glad the EU has proved today that it is serious in its ambitions.Anna Hubáčková, Czech minister of the environment. In its conclusions, the Council highlighted that global ambition must substantially increase to keep the 1.5°C objective within reach, in line with the Paris Agreement, and calls on all countries to come forward with ambitious targets and policies, in particular major economies, to revisit and strengthen their NDCs in time for COP 27. The Council also renewed the strong commitment made by the EU and its member states to continue scaling up their international climate finance and calls on all countries to scale up their efforts to mobilise finance from all sources to support climate action and to mainstream climate in all financial flows.Climate change: what the EU is doing (background information) Council sets out EU position for UN climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh (COP27) (press release 24 October 2022) Biodiversity Summit COP 15 The Council approved conclusions that will serve as the EU’s general negotiating position for the 15th United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP 15). This will be a breakthrough conference. World leaders will gather to agree on the global protection of our biodiversity. We are already witnessing a serious decline of different species and it is time to act. I am glad the EU agreed on a strong position for the biodiversity summit. Protecting our ecosystems is a common obligation for us as humanity.Anna Hubáčková, Czech minister of environment The intention of the conference is to adopt a post-2020 global biodiversity framework, setting out goals to guide global actions to protect and restore nature into the next decade. The Council in its conclusions called for the adoption of an ambitious, comprehensive and transformative post-2020 global biodiversity framework that includes long-term 2050 goals, 2030 intermediate outcomes and action-oriented 2030 targets that effectively and simultaneously address the direct and indirect drivers of biodiversity loss.Council approves conclusions for UN biodiversity summit in Montreal (COP15) (press release, 24 October 2022) Biodiversity: how the EU protects nature (background information) Industrial emissions Ministers held a policy debate on a proposal to revise the Industrial Emissions Directive. The proposal aims at guiding the investments in large scale industrial installations to reach the goal of a zero-pollution, competitive, climate-neutral economy by 2050. Ministers exchanged views on extending the scope of the Directive to include additional types of livestock farms and the mechanism for penalties and compensations for health damages at EU level. Ministers underlined the importance of the Industrial Emissions Directive and the important role it played in the reduction of industrial emissions and air pollution in general. As regards the agricultural aspects of the proposal, the debate showed broad recognition that these new elements contribute to reaching the European Green Deal goals on pollution. At the same time several member states expressed concerns about bringing small and medium-sized livestock farms under the scope of the directive. As regards penalties and compensations, many member states supported regulating the aspects related to compensations at the level of member states.Presidency background note European Green Deal (background information) Other items on the agenda The Council formally adopted a regulation on persistent organic pollutants, that are particularly harmful substances. The new regulation revises the annexes to the persistent organic pollutant regulation, introducing new chemicals on the list of these substances and restricting their presence in waste by strengthening the concentration limit values of certain substances. The new concentration limit values will ensure a higher protection of human health and the environment. The Council adopted a decision authorising the Commission to negotiate on behalf of the EU an international agreement to end plastic pollution. The Council also gave its final approval to the common charger directive. This means that in 2024, a USB-C port will become mandatory for a whole range of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and headphones. It will no longer be necessary to buy a different charger every time you purchase a new mobile phone or similar device: all of them can be recharged using the same charger. Ministers adopted a new EU law which facilitates the timely purchase of and access to medicines, vaccines and raw materials, activates emergency funding and enables the monitoring of production facilities when another health crisis hits. This Council regulation on the supply of medical countermeasures constitutes one of the building blocks of the European Health Union. Two other regulations - also adopted at the meeting – form part of the Health Union: a revised "cross-border threats to health" law and a strengthened European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). They improve the EU’s capacities to respond to future pandemics and other cross-border health crises. The Council adopted a regulation, which will establish a single window for customs. The new rules will set the appropriate conditions for digital collaboration between customs and partner competent authorities at the EU's external borders. This is expected to make international trade easier, shorten customs clearance times and reduce the risk of fraud. The Council also adopted, without discussion, the other items included in the lists of ‘A-items’. Other business Under any other business the presidency provided the state of play of the Environmental Crime Directive. The proposal is discussed under the Justice and Home Affairs Council. The presidency and the Commission updated ministers on the main recent international meetings. Belgium supported by Spain drew ministers’ attention to the Due Diligence Directive. Belgium provided ministers with information on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) pollution. Slovenia, supported by Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Austria and Portugal, informed ministers on drought management at EU level. Spain provided information on the launch of an International Drought Resilience Alliance. The presidency informed ministers on a Conference on Designing Climate Resilient Landscapes. During lunch, ministers had an informal discussion on the OECD’s perspectives in relation to the European Green Deal implementation and on current energy crisis in Europe, at the presence of Jo Tyndall, Environment Director at OECD. Meeting information Meeting n°3903 Luxembourg 24 October 2022 10:00 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

24/10/2022 21:00 | Article EU environment ministers approve ambitious mandates for upcoming environmental summits The Czech Republic already knows what position it will take as the Presidency country to negotiate on behalf of the entire European Union at major global summits on environmental protection. At the EU Council meeting in Luxembourg, EU environment ministers approved three negotiating mandates, namely for the UN climate change conference in Sharm el-Sheikh in November, for the postponed UN conference on biodiversity in Montreal in December and for the negotiation of a new global agreement on plastic pollution in Uruguay. In addition, ministers discussed the revision of the industrial emissions directive or the new regulation on the ecodesign of sustainable products. Article 24 October 202221:00 EU environment ministers approve ambitious mandates for upcoming environmental summits © EU The Czech Republic already knows what position it will take as the Presidency country to negotiate on behalf of the entire European Union at major global summits on environmental protection. At the EU Council meeting in Luxembourg, EU environment ministers approved three negotiating mandates, namely for the UN climate change conference in Sharm el-Sheikh in November, for the postponed UN conference on biodiversity in Montreal in December and for the negotiation of a new global agreement on plastic pollution in Uruguay. In addition, ministers discussed the revision of the industrial emissions directive or the new regulation on the ecodesign of sustainable products. The meeting in Luxembourg was chaired by the Minister of the Environment Anna Hubáčková as the country holding the Presidency of the EU Council. It was her last international appearance before her resignation at the end of October for health reasons. Vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans thanked her for successful and enjoyable cooperation at the start of the preparatory briefing. He also praised the work of the Czech Presidency in advancing the Fit for 55 package, stressing that, thanks to good negotiations, some parts of the package will hopefully be approved before COP 27. "We are currently making good progress in the trials and we hope that we will be able to approve important parts of the package before COP 27. We are doing our best to pass as many regulations as possible and preferably the whole package by the end of the year, if the European Parliament is also ready to compromise and prioritise its demands," said Anna Hubáčková, Minister of the Environment of the Czech Republic. EU Mandate for the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) The EU will negotiate in Egypt in line with the conclusions endorsed today by the Environment Council. These reflect the objectives of the Green Deal for Europe, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and to achieve EU climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest. The Fit for 55 package is intended to inspire other countries to set their national climate commitments (NDCs) to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change as required by the Paris Agreement. "Negotiating the mandate was quite complex, with countries sometimes having conflicting views, in particular on how to link the current negotiations on the Fit for 55 package and the common European contribution to meeting the targets of the Paris Agreement. I would like to thank not only the excellent team of our Presidency, but also the Commission and the Member States that we managed to find a good compromise," said Anna Hubáčková, Minister for the Environment. The phasing out of coal was also addressed, including in the context of the impact of the war in Ukraine. The ministers agreed that despite the current difficult political, energy and economic situation, we cannot move away from the climate protection path set out in Glasgow and the transition away from fossil fuels must continue. "We must continue the work we have done. In two weeks' time in Egypt, we need to send a clear signal – to collectively keep global warming below 1.5 degrees, we need to step up our efforts to reduce emissions, especially at the global level. The EU can lead the way, but we also need the world's economies to get on board," said Jan Dusik, Deputy Minister for Climate Protection of the Czech Republic. EU mandate for the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity The UN Conference on Biological Diversity has been postponed several times due to the Covid pandemic. It will finally take place this year from 7 to 19 December in Montreal. This is a crucial international meeting in environmental protection, as Parties are expected to adopt a new global framework with targets for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity by 2030. The proposed targets are, for example, to protect at least 30% of land and marine areas, restore at least 20% of degraded ecosystems, reduce the introduction of alien species, reduce pollution, including the elimination of plastic waste, but also to ensure reliable monitoring of the state of biodiversity and sufficient financial resources. The EU Council endorsed a mandate to adopt an ambitious, comprehensive and transformative global framework for biodiversity to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. "While the world is united on climate change, there is a lack of common global action to protect declining species and ecosystems. I am pleased that we agreed that the EU should play a leadership role at the conference and present a high level of ambition to halt and reverse the global biodiversity crisis and bring about transformative change," said Minister Hubáčková. European ministers also agreed that the new global framework must be balanced and reflect all three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity – the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. EU Mandate to negotiate a new international agreement on plastic pollution The third major international item on the agenda was the approval of an EU mandate, this time for the negotiation of a global agreement on plastics. The mandate was approved in a short time, a success for the Czech Presidency in cooperation with Sweden, which will take over the negotiations next year. The agreement is intended to be a new internationally binding regulation that will lead to an end to plastic pollution on land and at sea. It is intended to create global rules for those areas of pollution not yet addressed by current agreements, particularly at the design and production stages of the plastics life cycle. States will recognise that plastic pollution poses a major risk to our planet, with impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, climate and human health. The first negotiation of this agreement will take place at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution meeting in Uruguay from 28 November to 2 December. Revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) The Industrial Emissions Directive is the main European instrument for regulating industrial pollution. Although existing rules have already brought significant improvements, the problem of excessive industrial pollution persists. The revision of the Directive therefore has as its main objective to further strengthen pollution prevention. The new rules also envisage the inclusion of new installations, in particular large livestock farms, intensive mining of industrial minerals and metals or large-scale battery production. The draft directive also encourages increased investment in new, cleaner technologies with regard to energy consumption, resource efficiency and water reuse. The legislation is currently under intensive discussion by the EU Council and the European Parliament, and the final draft could be adopted during 2023. The proposal for a new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation With this regulation, the EU wants to create rules to introduce requirements for more environmentally sustainable products. The proposal builds on the existing Ecodesign Directive, but only covers certain electrical appliances. The new proposal expands the range of products and requirements to make products more durable, reusable, repairable, recyclable and energy and resource efficient. In addition, the information requirements will make consumers aware of the environmental impact of their purchases. For regulated products, it is proposed that they will have their own digital passport that will allow them to be tracked across the supply chain. The proposal also includes steps to ban the disposal of unsold goods and to extend green public procurement and incentives for sustainable products. Exactly which products will be affected by the regulation will be the subject of further negotiations. In the Czech Republic, the regulation falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Loading the video...