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14/10/2022 13:00 | Press release The Informal EPSCO Council discusses the impact of the energy crisis On 14 October 2022, the informal EPSCO Council continued its meeting at the Prague Congress Centre. Representatives of Member States responsible for the employment and social policy agenda, European social partners and NGOs discussed primarily the impact of rising energy and commodity prices on EU citizens. 14 October 202213:00 The Informal EPSCO Council discusses the impact of the energy crisis On 14 October 2022, the informal EPSCO Council continued its meeting at the Prague Congress Centre. Representatives of Member States responsible for the employment and social policy agenda, European social partners and NGOs discussed primarily the impact of rising energy and commodity prices on EU citizens. Impacts of rising energy prices The energy crisis is a key topic that now affects all member states. Energy prices began to rise in the summer of 2021 with increasing tension in the international energy market after the pandemic, and mainly due to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The effects of high prices on households are already significant and do not only affect vulnerable groups of the population. The middle class feel the impacts as well. The main contribution on this topic was delivered by a representative of the European agency Eurofound. "To achieve our common goal of reducing the number of people at risk of poverty by at least 15 million by 2030, we will have to implement a number of measures in various policy areas in the short and long term," said Minister Jurečka. The discussion covered, among other things, the most effective measures to date in each country to address the impact of rising energy prices, potential gaps in established mechanisms and tools, specific solutions to the energy crisis and their impact on the most vulnerable households. "In the Czech Republic, we have adopted a whole range of measures. From the point of view of energy security, we secured sufficient gas supplies in time and lowered the minimum permitted temperatures in various types of institutions and facilities, we are also trying to reduce consumption in households. As part of the solution to the sudden increase in energy prices, we introduced the price cap on gas and electricity and also cost-saving energy tariff, which reduces household bills. We also address the social impacts of the energy crisis by helping households in the area of ​​social security benefits," explained Jurečka. Long-term plans related to solving the situation in households with low and medium incomes were also an essential topic. The common goal of the member states is to prevent more people from falling into energy poverty. "In the longer term, it is essential that we take measures to reduce energy consumption. For example, in the area of ​​reducing the energy consumption of housing or wider use of clean energy sources," the minister added.

Meetings Friday 14 October 2022

● Council of the EU   14/10/2022 19:07 | MEETING | Main results - Justice and Home Affairs Council, 13-14 October 2022   On Friday, ministers exchanged views on the overall state of the Schengen area, with a particular focus on the management of external borders. They also discussed the situation of Ukrainian refugees in the EU and the internal security implications of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The presidency provided a state of play on asylum and migration files. Over lunch, ministers discussed recent evolutions in the Western Balkans migratory route.

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

Main results
Home Affairs (14 October)
Schengen Area

Ministers exchanged views on the overall state of the Schengen area, with a particular focus on the management of external borders, in light of the migration situation. They committed to a series of short to medium-term actions in the fields of borders, returns, implementation of IT systems, new legislation, external dimension and secondary movements.



The effective management of our external borders is key to address the migration and security challenges we face in the Schengen area. To achieve this we need to make the most of the opportunities technology offers, we need to fully use the capabilities of Frontex and we need to continue working with our partners and neighbours to reduce irregular border crossings. Today, ministers reiterated their full commitment to build a strong system for border management which can withstand any current and future challenges.Vít Rakušan, Czech Minister of Interior

The Council approved conclusions on the multiannual strategic policy cycle for European integrated border management. They invite the Commission to devote particular attention to recent phenomena (instrumentalisation of migration, hybrid threats), the emergence of new smuggling methods, pandemics and armed conflicts in the EU’s immediate neighbourhood.

The Council also approved on Thursday, as an item without discussion, a decision to sign an agreement on border management cooperation between Frontex and North Macedonia. This 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.Border management: Council decides to sign agreement with North Macedonia on Frontex operational cooperation (press release, 13 October 2022)Strengthening the EU’s external borders (background information)

Under any other business, the presidency informed ministers about the enlargement of the Schengen area without internal border controls, in particular the state of play in relation to Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania. Without prejudice to the completion of their evaluations in 2011, Bulgaria and Romania have invited, on a voluntary basis, member state and Commission experts to see on the ground how they apply today the Schengen acquis. This exercise is currently ongoing. As regards Croatia, the Council requested in June 2022 the opinion of the European Parliament on a draft Council Decision on the full implementation of the Schengen acquis in Croatia.


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

Ministers discussed the situation of Ukrainian refugees in the EU and internally displaced persons. They assessed contingency planning and efforts to ensure warm, safe and dignified living conditions during winter for Ukrainians, notably in the EU.

In addition, temporary protection, activated in March 2022 for an initial one year period, will be automatically prolonged by two six month periods until March 2024. Ministers were invited by the Commission to allow as much flexibility as possible regarding access to temporary protection rights for Ukrainians returning for short visits to Ukraine, as well as for those who may decide to return to the EU after having left voluntarily.

Ministers also exchanged views on the internal security implications of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including the increased risks of human trafficking, illicit firearms trafficking and other serious crime. The EU Counter Terrorism Coordinator briefed ministers on the outcome of his visit to Ukraine at the end of September. They agreed to launch a security dialogue with Ukraine to operationalise cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities.Reception of refugees (background information)
EU fight against organised crime (background information)

In addition, on Thursday the Council adopted, without discussion, a package of legislative changes to further increase flexibility in the use of cohesion policy funds to help Ukrainian refugees and address the effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine.Council gives the final go-ahead to further flexibility in the use of cohesion policy funds in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine (press release, 13 October 2022)
Asylum and migration

The presidency provided a state of play on asylum and migration files. It presented a concept for a way forward on EU migration solidarity and crisis response, including a legally binding but flexible solidarity mechanism. Member states supported the continuation of work at technical level based on the principles contained in the proposal.

The Presidency also informed ministers of its recent contacts with the European Parliament to initiate, as soon as possible, negotiations on a number of legislative files.EU asylum reform (background information)
EU migration policy (background information)

Over lunch, ministers discussed recent evolutions in the Western Balkans migratory route, which has seen a large upsurge in migrant numbers this year. They focused in particular on the visa policy of the Western Balkan region and the impact the non-alignment on visa-free regimes has on the migratory and asylum situation in neighbouring EU countries. They also highlighted key areas for cooperation with the Western Balkan partners, including border management, returns, combatting migrant smuggling and encouraging full alignment with EU visa policy.
Other items

The presidency informed ministers about the latest developments on current legislative proposals.Overview of the current legislative proposals

The Commission and eu-LISA updated ministers on progress made on the implementation of interoperability. The Commission also informed ministers about the first report on the application of the data protection law enforcement directive.

In light of recent developments, the Commission briefed ministers on its work regarding the resilience of critical infrastructure in the EU.
Justice (Thursday 13 October)
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


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
List of participants
Meeting voting results

Meetings Friday 14 October 2022

● Eurogroup   14/10/2022 17:19 | MEETING | Main results - Informal meeting of Eurogroup ministers in inclusive format with the US Treasury Secretary, 14 October 2022   The Eurogroup held an informal meeting of its members in inclusive format with US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen in the margins of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Washington DC

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Eurogroup
Informal meeting of Eurogroup ministers in inclusive format with the US Treasury Secretary, 14 October 2022

Main results

At the invitation of the Eurogroup President, members of the Eurogroup in inclusive format participated in an informal meeting with US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen.

The meeting was held in the margins of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group. The participants exchanged views on the transatlantic economic outlook and risks. This meeting took place in Washington DC.



The overriding political theme from our meeting was the value of unity. The unity of all the countries in attendance to stand up for our common European and American values of freedom, liberty, democracy, respect for human dignity and human rights, equality, and above all the rule of law. As finance ministers of the European Union and working in coordination with the Secretary to the Treasury of the United States, we are united in protecting these values. We are doing so through our financial assistance to the brave people of Ukraine, who are standing up for these values in the face of the most appalling aggression from Russia. We are doing so at home through economic supports to vulnerable households and businesses, to protect living standards and employment. We are doing so with global partners, by offering long term stable economic relationships for countries that adopt these values and work with us to further them. The work and resources required to support these values are considerable and challenging. However, these values are so fundamental to the shared prosperity and growth that our countries are showing today that we will protect them. Today, we have reiterated our determination to work with our friends and partners in the United States of America to together tackle the interconnected, short and long run challenges, through economic and financial policies that are aligned.Paschal Donohoe, President of the Eurogroup


Meeting information

14 October 2022


Press releasesRemarks by Paschal Donohoe following the informal meeting of Eurogroup ministers in inclusive format with the US Treasury Secretary, 14 October 2022
14 October 2022, 17:07
Media advisory - Informal meeting of Eurogroup ministers in inclusive format with the US Treasury Secretary, 14 October 2022
13 October 2022, 14:48

Press material Friday 14 October 2022

● Eurogroup   14/10/2022 17:10 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by Paschal Donohoe following the informal meeting of Eurogroup ministers in inclusive format with the US Treasury Secretary, 14 October 2022   Today, the 27 members of the Eurogroup in inclusive format met with the Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. We were also delighted to have the managing director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, in attendance. This was a historic moment for the Eurogroup. It is the first time that we have met in this way outside of Europe. This meeting, the dialogue, the discussion that we had symbolises everything that we stand for in these moments of great challenge dealing with risks through coming together, dialogue, cooperation, and anchoring our cooperation in values that are shared and values that we believe are very, very precious. The meeting that we had today had one item on the agenda. That item was the transatlantic macroeconomic outlook and risks. And understandably, this discussion here today focused on the respective outlooks for the United States and for Europe and the current risks that are posed by the war in Ukraine and by the energy crisis. But the overriding political theme from the meeting and from all contributors to the meeting was the value of unity, the unity of all of the countries in attendance to standing up for values that Europe and America hold in common. Those values of freedom, liberty, democracy, respect for human dignity and human rights, respect for equality and above all, the rule of law. These are values that we all cherish, whether they are in the Constitution of the United States or the values that underpin the European Union. And they provide a guide for us in a world that is very quickly changing. As finance ministers of the European Union and working in coordination with the Secretary to the Treasury of the United States, we are united in how we protect these values. We are doing this through our financial assistance to the brave people of Ukraine who are standing up for these values in the face of the most appalling aggression from Russia. We are doing so at home through economic support to vulnerable households and businesses, to protect living standards and employment; and we are doing this with global partners by offering long term, stable economic relationships for countries that adopt those values and work with us to further them. The work and the resources that are required at the moment to do this are considerable. We acknowledge that this work is challenging. However, these values are so fundamental to our economic prosperity and growth that our countries are showing today that we will protect them. The core theme of the work here in the IMF during the week is the fact that we need solutions to the interlinked challenges that we now face. The challenges are so significant that no country, no matter how big, can create all the solutions on its own. So this is why within Europe we know that we have to continue to work together to find new ways of coordinating our efforts so that we can achieve more collectively than we can individually. The meeting today provided an opportunity to assess our efforts with regard to this. It followed on from the meeting that we had in July 2021, where we assessed where we were with other challenges at that time. Today, we have reiterated our determination to work with our friends and partners in the United States of America to together tackle the interconnected, short and long run challenges which mean that economic and financial policies will need to be aligned. I want to just conclude by stating that these kind of meetings are so valuable as an opportunity to remind us of how much we have in common. While the outlook is indeed so challenging at the moment, I'm absolutely convinced, particularly after our meeting this morning, that Europe and the United States will continue to show resilience. We will continue to show resolve and we will come out of these uncertain times stronger and even more united.