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Meetings Monday 14 November 2022

● Council of the EU   14/11/2022 20:38 | MEETING | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council, 14 November 2022   The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the Great Lakes region and on the Western Balkans. The Council was also informed about current affairs.

Council of the EU
Foreign Affairs Council, 14 November 2022

Main results
Russian aggression against Ukraine

The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Before the Council discussion, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, briefed EU ministers via video conference about the latest developments on the ground and Ukraine's current priorities.

The Council reconfirmed that the EU stays united in its support to Ukraine, and discussed about continued military support to Ukraine. In this regard ministers welcomed the decision to launch the EU Military Assistance Mission to Ukraine to provide at least 15 000 Ukrainian soldiers with training.

Ministers also discussed overall approach to Russia.



We will continue to isolate Russia internationally, impose restrictive measures against Russia. We stand ready to continue reinforcing restrictive measures against Russia, and target third countries involvement, especially those who are providing arms and military support, Iran and Belarus.Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

The Council focused on ensuring accountability for violations of international law and war crimes committed in Ukraine, working closely with NATO and partners worldwide to defend the rules-based international order, and enhancing the EU's resilience - in particular on energy security and critical infrastructure - countering Russia’s hybrid threats, and information manipulation.


Infographic - EU sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of UkraineSee full infographic

The EU is supporting the civil society, human rights defenders and independent media inside and outside Russia, though EU's immediate support focuses on helping Ukraine to resist Russia’s increased systematic targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Lastly, the Council also touched on the issue of food security. The Black Sea Grain Initiative has helped relaunch grain shipments from Ukraine's Black Sea ports and further reducing food prices globally. The international community now needs to ensure the renewal of this initiative beyond the 19 November deadline.EU response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine (background information)
Great Lakes

The Council held a discussion on the possible elements of a renewed EU approach to the Great Lakes region in Africa.

The Great Lakes region is a geostrategic hotspot that has the potential to become a powerhouse for development on the entire African continent: a region of many challenges and many opportunities.

Ministers agreed on the need to renew the EU's strategy on the region as early as at the December Foreign Affairs Council, in order to support the region to move from tensions to trust, from trafficking to trade, and from competition to regional integration.
Western Balkans

The Council exchanged views on Western Balkans, and expressed concern about the numerous crises which are looming in the region, and the immediate damaging impact of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.


The shockwaves of this war are hitting the Western Balkans. To counter that we are stepping up our engagement, as the Western Balkans remain our geostrategic priority. I want to insist on the basic idea that the future of Western Balkans lies in the EU. This our message ahead of the next EU-Western Balkans Summit on 6 December.Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

The High Representative briefed ministers about his engagement as facilitator of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue with Prime Minister Kurti and President Vučić to defuse the unnecessary and counterproductive tensions between Kosovo and Serbia. He stressed that this is the most serious crisis since 2013, and both parties need to urgently show readiness to find a way forward to lower tensions. It is not acceptable for either party to violate or ignore their Dialogue obligations.

Ministers concurred that both parties in Dialogue need to show more flexibility, and there needs to be timely and clear progress. Kosovo Serbs need to return to institutions. Kosovo authorities must show more flexibility on licence plates and work on the implementation of the agreement on the Association/Community of Serb Majority Municipalities without delay.

The Council also discussed about the hybrid threats directed at the region and condemned the attack against Albania and the one against Montenegro’s IT infrastructure in August. Ministers agreed to step up the EU's work with and support for partners on cyber-defence.
Current affairs

EU ministers had an exchange of views on Iran and the unabated repressive reaction of the public authorities to the public discontent. In this regard, the Council adopted restrictive measures against 29 individuals and 3 entities, in view of their role in the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent response to the recent demonstrations in the country. Ministers also insisted on Iran to stop providing arms that Russia is using to commit atrocities against the Ukrainian people.Iran: EU adopts additional sanctions against perpetrators of serious human rights violations (press release, 14 November 2022)

The Council also discussed Lebanon, and the deepening political vacuum in the country. It is crucial for the country to urgently conclude Presidential elections to unlock long-overdue economic reforms and get international support. The Council did not rule out any option to unblock the current political stalemate, including possible sanctions.
Other Council decisions

The Council imposed additional restrictive measures in view of the continued threat posed by the proliferation and use of chemical weapons.Chemical weapons: EU imposes further restrictive measures on ten individuals and one entity (press release, 14 November 2022)

The Council approved conclusions on women, peace and security.Council conclusions on women, peace and security (14 November 2022)

Before the beginning of the Council meeting, EU Foreign Affairs Ministers had an informal discussion with the Leader of Belarusian democratic forces Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, and reconfirmed EU solidarity with the people of Belarus.

The Council also adopted without discussion the items on the list of non-legislative A items.


Meeting information

Meeting n°3907
Brussels
14 November 2022
10:00
Preparatory documentsProvisional agenda
List of A items, non-legislative activities
Background brief
Outcome documentsList of participants

Press material Monday 14 November 2022

● Council of the EU   14/11/2022 21:31 | Press release | Declaration on digital rights and principles: EU values and citizens at the centre of digital transformation   Interinstitutional declaration on digital rights and principles for the digital decade: Member States, Parliament and Commission concluded the negotiations on EU values in the digital world. Member States, the European parliament, and the Commission negotiated the European declaration on digital rights and principles for the digital decade. The declaration aims to promote European values within the digital transformation, putting people at the centre, with digital technology benefiting all individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. "This declaration sets out a European way forward for the digital transformation of our societies and economies. Promoting and protecting our values in the digital environment is essential, be it privacy, individual control over data, equal access to services and education, fair and just working conditions, engagement in public space or freedom of choice. I also hope the declaration will set up an international benchmark and inspire other countries and organisations to follow our example." Ivan Bartoš, Czech Deputy Prime Minister for Digitalisation and Minister for Regional Development The EU way for the digital transformation of our societies and economy encompasses in particular digital sovereignty in an open manner, respect of fundamental rights, rule of law and democracy, inclusion, accessibility, equality, sustainability and respect of everyone’s rights and aspirations. The text recalls all pertinent rights in the context of the digital transformation and should serve as a reference point for businesses and other relevant actors when developing and deploying new technologies. The declaration should also guide policy makers when reflecting on their vision of the digital transformation: putting people at the centre of digital transformation; supporting solidarity and inclusion, ensuring connectivity, digital education, training and skills, as well as access to digital services online. The declaration emphasises the importance of freedom of choice in interactions with algorithms and artificial intelligence systems and a fair digital environment. It also appeals to increase safety and security in the digital environment, in particular for children and young. The member states, the Parliament and the Commission also commit themselves to support development and use of sustainable technologies.

Press material Tuesday 15 November 2022

● European Council   15/11/2022 04:52 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President Charles Michel before the G20 summit in Bali   This G20 is one of the most difficult ones that there have ever been. And I would like first to congratulate President Widodo for his wise leadership; the fact that we have arrived at an agreement on the statement at Sherpa level is an achievement in its own right. We are here to engage and to defend the multilateral world order, and we are here to help the G20 solve challenges for the benefit of us all. This G20 takes place in a very different world from our meeting last year in Rome. Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a member of G20, is attacking the free and sovereign nation of Ukraine. Russia’s war impacts us all no matter where we live, from Europe to Africa or the Middle East. And the single best way to end the acute crisis in food and energy is for Russia to end this senseless war and to respect the UN Charter. We will also have the occasion to address the major challenge of food security. The number of people facing severe hunger and malnutrition is rising. The Kremlin has decided to weaponise food, driving up hunger, poverty and instability. It is also having dramatic global consequences on the developing world, including right here in Asia. And let me be clear, I repeat once again, EU sanctions adopted against Russia do not target agriculture and food products and they do not target the export of fertiliser from Russia. On the other hand, Russia has imposed restrictions on the export of its own foodstuffs and, even before they launched the war, imposed restrictions on fertilisers. In the EU, we are working hard to address the global consequences of this war and this is why we are mobilising funds of €8 billion to address food security, notably for the developing world. Before the war, Ukraine exported 45 billion tonnes of agricultural goods to the world via the EU solidarity lanes. We have managed to help Ukraine export 15 million tonnes and an additional 10 million have been exported thanks to the Black Sea Grain Initiative. And it is important that this initiative of UN Secretary-General Guterres be continued. We must also address soaring fertiliser prices and disruption in fertiliser supplies, and I am looking forward to joining a dedicated side event on this topic tomorrow. I am still convinced that we can and we should support developing countries to produce their own sustainable fertilisers locally, like we did with COVID vaccines. The energy crisis hurts families, increases costs for businesses and destabilises energy markets globally. As G20, we have the collective power, but also the collective responsibility, to help make sure the world has sustainable, secure and affordable energy for all. And in the EU, you know that we have in part based our transition strategy on reliable and affordable gas, and we need now to adapt that strategy. And we are grateful to those partners who have helped us to ensure urgent supplies, but prices need to be affordable and we need to implement concrete measures. In the EU, we are phasing out our dependence on Russian energy. We are diversifying our energy sources. We are speeding up renewables and bolstering our energy efficiency. Climate neutrality by 2050 is and remains our guiding compass. The EU collectively remained the largest contributor to public climate funds of €23 billion in 2021. As G20, we should work to steer a contribution to climate funds and we need to deliver on the 100 billion US dollar per year we have promised. It is time for the other developed partners to pay their fair share too. We are also supporting countries to decarbonise the industry. We are trying to help them to speed up their transition to green energy and technology. And our Just Energy Transition Partnership with South Africa, for instance, is a great example. We are ready for more partnerships like this. Finally, one word on health. Two years ago, I proposed, together with Dr Tedros, a treaty on pandemics in order to learn the lessons from this COVID crisis. Negotiations on that treaty are now ongoing, and this is another concrete demonstration of great multilateralism anchored in solidarity, transparency and global coordination. Let me conclude with a word of congratulations to President Joko Widodo. When we sat together just a few days ago in Cambodia, both of us shared the importance of this G20 being a success, and I sincerely hope it will be. Let’s recover together. Let’s recover stronger. Thank you.

Press material Tuesday 15 November 2022

● Council of the EU   15/11/2022 00:50 | Press release | EU budget for 2023: Council and Parliament reach agreement   The Council and the European Parliament today reached agreement on an EU budget for 2023 which strongly focuses on the EU's main policy priorities. Total commitments are set at €186.6 billion. This is an increase of 1.1% compared to the 2022 budget as amended. €0.4 billion have been kept available under the expenditure ceilings of the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027, allowing the EU to react to unforeseeable needs. Total payments amount to €168.6 billion, rising 1% from 2022. "I welcome our agreement on next year's budget as it will allow us to focus on the EU's priority areas in a particularly volatile geopolitical context. It also ensures a realistic approach, taking into account the current economic situation, the interests of taxpayers and the need to cater for new challenges that may arise in 2023." Jiří Georgiev, Deputy Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic and chief Council negotiator for the 2023 EU budget 2023 EU budget (in € million) Headings Commitments Payments 1. Single market, innovation and digital 21.548 20.901 2. Cohesion, resilience and values 70.587 58.059 3. Natural resources and environment 57.259 57.456 4. Migration and border management 3.727 3.038 5. Security and defence 2.117 1.208 6. Neighbourhood and the world 17.212 13.995 7. European public administration 11.311 11.311 Special instruments 2.855 2.680 Total 186.617 168.649 Appropriations as % of GNI (gross national income) 1,14% 1,03% Commitments are legally-binding promises to spend money on activities that are implemented over several years. Payments cover expenditure arising from commitments entered into during the current or preceding years. Background The Commission, in its initial draft budget for 2023, set total commitments at €185.59 billion and total payments at €166.27 billion. The Council, in its position adopted on 13 July 2022, set total commitments at €183.95 billion and total payments at €165.74 billion. The Parliament, in its amendments voted in October 2022, set total commitments at €187.29 billion and total payments at €167.61 billion. Also in October 2022, the Commission presented an amending letter to the draft budget, setting total commitments at €186.35 billion and total payments at €168.66 billion. Adoption of the budget requires a qualified majority within the Council, in agreement with the European Parliament (legal basis: article 314 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union). Next steps The Parliament and the Council now have 14 days to formally approve the agreement reached. The Council is expected to endorse it on 22 November. EU budget for 2023: Council agrees its position (press release, 13 July 2022) EU budget for 2023 (background information) EU budget (background information) Statement on administrative expenditure

Meetings Tuesday 15 November 2022

● Council of the EU   15/11/2022 00:51 | MEETING | Main results - Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Budget), 11-14 November 2022   The Council and the European Parliament today reached agreement on an EU budget for 2023 which strongly focuses on the EU’s main policy priorities.

Council of the EU
Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Budget), 11-14 November 2022



Infographic - 2023 EU budget: Main areasSee full infographic
Main results

The Council and the European Parliament today reached agreement on an EU budget for 2023 which strongly focuses on the EU’s main policy priorities.

Total commitments are set at €186.6 billion. This is an increase of 1.1% compared to the 2022 budget as amended. €0.4 billion have been kept available under the expenditure ceilings of the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027, allowing the EU to react to unforeseeable needs.

Total payments amount to €168.6 billion, rising 1% from 2022.



I welcome our agreement on next year's budget as it will allow us to focus on the EU's priority areas in a particularly volatile geopolitical context. It also ensures a realistic approach, taking into account the current economic situation, the interests of taxpayers and the need to cater for new challenges that may arise in 2023.Jiří Georgiev, Deputy Minister of Finance of the Czech Republic and chief Council negotiator for the 2023 EU budgetEU budget for 2023: Council and Parliament reach agreement (press release 15 November 2022)
EU budget for 2023 (background information)
EU budget (background information)


Meeting information

Meeting n°3906
Brussels
11 November 2022
09:30
Preparatory documentsProvisional agenda
Background brief
Outcome documentsList of participants


Press releasesEU budget for 2023: Council and Parliament reach agreement
15 November 2022, 00:15
EU budget for 2023: Conciliation will reconvene on Monday
11 November 2022, 20:20
Media advisory - Economic and Financial Affairs (budget) Council of 11 November 2022
10 November 2022, 10:35

Meetings Tuesday 15 November 2022

● Council of the EU   15/11/2022 11:05 | MEETING | Agenda highlights - General Affairs Council, 18 November 2022   Ministers will focus on preparations for the December European Council, EU-UK relations, protection of EU values in Hungary and the Commission's work programme for 2023.

Council of the EU
General Affairs Council, 18 November 2022

Agenda highlights
December European Council

The Council will start preparations for the European Council meeting on 15-16 December 2022 with an exchange of views on the annotated draft agenda.
EU - UK relations

Ministers will be briefed on the state of play of EU-UK relations.
Respect for EU values in Hungary

As part of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure regarding Hungary, the Council will hold a hearing.Reasoned proposal of the European Parliament triggering the Article 7(1) TEU procedure for Hungary
Legislative programming

In public session, the Commission will present its work programme for 2023, followed by an exchange of views.Commission work programme 2023


Meeting information

Meeting n°3908
Brussels
18 November 2022
Preparatory documentsProvisional agenda
Provisional list of A items, non-legislative activities

Meetings Tuesday 15 November 2022

● Council of the EU   15/11/2022 10:48 | MEETING | Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 21 November 2022   Background brief - Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 21 November 2022

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Council of the EU
Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 21 November 2022

Agenda highlights
Agriculture
New EU Forest Strategy 2030

Ministers will discuss the implementation progress of the New EU Forest Strategy for 2030, as well as exchange views on actions taken at EU and national level. This session will be held publicly.
Other matters
Nature restoration

During the public session, ministers will discuss the agricultural aspects of the nature restoration regulation.
EU Bioeconomy Conference 2022

Ministers will receive information from the Commission on the outcome of the EU Bioeconomy Conference, which was held on 6-7 October 2022 in Brussels. This session will be public.
Communication on fertilisers

Ministers will exchange views on the Commission’s recent communication on fertilisers, published on 9 November 2022. This session will be public.
Fertilisers and food security

The Spanish delegation will inform ministers on the need to ensure the availability and affordability of fertilisers as a basis for food security. This point will be public.
Energy transition of fisheries and aquaculture

Ministers will receive information from the Commission regarding a concrete action plan to promote the energy transition of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. This point will be public.
A strong algae sector

Ministers will discuss the need to develop and strengthen the sustainable production of the algae sector. This point will be public.


Meeting information

Meeting n°3909
Brussels
21 November 2022
10:00
Preparatory documentsBackground brief
Provisional agenda
Provisional list of A items, non-legislative activities