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Press material Monday 20 March 2023

● Council of the EU   20/03/2023 11:39 | Press release | Council extends mandate of EU military Operation IRINI in the Mediterranean until 2025   The Council today extended the mandate of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) military operation in the Mediterranean - EUNAVFOR MED IRINI until 31 March 2025. The decision was taken in the wake of the Strategic Review of the operation carried out by the Political and Security Committee. In this context, the Council decided that the disposal of arms and related materiel seized by the operation should be further facilitated. The reference amount for the common costs of Operation IRINI will be €16 921 000 for the period from 1 April 2023 until 31 March 2025. Background EUNAVFOR MED IRINI (Greek for ‘peace’) was launched on 31 March 2020 as a concrete contribution on the part of the European Union to the process set up by the international community to support the return to peace and stability in Libya. Operation IRINI’s core task is to contribute to the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya, established by the UN Security Council Resolution 1970 (2011), through the use of aerial, satellite and maritime assets. In particular the mission is mandated to carry out inspections of vessels on the high seas off the Libyan coast suspected to be carrying arms or related material to and from Libya in violation of the arms embargo on Libya. It does this in accordance with UNSC Resolution 2292 (2016) and subsequent UNSC resolutions. In addition, Operation IRINI monitors violations perpetrated via aerial and land route and shares the information collected with the United Nations. EUNAVFOR MED IRINI is also mandated to: monitor and gather information on illicit exports from Libya of petroleum, crude oil and refined petroleum product contribute to the capacity building and training of the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy contribute to the disruption of the business model of human smuggling and trafficking networks through information gathering and patrolling by planes IRINI is led by Rear Admiral Stefano Turchetto as EU Operation Commander, and its headquarters are located in Rome, Italy. Council extends the mandate of operation IRINI until 2023 (press release, 26 March 2021) EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI website

Press material Monday 20 March 2023

● Council of the EU   20/03/2023 10:18 | Press release | A sustainable future and food security for all: EU countries outline their priorities for the FAO   The Council has set out its priorities for the work of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with the focus on driving the transition to a sustainable food system and achieving food security for all. In conclusions approved at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, ministers reaffirm the EU’s strong commitment to responding to the global food crisis and urge the FAO to intensify its efforts to monitor and address the impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on food security, particularly in the most vulnerable countries. "The transition to a sustainable food system that provides resilience against shocks and ensures food security for all is key to tackling the global challenges of today. The FAO has a vital role to play in achieving this. The EU and its member states are ready to strengthen their cooperation with the FAO and continue working with other FAO members to ensure effective action." Peter Kullgren, Swedish Minister for Rural Affairs

Press material Monday 20 March 2023

● Council of the EU   20/03/2023 10:19 | Press release | EU-Iraq Joint Declaration on sustainable development, green transition, governance, regional connectivity and sustainable finance   The EU and Iraq, in the framework of implementation of their Partnership and Cooperation Agreement of 2012, will deepen and intensify cooperation with a view to boost economic reforms and sustainable green transition. As defined in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the EU and Iraq recall and acknowledge the great importance of sustainable and social development which should go hand in hand with economic development. The two sides reiterate the importance of enhancing cooperation between them, to consolidate, deepen and diversify their relations in areas of mutual interest on the basis of respect for sovereignty, equality, non-discrimination, rule of law and good governance, respect for the natural environment and mutual benefit. Furthermore, the EU and Iraq recognise the need to support Iraq’s efforts to continue political reforms and economic rehabilitation. In this regard, the EU and Iraq recognise the need to address climate change globally, in line with their international commitments, particularly the Paris Agreement. As a part of these efforts, they are determined to work together towards the Sustainable Development Goals and make progress in de-carbonisation of energy and transport. Close cooperation to enhance regional connectivity through digital, energy and transport networks, to encourage and sustain stabilisation and peace in the Middle East, is essential. This includes the mobilisation of sustainable finance towards these aims to meet the sizeable investment needs in Iraq and the region, notably through possible cooperation between Iraq and European development and trade finance institutions. These efforts are in line with the EU’s Green Deal and the Global Gateway initiatives. Sustainable development and green transition The EU lauds Iraq’s commitment to foster renewables and improve the country’s energy efficiency potential towards the green energy sector. The EU and Iraq attach great importance to the electricity and gas market reforms in Iraq, including the modernisation of the electricity grid, and agree on the need for actions to reduce unnecessary gas flaring as much as possible and to use the saved gas instead for domestic electricity production. The EU commends Iraq for its ratification of the Paris Agreement and encourages Iraq to follow up on the required steps to implement its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Noting Iraq’s high vulnerability to the impact of climate change and environmental degradation, the EU and Iraq acknowledges the importance of defining clear targets and stepping up action to address the most pressing challenges linked to emissions reduction – including fugitive emissions – water management and adaptation to climate change. The EU and Iraq agree on the role that decarbonisation pathways – especially for the electricity sector – can play in terms of significant additional growth and productivity gains. The EU expressed readiness to assist Iraq in urgently tackling climate adaptation and environmental degradation challenges through the transition towards sustainable, fair and resilient economies. Governance The EU and Iraq reaffirm cooperation on Iraqi (re)-commitment on incremental reforms, which would include regulatory frameworks and enabling environment for the private sector, also addressing and improving the wider governance and basic service delivery, as well as improving transparency and fighting corruption. Regional connectivity The EU and Iraq intend to enhance cooperation on improving regional electricity interconnections and the promotion of stronger transport connections in the region. Furthermore, the two sides reaffirm air safety as a key priority area in their bilateral relations. The EU will continue to engage with the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) and will monitor the ICAA’s safety oversight capabilities. Sustainable finance The EU supports the Government of Iraq in its efforts to address underlying structural imbalances and advance much-needed reforms on economic diversification, strengthening the private sector, women economic empowerment and attracting investments, with a view to tackle unemployment challenges, with special focus on youth, women and displaced populations. The EU, in cooperation with European Development Finance Institutions, such as EIB and potentially EBRD, are ready to work closer with the Government of Iraq to advance engagement with finance institutions to boost private sector development, including in banking, and improve the investment environment in the country through diversification, sustainability and inclusiveness, in particular by supporting operations in Iraq that are aligned with Global Gateway priorities, notably on climate related investments. Press material Monday 20 March 2023   ● Council of the EU   20/03/2023 18:59 | Press release | Delivery and joint procurement of ammunition for Ukraine   Council note on the delivery and joint procurement of ammunition for Ukraine, as approved by the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 March 2023. Speeding up the delivery and joint procurement of ammunition for Ukraine - Council note, 20 March 2023