COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,EUROGROUP latest news

Press material Thursday 12 October 2023

● Eurogroup   12/10/2023 19:46 | Press release | G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Statement   We, the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, met in Marrakech, joined by the Heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank Group (WBG), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and Financial Stability Board (FSB). We were honored to be joined by the Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko. We express our deepest condolences to the victims and their families affected by the earthquakes in Morocco and Afghanistan as well as the floods in Libya. We are committed to providing necessary assistance. We hope that the successful World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings in Marrakech will accelerate Morocco’s strong recovery from the disaster. We unequivocally condemn the recent terror attacks by Hamas on the State of Israel and express our solidarity with the Israeli people. We reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine and are united in our condemnation of Russia’s illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s war has caused tragic loss of life, destruction of property and infrastructure, increased global food insecurity, and exacerbated global economic challenges. We remain determined to foster international cooperation to address the global economic hardships caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine and its weaponization of food and energy. In this context, we urge Russia to end its attacks on Ukrainian grain supplies and infrastructure and to expeditiously restore the Black Sea Grain Initiative to improve supply to the global market and reduce food price volatility. We call on Russia to immediately end its illegal war against Ukraine, which would clear one of the biggest uncertainties over the global economic outlook. We will continue our efforts to ensure that Russia pays for the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine. We will also explore all possible avenues to aid Ukraine, consistent with our respective legal systems and international law. We welcome the initial effort by the Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) Task Force to account for Russia’s sovereign assets immobilized and held in REPO member jurisdictions which is at this stage estimated at around USD 280 billion and expect the REPO Task Force to refine this initial effort over the coming months. We recall and reaffirm our Leaders’ Statement that, consistent with our respective legal systems, Russia’s sovereign assets in our jurisdictions will remain immobilized until Russia pays for the damage it has caused to Ukraine. We reiterate our unwavering resolve to impose and enforce sanctions and other economic measures to further undermine Russia’s capacity to wage its illegal, unjustifiable and unprovoked war of aggression. We remain committed to countering any attempts to evade and undermine our sanction measures. We will continue to strengthen coordination in monitoring cross-border transactions between Russia and other countries, take further action directed at the Russian financial sector as necessary, and closely monitor the effectiveness of the price caps on Russian crude oil and petroleum products to ensure the measure delivers on its objectives, and take any necessary and appropriate enforcement actions required. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as it takes. We remain strongly committed to supporting Ukraine’s urgent short-term financing needs, as well as assisting its neighboring and other severely affected countries. Building on the successful completion of the first review of the IMF program for Ukraine, and looking ahead to the second review, we will continue our joint efforts to help address Ukraine's 2024 financing needs. We look forward to continued implementation of structural reforms by Ukraine and successful completion of the upcoming reviews, which will promote macroeconomic and financial stabilization, enhance governance and strengthen institutions, contribute to longer-term economic sustainability and post-war reconstruction. We will continue to support Ukraine’s repair of its critical infrastructure, recovery and reconstruction, including through the Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform for Ukraine. We will explore how any extraordinary revenues held by private entities stemming directly from immobilized Russian sovereign assets, where those extraordinary revenues are not required to meet obligations towards Russia under applicable laws, could be directed to support Ukraine and its recovery and reconstruction in compliance with applicable laws. We welcome the successful launch of the “Partnership for RISE (Resilient and Inclusive Supply Chain Enhancement)” in collaboration with the WBG. This was achieved through financial and other contributions from G7 members, non-G7 countries and international organizations, and we call on more interested parties to join this important initiative. RISE aims to support low- and middle-income countries in playing bigger roles in the midstream and downstream in supply chains of clean energy products. Diversifying supply chains can contribute to safeguarding energy security, supporting macroeconomic stability and resilience, strengthening capacity-building, and achieving net zero. We continue to support the implementation of RISE with speed and quality, including through pilot local information platforms to share relevant on-the-ground information and identify issues to be addressed by RISE. We will continue to coordinate on further enhancing supply chain resilience. We reiterate our commitment to supporting emerging market and developing economies, particularly low-income countries, in dealing with multiple and complex challenges including climate change and food insecurity. In doing so, we recognize the important role of public finance in leveraging private capital through multilateral and bilateral initiatives. We also recognize the importance of improving business environments to attract more private investment in recipient countries and of supporting the mobilization of domestic resources. We welcome the strategy developed by the OECD to expand and deepen its outreach with non-OECD members, to support them in attracting more, better, and safe FDI. We also support the OECD’s Inclusive Forum on Carbon Mitigation Approaches (IFCMA). The G7-Africa Ministerial Roundtable to be held on 14 October 2023 builds on last year’s successful meeting and offers an opportunity for Finance Ministers of G7 members and the G20 Presidency to discuss with Finance Ministers of African countries how to further mobilize financing to Africa. We remain committed to further strengthening financial and economic collaboration and political dialogue with African countries and other emerging market and developing economies. We reiterate our firm commitment to support progress of the G20’s discussion on key issues such as debt, MDB evolution, robust and sustainable PRGT, and IMF quota review. We continue to support the G20’s efforts to step up the implementation of the Common Framework in a predictable, timely, orderly and coordinated manner. We call for the finalization of the MOU on the debt treatment for Zambia as quickly as possible and swift agreements on debt treatments for Ghana and Ethiopia. We welcome significant progress at the official creditor committee towards agreement on debt treatment for Sri Lanka and look forward to its swift resolution. We welcome efforts to explore the integration of Climate-Resilient Debt Clauses in lending instruments and encourage more creditors to offer these. While welcoming the initial progress shown in the G20 Capital Adequacy Framework (CAF) Review Roadmap with a potential additional lending headroom of at least USD 200 billion over the next decade, we urge MDBs to continue their steadfast efforts to further implement the CAF recommendations. For the WBG, we will deliver on the G20 Leaders’ commitment to collectively mobilize more headroom and concessional finance to boost the World Bank’s capacity to support low and middle-income countries that need help in addressing global challenges, and to provide strong support for the poorest countries. We will also play a proactive role and work closely with other shareholders in agreeing on a clear framework for allocating scarce concessional resources in a well-targeted and well-prioritized manner with a view to safeguarding global public goods, while continuing to prioritize the needs of the poorest countries. We will decide on the best options to contribute to these initiatives. We are committed to collectively securing an ambitious IDA 21 replenishment next year to support low-income countries. At the IMF, we also support the work to ensure the PRGT is on a sustainable footing to meet the growing needs of low-income countries. We continue our utmost efforts to ensure a swift and timely conclusion of the 16th General Review of Quotas of the IMF with a quota increase agreed by 15 December 2023. We reaffirm our May 2017 exchange rate commitments. We look forward to an ambitious replenishment of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) resources at the end of the year. Note: The G7 is an informal forum consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meetings are attended by the President of the Eurogroup, the European Commission and the European Central Bank on behalf of the European Union.

 

Press material Saturday 14 October 2023

● European Council   14/10/2023 20:59 | Press release | Invitation letter by President Charles Michel to the members of the European Council ahead of their video conference of 17 October 2023   Hamas’ brutal terrorist attacks against Israel last Saturday resulted in the tragic loss of over a thousand innocent Israeli civilians. Hostages must be released immediately and without any preconditions. There is no justification for terror. We stand in full solidarity with the people of Israel and the victims of the terrorist attacks. Israel has the right to defend itself in full compliance with international law, in particular international humanitarian law. The unfolding tragic scenes in the Gaza Strip resulting from the siege and the lack of basic needs combined with the destruction brought by significant shelling, are raising alarm bells in the international community. In light of this, I would like to convene an extraordinary European Council meeting, to be held by video conference on Tuesday, October 17 at 5:30 pm. It is of utmost importance that the European Council, in line with the Treaties and our values, sets our common position and establishes a clear unified course of action that reflects the complexity of the unfolding situation. This conflict has many consequences, including for us in the European Union. First, the Union has always been and must always be a steadfast advocate for peace and respect for international law, as in the case of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The Union must work towards providing humanitarian assistance and avoiding a regional escalation of the conflict and any breaches of humanitarian law. Second, strong engagement with regional actors is key as they are the most impacted by the conflict and can play an effective role. We should never lose sight of the importance of seeking a lasting and sustainable peace based on a two-state solution through reinvigorated efforts in the Middle East Peace Process. Third, the conflict could have major security consequences for our societies. If we are not careful, it has the potential to exacerbate tensions between communities and feed extremism. Finally, there is a major risk of migration and movements of a large number of people to neighboring countries which already have a significant number of refugees on their territory. If not handled carefully, there is a risk of onward migratory waves to Europe. It is imperative we address all these challenges together. Our unity is our strength; I look forward to our exchange.

Press material Friday 13 October 2023

● General Secretariat   13/10/2023 19:29 | Press release | Forward look: 16 - 29 October 2023   Overview of the main topics and events at the Council of EU and European Council for the coming fortnight. Environment Council, 16 October 2023 EU environment ministers will seek a general approach on the revisions of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and the Regulation for CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles. Ministers will also aim at approving Council conclusions that will serve as the EU’s general negotiating mandate for the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP28), as well as approving the submission by the EU of an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC. Read more Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 17 October 2023 The Council will aim to make progress towards reaching a general approach on the proposed reform of the economic governance framework. Ministers will exchange views on the state of play of the economic and financial impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The Council will seek to approve conclusions on climate finance and on the revision of the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. It will adopt implementing decisions approving modified recovery and resilience plans. Read more Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 17 October 2023 EU energy ministers will seek a general approach on a proposal to amend the EU’s electricity market design rules. Under other business, the Commission will inform ministers on winter preparedness, draft updated NECPs, and on the political declaration on energy efficiency financing and the European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition. Poland will provide ministers with information about the impact of the greenhouse gas emission allowances market on energy and climate policy and the feasibility of achieving energy transition targets. Read more Justice and Home Affairs Council, 19-20 October 2023 The internal dimension – in terms of an update on the pact on migration and asylum – and external dimension of migration and the planned regulation to prevent and combat child sexual abuse will be some of the main agenda points of the meeting of home affairs ministers. The timeline to ensure the implementation of the interoperability of EU information systems used to fight crime, control borders and manage migration flows will also be on the agenda. Minister of justice will debate insolvency law and aim to adopt conclusions on digital empowerment and fundamental rights. Also on the agenda is a state of play of the fight against impunity regarding crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Read more Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 23-24 October 2023 Agriculture and fisheries ministers will meet in Luxembourg to discuss fishing opportunities for 2024 in the Baltic Sea, with the aim of reaching a political agreement. Among other topics, ministers will discuss the market situation in light of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the food-related aspects of the waste framework directive, and the EU’s position for the upcoming meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Read more Foreign Affairs Council, 23 October 2023 The Foreign Affairs Council will exchange views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the situation in Armenia/Azerbaijan, and will be informed about current affairs. Read more General Affairs Council, 24 October 2023 Ministers will focus on preparations for the upcoming European Council, annual rule of law dialogue, the Commission’s demography toolbox and the request by Spain regarding Catalan, Basque and Galician. Read more European Council, 26-27 October 2023 EU leaders will discuss Ukraine, the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027, economy, migration, and foreign policy issues. Read more Other events Eurogroup, 16 October 2023 Informal meeting of trade ministers, 19-20 October 2023 EU-US summit, 20 October 2023 20th meeting of the EU - Kazakhstan Cooperation Council, 23 October 2023 Informal meeting of telecommunications ministers, 23-24 October 2023 Tripartite Social Summit, 25 October 2023 Euro Summit, 27 October 2023 Indicative calendar of meetings under the Spanish presidency (1 July - 31 December 2023) Spanish presidency website

Press material Friday 13 October 2023

● Council of the EU   13/10/2023 18:33 | Media advisory | Media advisory - Environment Council of 16 October 2023   Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Chair: Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, Spanish Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge from 08.15 Arrivals (live streaming) +/- 8.30 Doorstep by Teresa Ribera Rodríguez, Spanish Minister for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (live streaming) 9.30 Beginning of the Environment Council Adoption of the agenda Approval of non-legislative A items +/- 9.35 Approval of legislative A items (public session) +/- 9.45 EU submission of an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC +/- 10.45 Conclusions on the preparations UNFCCC COP 28 +/- 12.00 Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 on CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles (public session) +/- 13.30 Official ministerial lunch +/- 15.00 Directive on urban wastewater treatment (public session) Any other business +/- 16.30 Current legislative proposals (public session) - Directive amending Directive 2008/98/EC on waste - (poss.) Regulation on preventing plastic pellet losses to reduce microplastic pollution +/- 16.40 Commission Recommendation on improving the rate of return of used and waste mobile phones, tablets and laptops (public session) +/- 16.45 Our Baltic Conference (public session) +/- 16.50 23rd Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention (COP 23) (public session) +/- 16.55 How the Flood Directive functioned as a prevention tool during the recent floods in Greece (public session) +/- 17.00 9th Our Ocean Conference (public session) +/- 17.05 National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) state of play (public session) +/- 17.10 Implementation of ETS (Directive 2023/959): Issues of Concern for the Maritime Freight Transport (public session) +/- 17.15 The impact of the revised EU ETS and energy prices on EU climate policy (public session) At the end of the meeting (+/- 17.20) press conference in live streaming. Arrangements for the press conference The press conference will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person at the ECC Luxembourg press room. To attend the event remotely, please use this link to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Those who already registered for previous Environment Council press events do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Monday, 16 October 2023, 16.30 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Videos and photos from the event

Meetings Friday 13 October 2023

● Council of the EU   13/10/2023 14:44 | MEETING | Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 17 October 2023   Background brief - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 17/10/2023

Meetings Friday 13 October 2023

● Council of the EU   13/10/2023 14:23 | MEETING | Environment Council, 16 October 2023   Background brief - Environment Council, 16 October 2023

Meetings Thursday 12 October 2023

● Eurogroup   12/10/2023 15:34 | MEETING | Agenda highlights - Eurogroup, 16 October 2023   Ministers will exchange views with US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen on the global outlook and economic and financial policies. They will also discuss the future of European capital and financial markets, with a focus on solutions for unlocking funding. The Eurogroup will also take stock of the progress on the digital euro project and discuss the implementation of the euro area recommendations for 2023. Additionally, ministers will prepare for the next Euro Summit.

Meetings Tuesday 10 October 2023

● Council of the EU   10/10/2023 21:54 | MEETING | Main results - Informal video conference of foreign affairs ministers, 10 October 2023   EU ministers of Foreign Affairs held an informal videoconference to discuss the situation in Israel and in the region following recent events.

Press material Tuesday 10 October 2023

● Council of the EU   10/10/2023 16:21 | Press release | Co-Chairs’ Statement of the 27th GCC-EU Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting   The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU) met in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, on 9-10 October 2023 for the 27th GCC-EU Joint Council (hereafter “Joint Council”) meeting, to further consolidate the strategic partnership between the two organisations. The delegation of the Gulf Cooperation Council was headed by H.E. Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman and Chairman of the GCC Ministerial Council. The EU delegation was headed by H.E. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission. The meeting was attended by Jassem Al Badawi, Secretary General of the GCC and senior staff from both sides. The Joint Council welcomed the significant progress achieved in the implementation of the GCC-EU Strategic Partnership, which was announced at its 26th meeting in Brussels in February 2022, to enhance and upgrade their longstanding engagement established by the Cooperation Agreement of 1988. The EU and the GCC Ministers stressed the special importance of this partnership in the light of growing serious threats to regional and international peace, security and stability and to challenges to the global economy. The Joint Council welcomed the adoption in May 2022 of the EU Joint Communication on a Strategic Partnership with the Gulf and the appointment of H.E. Luigi Di Maio as EU Special Representative for the Gulf region in June 2023. The EU and the GCC Ministers expressed their support for the successful implementation of his mandate, including the deepening of the GCC-EU Strategic Partnership and enhancing diplomatic efforts to safeguard regional and international security and stability. The Joint Council reviewed the implementation of the Joint Action Programme (2022-2027), mapping out a new era of closer GCC-EU cooperation in a wide range of areas, including political dialogue, regional security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, trade and investment, energy, climate change, education, research and innovation, health and development and humanitarian cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. The Joint Council urged the acceleration of its full implementation and the dedication of sufficient resources for this purpose. The EU and the GCC Ministers endorsed the recommendations of the 31st meeting of the GCC-EU Joint Cooperation Committee held in Brussels on 27 February 2023 and the 24th meeting of the GCC-EU Political Committee, held at the GCC in Riyadh on 25 January 2023. The Joint Council agreed to hold a regular and structured GCC-EU regional security dialogue at the level of senior officials, and establish joint working groups when needed, within the framework of the security dialogue, to coordinate efforts on regional and global issues, including nuclear, missile and drone proliferation; maritime security; cybersecurity; counterterrorism; terrorism financing, recruitment and ideology; human trafficking; drug trafficking; irregular migration; organized crime; in addition to energy security, security of global food supplies, disaster preparedness and emergency response. The EU and the GCC Ministers directed their senior officials to explore the potential for GCC-EU coordination on the EU initiative for a Coordinated Maritime Presence (CMP) in the North West Indian Ocean. The Joint Council welcomed the EU’s invitation to organize a high-level forum on regional security and cooperation, in Brussels in the near future, together with the GCC Secretariat and GCC Member States, to complement the work undertaken at GCC-EU official meetings. The Joint Council commended the conclusions of the first GCC-EU Conference on Extremist Ideology and Radicalisation, held at the GCC in Riyadh in June 2023 and encouraged continued cooperation in this area. The Joint Council stressed the importance of tolerance and peaceful coexistence between nations and cultures and recognised that hate speech, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, related forms of intolerance, gender discrimination and acts of extremism can contribute to driving the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflict. The Joint Council further reaffirmed the need for States to respect the rule of law and the human rights of all individuals within their territory and subject to their jurisdiction as provided for by relevant international law. The Joint Council endorsed the recommendations of the 12th GCC-EU Macroeconomic Dialogue, held in November 2022 in Brussels and directed future dialogues to focus on modalities for more efficient integration and sustainable business and investment environments. The Joint Council welcomed the conclusions of the 5th Trade and Investment Dialogue, held at the GCC in Riyadh in March 2023, and reaffirmed interest in a privileged EU-GCC trade and investment relationship to further stimulate business cooperation, enhance market access conditions and support investment-inducing policies. The EU and the GCC Ministers stressed the importance of further strengthening the existing trade and investment dialogue in areas contributing to the goal of economic integration, modernisation, support for renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource efficiency, digital trade, and the promotion of sustainable and global value chains, including supply chains. Future dialogue should continue to discuss regulatory cooperation, improving the implementation and effectiveness of provisions on sustainable development, as well as further strengthening cooperation on protection of intellectual property rights, customs and anti-fraud, counterfeiting and smuggling measures. The EU and the GCC Ministers encouraged coordination and working together to strengthen the multilateral trading system, in particular for World Trade Organization (WTO). The EU and the GCC Ministers noted the positive outcomes of the 12th WTO Ministerial Meeting and welcomed the holding of the 13th Ministerial in Abu Dhabi (UAE) on 26-29 February 2024. The EU and the GCC Ministers welcomed the discussion to establish the India-Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor. The Joint Council lauded the valuable contributions made by the 6th GCC-EU Business Forum, held in Brussels in November 2022, and encouraged effective participation in the upcoming 7th Business Forum, to be held in Bahrain in November 2023. The EU and the GCC Ministers recognized the importance of diversifying sources of funding and credit and financial services, and building a more hospitable environment for the business sectors in both sides. The Joint Council called for coordinated global efforts, including through the GCC-EU Strategic Partnership, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The EU and the GCC Ministers noted the EU’s Global Gateway strategy to boost major, high-quality, and sustainable investments in both hard and soft infrastructures worldwide to deliver on the SDGs and the Paris Agreement, including investments in the Middle East and Sustainable Transport Connections between Europe and Central Asia. They agreed to explore potential avenues for cooperation in this regard. The Joint Council agreed that GCC-EU cooperation on scientific research and innovation presents an important opportunity for bringing innovative solutions, creating new jobs and addressing green and digital transition challenges and can be enhanced through a strengthened participation of the GCC countries to the EU R&I Framework Programme Horizon Europe. In addition, following the example of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the EU invited other GCC countries to become members of Mission Innovation, or to join one or more separate missions under this initiative to catalyse action and investment in research, development and demonstration to accelerate innovation to combat climate change. This applies also to the exploitation of services provided by space systems such as the Copernicus Earth observation data supporting environmental policy decision making, or Galileo’s High Accuracy Service applied to urban planning or automotive applications, as well as cooperation in the Space domain, with EGNOS being one possible avenue of further cooperation. The Joint Council also acknowledged the shared interest in the governance of artificial intelligence. The Joint Council further encouraged fostering joint efforts that aim to the creation of sustainable systems, ultimately contributing to the achievement of food and water security. The Joint Council welcomed the discussion of GCC-EU coordination of humanitarian aid, held during this ministerial meeting and recognised the need to coordinate efforts, together with other donors, to address the unprecedented level of humanitarian needs worldwide. The EU and the GCC Ministers discussed the coordination and strengthening of their humanitarian efforts, as set out in the GCC-EU Joint Action Program (2022-2027), how to enhance the international humanitarian system and reinforce the international aid structure for a more effective endowed and sustainable response to humanitarian crises caused by natural disasters and conflicts. The Joint Council discussed the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, the importance of ensuring humanitarian access and promoting respect for International Humanitarian Law, as well as the humanitarian impacts of climate change. The EU and the GCC Ministers welcomed the meeting of the GCC Aid Committee and the EU services which took place on the 5th of September 2023 and endorsed the proposed way forward to establish a structured cooperation on humanitarian aid through inter alia regular meetings, the setting up of a network of focal points, exchanges of best practices and information, and a coordination mechanism between the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre and the GCC Emergency Management Center. Climate Change and the Environment The Joint Council stressed the importance and urgency of promoting joint action in mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts, protecting the environment and developing renewable energies and energy efficiency. The EU and the GCC Ministers particularly welcomed climate investments, noting that climate action contribute to economic growth and job creation. They commended the commitments expressed by the GCC and EU countries at COP27 and called for an active participation at COP28, aimed at the implementation of commitments made. The Joint Council also affirmed the importance of the underlying principles of the climate agreements, including the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respecting capabilities in light of different national circumstances in implementing the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. The Joint Council also expressed support for the United Arab Emirates hosting COP 28 and called for an ambitious and inclusive outcome, with nature, people, lives, and livelihoods at the heart of climate action. The Joint Council also welcomed Qatar hosting the International Horticultural EXPO 2023. The Joint Council reaffirmed commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and, in view of COP28, stressed the importance of successfully concluding the Global Stocktake as the backbone of the ambition cycle of the Paris Agreement, with an ambitious and forward-looking outcome. The Joint Council expressed strong interest in working together towards a sustainable, just, affordable, inclusive and orderly energy transition in line with a Paris aligned pathway. The Joint Council commended Saudi Arabia’s Green Middle East Initiative and its announcement to establish and host a secretariat for this initiative and to allocate $2.5 billion to support its governance and projects. The Joint Council took note of the announcement by Saudi Arabia about the establishment of an international water organisation based in Riyadh. It also noted the initiative launched by the President of the European Commission in April 2023 toward the global targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy to be presented at COP28 as well as the UAE water initiative to address the threat of global water scarcity, calling for further decisive global action. The Joint Council also noted the proposed UAE – EU initiative on the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge on tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency at the upcoming COP28 in Dubai. The Joint Council agreed to further engage on a joint de-carbonisation agenda to decarbonise the energy systems by deepening the technical cooperation to further engage on a joint green transition in their economies; by deepening technical cooperation efforts, including on hydrogen, energy efficiency, integration of renewables and development of electricity interconnections, with the ultimate goal of achieving climate neutrality. Regional and International Issues The EU and the GCC Ministers reiterated continued support for upholding the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of international law, and in particular the respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all UN Member States. The EU and the GCC Ministers highlighted the importance of Iraq’s commitment to Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and respect for bilateral agreements, international conventions and UN resolutions, especially UNSC Resolution 833 regarding the demarcation of the Kuwait-Iraq boundary. They called for the complete demarcation of the Kuwait-Iraq maritime boundary beyond boundary point 162 and reiterated the importance of the full implementation of the 2012 Kuwait-Iraq Agreement to regulate maritime navigation in Khor Abdullah, signed on April 29, 2012, entered into force on December 5, 2013 and jointly deposited at the United Nations on December 18, 2013. The EU and the GCC Ministers welcomed the efforts made by Iraq’s and Kuwait’s prime ministers to engage, including their recent meeting to discuss this issue. The EU and the GCC Ministers renewed their support for UNSC Resolution 2107 (2013) which instructed the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy and UN Mission to Iraq (UNAMI) to enhance efforts regarding the repatriation of all Kuwaitis and third country nationals, including missing persons or their remains, under the auspices of the ICRC, and return Kuwaiti property, including national archives. They called on Iraq and the UN to exert maximum efforts to reach a resolution of all the issues involved. The Joint Council reiterated its concern on the lack of progress towards resolving the dispute between the United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Republic of Iran over the three islands Abu Musa, Lesser Tunb and Greater Tunb. It reiterated its support for a peaceful settlement of this dispute in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, either through bilateral negotiations or by referring the matter to the International Court of Justice. The Joint Council expressed deep concern on the war against Ukraine, which continues to cause immense human suffering. The Joint Council reaffirmed its respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and their commitment to the relevant principles of International Law, including international humanitarian Law, and the UN Charter. The Joint Council commended Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the national security advisors meeting on August 5 2023, and the efforts undertaken by GCC and the EU member states to mitigate the effects and humanitarian repercussions of the war against Ukraine. The Joint Council stressed the importance of supporting all efforts to facilitate the export of grains and all food and humanitarian supplies to contribute to achieving food security for the affected countries. The Joint Council discussed possible cooperation between GCC and EU on rebuilding Ukraine. The Joint Council expressed deep concern about the grave developments in Israel and Gaza and condemned all attacks against civilians. It called for the protection of civilians, reminding the parties of their obligations under the universal principles of international humanitarian law. It further called for restraint, the release of hostages and allowing access to food, water and medicines according to International Humanitarian Law, stressing the urgent need for a political solution to the crisis to avoid repeating this vicious cycle of violence. The EU and the GCC Ministers are resolved to deplore violence and urge restraint and calm on all sides and agreed to continue consultations and to remain engaged. The Joint Council called for a halt to all acts of violence and any unilateral measures and supported the efforts of Saudi Arabia, the European Union and the League of Arab States to revive the Middle East peace process in cooperation with Egypt and Jordan, to help put an end to the violence and start the path toward peace and security. The EU and the GCC Ministers reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution, living securely side-by-side, based on the 1967 lines, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and all relevant UN resolutions, the maintenance of the historical and religious status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem, and a just and fair settlement for refugees. They stressed the importance of sustained financial support for UNRWA, the Palestinian Authority, and for the humanitarian and development needs in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Joint Council welcomed diplomatic engagement by Saudi Arabia and other GCC states with Iran to pursue regional de-escalation and emphasized the importance of adherence to international law, including the UN Charter, by states of the region, based on respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and refraining from the use of force or threats. The EU and the GCC Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security in the region and their determination to deter illegal actions at sea or elsewhere that might threaten shipping lanes, international trade, and oil installations. The EU and the GCC Ministers underscored their support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and renewed their call for Iran to immediately fulfil its nuclear obligations and commitments, reverse its nuclear escalation and fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency to enable it to provide assurances that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful. The EU and the GCC Ministers reaffirmed their support for a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue and their lasting commitment to ensure that the Gulf region remains permanently free of nuclear weapons. They reaffirm the importance of the UNSC Resolution 2231. They called on Iran to cease the proliferation of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles and other weapons that pose a grave security threat to the region and beyond. The GCC and the EU reiterated their commitment to working together to address threats to sovereignty and territorial integrity and other destabilizing activities. The Joint Council stressed the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation and reiterated their commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen as the Houthis continue to pose a threat to the country’s stability and security. The EU and the GCC Ministers reaffirmed their full support to the UN-led peace process and United Nations Special Envoy Hans Grundberg’s mediation efforts. They stressed the utmost importance of reinstating and further extending the truce. The EU and the GCC Ministers expressed their high appreciation of regional efforts contributing to peace, notably by Saudi Arabia and Oman through the ongoing talks. They condemned the Houthi drone attack on Saudi Arabia on 25 September 2023, killing four Bahraini service members and injuring others, as a serious threat to the peace process and regional stability, and called on the Houthis to end all terrorist attacks. The Joint Council emphasized their support for an inclusive, Yemeni-Yemeni political process under UN auspices, to end the conflict, based on the GCC Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, Yemen’s National Dialogue Conference Outcomes, and UNSC Resolution 2216. The EU and the GCC Ministers welcomed the efforts that the Presidential Leadership Council has taken to promote peace and ease the suffering of Yemenis, stressing the need for the Houthis to seize this opportunity and engage positively with international efforts and peace initiatives aimed at bringing durable peace to Yemen and putting the country on the path to recovery. The EU and the GCC Ministers affirmed the importance of continuing to address Yemen’s humanitarian, economic, and development needs as the Houthis have been waging an economic war against the legitimate government, and acknowledged the EU’s crucial support as one of the biggest humanitarian donors. The EU and the GCC Ministers warned that the international humanitarian response remains largely underfunded. They called for new pledges and the disbursement of existing pledges and took note of the EU’s and GCC’s efforts and contribution to keep the momentum. They called for the cessation of all restrictions and interference affecting the operations of humanitarian agencies on the ground. They welcomed the UN’s completion in August, with EUR 25 million EU and Member States’ contribution of offloading oil from the Safer tanker off the coast of Yemen, averting an environmental, economic, and humanitarian threat to the region and the Red Sea and noted that further funding is needed to complete the second phase of the project to find a sustainable solution and avert the residual environmental threat that Safer still poses for Yemen and the region. The EU and the GCC Ministers commended Saudi Arabia’s sustained efforts to encourage Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue and provide economic and assistance to Yemen, including its announcement in August to provide $1.2 billion for government budget support and food security. The EU and the GCC Ministers also exchanged views on the stabilization, recovery and development needs of Yemen and agreed to maintain regular contact on this issue with a view to jointly support Yemen’s sustainable development. The Joint Council reaffirmed commitment to reaching an inclusive political solution to the Syrian crisis in a manner that preserves Syria's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, meets the aspirations of its people, is consistent with international humanitarian law, and is in line with UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2254 (2015). In that regard, the EU and the GCC Ministers reiterated their support to the political process and the step for step approach led by the UN Special Envoy for the full implementation of UNSCR 2254. The EU and the GCC EU and the GCC Ministers welcomed the Arab Contact Group efforts to resolve the crisis in a step-for-step manner, consistent with UNSCR 2254, as decided during the Ministerial meetings in Amman on 1 May 2023 and in Cairo on 15 August 2023. The EU and the GCC Ministers reiterated their call for a nationwide ceasefire and stressed the need to create secure conditions for the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons consistent with UN standards, and the importance of providing the necessary support to Syrian refugees and countries hosting them. The EU and the GCC Ministers emphasized that full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to all Syrians in need – through all modalities including cross-border and crossline– must be ensured. They also reiterated the need to support humanitarian early recovery projects. Furthermore, they discussed enhancing cooperation to address the issue of missing persons – as outlined in the Amman Communique and UNSCR 2254 – in coordination with all concerned parties. The Joint Council lauded the results of the Seventh Conference on "Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region", hosted by the European Union in June 2023, where participants pledged close to EUR 4.57 billion (USD 4.93 billion) for 2023 and multi-year pledges of close to EUR 1 billion (USD 1.07 billion) for 2024 and beyond. In addition, international financial institutions and donors announced close to EUR 4 billion (USD 4.3 billion) in loans on concessional terms. The Joint Council noted with grave concern the humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa. According to UN figures, 23 million people across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are highly food insecure and face severe hunger and water shortages. There are nearly five million refugees and 13 million internally displaced persons. The stability of Horn of Africa is of importance for the region and beyond, and the conflicts negatively affecting the efforts to address the dire humanitarian situation. The Joint Council stressed the need to find sustainable solutions for the needs of affected populations and to support reconciliation and to build peace. The Joint Council expressed deep concern with the conflict that erupted in Sudan on 15 April and the humanitarian crisis that ensued. The Joint Council affirmed the need to preserve Sudan’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity and restore its security and stability and the cohesion of state institutions to continue to provide basic government services. The Joint Council praised the continued diplomatic efforts of Saudi Arabia and the United States toward a sustained ceasefire and dialogue between the Sudanese parties. The Council also stressed the important role of AU, LAS and IGAD and their efforts for a political track and welcomed peace initiatives launched by Sudan’s neighboring countries, the AU and IGAD’s Quartet. The Joint Council welcomed the outcomes of the summit of Sudan’s neighboring countries, hosted by Egypt in July, and underscored the need to closely coordinate all efforts in this regard. GCC-EU Summit and Next Ministerial Reiterating the strong mutual interest to make the EU-GCC longstanding partnership more strategic, the EU and the GCC Ministers welcomed the intent to organise a first ever Summit at the earliest opportunity. The Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union agreed to hold their 28th Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting in 2024 in the EU.

Meetings Tuesday 10 October 2023

● Council of the EU   10/10/2023 09:49 | MEETING | Agenda highlights - Informal video conference of foreign affairs ministers, 10 October 2023   EU ministers of foreign affairs will hold an informal videoconference starting at 16.00 to discuss the situation in Israel and in the region following recent events.

Meetings Monday 9 October 2023

● Council of the EU   09/10/2023 18:27 | MEETING | Main results - Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and social policy), 9 October 2023   EU ministers for employment and social affairs met in Luxembourg to discuss the 2023 European Semester and the impact of new technologies on labour. They reached a political agreement on a recommendation on developing a supportive framework for the social economy. They also approved conclusions on mental health and precarious work, on equal access to adequate housing for Roma, and on social protection for the self-employed.

Press material Monday 9 October 2023

● Council of the EU   09/10/2023 17:21 | Press release | Social protection for the self-employed: Council calls for action to address remaining gaps   Today, the Council approved conclusions on social protection for the self-employed in implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. "Self-employed workers are key players in European economy and innovation. Therefore, we need to ensure and improve their social protection coverage across Europe in order to ensure decent working and living conditions for them. Now, more than ever, we need a socially robust and a socially oriented Europe." José Luis Escrivá, Spain’s acting Minister for Inclusion, Social Security and Migration In over half the Member States the self-employed were not covered by all branches of social protection in 2022. For example, more than 15 million self-employed people in the EU do not have access to unemployment benefits. With the emergence of new ways of working, such as remote work, telework and platform work, ensuring social protection for the self-employed is becoming increasingly relevant. Also, many people combine employment and self-employment or even switch between them. Against this background, the Council invites member states to close any remaining gaps in their national schemes in order to improve access of the self-employed to social protection, with a focus on unemployment and sickness benefits. Member states should also ensure an adequate level of protection to the self-employed, in order to guarantee a decent standard of living and prevent poverty at work. Further measures include increasing the transparency of social protection systems and ensuring adequate data collection at national level as regards social protection measures. Background On 8 November 2019, the Council adopted the recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed. The COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the energy crisis have increased the need for social policies that protect the most vulnerable groups. However, according to the Commission report on the implementation of the Council recommendation, many differences in access to social protection still exist across the member states. Building on the Council recommendation and the Commission’s report on its implementation, the Council conclusions approved today seek to ensure better access to social protection for self-employed workers. Draft Council Conclusions on Social Protection for the self-employed Council recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed Commission report on the implementation of the Council recommendation

Press material Monday 9 October 2023

● Council of the EU   09/10/2023 16:19 | Press release | European and World Day against the Death Penalty, 10 October 2023: Joint statement by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the High Representative, on behalf of the European Union   On the occasion of the European and World Day against the Death Penalty, the European Union (EU) and the Council of Europe strongly reaffirm their unequivocal opposition to the death penalty, including any reintroduction of it, in all cases and in all circumstances. The death penalty is an inhuman and degrading punishment, representing the ultimate denial of human dignity. It fails to act as a deterrent to crime and capital punishment makes miscarriages of justice irreversible. The world continues to move away from the death penalty, with more than two thirds of the world’s countries having abolished capital punishment in either law or practice. We congratulate Zambia and Ghana for joining the worldwide abolitionist movement in the last year. We also welcome the record number of 125 votes in favour of the General Assembly resolution calling for a global moratorium on the use of the death penalty with a view towards its ultimate abolition. We call on those States, which still carry out death sentences to introduce a moratorium as a first step towards abolition. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of Protocol No. 13 to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances. So far, 44 Member States of the Council of Europe have ratified it. We commend them for it as we welcome the ratification of Protocol No. 13 by the National Assembly of Armenia and its signature by Azerbaijan. We encourage both member states to swiftly complete the ratification process. Belarus is the only country that still applies the death penalty in Europe. The EU and the Council of Europe deplore Belarus’ second extension of capital punishment in less than a year, this time to civil servants and military personnel for the crime of high treason. In China, it is estimated that the number of death sentences imposed and executions carried out remained in the thousands last year, although the figures remain a state secret. In the rest of the world, countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia have increased the number of executions. These countries, as well as other states such as Singapore, continue to disregard international human rights law by applying the death penalty in drug related cases, or even in cases where citizens express their opinions on social media or in the streets. The use of this inhuman punishment should be abandoned. We also regret that executions continued to be carried out in 2022 and 2023 in the United States. We call on all retentionist States to promote an open and democratic debate towards the abolition of the death penalty. With this in mind, States should improve transparency and access to accurate information on death penalty procedure, policy, and practice. The occasional return of narratives on the reintroduction of the death penalty should be a push for a larger engagement with civil society and reinforcing the promotion of the abolitionist cause amongst young people. The governments of all abolitionist countries should send a clear message that the capital punishment will not mark any return in their domestic penal systems. The EU and the Council of Europe will continue to forcefully advocate against the death penalty, including as a penalty for blasphemy, apostasy or consensual same-sex relationships. Civil society remains at the forefront of the global fight against the death penalty. The EU and the Council of Europe will continue to strengthen partnerships with the aim of achieving this goal in law and in practice. On this important day, we salute all those lawyers, human rights defenders, academics, politicians and individuals who continue to work tirelessly for human dignity, human rights and to put an end to death penalty once and for all.