COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Wednesday 25 October 2023

● European Council   25/10/2023 17:46 | Press release | Main messages from the Tripartite Social Summit, 25 October 2023   EU leaders and social partners met in Brussels for the tripartite social summit. The main theme of the summit was 'Delivering on building blocks for a successful European Economy for workers and companies'. The participants intervened on the following issues: addressing labour shortages an industrial and energy policy for a successful Europe delivering quality jobs and sustainable growth response to the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act and measures for the European Economy - Social Partners’ view The President of the European Council Charles Michel said: “The European Union is determined to become an industrial, technological, and commercial powerhouse. That means reducing our external dependencies in critical areas — like digital and net-zero technologies and raw materials. Together, we must create the conditions for our industries and businesses to generate jobs that work for people, and develop their skills for the economies of the future. As we adapt to the green, digital, and demographic transitions, we must make sure our economies stay fair, resilient, competitive and sustainable. European social partners will help us to tackle these unavoidable challenges and to make these transitions a success.” The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said: “As the world around us is changing faster than ever, social partners are at the heart of how we respond to economic and social challenges. With millions of businesses looking for workers, we need to improve the access to the labour market and help workers acquire the skills they need. At the same time, our focus is on simplifying rules for businesses to boost the EU's competitiveness. Only by working together, side by side with social partners, we will be able to ensure quality jobs and sustainable and inclusive growth.” On behalf of the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, the acting Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, added: “One of the four priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union is to promote greater social and economic justice. This requires more intensive efforts to advance the initiatives and objectives set out in the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan. The Porto Social Summit was an important step forward, but already at that time Spain committed to make further progress. The Tripartite Social Summit is a key moment to exchange views on this topic; it is also a first-class opportunity to enhance social dialogue and involve all social partners in this process.” BusinessEurope's President Fredrik Persson, representing employers (BusinessEurope, SGI Europe, SMEunited), said: “After 5 years of successive crises, we are lagging behind the key global competitors. As they adapt to the green and digital transitions, European enterprises have to cope with significantly higher regulatory burden and energy prices are still notably above their long-term average. The EU needs to do more to address the structural factors that undermine the attractiveness of Europe as an investment location, both public and private. Priority issues to be addressed in the coming year are access to energy at affordable prices, unnecessary reporting requirements and other administrative burdens as well as the labour and skills shortages. European employers look forward to cooperating with the Commission, the Council and ETUC towards the publication in 2024 of an EU action plan to address these shortages.” The General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Esther Lynch, noted: “Europe must equip itself with a strong industrial policy to ensure a green and inclusive future. Core to that is a focus on strengthening the quality of employment. Delivering shared prosperity and a workforce that is equipped with the right skills can only be achieved when people have a strong collective bargaining say over their work. Aligning the actions of our public institutions, from the design of measures to combat the cost-of-living crisis to investment and public procurement rules, with this objective is key. Only in this way, can we mobilise the breadth of resources in our society towards seizing opportunities to clean technologies and boost green innovation.” The views cited in this text are those of the individual / organisation concerned and do not collectively constitute the point of view of the Council or the European Council.

Press material Wednesday 25 October 2023

● Council of the EU   25/10/2023 13:03 | Press release | Blood, tissues and cells: EU to guarantee high standards of quality and safety   Today, the Council agreed its negotiating mandate on the proposed regulation on blood, tissues and cells. The new regulation ensures better protection of donors, recipients and children born following medically assisted reproduction. The proposed new rules aim to strengthen the existing legal framework and to add additional flexibility in order to keep up with scientific and technical developments. Member states can choose to apply stricter measures to protect their citizens. "For the past 15 years, EU rules have ensured the safety of millions of patients undergoing blood transfusion, transplantation and in vitro fertilisation. Through this new regulation, we will create more harmonised and flexible provisions, strengthening the already existing system and making it future-proof. Up-to-date and high safety and quality standards for blood, tissues and cells are essential in order for citizens to have confidence in their health care systems." José Miñones Conde, acting Spanish Minister for Health

Meetings Wednesday 25 October 2023

● European Council   25/10/2023 18:25 | MEETING | Main results - Tripartite Social Summit, 25 October 2023   EU leaders and social partners met in Brussels to discuss on building blocks for a successful European Economy for workers and companies.

Meetings Monday 23 October 2023

● Council of the EU   23/10/2023 19:28 | MEETING | General Affairs Council, 24 October 2023   Background brief - General Affairs Council, 24 October 2023

Press material Monday 23 October 2023

● Council of the EU   23/10/2023 19:09 | Press release | Joint Communiqué of the 19th European Union-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting, 23 October 2023, Luxembourg   On 23 October 2023, the Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan and of the European Union’s (EU) Member States, as well as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission and the European Commissioner for International Partnerships (‘Participants’) held their 19th EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting in Luxembourg. On this occasion, the EU and the five Central Asian countries confirmed their joint commitment to continue their strategic partnership. Participants reaffirmed their political willingness to further strengthening their partnership based on shared values and mutual interests, as exemplified by the meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the President of the European Council on 27 October 2022, in Astana, Kazakhstan and on 2 June 2023, in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. Participants reiterated their commitment to work together for peace, security, and sustainable development, in full respect for international law, including the UN Charter. The EU strongly supported efforts aimed at restoration of sovereign equality of all Member States including Central Asian countries within the International Atomic Energy Agency. The EU commend the efforts of the Central Asian countries on creation of a new atmosphere of good neighbourliness, mutual understanding and trust in the region. In this respect, the EU welcomes the strengthened regional cooperation through the holding of Consultative Meetings of Central Asian leaders, including the recent Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 14 September 2023. The EU welcomed the advances with the Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness, and Cooperation for Development of Central Asia in the 21st Century signed during the 4th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, 21 July 2022. The Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan welcomed the EU's continued commitment to the Central Asia region's stability and prosperity, including its comprehensive approach through Global Gateway, multilateral financial assistance, Team Europe Initiatives and individual engagement of EU Member States and European financial institutions. Participants emphasised the continued relevance of the EU Strategy on Central Asia (2019), which prioritises resilience, prosperity, and regional cooperation for the region's future development. Participants stressed the significance of Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreements for advancing bilateral relations between the EU and its Member States and Central Asian countries. In this spirit, Participants jointly endorsed the Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia, signifying a major milestone in their relations. The Roadmap outlines a comprehensive and ambitious framework for enhanced cooperation, fostering a stronger and more dynamic partnership for prosperity and sustainability. It encompasses various key areas, including inter-regional political dialogue and cooperation, enhancing trade and economic ties, engaging on energy, climate neutral economy and connectivity, addressing common security challenges, and strengthening people-to-people contacts and mobility. The Roadmap proposes concrete actions in these areas, and serves as a strategic blueprint, paving the way for deeper engagement, closer dialogue, and continued progress in addressing common challenges and seizing new opportunities for the benefit of both the EU and Central Asian countries. Participants restated the importance of maintaining peace and security globally and regionally, and reconfirmed the obligation of all States to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force and the need for peaceful resolutions of disputes through diplomatic means, as well as for building trust and good neighbourly relations. Participants highlighted the need for continued global cooperation to minimise the global consequences of the current geopolitical context, including in particular the threat to food security, including through facilitation of food and agricultural exports. The Participants welcomed the resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly and initiated by Turkmenistan on the proclamation of Central Asia as a Zone of Peace, Trust and Cooperation, and the current year of 2023 as the Year of Dialogue as a Guarantee of Peace, which are aimed at developing a culture of peace, solidarity and dialogue in relations among all States. The EU informed about the eleven packages of restrictive measures it has adopted so far and stressed the importance of results-oriented dialogue and cooperation in the context of EU’s sanctions regimes. The EU underlined the importance of the prevention of sanctions circumvention, and Participants agreed to continue their engagement in this respect. Participants expressed their continuing commitment to uphold the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of international law, on which the enhancement of EU-Central Asia relations is based, in particular the respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states including within the framework of all international and regional fora. The participants emphasised on the need to uphold the principles of the OSCE. They underlined that respect for international humanitarian law and a peaceful resolution of conflicts without the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is indispensable. On security, Participants also welcomed the results of the 10th EU-Central Asia High-Level Political and Security Dialogue, held in Astana, Kazakhstan, on 13 June 2023. Participants stressed the importance of the international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation architecture for global peace and security and highlighted their support for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Participants reiterated the importance of progressing on the rule of law, democracy, good governance, gender equality and universal human rights and fundamental freedoms. Participants discussed the importance of guaranteeing media freedom, freedom of expression, assembly and association and labour rights, free and fair elections and non-discrimination in all its aspects, including to ensure the full enjoyment of women and girls of their human rights, freedom of religion and belief and the rights of persons belonging to ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. The Participants recalled the importance of protecting the right to freedom of opinion and expression, as well as media freedoms. They also exchanged on the need for protection from disinformation, fake news and hate speech, including hatred against all groups and nationalities. The partners recalled the importance to ensure that national legislation, policies and actions for freedom of opinion and expression are in line with their international obligations. Participants stressed the importance of further promoting the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in decision-making. They reiterated the need to cooperate on new opportunities for the youth in Central Asia, encompassing improved access to education for all and decent jobs. In addition, Participants emphasised the importance of facilitating the meaningful participation of civil society in decision-making. These are key elements for strengthening the resilience of the Central Asian region and are of crucial importance for EU cooperation with its partners around the world. Participants welcomed the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on Human Right Defenders (HRDs). Following the 4th EU-Central Asia Civil Society Forum held on the 10 March 2023, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the Participants looked forward to the 5th edition of the event, to be held in 2024. They welcomed the continuation of existing dialogues and organisation of joint high-level events. Participants look forward to the visit of the Dialogue of Women Leaders of Central Asia in Brussels (13-15 November 2023) co-organised by the UNRCCA, based in Ashgabat, and the EU Special Representative for Central Asia to share experiences with the EU institutions and civil society on the implementation of the global “Women, Peace and Security” agenda. Participants commended the results of the second “EU-Central Asia Economic Forum” which took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 18-19 May 2023, and emphasised the strategic importance, relevance and intensity of deepened economic relations. The platform provided an opportunity for high-level policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders from both regions to come together and discuss pressing economic issues, identify common interests, and explore avenues for mutual growth and development. Through knowledge sharing, networking and partnership-building, the forum facilitated the exchange of expertise and best practices, paving the way for enhanced trade, investment, and economic integration. In this regard, Participants highlighted the geostrategic role of trade, and investment for sustainable development, and agreed to reinforce sustainable supply chains and strengthen cooperation on investment and critical raw materials. Participants noted that enhancing democratization, human rights and rule of law has a direct positive effect on the trust in the trade and investment climate in the region. Participants stressed the need to intensify cooperation on sustainable connectivity between the EU and Central Asia in the areas of trade, transport, energy, digital and people-to-people contacts, building on the projects announced at the EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on 18 November 2022. Continuing this work, as part the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, the European Commission conducted a Study on sustainable transport connections between Europe and Central Asia, which was implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and published on 30 June 2023. In order to follow up concretely on the list of soft and hard infrastructure projects identified in the study, the European Commission is preparing for an Investors Forum on 29-30 January 2024 in Brussels, Belgium, gathering public and private investors interested in enhancing sustainable transport connectivity between the two regions. Participants also welcomed the Team Europe Initiative on Digital Connectivity launched in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in November 2022, which will also enhance Central Asian businesses and citizens' access to a secure internet through trusted satellite connectivity. The participants welcomed the proposal on holding an expert meeting in transport area from state agencies and private transport logistical companies in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, in the coming months. The EU welcomed the signing of the Agreement on Interconnectivity of the Land Transport in Central Asia, during the Fifth Consultative Meeting of the Central Asian Heads of State on 14 September 2023 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Participants highlighted that the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution pose a global and existential threat, particularly affecting the most vulnerable, increasing poverty and inequality and affecting stability. They underlined that the climate crisis requires immediate, urgent, accelerated action and strengthened ambition. In view of the upcoming COP28 in Dubai, the EU stressed the importance for all parties to present as soon as possible their new or updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with stronger, more ambitious, and absolute economy wide emission reduction targets, underpinned by concrete policies and measures to implement them, including as soon as possible Adaptation Communications and to present or update their long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies towards reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The EU also expressed understanding of the importance of a just transition and, in accordance with the spirit of the Paris Agreement, its readiness to support the countries of Central Asia. The Participants acknowledged and encouraged further progress of Central Asian countries and the EU in the implementation of their NDCs and in their regions transition towards climate-neutral economy, including through accelerating the deployment of safe and sustainable low-carbon technologies such as renewable energy and the improvement of energy efficiency, as well as promoting green finance for green projects, aiming for climate neutrality. In this regard, the EU invited the concerned Central Asian countries to join the Global Methane Pledge. Participants underlined the importance of cooperation in the field of sustainable raw materials climate neutral energy to boost the green and digital transformation of the EU’s and Central Asia’s economies. They also welcomed the announced Regional Climate Summit in Kazakhstan in 2026 under UN auspices. The Participants stressed the need to strengthen regional cooperation in Central Asia as an effective and desirable way of tackling climate, water-energy and environmental challenges and recognised the importance of further action in stepping up and promoting such cooperation including through sharing knowledge and experience in sustainable water management and fostering political dialogues. within the region and between the EU and Central Asia They welcomed the work of the EU-Central Asia Platform on Environment and Water Cooperation, the EU-CA Working Group on Environment and Climate Change (WGECC), the recently completed European Union-Central Asia Water, Environment and Climate Change Cooperation project, which helped strengthen the policy dialogue on sustainable development within the region and facilitated cooperation with the EU on environment and climate change, as well as the outcome of the 7th High Level EU-Central Asia Conference on Water and Environment Cooperation held in Rome on 23-24 February 2023. Participants welcomed the Team Europe Initiative on Water, Energy and Climate Change launched in Samarkand in November 2022 and noted the importance of the continuation of support in the field of energy, water and climate change and opportunities it presents for enhanced EU-Central Asia cooperation. Participants welcomed UN General Assembly Resolution 77/158 declaring 2025 the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation and, proclaiming 21 March of each year the World Day for Glaciers, to be observed starting in 2025 and Participants took note of the initiative on the Establishment of a Trust Fund on Glaciers initiated by the Republic of Tajikistan. Taking note of the importance of adopted Resolution 77 UNGA “Sustainable Mountain Development, jointly initiated by Kyrgyzstan and Italy, Participants agreed to facilitate such development, including through participation in, the “five year of action for the development of mountain regions 2023-2027” declared by this resolution. Participants acknowledged the need for enhancing interconnectivity of the regional power system and continued efforts to boost energy efficiency as well as the importance of research cooperation and policy dialogue, especially in those areas that are most relevant for regional development, including water issues, climate change and environmental protection. Participants highlighted the need for addressing the interconnected water and climate nexus in a strong and holistic manner. Participants stressed the need to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted at the 15th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 15), in December 2022. Participants congratulated both Tajikistan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands on a successful UN Water Conference in March 2023 which underpinned international efforts in the context of the UN Decade for Water and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and water-related SDGs. In this regard participants also welcomed the UNGA resolution in follow-up to the UN 2023 Water Conference, which harnesses the political momentum created by the conference and offers a path forward in shaping the future of Water-Action at the UN. Participants pledged to fulfil their voluntary commitments presented in the context of the UN Water Conference 2023. The participants underlined considerable perspectives of cooperation in implementing joint projects for the integrated water resources management, via the introduction of water-saving technologies, as well as donor projects for climate change combating, mitigation and resilience, including in but not limited to the framework of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). Participants welcomed cooperation in education, vocational training and skills development, as a key factor in ensuring the sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development of Central Asia. They commit to work more closely together to fully utilise the possibilities offered by the international dimension of the Erasmus+ programme to enhance this cooperation. They underlined the key role that science, technology and innovation play in accelerating economic diversification and transformation, improving productivity and competitiveness, as well as enabling the integration of countries of Central Asia in the global economy. Participants recognised the value of international research and innovation cooperation between their two regions, and called for joint engagement in promoting the scientific collaboration and funding opportunities existing under the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon Europe. Participants reiterated the vital role of official statistics, adhering to international methodologies, norms, and standards, in enabling evidence-based decision-making and fostering societal trust. Since reliable statistics are instrumental in efficient policy-making. Participants called for further cooperation in improvement and development of official statistics. Participants expressed shared deep concern about the dire humanitarian, economic and human rights crisis in Afghanistan. In order to ensure sustainable peace, they called for the promotion and respect of universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens of Afghanistan in particular of women and girls, as well as children and persons belonging to ethnic and religious groups and minorities. Participants called for full and equal access to education conforming to international standards and participation in public life of women and girls in Afghanistan, including in humanitarian work. Participants also called for the establishment of an inclusive and representative government based on a credible, inclusive political process with participation of all citizens of Afghanistan, including women, and persons belonging to ethnic and religious groups and minorities in this regard. Participants stressed the importance of preventing the territory of Afghanistan from being used as a base for hosting, financing or exporting violent extremism and terrorism to other countries. Participants underlined the necessity to explore joint cooperation in humanitarian and basic needs and livelihoods support to the people of Afghanistan in accordance with international law. In this regard, the Participants also stressed the significance of the educational projects for women of Afghanistan at universities of Central Asian states and the importance of further support of such programs by donor states and organizations. Participants acknowledged the need for strengthening cooperation on preventing the unsafe and irregular movements of people and countering migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings. They stressed the usefulness of the regular exchange between the EU’s and the Central Asian Special Envoys and Representatives on the situation in Afghanistan. The Participants noted importance of the outcome of the meeting of the EU and Central Asia Special Representatives and Envoys for Afghanistan held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on 25-26 May 2023. The Participants reaffirmed their support to the work of United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan, as well as UNRCCA based in Ashgabat. Participants emphasised the need to expand cooperation aimed at strengthening the management of Central Asian countries state borders with Afghanistan, and emphasised the importance of the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) and Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP) programmes to support taking necessary measures to counter the movement of terrorists, drug and weapons trafficking and other transnational organised crime. The EU, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan noted the opportunity offered by the "Dushanbe Process on Countering Terrorism and its Financing" to promote initiatives for combating terrorism and its sources of financing, paying special attention to ensuring international and regional security. Participants looked forward to intensifying EU-Central Asia cooperation in security and border management, including through the use of BOMCA 10, as well as in the joint fight against terrorism and terrorism financing, violent extremism, money laundering, transnational organised crime and corruption, trafficking in human beings, migrant smuggling, trafficking of small arms and light weapons, drug trafficking (including demand-reduction aspects) and cybersecurity and disinformation, acting in accordance with commitments on universal human rights and the rule of law. Participants acknowledged the potential for increasing collaboration in sharing best practices in reintegration and rehabilitation of returnees from conflict zones. Participants welcomed the announcement of the first EU – Central Asia Summit, scheduled to take place during the second quarter of 2024 in Uzbekistan. Participants expressed their deep appreciation to the EU for hosting the meeting and agreed to reconvene in 2024. Turkmenistan proposed to hold the next Ministerial meeting in Turkmenistan. Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia

Press material Monday 23 October 2023

● European Council   23/10/2023 14:19 | Media advisory | Press briefing ahead of the European Council meeting of 26-27 October 2023   The press briefing ahead of the European Council meeting of 26-27 October 2023 will take place on Wednesday 25 October 2023 at 15.30. This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either in person at the Justus Lipsius press room or remotely. To attend the event remotely, please use this link to register and have the possibility to ask questions. EU accredited journalists who already registered for previous high level press events in 2022 and 2023 do not need to do it again. • Deadline for registration: Wednesday 25 October 2023 at 14.30. Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline.

Press material Monday 23 October 2023

● Council of the EU   23/10/2023 12:47 | Press release | Trade: Council adopts a regulation to protect the EU from third-country economic coercion   The Council has adopted a regulation to help the EU and its member states protect themselves from economic coercion by third countries. The new legislation, known as the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI), is meant to serve as a deterrent for third countries targeting the EU or its member states. The aim is to use this legislation to de-escalate and induce the discontinuation of coercive measures in trade and investment through dialogue. When this is not possible, and as a last resort, the EU will be able to adopt countermeasures such as the imposition of trade restrictions, in the form of, for example, increased customs duties, import or export licences, restrictions on trade in services or access to foreign direct investment or public procurement. "The new legislation will make the EU a stronger and more sovereign trading power, better equipped to deter and when necessary counter third countries' coercive trade measures against the EU and its member states." Héctor Gómez Hernández, Spanish acting minister for industry, trade and tourism Definition of economic coercion Economic coercion is defined as a situation where a third country attempts to pressure the EU or a Member State into making a particular choice by applying or threatening to apply, measures affecting trade or investment against the EU or a member state. Activation of the mechanism The Council will have significant involvement in the decision-making process, determining the existence of economic coercion. The European Commission will be given implementing powers in decisions on the EU's response measures, while ensuring increased involvement of member states in these decisions. The instrument can be triggered by a wide range of coercive economic practices where a third country applies or threatens to apply a measure affecting trade or investment in order to prevent or obtain the cessation, modification or adoption of a particular act by the Union or a member state. Input from stakeholders will be taken into account when considering activation of the instrument, and businesses are encouraged to come forward with relevant information. The ACI and any actions which can be taken under the instrument are consistent with the EU's international obligations and fully grounded in international law. Next steps The signing of the regulation is expected to take place on 22 November 2023 and will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Background The European Commission proposed this legislation on 8 December 2021 at the request of the Council and the European Parliament. The European Parliament's negotiating mandate was adopted on 19 October 2022, while the Council's negotiating position was agreed on 16 November 2022. An interinstitutional political agreement was reached on 28 March 2023. On 3 October, the European Parliament green-lighted the regulation. Today’s decision at the Council was adopted as a point without discussion at a meeting of Agriculture and Fisheries EU Ministers. Regulation and statements on the protection from economic coercion Council’s negotiating position Commission’s proposal European Parliament’s negotiation position Trade relevant news and information

Press material Monday 23 October 2023

● Council of the EU   23/10/2023 12:35 | Press release | Protection from asbestos at work: Council votes to reduce exposure limits   Today, the Council formally adopted new rules on protecting workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work. This directive updates the existing rules in line with the latest scientific and technological developments. The updated rules significantly lower the current asbestos limits and provide for more accurate ways to measure exposure levels to asbestos based on electron microscopy, a more modern and sensitive method. They also provide for strengthened preventive and protective measures, such as obtaining special permits for asbestos removal and checking if there is asbestos in older buildings before starting demolition or maintenance work. That is all the more important given the EU’s goal to boost energy renovation in the EU, which could lead to 35 million buildings being renovated by 2030. "Asbestos is a highly dangerous substance and remains the leading cause of occupational cancer almost two decades after it was banned in the EU. With the new directive adopted today, thanks to the negotiations concluded by the Swedish presidency, we can better protect workers in the EU while safely embarking on a renovation wave to make our buildings greener and energy-efficient." Yolanda Díaz Perez, acting Second Vice-President of the Government of Spain and Minister for Work and Social Economy Background and next steps On 28 September 2022, the Commission published a proposal to revise the legislation on asbestos exposure in the workplace as part of a package aimed at ensuring an asbestos-free future for EU citizens. The Swedish Presidency of the Council reached a provisional agreement on the file with the European Parliament on 27 June 2023. The European Parliament plenary voted in favour of the updated rules on 3 October 2023. Today's adoption by the Council is the last step in the legislative process. The new directive will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member states will have two years to incorporate all provisions of the directive into their national legislation, except for the introduction of electron microscopy as a measuring method, for which they will have six years. At the end of those six years, they will also have to choose between two exposure limits (depending on whether or not they count thin fibres). Directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work Asbestos: Council and Parliament strike deal on new rules protecting workers (press release, 27 June 2023) Better protecting people against asbestos (background information)

Press material Monday 23 October 2023

● Council of the EU   23/10/2023 12:24 | Press release | Council adopts legislation that makes it safer to contract financial services online or by phone   The Council has today adopted a directive concerning financial services contracts concluded at a distance. This is the last step in the decision-making procedure. The text adopted today simplifies existing legislation, increases consumer protection, and creates a level playing field for financial services concluded online, via telephone or through other forms of remote marketing. "Today we adapt EU rules on the financial services to the digital age. From now on, consumers in the single market will be better protected when accessing new financial products and services from their phones or their computers." Alberto Garzón Espinosa, acting Spanish Minister for Consumer Affairs Digital market, digital protection The directive adopted today repeals the existing legislation from 2002 and introduces new provisions for financial services contracts concluded at a distance as an additional chapter of the consumer rights directive (CRD) which protect consumers in all kinds of commercial practices. It simplifies the legislative framework, and certain articles of the CRD will also apply to financial services sold at a distance. The final text of the directive: clarifies the scope of application and the safety net-feature for financial services improves the rules on information disclosure and modernises pre-contractual information obligations (leaving it open for member states to impose stricter national rules in this area) establishes the right of consumers to request human intervention on sites that display automatic information tools like robo-advice or chatbots facilitates the right of withdrawal from contracts concluded at a distance through an easy-to-find 'withdrawal function' in the provider's interface introduces additional protection for consumers from dark patterns (a user interface designed to trick users into doing unplanned things, like buying products they were not looking for) Background The review of the 2002 directive on distance marketing of consumer financial services is part of the Commission's new consumer agenda, which was supported by the Council in its related conclusions on 21 February 2021. Next steps Following the Council's approval of the European Parliament's position today, the legislative act has been adopted. After being signed by the President of the European Parliament and the President of the Council, the directive will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force on the 20th day following its publication. Council and Parliament reach provisional political agreement on financial services contracts concluded at a distance (press release, 6 June 2023) Press material Monday 23 October 2023   ● Council of the EU   23/10/2023 12:27 | Press release | Council adopts new framework to boost the roll-out of intelligent transport systems   With a view to accelerating digital transition and smarter mobility in the EU, the Council adopted a new framework on the deployment of intelligent transport systems (ITS) by revising the 2010 directive. "Intelligent transport systems can save us time, reduce emissions and congestions, and simplify journey planning. The adoption of the new directive today is a milestone on our way towards a smarter, safer, and more efficient mobility across Europe." Raquel Sánchez Jiménez, acting Spanish minister of transport, mobility and urban agenda Main objectives of the new legislation The revised directive aims to take account of technological developments, such as connected and automated mobility, on-demand mobility applications, and multimodal transport. It also aims to accelerate the availability and enhance the interoperability of digital data that feed services, such as multimodal journey planners and navigation services. This will allow vehicles and road infrastructure to communicate with one another, for example to warn about unexpected events, such as a traffic jam ahead. The revised law therefore represents an important step towards creating the common European mobility data space. Main provisions of the new directive The revised law extends the scope of the previous directive to cover emerging services, such as multimodal information, booking and ticketing services (for example, apps to find and book journeys that combine public transport, shared car, or bike services), communication between vehicles and infrastructure and automated mobility. The new directive also sets targets for the digitisation of crucial information, such as that on speed limits, roadworks and multimodal access nodes, and the delivery of essential services, such as information on road safety. The benefits for transport users will materialise in a wider coverage of real-time information and more accurate intelligent speed assistance systems. The new law retains the framework character of the 2010 ITS directive and the various technical interventions by way of implementing and delegated acts. The revised directive therefore contains an implementation programme covering at least the next 5 years and a precise geographical scope of road network for which reusable data must be available as a baseline requirement. By way of delegated acts, the Commission may further complement certain aspects of this implementation programme. The necessary types of data, including access conditions for tunnels and bridges, speed limits, traffic circulation plans, permanent access restrictions, road closures, roadworks, temporary traffic management measures, as well as the critical services, such as road safety-related traffic information services, to be made available across the Union, are set out in the annexes to the new directive. Next steps Following today’s formal adoption by the Council, the new directive will be published in the EU’s official journal in the coming weeks and will enter into force the twentieth day after this publication. Member states will have 24 months after the entry into force of the new directive to comply with its provisions. Background The Commission adopted in December 2020 the communication on a sustainable and smart mobility strategy that proposes a fundamental transformation of the European transport system to achieve the objective of sustainable, smart, and resilient mobility. Digitalisation is an indispensable driver of this transformation and will make the entire transport system seamless and more efficient. It will also further increase levels of safety, security, reliability, and comfort. The strategy identifies the deployment of intelligent transport systems (ITS) as a key action in building a connected and automated multimodal mobility system. ITS integrate telecommunications and information technologies with transport engineering in order to plan, design, operate, maintain and manage transport systems. Directive 2010/40/EU (the ITS directive) was designed to be the framework for accelerating and coordinating the deployment and use of ITS applied to road transport and its interfaces with other transport modes. Due to key technological developments since then, a radical reform of the legislative framework is now necessary. To this end, on 15 December 2021, the Commission submitted a proposal for the revision of the directive. The proposal is part of a package of legislative initiatives aimed at contributing to the goals of decarbonisation, digitalisation and greater resilience in transport infrastructure. The Council reached a general approach on this proposal on 2 June 2022 and, following interinstitutional negotiations with the European Parliament (“trilogues”), a provisional agreement on the text of the revised directive was reached on 9 June 2023. Directive on the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems, 23 October 2023 Text of the provisional agreement, 15 June 2023 Council’s general approach, 2 June 2022 Commission’s proposal, 15 December 2021 Sustainable and smart mobility strategy, Commission, 11 December 2020 Meetings Monday 23 October 2023   ● Council of the EU   23/10/2023 19:53 | MEETING | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council, 23 October 2023   The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the situation in Israel and in the region, and the Russian aggression against Ukraine. After the formal Foreign Affairs Council, EU ministers participated in the 19th EU-Central Asia ministerial meeting.