COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Friday 24 November 2023

● European Council   24/11/2023 16:25 | Statements and remarks | EU-Canada Summit 2023 - Joint Statement   We, the leaders of Canada and the European Union (EU), met today in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador to reaffirm our strategic partnership, advance our cooperation to seize the opportunities of our time and respond to pressing challenges. In a more complex, competitive and unpredictable world, working together to promote our shared values of human rights, democracy, the rule of law and the rules based international order and to pursue our common interests is more important than ever. We stand firmly together in the pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity in the world including in Ukraine and the Middle East. Read the whole statement

Press material Friday 24 November 2023

● European Council   24/11/2023 20:03 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President Charles Michel at the press conference of the EU-Canada summit   Cher Justin (Trudeau), d'abord merci pour cet accueil amical et chaleureux. Il est à l'image du fondement des relations entre le Canada et l'Union européenne, de cette confiance et de cette amitié qui nous permettent d'aller loin dans la coopération, d'aller loin dans l'ambition partagée de relever ensemble et d'être à la hauteur des défis auxquels nous faisons face. En réalité, notre génération politique fait face à trois défis qui sont autant de chocs. D'une part, tu l'as parfaitement dit, nous faisons face à un choc avec la nature, un choc avec notre environnement. Cela se traduit par notre ambition commune de traiter cette question du réchauffement climatique et des conséquences que tu as mentionnées, les difficultés extrêmes au Canada et partout dans le monde. Nous devons être solidaires sur ces sujets-là. Le deuxième choc, c'est la transformation technologique radicale à laquelle nous faisons face. D'une part, le développement numérique, d'autre part l'intelligence artificielle, y compris l'intelligence artificielle générative. Cela met à l'épreuve aussi nos sociétés et les relations entre chacun d'entre nous, avec nos sociétés respectives. Le troisième choc auquel nous faisons face est directement lié à la confiance en un monde fondé sur des règles, à la confiance dans la coopération internationale à un moment où un certain nombre d'acteurs sur le plan global décident de mettre à l’épreuve ce monde qui était issu de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, alors que nous pensions sincèrement que la liberté, la démocratie et la dignité humaine doivent être au cœur de notre ambition commune. C'est dans ce contexte-là que notre génération, au Canada, en Europe, avec d'autres partenaires dans le monde, a une responsabilité: la responsabilité d'agir pour améliorer les conditions de vie, pour améliorer la prospérité. C'est le premier point et c'est une des promesses exprimées par les pères fondateurs du projet européen. Cela veut dire transformer ce défi climatique en opportunité, en occasion pour de l'investissement, pour de la technologie, pour des emplois de qualité pour nos citoyens, partout au Canada, en Europe. Hier soir, nous avons pu rencontrer dans un cadre convivial des acteurs de cette transformation climatique. Nous en rencontrerons d'autres tout à l'heure encore ensemble. Être engagés pour faire en sorte que cette COP28, dans quelques jours, soit un succès et réponde aux attentes. Il ne suffit pas simplement d'affirmer des objectifs ambitieux, nous devons obtenir des résultats, mettre en œuvre, respecter aussi nos engagements vis-à-vis des pays du Sud qui attendent de nous de la solidarité et de la responsabilité. Et puis faire en sorte que ce défi énergétique soit relevé. On veut une société où il y aura davantage d'électrification. Cela suppose de transformer nos modèles, de transformer nos paradigmes et de coopérer beaucoup, tu l'as mentionné d'ailleurs il y a quelques instants, avec l'un ou l'autre des pays européens qui sont déjà engagés, en plus des efforts communs au départ de l'Union européenne. Et puis la question du numérique est une question très centrale. Nous faisons face maintenant à un monde où les données numériques, le big data, deviennent une ressource économique majeure. Et nous devons trouver le juste équilibre entre innovation, créativité, capacité aussi d'améliorer notre compétitivité en misant sur l'intelligence artificielle d'une part, et d'autre part, veiller à ce que ces droits fondamentaux, la vie personnelle, les droits humains soient respectés dans cet équilibre. Et pour cela, il y a nécessité, dans un cadre démocratique, d'avoir ces débats de qualité qui permettent d'identifier les principes et les normes qui doivent être développés afin d'encadrer cette technologie au service des êtres humains, au service de nos sociétés. Et puis il y a un sujet qui est extrêmement important. There is a very important challenge we all face and it is related to new technologies, especially raw minerals, and here your country, with others, has a very important role to play. This morning we had a very fruitful discussion about the way we can cooperate, the way we can further work together in this field. You know that in Europe, within the EU, we have identified 34 critical raw minerals, and in your country you have 20 of those 34 critical raw minerals; this shows that we need to work together to improve our supply chain to make sure that we can build our future prosperity, taking into account the need to respect the environment and respect standards, which is fundamental for all of us. There is another very important deliverable today, and I would like to emphasise it. Today we have agreed to develop a partnership in the very important research and innovation programme 'Horizon'. This is a very important step because this programme is the largest collaborative program in the world, and this is a huge opportunity for all of the people in Canada and in Europe to work closely together and to try to get the best out of this programme. I would also like to say a few words on something that it is very important, which is the CETA trade agreement. We remember that when we negotiated this agreement we faced some challenges, including in my own country. But with CETA today, we should be proud to see that there has been a 66% increase in the trade numbers between Canada and the EU for goods, and 40% for services. It shows the added value of such a trade agreement and the importance of doing everything possible to maximise the benefits for our citizens. It is also an opportunity to discuss at global level the importance of believing in trade, in open markets, in an open economy, for instance to discuss the consequences for Canada and the EU of the IRA decided on by the United States, put in place by the United States, and the importance, in the G7 format for instance, of cooperating and making sure that we develop competition based on a level playing field. Finally, a word on peace and security. We are liberal democracies and we believe in peace and security; we believe in stability. And that's why it's not a surprise that we are on exactly the same page. We support Ukraine and will support Ukraine for as long as it takes. On the EU side, we have already delivered €83 billion in support for Ukraine in various fields – financial, military – and we are ready to do more. In the weeks to come we will make additional decisions and I am optimistic, along with our member states, in this regard. We want to sanction Russia, but it will also be an opportunity to discuss the importance of preventing the circumvention of sanctions on the one hand, and on the other to identify the sectors in which some additional steps may be needed in the future in coordination with our like-minded partners. It is also very important to be a positive actor, together, in addressing the situation in the Middle East. That is why I reiterate that we condemn the terrible Hamas attack launched on the Israeli people. We support Israel's right to defend itself, to defend its people, but it must be done in line with international law. We don't want double standards. That means that we need to address the humanitarian situation. It is good that the first pause has been decided, but it's very important that the humanitarian consequences are addressed. We support the two-state solution and we hope that as soon as possible there will be an opportunity to discuss the concrete elements that are needed to make the two-state solution a possibility in order to guarantee a sustainable peace in that region. We also discussed other challenges we face together, for instance foreign interference, and the importance of working closely together to prevent it and reacting together when we face such a situation. Arbitrary detention also creates difficulties, and it's important to stick to the principles and to stick to the rules. Enfin, nous avons aussi eu l'occasion d'aborder les questions de sécurité, les questions de défense. Et je voudrais affirmer ici l'ambition de l'Union européenne et des États membres d'être un acteur plus engagé sur le terrain de la sécurité et de la défense. La majorité de nos États membres sont membres de l'OTAN, bien entendu, et l'OTAN est un pilier essentiel pour cette sécurité transatlantique. Mais nous considérons que l'Union européenne et nos États membres avons une responsabilité pour préparer l'avenir. Un avenir dans le cadre duquel les capacités de défense sont nécessaires au service de la paix et au service de la sécurité. Je conclus en indiquant ceci: tu as choisi, cher Justin, de nous réunir dans un lieu qui est lourd, dans un sens positif, de symboles, tu l'as mentionné. C'est depuis cette colline Signal Hill que le premier signal en morse a pu être transmis entre l'Europe et le Canada. Cela dit beaucoup et cela dit que cet océan est un océan qui nous rapproche, qui nous rassemble, qui nous réunit. Nous sommes des démocraties libérales, nous avons la conscience de nos responsabilités, nous avons la conscience que ce qui est au cœur de nos projets: c'est de faire en sorte qu'il y ait un monde plus juste, plus stable, plus sécurisé, avec, pour les femmes et les hommes que nous avons le devoir de représenter, un avenir plus prometteur, un avenir plus optimiste, un avenir avec plus de confiance. Et il y a un enjeu parce que nous mesurons bien que le moment que nous vivons est un moment avec des défis, avec des contraintes, mais aussi avec des occasions, des opportunités. Et encore une fois, l'amitié, le respect, la confiance sont les clés pour fonder ce partenariat, qui est un partenariat robuste et solide comme un roc. Je vous remercie.

Meetings Friday 24 November 2023

● Council of the EU   24/11/2023 18:58 | MEETING | Main results - Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council, 23-24 November 2023   On Friday 24 November, the Council turned its attention to issues concerning culture, audiovisual and sports. Culture and audiovisual ministers approved conclusions on the European video games sector and its cultural dimension, followed by a discussion on working conditions for artists and other cultural professionals. In the afternoon the focus shifted to promoting safe environments in sport. Ministers also approved conclusions on women and equality in the field of sport.

Press material Friday 24 November 2023

● General Secretariat   24/11/2023 18:01 | Press release | Forward look: 27 November - 10 December 2023   Overview of the main topics and events at the Council of EU and European Council for the coming fortnight. Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and social policy), 27-28 November 2023 Employment and social policy ministers will meet in Brussels to reach a general approach on the directive on the European disability card and the European parking card for persons with disabilities. Under the umbrella of 2024 European Semester, they will hold a policy debate on green collective bargaining. They will also discuss anti-racism and social investment in the EU. Ministers will also seek to approve conclusions, among others, on digitalisation in social security coordination. Read more Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), 27 November 2023 The Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) will discuss the preparations for the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference, the preparation for the signature of the interim trade agreement with Chile and the EU-US trade relations. Ongoing bilateral trade negotiations will be on the table during a working lunch. Read more Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Health), 30 November 2023 EU ministers for health will meet in Brussels to discuss open strategic autonomy from a health perspective and they will seek to approve conclusions on mental health. The Spanish presidency will also update ministers on ongoing legislative files and their state of play, such as the regulation on EMA fees, the European Health Data Space regulation, the regulation on substances of human origin and the pharmaceutical package. Read more General Affairs Council (Cohesion), 30 November 2023 Ministers will exchange views on cohesion policy post-2027. They will also be invited to approve conclusions on the future of cohesion policy. Read more Justice and Home Affairs Council, 4-5 December 2023 At the meeting of home affairs ministers, the presidency will present a progress report on all the legislative files of the Pact on asylum and migration. Ministers will also receive a state of play of the external dimension of migration. The impact of the crisis in the Middle East and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine on the EU’s internal security will also feature on the agenda. Justice ministers will aim to reach a general approach on a regulation on the transfer of proceedings and approve the e-justice strategy for 2024-2028. Read more Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport), 4 December 2023 The Council will be invited to agree a general approach on several legislative files related to three transport modes (horizontal, land and shipping): two Commission proposals of the ‘greening freight’ package: a regulation on the accounting of greenhouse gas emissions of transport services and a revised directive on weights and dimensions for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) two Commission proposals of the ‘road safety’ package: a revised directive on driving licences and a revised directive to facilitate cross-border exchange of information on road safety-related traffic offences four Commission proposals of the ‘maritime safety’ package: revised directives on port State control, ship-source pollution, compliance with flag State requirements and accidents investigation in the maritime sector a revised regulation on breaks and rests in occasional passenger transport services Ministers will also discuss the state of play of current legislative files in the field of transport with a focus on the revised regulation on Union guidelines on the trans-European transport networks (TEN-T) and the regulations on single European sky (SESII+ package), and hold an informal lunch on the financing of transport infrastructures. Read more Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications), 5 December 2023 The Council is expected to agree a general approach on the regulation on measures to reduce the cost of deploying gigabit electronic communications networks (gigabit infrastructure act) and take note of a progress report on the cyber solidarity act (CSoA) laying down measures to strengthen solidarity and capacities in the EU to detect, prepare for and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents. Ministers will also hold a policy debate on technological leadership and competitiveness, and discuss the state of play on a number of current legislative files in the field of telecommunications. Read more Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry), 7 December 2023 On Thursday, Internal Market and industry ministers will meet in Brussels and will aim to adopt a general approach on the Net-Zero Industry Act. They will discuss on a progress report concerning the Regulation on forced labour. During lunch, ministers will exchange views on SME policy. Read more Competitiveness Council (Research and space), 8 December 2023 On Friday morning, ministers responsible for research will meet and they are expected to approve conclusions on the impact of Research and Innovation in policy making and to adopt a Council Recommendation on a European framework to attract and retain research innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe. In the afternoon, ministers for space policy will approve a Council Conclusion on Space traffic management and discuss on the Future of EU policy on space in a changing world. Read more Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 8 December 2023 The Council will seek a general approach on the proposed reform of the economic governance framework. Ministers will adopt implementing decisions approving modified recovery and resilience plans, submitted by some member states. The presidency will present progress reports on own resources and the single currency package. Ministers will discuss the economic and financial impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the European Semester. The Council will approve report to the European Council on tax issues and conclusions on the progress achieved by the Code of Conduct Group. Read more Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 10-11 December 2023 The Council is expected to discuss the market situation and to exchange views on the first year of implementation of the CAP strategic plans. Additionally, the Council is expected to address the new genomic techniques regulation, the sustainable use of pesticides regulation, and the proposals for plant reproductive material and for forest reproductive material. Finally, fisheries ministers will aim to reach a political agreement on the proposal for fishing opportunities in the Atlantic and the North Sea for 2024 and, in the case of some stocks, also for 2025 and 2026, as well as on the proposal concerning fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea for 2024. Read more Other events EU-China summit, 7-8 December 2023 Eurogroup, 7 December 2023 Indicative calendar of meetings under the Spanish presidency (1 July - 31 December 2023) Spanish presidency website

Press material Friday 24 November 2023

● Council of the EU   24/11/2023 16:48 | Press release | Women in sports: Council approves conclusions to combat gender-based discrimination   Today, the Council approved conclusions on women and equality in the field of sport. The conclusions emphasise the importance of access to a safe, inclusive and equal playing field, free from any form of inequality, discrimination or violence. Despite the progress made so far, women still participate much less in sport and physical activity than men, largely due to sociocultural barriers. However, 8 in 10 Europeans believe that female role models in sports would inspire more women and girls to follow their example. Against this backdrop, the Council invites member states to ensure equal access to and full participation in sports for everyone, no matter their gender, with a focus on equal pay for equal work in professional sports. "Girls across the European Union, from the Azores to Lapland, should be able to dream of becoming world champions who are safe and respected. We must support them on that path by promoting equal opportunities and by ensuring a sports environment free from violence and harassment." Victor Francos Díaz, Spanish State Secretary for Sports The Council calls on member states to act in order to: increase the proportion of women in sports leadership positions promote wider and stereotype-free media coverage of women’s sports competitions prevent and combat harassment, sexual abuse and violence at all levels better protect witnesses and victims of gender-based violence consider the gender perspective in sports infrastructure and facilities The Commission is invited to include the sports sector in its gender equality strategies and to continue supporting awareness-raising throughout the EU. Similarly, the sports movement should promote equal funding opportunities and incorporate the gender equality perspective in sports governance, including gender budgeting. Background In 2020, the European Commission published the gender equality strategy 2020-2025, as part of its efforts for a ‘Union of equality’. The conclusions on women and equality in sports were tabled by the Spanish presidency in order to further promote women’s participation, leadership and visibility in sports, given the obstacles, discrimination and stereotypes that women and girls still face in the field. Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on women and equality in the field of sport Strong Women Strong Europe (feature story)

Press material Friday 24 November 2023

● Council of the EU   24/11/2023 10:42 | Press release | Video games sector: Council to protect its cultural and creative dimension   Today, the Council approved conclusions on enhancing the cultural and creative dimension of the European video games sector. The video games sector is an integral part of the ecosystem of cultural and creative industries. It interacts with other sectors and has great potential to transmit cultural content and highlight the value of the richness of European creation, heritage and history. In parallel, the video games industry is a booming economic sector – this is proven by the fact that revenues for the EU video games sector in the EU were 4.3 times higher in 2020 than they were for digital music and 1.8 times higher than for video-on-demand. The video games sector brings tangible benefits in terms of job creation (especially among young people), the contribution to GDP, creativity, research and development, and innovation. It also represents social diversity and plurality, promoting positive social changes. "Video games represent European creativity and innovation, and more should be done to help the industry grow and remain competitive." Ernest Urtasun i Domènech, Spanish Minister for Culture In order to harness the great potential of video games in culture, economy and society, the Council calls on member states to: support the creative and cultural dimension of video games, including the use of cultural heritage data in the creative process and the protection of intellectual property rights help European video game enterprises to grow, innovate and have access to funding attract and retain talent among video game professionals in the European job market promote responsible gaming and ensure a safe online environment for video games The Council also invites the Commission to: promote equality in the video games sector to ensure gender balance and equal pay encourage cross-border co-productions of video games between member states support cooperation with other cultural industries and sectors of the European economy boost the competitiveness of European video game companies, in particular SMEs Background The Council’s conclusions on video games are approved in light of the European Union work plan for culture 2023-2026, one of the main actions of which is to enhance the cultural and creative dimension of the video games sector in Europe. This is the first-ever set of conclusions to be approved in this topic.

EU equality ministers discuss how to eradicate emerging violence against women 24/11/2023 | Article EU equality ministers discuss how to eradicate emerging violence against women EU equality ministers have met in Pamplona to discuss a common framework to eradicate emerging violence against women, focusing on victim support and data collection.