COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Library blog Tuesday, 15 October 2024

● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank Review - October 2024   The new EU institutional cycle starting amid a complex environment; the European Commission’s priorities relating to competitiveness; Mario Draghi’s report on the European economy; deployment of low emission zones in cities; a cost-efficient transition to clean electricity; financing European air defence through EU debt; the stability of cyberspace; and Russia’s increasing influence and activities in Africa are some of the topics discussed in the present Think Tank Review.

Press material Wednesday, 16 October 2024

● European Council   16/10/2024 18:10 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President Charles Michel at the opening session of the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council summit   I would like to welcome you, and your delegations, to Brussels for this first-ever EU-GCC summit. This summit opens a new — and I hope more ambitious — chapter in our cooperation. I hope this summit will help us to see more eye to eye on many of our shared challenges and that this will be the first of many meetings between our regions at leaders’ level. It is an honour to co-chair this Summit with you, Your Highness Sheikh Tamim, the Emir of Qatar. Thank you for your personal commitment. With this summit, we send a powerful message to our citizens and to the world: the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are ready to build a Strategic Partnership fit for the 21st century. We are ready to work together to tackle global challenges. We want more stability, more security, more prosperity and more respect for international law. I recently met with all of you to prepare this summit and we agreed that it should send a message of unity and a message of hope. We share a common goal – to promote growth and to generate more prosperity for our citizens. We can do this through sustainable investment and trade, and by working together on the two biggest transitions of our time: the digital and artificial intelligence revolution, and the green transformation of our economies. We are aware of the importance of better connecting our regions, our economies and our people. We share a common responsibility to protect the rules-based international order and the UN Charter. As regional organisations, we also have a key role to play in conflict resolution, addressing climate change, strengthening multilateralism and human rights. We all know that the current geopolitical context is extremely difficult and requires a lot of courage and clarity. I am convinced that we, in Europe and the Gulf, share a genuine wish to work much more together and to build bridges. Together, we can do more to promote stability, progress and solidarity in our regions and across the world. Today global stability is once again under threat as a result of the dramatic situation in the Middle East, Russia’s war against Ukraine and the tragic situation in Sudan. These crises have caused enormous human suffering,  so we must act more decisively and, again, change the course of history. The future of our two regions is strongly connected. Today, we will discuss what we can do to build a positive agenda for the future that leads to more tangible benefits for our citizens and develops a roadmap for our future cooperation. Finally, I would like to warmly thank the negotiating teams on both sides for their tireless work on the joint statement. I look forward to a successful summit. ● European Council   17/10/2024 12:35 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President Charles Michel at the joint doorstep with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy   It's always a pleasure and an honour to welcome the President of Ukraine here in Brussels. In a few minutes, we will have an exchange of views following your presentation of the Victory Plan. I have two messages for the people of Ukraine and for you, dear president.  First, we are on your side for as long as it takes, whatever it takes. We know that you need more military support and more financial support. This is urgent. We will see how we can speed up more immediate support for the people of Ukraine from a military and a financial point of view.  Second, the future of Ukraine is within the EU. In recent months, we have made a lot of progress on both sides. I commend your personal leadership and the way in which you and your team are implementing the needed reforms. We do not underestimate the momentum and can see the difficulties at the geopolitical level. Winter is coming. There is a lot going on everywhere across the world and, more than ever, we need a clear message.  Your presence here sends a very powerful political message. We are on the same side, share the same dreams and the same values. We are impressed by the bravery and the courage of the people of Ukraine and by your personal bravery. You can count on the EU.

● Council of the EU

16/10/2024 17:22 | Press release | EU deforestation law: Council agrees to extend application timeline   Today, the Council agreed on its position on the targeted amendment of the EU deforestation regulation, postponing its date of application by 12 months. This postponement will allow third countries, member states, operators and traders to be fully prepared in their due diligence obligations, which is to ensure that certain commodities and products sold in the EU or exported from the EU are deforestation-free. This includes products made from cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, rubber, and some of their derived products. More time given to better prepare for implementation The deforestation regulation has already been in force since 29 June 2023 and its provisions are to be applied from 30 December 2024. The Council agreed to the Commission’s proposal to postpone the application date of the regulation by one year. Therefore, if agreed by the European Parliament, the obligations stemming from this regulation will be binding from: 30 December 2025, for large operators and traders 30 June 2026, for micro- and small enterprises This would give legal certainty, predictability and sufficient time for a smooth and effective implementation of the rules, including fully establishing due diligence systems covering all relevant commodities and products. These due diligence systems include identifying deforestation risks in supply chains as well as monitoring and reporting measures to prove compliance with EU rules. Keeping the deforestation-free objective The targeted amendment will not affect the substance of the already existing rules, which is to minimise the EU’s contribution to deforestation and forest degradation worldwide, by only allowing placing on the EU market, or exporting from the EU, deforestation-free products. Deforestation-free products are products that have been produced on land not subject to deforestation or forest degradation after 31 December 2020. Next steps The Council will now inform the European Parliament of its position in view of the Parliament taking a decision on its position. The aim is to have the regulation formally adopted by both co-legislators and published in the Official Journal of the EU so that it can enter into force by the end of the year. Background The main driver of global deforestation and forest degradation is the expansion of agricultural land, which is linked to the production of the commodities included in the scope of the regulation. As the EU is a major consumer of such commodities, it can reduce its contribution to global deforestation and forest degradation by making sure these products and related supply chains are ‘deforestation-free’. The deforestation regulation was adopted in 2023 and establishes rules to ensure that products derived from certain commodities (namely coffee, cocoa, palm oil, soya, cattle, rubber and wood), which are placed on the EU market or exported from the EU, have not caused deforestation or forest degradation during their production, have been produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production and are covered by a due diligence statement. The Commission submitted its proposal on postponing the application date of the deforestation regulation in response to concerns raised by member states, third countries, traders and operators that there was a risk that they would not be able to fully comply with the rules by 31 December 2024. Deforestation (background information)

● Council of the EU

16/10/2024 16:04 | Press release | EU deforestation law: Council agrees to extend application timeline   Today, the Council agreed on its position on the targeted amendment of the EU deforestation regulation, postponing its date of application by 12 months. This postponement will allow third countries, member states, operators and traders to be fully prepared in their due diligence obligations, which is to ensure that certain commodities and products sold in the EU or exported from the EU are deforestation-free. This includes products made from cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, rubber, and some of their derived products. More time given to better prepare for implementation The deforestation regulation has already been in force since 29 June 2023 and its provisions are to be applied from 30 December 2024. The Council agreed to the Commission’s proposal to postpone the application date of the regulation by one year, due to the lack of the key elements of the regulation, such as guidance documents to help companies and countries better apply the rules. Therefore, if agreed by the European Parliament, the obligations stemming from this regulation will be binding from: 30 December 2025, for large operators and traders 30 June 2026, for micro- and small enterprises This would give legal certainty, predictability and sufficient time for a smooth and effective implementation of the rules, including fully establishing due diligence systems covering all relevant commodities and products. These due diligence systems include identifying deforestation risks in supply chains as well as monitoring and reporting measures to prove compliance with EU rules. Keeping the deforestation-free objective The targeted amendment will not affect the substance of the already existing rules, which is to minimise the EU’s contribution to deforestation and forest degradation worldwide, by only allowing placing on the EU market, or exporting from the EU, deforestation-free products. Deforestation-free products are products that have been produced on land not subject to deforestation or forest degradation after 31 December 2020. Next steps The Council will now inform the European Parliament of its position in view of the Parliament taking a decision on its position. The aim is to have the regulation formally adopted by both co-legislators and published in the Official Journal of the EU so that it can enter into force by the end of the year. Background The main driver of global deforestation and forest degradation is the expansion of agricultural land, which is linked to the production of the commodities included in the scope of the regulation. As the EU is a major consumer of such commodities, it can reduce its contribution to global deforestation and forest degradation by making sure these products and related supply chains are ‘deforestation-free’. The deforestation regulation was adopted in 2023 and establishes rules to ensure that products derived from certain commodities (namely coffee, cocoa, palm oil, soya, cattle, rubber and wood), which are placed on the EU market or exported from the EU, have not caused deforestation or forest degradation during their production, have been produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production and are covered by a due diligence statement. The Commission submitted its proposal on postponing the application date of the deforestation regulation in response to concerns raised by member states, third countries, traders and operators that there was a risk that they would not be able to fully comply with the rules by 31 December 2024. Deforestation (background information) ● European Council   16/10/2024 14:01 | Meetings | First EU-Gulf Cooperation Council summit, 16 October 2024   Background brief - EU-Gulf Cooperation Council summit   ● European Council   16/10/2024 13:41 | Press release | Invitation letter by President Charles Michel to the members of the European Council   I would like to invite you to the upcoming European Council meeting, which will take place in Brussels on 17 October 2024. Ukraine will be central to our discussions. We will hear from President Zelenskyy about his proposed victory plan and work on the next steps to build consensus around a peace initiative rooted in the principles of the UN Charter and international law. We will also sharpen our focus on our financial engagement to Ukraine. I expect us to live up to our commitment made in June, together with G7 partners, to provide approximately EUR 45 billion (USD 50 billion) by the end of the year to support Ukraine’s military, budget and reconstruction needs. Despite these important advancements, we should also assess the support provided so far and intensify our efforts as winter nears. With over half of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure destroyed, winterisation efforts need urgent attention. We will also focus on the Middle East. One year since the brutal Hamas terrorist attacks against the Israeli people on 7 October, the situation is escalating dramatically. On the ground, the humanitarian situation is worsening, with an unacceptable toll on innocent civilians. An immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages remain top priorities. The European Council must firmly push for de-escalation, and insist on respect for international and humanitarian law. The recent attacks on UN Peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon are irresponsible and unacceptable. The safety of UN personnel and humanitarian workers must be protected. We will also reaffirm our strong support for the UN and its Secretary-General. In addition, we will address our competitiveness and economic resilience. Our aim is to pave the way for the successful implementation of an ambitious Competitiveness Deal, the parameters of which were defined at our European Council of April this year. Migration will also be a major point of discussion, where I envisage a strategic exchange among Leaders. We will have the opportunity to focus on concrete measures to prevent irregular migration including strengthened control of our external borders, enhanced partnerships and reinforced return policies. The European Council will discuss several policy issues relating to our international relations, including the situation in Moldova, as well as in Georgia. Both countries are facing a crucial moment for their European path. It is the European Council's responsibility, enshrined in the Treaties, to define the general political directions and priorities of the Union and shape our collective stance on international relations. I am confident that we will uphold our shared values and the rules-based international order, further strengthening the European Union’s influence on the global stage. I look forward to welcoming you in Brussels Invitation letter ● European Council   17/10/2024 09:26 | Meetings | European Council, 17-18 October 2024   Background brief - European Council, 17-18 October 2024 ● Council of the EU   17/10/2024 10:12 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Agriculture and Fisheries Council of 21-22 October 2024   The press briefing ahead of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place on Friday, 18 October 2024 at 11.00. 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 remotely or in person at the Europa building 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 press events of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Friday, 18 October 2024, 10.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. ● Council of the EU   17/10/2024 16:52 | Meetings | Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 21-22 October 2024   Background brief - Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 21-22 October 2024