COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Library blog Friday, 20 December 2024

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● European Council

20/12/2024 00:33 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the press conference following the European Council meeting of 19 December 2024   The first ever meeting of the European Council took place almost exactly fifty years ago. For the last five decades, we have built a culture of unity in diversity, a culture of compromise, and a culture of solidarity. Cette culture de solidarité était très présente aujourd’hui : tous les membres du Conseil européen ont exprimé leurs profondes condoléances et leur pleine solidarité avec la population de Mayotte. J’ai déjà eu l’occasion de transmettre ce message au président de la République française, qui n’a pas pu être parmi nous aujourd’hui car il a dû se rendre dans cette région dévastée. Our meeting today focused on two main issues: Ukraine and the European Union in the world. On Ukraine, I can tell you that the mood in the room was one of strong determination. And our message remains crystal clear: the European Union stands united in its support to Ukraine to win a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. Not any peace, not capitulation. Only Ukraine, as the aggressed country, can legitimately define what peace means, and if and when the conditions are met for credible negotiations. So now is not the time to speculate about different scenarios – now is the time to strengthen Ukraine for all scenarios. And the discussion today confirmed that the European Union is ready to do whatever it takes, for as long as necessary, to put Ukraine in a position of strength for what comes next. This is the message that we gave to President Zelenskyy. To achieve this objective, we are taking concrete steps: first, we will implement the 15th sanctions package against Russia we approved this week. This package closes loopholes and limits circumvention, and especially targets the so-called ‘shadow fleet’. Second, we have already delivered about €130 billion of financial support and we will deliver an additional €30 billion in 2025. Third, we will increase the pressure on those who directly or indirectly contribute to the international escalation of the war and damage international peace and security by supporting Russia. Finally, Ursula and I will continue to explore ways and means to increase the support to Ukraine. A final word on Ukraine. Let me be very clear about what this conflict is about. Russia’s war of aggression is not just a war on European territory. It is a war against the international community. Because Russia is violating universal, fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law: sovereignty, territorial integrity, self-determination. Which brings me to the second main focus of today’s meeting: the global engagement of the European Union. The starting point for this is clear: the world is multipolar. Multipolarity creates new opportunities to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with countries on all continents. To do so, we must give up oversimplified concepts, like ‘Global South’. And acknowledge that both the South and the North are, in fact, plural. That means the European Union needs to strengthen its relationships with third countries around the world based on shared priorities, such as reforming multilateral organisations, protecting international law, fighting climate change, preserving the oceans, or reducing poverty. We also discussed our relations with the United States of America – they remain one of our closest partners. And the message is clear: the European Union is committed to continue working with the United States, pragmatically, to strengthen transatlantic ties. The United Kingdom is another very strategic partner. There is a new positive energy in EU-UK relations, which we should explore further. That is why I went to London very early in my term, and why I invited Prime Minister Keir Starmer to attend the upcoming informal Leaders’ meeting on defence, on 3 February. The European Council also discussed the Middle East, especially Syria. On Syria, we have agreed on the main principles and objectives of our approach in response to the fall of the Assad regime and to ensure a peaceful and inclusive transition: preserve Syria’s territorial integrity, ensure respect for human rights, including women’s rights, and protect religious and ethnic minorities. The European Union is already engaging with actors on the ground, the new authorities, and other regional actors. It is delivering much-needed humanitarian assistance inside Syria, and the European Union will increase its diplomatic presence in Damascus. Finally, a word on what is to come: we will hold an informal meeting on defence on 3 February. Today we did not discuss economic issues. But they are fundamental for the lives of European citizens. I have therefore informed Leaders that the March meeting of the European Council will have a strong focus on competitiveness, prosperity, trade and jobs.

● European Council

19/12/2024 21:49 | CONCLUSIONS | European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024   On 19 December, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, EU in the world, resilience, preparedness, crisis prevention and response, migration and other items. European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024

● European Council

19/12/2024 20:26 | CONCLUSIONS | European Council conclusions on EU in the world, resilience, preparedness, crisis prevention and response, migration and other items, 19 December 2024   III. EU IN THE WORLD 16. The European Council held a strategic discussion on the EU’s global engagement and priorities in the current geopolitical context. IV. RESILIENCE, PREPAREDNESS, CRISIS PREVENTION AND RESPONSE 17. Following the report ‘Safer together: strengthening Europe’s civil and military preparedness and readiness’, presented by Sauli Niinistö, the European Council reaffirms the importance and urgency of strengthening the resilience, preparedness, crisis prevention and response capacities in the context of the evolving threat landscape and of the increasing number of natural disasters due to climate change and environmental degradation. Building on the Strategic Agenda and the European Council conclusions of June 2023 and March 2024, the European Council considers that enhanced and coordinated military and civil preparedness and strategic crisis management are required, in an all-hazards and whole-of-society approach. This should be done in synergy with NATO where relevant, in an inclusive and non-discriminatory manner and without prejudice to the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States and taking into account the security and defence interests of all Member States. This new preparedness mindset is necessary to reinforce the EU’s resilience, protect its values, safeguard its economic success and competitiveness, and adapt to climate change. 18. The European Council encourages further work to enhance the EU’s and its Member States’ resilience, preparedness, crisis-prevention and response capacity in a coherent manner, including with a view to the future preparedness strategy. It invites the Commission, the High Representative and the Council to pursue work on the different work strands and actions at EU level to support Member States, taking into account the specificities of different types of crises and respecting Member States’ responsibilities and competences. V. MIGRATION 19. The European Council took stock of progress in the implementation of its conclusions on migration. It took note of the recent letter from the President of the Commission, paying particular attention to important ongoing work on: the external dimension; the implementation of adopted EU legislation and the application of existing legislation; the prevention and countering of irregular migration, including through new ways in line with EU and international law; urgent efforts to facilitate, increase and accelerate returns; safe countries of origin; the fight against instrumentalisation, human trafficking and smuggling; as well as safe and legal pathways in line with national competences. The European Council welcomes the Commission’s intention to put forward a legislative proposal on returns in early 2025, calls on the co-legislators to advance as a matter of priority on files with a migration dimension, and takes note of the Commission communication on the weaponisation of migration and strengthening security at the EU’s external borders. VI. OTHER ITEMS Enlargement and reforms 20. Recalling its previous conclusions and the Granada Declaration of 6 October 2023, and in line with its Strategic Agenda, the European Council stresses the continued importance of enlargement as a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity. Building on the new dynamism in the enlargement process, and in line with the merit-based approach, both the Union and aspiring members have a responsibility to make the most of this opportunity. 21. The European Council endorses the conclusions on enlargement approved by the Council on 17 December 2024. Republic of Moldova 22. The European Council commends the authorities of the Republic of Moldova for the successful conduct of the presidential elections and of the referendum on enshrining EU accession in the Constitution, despite hybrid activities by Russia to undermine the country’s democratic institutions. It welcomes the commitment of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova to European integration. 23. The European Union will continue to work closely with the Republic of Moldova to enhance the country’s resilience and stability and to support its reform efforts on its European path, including through the implementation of the Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova and the swift adoption of the Reform and Growth Facility. 24. The European Council invites the Commission to look urgently into further ways to provide assistance to the Republic of Moldova in strengthening its energy security. Georgia 25. Recalling its conclusions of June and October 2024, the European Council reiterates its serious concerns regarding the course of action taken by the Georgian government, which runs counter to the values and principles upon which the European Union is founded. It regrets the Georgian government’s decision to suspend the country’s EU accession process until 2028. 26. The European Council strongly condemns the violence against peaceful protesters, politicians and media representatives. The Georgian authorities must respect the right to freedom of assembly and of expression, and refrain from using force. All acts of violence must be investigated and those responsible held accountable. 27. The European Council underlines the Union’s readiness to support the Georgian people’s European aspirations, and the country’s path towards accession should the Georgian authorities reverse their present course of action. Hybrid activities 28. The European Council strongly condemns Russia’s hybrid campaign, including sabotage, disruption of critical infrastructure, cyber-attacks, information manipulation and interference, and attempts to undermine democracy, including in the electoral process, against the European Union and its Member States. In this context, it welcomes the adoption of the first listings under the framework for restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities. The European Union and the Member States will continue to strengthen their resilience and make full use of all means available to prevent, deter and respond to Russia’s hybrid activities. Freedom, security and justice 29. The European Council welcomes the Council Decision to lift the checks on persons at internal land borders with and between Bulgaria and Romania as of 1 January 2025. 30. The European Council endorses the strategic guidelines for legislative and operational planning within the area of freedom, security and justice adopted by the Council on 12 December 2024. Venezuela 31. The European Council reiterates its concern about the situation in Venezuela. It calls for the release of all political detainees and for Venezuela to uphold its commitments under international law. The European Union will mobilise all the tools at its disposal to support democracy and a peaceful and inclusive transition in Venezuela.   Press material Thursday, 19 December 2024     ● European Council   19/12/2024 20:14 | CONCLUSIONS | European Council conclusions on Ukraine, 19 December 2024   I. UKRAINE Today, more than 1000 days since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the European Council reiterates its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter, and reaffirms its continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. It also reconfirms the European Union’s unwavering commitment to providing continued political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed. Russia must not prevail. The European Council reaffirms its support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, in line with the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s Peace Formula, and underlines the principle that no initiative regarding Ukraine be taken without Ukraine. To this end, the European Union and its Member States will maintain their intensive global outreach efforts and will participate in the discussions affecting Europe’s security. The European Council reviewed work done on the delivery of military support to Ukraine. To help Ukraine to defend itself effectively against Russia’s aggression, the European Council calls for the urgent stepping up of efforts, in particular on the delivery of air defence systems, ammunition and missiles, as well as on the provision of necessary training and equipment for Ukrainian brigades. The European Council underlines the importance of intensifying work to further support and develop Ukraine’s defence industry and to deepen its cooperation with the EU defence industry. It recalls the importance of the implementation of all components of the G7 ‘Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine’ (ERA) initiative, including the military needs component, and calls for decisions under the European Peace Facility to be operationalised as soon as possible. It also calls on the Council to accelerate work to strengthen the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine. The European Council welcomes the steadfast implementation of the Ukraine Facility. Total payments to Ukraine under the Facility in 2024 will amount to EUR 16.2 billion. In 2025, disbursements from the Facility are expected to reach EUR 12.5 billion. In addition, the European Council welcomes the rapid implementation of the G7 ERA initiative amounting to EUR 45 billion (USD 50 billion) to support Ukraine’s current and future military, budget and reconstruction needs. Under this initiative, the European Union plans to start disbursements in January, for a total of EUR 18.1 billion in 2025. All relevant legal and financial aspects will continue to be addressed. The European Council recalls that all military support will be provided in full respect of the security and defence policy of certain Member States and taking into account the security and defence interests of all Member States. The European Council strongly condemns Russia’s intensified and deliberate campaign against Ukraine’s energy and other civilian infrastructure which aims to weaponise the onset of winter. It calls for material support to be increased and its delivery accelerated in order to help Ukraine keep its electricity infrastructure running. In this context, the European Council commends Member States, notably Ukraine’s neighbours, for their exports of electricity to Ukraine and stresses the need to continue increasing these. It also calls for further integration of the energy systems of Ukraine and of the Republic of Moldova with the Union’s energy network as a matter of priority. Efforts to further limit Russia’s ability to wage war must continue. In this context, the European Council welcomes the adoption of the 15th package of sanctions against Russia, including measures against the ‘shadow fleet’. It also reiterates its call for the full and effective enforcement of sanctions and for further means and measures to counter their circumvention, including through third countries. The European Union remains ready to step up pressure on Russia, including by adopting further sanctions. Subject to EU law, Russia’s assets should remain immobilised until Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused by this war. The European Council strongly condemns support by third countries, and actors and entities therein, which enable Russia to sustain its war of aggression against Ukraine. The arms transfers and deepening military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK and Iran, as well as the deployment of the DPRK’s military forces to Russia and their use on the battlefield against Ukraine represent an international escalation of the war, with serious consequences for international peace and security. The European Council urges all countries to immediately cease any direct or indirect assistance to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine. The European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s repair, recovery and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners. The Ukraine Recovery Conference hosted by Italy in July 2025 will be important in that context. The European Union will continue to work closely with Ukraine and support its reform efforts on its European path.  European Council   19/12/2024 12:36 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the joint doorstep with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy   Good morning. It is a great honour for me to be beside President Zelenskyy the first time I chair the European Council. In this meeting we will discuss two main points: first of all Ukraine and then Europe in the world. On Ukraine we must be very clear: you can count on our full and unwavering support, whatever it takes and for as long as necessary. Now in war, in future in peace. And we want to welcome you someday here as a member of the European Union. We will work on this together with you and on winning comprehensive, just, and lasting peace. This war is in Ukraine, against the Ukrainian people, on European soil. But at stake here are the universal principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter: the right to self-determination, the right to territorial integrity and the right to have safe borders. That's why this war is not only about Ukraine, not only about Europe; it is about international law. International law must prevail, and the invasion must be defeated. The second point of our Council is Europe in the world. We are not living in a bipolar world but in a multipolar world. There is not a global south because the south is plural just as the north is plural, and we need to look beyond Europe to the different continents and weave a very strong global network with all of our partners around the world, from New Zealand to Brazil. This is very important for our common future of peace and prosperity, for tackling our global challenges, like climate change, oceans governance, and development and for building a new international architecture, leading on this very difficult issue of global debt in less developed countries. ● Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο   19/12/2024 23:09 | ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΣΜΑΤΑ | Συμπεράσματα του Ευρωπαϊκού Συμβουλίου, 19 Δεκεμβρίου 2024   Στις 19 Δεκεμβρίου, το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο ενέκρινε συμπεράσματα σχετικά με την Ουκρανία, τη Μέση Ανατολή, την ΕΕ στον κόσμο, την ανθεκτικότητα, την ετοιμότητα, την πρόληψη και την αντιμετώπιση κρίσεων, τη μετανάστευση και άλλα θέματα. Συμπεράσματα του Ευρωπαϊκού Συμβουλίου, 19 Δεκεμβρίου 2024