Δήλωση μελών Ευρωπαϊκού Συμβουλίου επ’ ευκαιρία Διεθνούς Ημέρας Μνήμης Ολοκαυτώματος

 

Υλικό για τον Τύπο Δευτέρα, 27 Ιανουαρίου 2025

● Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο   27/01/2025 10:03 | Δελτίο τύπου | Δήλωση των μελών του Ευρωπαϊκού Συμβουλίου επ’ ευκαιρία της Διεθνούς Ημέρας Μνήμης του Ολοκαυτώματος   Η φετινή Διεθνής Ημέρα Μνήμης του Ολοκαυτώματος σηματοδοτεί 80 χρόνια από την απελευθέρωση του γερμανικού ναζιστικού στρατοπέδου συγκέντρωσης και εξόντωσης Άουσβιτς-Μπίρκεναου. Δεν ξεχνούμε τις πρωτοφανείς φρικαλεότητες του Ολοκαυτώματος, κατά τη διάρκεια του οποίου έξι εκατομμύρια Εβραίοι και εκατομμύρια άλλοι δολοφονήθηκαν, εκ των οποίων 1,1 εκατομμύρια μόνο στο Άουσβιτς. Σήμερα, γινόμαστε μάρτυρες μιας άνευ προηγουμένου ανόδου του αντισημιτισμού στην ήπειρό μας, κάτι που δεν είχε παρατηρηθεί ξανά μετά τον Δεύτερο Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο. Καταδικάζουμε απερίφραστα την ανησυχητική αύξηση των βίαιων αντισημιτικών περιστατικών, την άρνηση και τη στρέβλωση του Ολοκαυτώματος, καθώς και τις θεωρίες συνωμοσίας και τις προκαταλήψεις κατά των Εβραίων. Περισσότερο από ποτέ, έχει ζωτική σημασία να φανούμε αντάξιοι της ευθύνης μας να τιμήσουμε τα θύματα του Ολοκαυτώματος. Είμαστε αποφασισμένοι να καταπολεμήσουμε τον αντισημιτισμό και να προστατεύσουμε και να διαφυλάξουμε την εβραϊκή ζωή στην Ευρώπη. Καταδικάζουμε όλες τις μορφές διακρίσεων, μισαλλοδοξίας, ρατσισμού και ξενοφοβίας και θα αναλάβουμε αποφασιστική δράση για την αντιμετώπιση αυτών των απειλών κατά των δημοκρατικών κοινωνιών. Ο σεβασμός της ανθρώπινης αξιοπρέπειας, της ελευθερίας, της δημοκρατίας, της ισότητας, του κράτους δικαίου και των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των ελευθεριών της έκφρασης, της θρησκείας ή των πεποιθήσεων, καθώς και των δικαιωμάτων των ατόμων που ανήκουν σε μειονότητες, πρέπει να καθοδηγεί τις δράσεις μας ανά πάσα στιγμή, σύμφωνα με τις αξίες στις οποίες θεμελιώνεται η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, και οι οποίες είναι κοινές σε όλους μας – και θα το κάνει. Το «ποτέ ξανά» είναι τώρα. ● European Council   27/01/2025 10:03 | Press release | Statement by the members of the European Council on the occasion of International Holocaust Remembrance Day   As we commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we mark the 80th year since the liberation of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau. We remember the unprecedented horrors of the Holocaust. Six million Jews and millions of others were murdered, 1.1 million in Auschwitz alone. Today, we are witnessing an unprecedented increase in antisemitism on our continent, not seen since the Second World War. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the alarming rise in violent antisemitic incidents, Holocaust denial and distortion, as well as conspiracy theories and prejudice against Jews. More than ever, it is crucial that we uphold our responsibility to honour the victims of the Holocaust. We are determined to combat antisemitism and to protect and foster Jewish life in Europe. We denounce all forms of discrimination, intolerance, racism, and xenophobia, and will take decisive action to address these threats to democratic societies. Respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, including the freedoms of expression and religion or belief, as well as the rights of persons belonging to minorities, must and will guide our actions at all times, in line with the values upon which our European Union is founded, and which are common to us all. Never again is now.

● Council of the EU

Career opportunities at the General Secretariat, 27/01/2025   Temporary agent (AD 6) – Ergonomist Reference: CONS/1/2025/TA-AD/ORG.5.D.S1 Closing date for applications: 21/02/2025 at 12:00 noon (CET) ● Council of the EU   27/01/2025 12:46 | Press release | Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: Council extends economic restrictive measures for a further 6 months   The Council today renewed the EU restrictive measures in view of the Russian Federation’s continuing actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine for a further 6 months, until 31 July 2025. These economic measures, first introduced in 2014, were significantly expanded since February 2022 in response to Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and illegal military aggression against Ukraine. They currently consist of a broad spectrum of sectoral measures, including restrictions on trade, finance, energy, technology and dual-use goods, industry, transport and luxury goods. They also cover: a ban on the import or transfer of seaborne crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russia to the EU, a de-SWIFTing of several Russian banks and the suspension of the broadcasting activities and licenses in the European Union of several Kremlin-backed disinformation outlets. Additionally, specific measures enable the EU to counter sanctions circumvention. As long as the illegal actions by the Russian Federation continue to violate fundamental rules of international law, including, in particular, the prohibition on the use of force, it is appropriate to maintain in force all the measures imposed by the EU and to take additional measures, if necessary. Background On 31 July 2014, the Council adopted Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine. In addition to the economic sanctions on the Russian Federation, the EU has in place different types of measures in response to Russia’s destabilising actions against Ukraine. These include: restrictions on economic relations with the illegally annexed Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as well as the non-government controlled areas of Ukraine in the oblasts of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia; individual restrictive measures (asset freezes and travel restrictions) on a broad range of individuals and entities, and diplomatic measures. Since 24 February 2022, the EU has adopted 15 unprecedented and hard-hitting packages of sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In its conclusions dated 19 December 2024, the European Council reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter, and reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. It also reconfirmed 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. Consolidated text: Council Decision 2014/512/CFSP of 31 July 2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024 EU sanctions against Russia (background information) EU response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine (background information)

Press material Monday, 27 January 2025

● Council of the EU   27/01/2025 12:57 | Press release | Georgia: Council suspends visa-free travel for diplomats and officials   Today, the Council decided to suspend parts of the EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement. This may lead to Georgian diplomats and officials having to apply for visa when travelling to the EU. “Fundamental rights and democratic values are core principles of EU integration. Officials that represent a country which trample down these values should not benefit from easier access to the EU.” — Tomasz Siemoniak, Polish Minister of the Interior and Administration For travels to a member state which has reintroduced visa requirements, Georgian diplomats and officials will also no longer benefit from shorter application times, lower visa fees, and the possibility to submit fewer supporting documents. Democratic backsliding and repression The decision is a reaction to the adoption last year by Georgia of a 'Law on transparency of foreign influence' and a legislative package on “family values and protection of minors”. The EU considers that these legislations undermine the fundamental rights of the Georgian people, including the freedom of association and expression, the right to privacy, the right to participate in public affairs, and increases stigmatisation and discrimination. The actions taken by Georgia breach the fundamental principles on which the facilitation agreement was concluded and go against the interests of the EU and its member states. The proposal is also a response to violent repression by the Georgian authorities against peaceful protesters, politicians and independent media, which started after the government announced on 28 November 2024 to no longer pursue the opening of negotiations with the EU until 2028. Affected persons The visa facilitation agreement will be suspended for the following categories: members of Georgia’s official delegations who participate in official meetings and other events held in the territory of an EU country by intergovernmental organisations members of Georgia’s national and regional Governments and Parliaments, Georgia’s Constitutional Court and Supreme Court holders of diplomatic passports Georgian nationals who are holders of ordinary passports will continue to benefit from the visa exemption when travelling to the EU for short stays. Background The agreement between the EU and Georgia on the facilitation of the issuance of visas entered into force on 1 March 2011. It intended to smoothen the issuance of visas to Georgian citizens for stays in the EU of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. The agreement contains a clause that allows each party to “suspend in whole or in part this agreement for reasons of public order, protection of national security or protection of public health”. On 1 March 2017 the Council and the European Parliament adopted a regulation to wholly exempt Georgian nationals from the requirement to be in possession of a visa when travelling to the EU. Next steps Once the partial suspension enters into force – and because Georgian citizens are exempted from the visa requirement – member states can decide to adopt national measures to apply the visa requirement for holders of diplomatic, service/official passports and special passports. Strengthening the EU’s external borders (background information)

● Council of the EU

27/01/2025 15:05 | Media advisory | Media advisory - General Affairs Council of 28 January 2025   Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Place: Europa building, Brussels Chair: Adam Szłapka, Minister for the European Union  from 09.00 Arrivals (live streaming) +/- 09.30 Doorstep by Adam Szłapka (live streaming) +/- 10.00 Beginning of the General Affairs Council Adoption of the agenda Approval of "A" items: Legislative list Non-legislative list (public session) +/- 10.05 Priorities of the Polish Presidency (public session) Annual rule of law dialogue: country-specific discussion Any other business At the end of the meeting (+/- 13.30) press conference in live streaming from Justus Lipsius press room. Videos and photos from the event

Council of the EU

27/01/2025 11:15 | Press release | Frontex: EU to sign cooperation agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina   The Council has today adopted a decision that allows the EU to sign an agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina on operational activities being carried out by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). The agreement will allow the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina to organise joint operations involving Frontex border guards and border guards from Bosnia and Herzegovina. It also means that Frontex border management teams can be deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and will allow Frontex to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in managing migratory flows, countering illegal immigration and tackling cross-border crime. Background In order to fulfil its tasks, Frontex may carry out actions related to EU border management on the territory of a third country – subject to the agreement of that country. Since the adoption of a new European Border and Coast Guard Agency regulation in 2019, Frontex staff may exercise executive powers in a third country, such as border checks and registration of persons. In 2022, the Council authorised the opening of negotiations with four Western Balkan partners on Frontex cooperation. Since then, the EU has signed border management cooperation agreements with Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro. Next steps Once the European Parliament has given its consent to the agreement it can be finally concluded by the Council. Strengthening the EU’s external borders (background information) ● Council of the EU   27/01/2025 14:30 | Press release | United Nations Human Rights Fora: Council approves EU priorities for 2025   The Council today approved conclusions on the priorities of the European Union in United Nations Human Rights fora in 2025. The message from the conclusions is clear: the EU is committed to the universal respect of human rights for everyone, everywhere. For laws and norms to be stronger than conflict, everyone must commit to multilateralism and the international order, based on the United Nations. In this endeavour the EU will continue to cooperate with all regions of the world, and enhance cooperation with like-minded countries. The EU will continue to strongly respect, protect and promote human rights as a priority of its external action, using every opportunity in international fora to this end. The EU pays special attention to ensuring accountability, and fully supporting the International Criminal Court. It will also focus on the equality agenda, scaling up efforts towards gender equality. The EU will continue its work to end and prevent further human rights violations around the world. Our priorities include the Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, especially Gaza. The EU will also speak up on all serious human rights situations, and take up a number of initiatives in international fora. Council conclusions on EU priorities at UN human rights fora are approved on a yearly basis. Council Conclusions on EU priorities in UN Human Rights Fora in 2025 United Nations Human Rights Fora: Council approves EU priorities (press release, 22 January 2024) Protection and Promotion of Human Rights (background information) ● European Council   27/01/2025 17:44 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Informal EU leaders' retreat of 3 February 2025   The press briefing ahead of the Informal EU leaders' retreat of 3 February 2025 will take place on Thursday 30 January 2025 at 14.30.  This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists or journalists accredited for the summits 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 form to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Deadline for registration: Thursday 30 January 2025 at 13.30 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. ● Council of the EU   27/01/2025 17:06 | Press release | Cyber-attacks: three individuals added to EU sanctions list for malicious cyber activities against Estonia   The Council today adopted additional restrictive measures against three Russian individuals responsible for a series of cyberattacks carried out against the Republic of Estonia in 2020. The individuals listed are officers of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU) Unit 29155. The cyber-attacks granted attackers unauthorized access to classified information and sensitive data stored within several government ministries, —including Economic Affairs and Communications, Social Affairs, and Foreign Affairs—leading to the theft of thousands of confidential documents. These documents included business secrets, health records, and other critical information compromising the security of the affected institutions. Unit 29155 is also responsible for conducting cyber-attacks against other EU member states and partners, notably Ukraine. The covert unit, known for its involvement in foreign assassinations and destabilisation activities such as bombings and cyber-attacks across Europe, and some of its military personnel active in Ukraine, Western Europe and Africa, was also sanctioned last year under the new sanction regime in view of Russia’s destabilising activities. With today’s listings, the EU horizontal cyber sanctions regime now applies to 17 individuals and 4 entities. It includes an asset freeze and a travel ban, and the prohibition for EU persons and entities to make funds available to those listed. This decision confirms the willingness of the EU and its member states to provide a strong and sustained response to persistent malicious cyber activities targeting the EU, its member states and partners. The EU and its member states will continue to cooperate with our international partners to promote an open, free, stable and secure cyberspace. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Background In June 2017, the EU established a Framework for a Joint EU Diplomatic Response to Malicious Cyber Activities (the "Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox"). The framework allows the EU and its member states to use all CFSP measures, including restrictive measures if necessary, to prevent, discourage, deter and respond to malicious cyber activities targeting the integrity and security of the EU and its member states. The EU framework for restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the EU and its member states was set up in May 2019. On May 21st, 2024, the Council approved conclusions on the future of cybersecurity aiming to provide guidance and setting the principles towards building a more cyber secure and more resilient EU.On June 24, 2024, the European Union added six individuals to its sanctions list due to their involvement in malicious cyber activities, specifically cyberattacks targeting EU member states and Ukraine. These individuals were linked to harmful actions that threatened the security and stability of the region. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans. In parallel, on October 8th, 2024, the Council established a new framework for restrictive measures in response to Russia’s destabilising actions abroad. This framework allows the EU to target individuals and entities engaged in actions and policies, including cyber-attacks, by the government of the Russian Federation, which undermine the fundamental values of the EU and its member states, their security, independence and integrity, as well as those of international organisations and third countries. In its most recent conclusions of 19 December 2024, the European Council strongly condemned 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. Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/171 of 27 January 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2019/797 concerning restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the Union or its Member States (including the details of the individuals sanctioned today) Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/173 of 27 January 2025 implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/796 concerning restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the Union or its Member States (including the details of the individuals sanctioned today) European Council Conclusions (19 December 2024) Cybersecurity: Council approves conclusions for a more cyber secure and resilient Union (press release, 21 May 2024) Cybersecurity: How the EU tackles Cyber Threads (background information) Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/797 of 17 May 2019 concerning restrictive measures against cyber-attacks threatening the Union or its Member States (consolidated text dated 24 June 2024)   ● Council of the EU   27/01/2025 15:57 | Media advisory | Media advisory - General Affairs Council of 28 January 2025   Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Place: Europa building, Brussels Chair: Adam Szłapka, Minister for the European Union  from 09.00 Arrivals (live streaming) +/- 09.30 Doorstep by Adam Szłapka (live streaming) +/- 10.00 Beginning of the General Affairs Council Adoption of the agenda Approval of "A" items: Non-legislative +/- 10.05 Priorities of the Polish Presidency (public session) Annual rule of law dialogue: country-specific discussion Any other business At the end of the meeting (+/- 13.30) press conference in live streaming from Justus Lipsius press room. Videos and photos from the event ● Council of the EU   27/01/2025 15:18 | Press release | Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue: EU appoints a new Special Representative   The Council today appointed Mr. Peter Sørensen as EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. The tasks of the new EU Special Representative will be to facilitate the dialogue that will contribute to a comprehensive normalisation of the relations between Serbia and Kosovo* and in particular the implementation of the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex adopted in February and March 2023. Mr. Sørensen will take up his duties on 1st February 2025, with an initial mandate of 13 months. Mr. Sørensen is a Danish diplomat with extensive experience, including from the Western Balkans’ region. He served from 2011-2014 as EU Special Representative/Head of Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and has additionally held positions as EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation in Skopje and Head of Delegation in Geneva. In the latter, Mr Sørensen represented the EU to United Nations organisation in Geneva, including as Union’s representative to the UN Human Rights Council. EU Special Representatives promote the EU's policies and interests in certain regions and countries as well as issues of particular concern or interest for the EU. They play an active role in efforts to consolidate reforms, stability and the rule of law. The first EU Special Representatives were appointed in 1996. Currently, eleven EUSRs support the work of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. * This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. Peter Sørensen – CV EU Special Representatives (EEAS website)   ● Council of the EU   28/01/2025 14:49 | Meetings | Main results - General Affairs Council, 28 January 2025   The Polish presidency presented its priorities and ministers held an exchange of views on the rule of law situation in Hungary, Portugal, Romania, and Slovenia.