French presidency of the Council of the EU,update

 

02/03/2022 00:00 | Article Informal Meeting of Ministers for the Agriculture and Fisheries EU agriculture ministers will convene an informal video conference on 2 March to discuss the market situation for agri-food products in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. EU agriculture ministers will convene an informal video conference on 2 March to discuss the market situation for agri-food products in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In order to read this content from Twitter, please review and agree to our privacy policy and use of cookies I accept Agri-food market situation The invasion of Ukraine risks disrupting global markets for agricultural products and commodities needed for agricultural production such as energy and fertilisers. Since the beginning of the conflict, there has already been a sharp increase in world prices. This is further affecting the markets, which have recently experienced historically high prices for key commodities. The aim of the informal video conference is to: share information and forecasts on supply and prices identify issues requiring particular vigilance consider actions to be taken both internally and in terms of international cooperation Ministers will also discuss food supply and security for the Ukrainian people. Find out more 02/03/2022 00:00 | Article Informal Meeting of Ministers for the Economy and Finance EU economy and finance ministers will meet on 2 March via video conference to discuss the economic and financial consequences of the situation in Ukraine, following Russia's unprovoked and unjustified military invasion. Informal Meeting of Ministers for the Economy and Finance Share Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Published on 2 March 2022 EU economy and finance ministers will meet on 2 March via video conference to discuss the economic and financial consequences of the situation in Ukraine, following Russia's unprovoked and unjustified military invasion. In order to read this content from Twitter, please review and agree to our privacy policy and use of cookies I accept Find out more

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION latest

 

Meetings Monday 28 February 2022

● Council of the EU   28/02/2022 22:49 | MEETING | Main results - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 28 February 2022   EU energy ministers addressed an extraordinary Council meeting to discuss the energy situation in Europe following the crisis in Ukraine. Council of the EU Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), 28 February 2022 Main results EU energy ministers met today in Brussels to exchange views on the energy situation in Ukraine and Europe following the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression by the Russian Federation. Support for Ukraine and the energy situation in Europe Russian military action in Ukraine is causing major damage to the country's energy capacities. Energy ministers have said that they are willing and ready to provide assistance to Ukraine in this regard. Moreover, these military operations are leading to an increase in gas prices in the EU as well as in international oil prices. This is taking place in a more general context of a rebound in energy prices both in Europe and worldwide since 2021. The European Council, meeting on 24 February 2022, called for work to be taken forward at all levels, and invited the Commission, in particular, to put forward contingency measures, including on energy. Consequently, the Council presidency considered it essential to swiftly take forward discussions on preparedness and contingency measures at all levels in the energy sector in Europe, as well as on all the options for responding to Ukraine’s requests for support, such as the synchronisation of Ukraine’s electricity network with the Union network. In this unprecedented context of military operations on the EU’s doorstep, we need to take action in three areas in the short term: we must provide practical support for Ukraine, strengthen the resilience of the European energy system, and manage future trends in energy prices. However, even if Russia were to halt its exports - something which is not on the agenda at present - there would be no immediate risk to the security of supply in the European Union. On the other hand, it is more important than ever to accelerate the green transition, in order to achieve our goals of Europe’s energy independence and climate neutrality.Barbara Pompili, French Minister for the Ecological Transition Ministers shared their proposals for providing further assistance to the Ukrainian Government, in particular in consolidating the operation of its electricity network, ensuring that the network is synchronised with that of the Union and providing assistance and energy resources. In January 2022, the Council agreed to provide EUR 1.2 billion in assistance to Ukraine in the form of loans to promote stability in the country. Ministers also stated that they were prepared to take action at national level to provide Ukraine with additional financial or material assistance. During the discussions, energy ministers presented their views on the situation and on the current state of energy supplies, stocks and flows in their respective countries. The Member States and the Commission agreed that the European Union was not immediately at risk in terms of supplies of gas or fuel, even in the event of a disruption in the supply of Russian gas. Moreover, the Commission and the Member States are coordinating the European Union's contribution to any action in terms of oil supply, in particular in the context of the International Energy Agency. Furthermore, Member States are prepared to mobilise strategic stocks if the situation regarding oil supplies or prices evolves in such a way that it becomes necessary. Ministers expressed their views on the need for contingency measures, including on securing supply, optimised stock management and better coordination between the Member States. These measures were to be supplemented by a joint action aiming to increase energy imports from regions other than Russia. The Member States will continue to monitor the situation closely, in close coordination with the Commission, in order to be able to act swiftly if necessary. They will also strengthen their contacts with international partners, with a view to stabilising energy flows and prices. In light of the latest developments, ministers expressed their views on options for limiting the impact of prices on households and industries. Many Member States have already adopted measures at national level, including tax and tariff measures, to protect the most vulnerable consumers. They consider that the ‘toolbox’ proposed by the Commission in October 2021 provided a useful European framework for coordinating national measures. Ministers await the new Commission communication, which should include new developments to keep energy prices under control in this unprecedented crisis context. Lastly, ministers underlined the importance of the European Green Deal and the 'Fit for 55' legislative package to reduce the Union's hydrocarbon dependency. Presidency Summary European Council conclusions, 24 February 2022 Commission communication on energy prices Energy prices (background information) Clean energy: fuelling the transition to a low-carbon economy (background information) On 1 March 2022, in Rouen, the French Presidency of the Council of the EU will bring together: the 27 EU ministers responsible for cohesion policy; E… 25/02/2022 14:00 | Article Informal Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Cohesion Policy

 

25/02/2022 14:00 | Article Informal Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Cohesion Policy On 1 March 2022, in Rouen, the French Presidency of the Council of the EU will bring together: the 27 EU ministers responsible for cohesion policy; European Commissioner Elisa Ferreira; the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas; the Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Regional Development, Younous Omarjee; and the President of the Section for Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion of the European Economic and Social Committee, Stefano Palmieri. In the context of recovery of European economies, which have been hard hit by the public health and economic crisis, the Commission’s Eighth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion will form the basis for discussions.

Rouen© Adobestock


On 1 March 2022, in Rouen, the French Presidency of the Council of the EU will bring together: the 27 EU ministers responsible for cohesion policy; European Commissioner Elisa Ferreira; the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas; the Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Regional Development, Younous Omarjee; and the President of the Section for Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion of the European Economic and Social Committee, Stefano Palmieri. In the context of recovery of European economies, which have been hard hit by the public health and economic crisis, the Commission’s Eighth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion will form the basis for discussions.

Cohesion policy for harmonious and adapted development of European regions

The European Union consists of 27 Member States and 242 regions with economic and social disparities. The economic, social and territorial cohesion policy aims to bridge the wealth and development gaps between the EU regions, by investing in growth and employment. Through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Just Transition Fund (JTF), the policy finances research and development, digital technology, SME development and ecological transition projects, as well as actions promoting employment, training and social inclusion, all while adapting to the specificities of each region, particularly overseas territories.

As such, thousands of projects throughout Europe are supported by this policy, in the aim of facing common challenges, namely, the major environmental, technological and demographic transitions. These projects are led by a wide variety of stakeholders, companies, public bodies and associations. A symbol of solidarity, the EU’s cohesion policy promotes the harmonious development of the Member States and regions.
The Commission’s Eighth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion as the guiding theme of the meeting

The publication of the Commission’s Eighth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion has brought to light the state of cohesion within the EU. It starkly highlights the impact of the crisis on local economies and provides an overview of the progress achieved over the last few years relative to cohesion, the role of European structural funds and the effects of other EU policies in the regions.

The OECD’s analysis of the optimisation of public investment in other regions of the world, reaching the same conclusions, will guide discussions on the type of public investment to be mobilised to address European and global challenges.

The ministers will therefore be encouraged to establish a basis for future priorities and long-term objectives concerning a policy that aims for a greener, more innovative and inclusive society.
For better consideration of territorial disparities

In order to meet forthcoming challenges in the best way, citizen support remains vital. This gives rise to the question of their trust in institutions.

In this respect, particular attention must be paid to the problem of growing territorial disparities, especially those of rural areas. The discussions will include proposed solutions to draw citizens closer to the European project.

 

22/02/2022 18:00 | Article Special informal meeting of EU foreign ministers on the situation in Ukraine Press conference with Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs  and Josep Borell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy following the special informal meeting of EU foreign ministers on the situation in Ukraine. Special informal meeting of EU foreign ministers on the situation in Ukraine Share Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Published on 22 February 2022 Press conference with Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs and Josep Borell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy following the special informal meeting of EU foreign ministers on the situation in Ukraine.

 

18/02/2022 12:00 | Article Informal Meeting of Transport Ministers Hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, the transport sector is at the crossroads of major environmental, economic and social challenges. At this informal meeting on 21 and 22 February 2022, the European transport ministers will discuss the available means of action to decarbonise the road transport sector, stimulate innovation in the sector, improve working conditions to increase the attractiveness of transport jobs and support the shift towards more sustainable modes of transport. The meeting will be attended by the European Commissioner for Transport, Adina-Ioana Vălean, and the Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism, Karima Delli.

Informal Meeting of Transport Ministers


Published on 18 February 2022
French high speed train© Arnaud Bouissou / Terra


Hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, the transport sector is at the crossroads of major environmental, economic and social challenges. At this informal meeting on 21 and 22 February 2022, the European transport ministers will discuss the available means of action to decarbonise the road transport sector, stimulate innovation in the sector, improve working conditions to increase the attractiveness of transport jobs and support the shift towards more sustainable modes of transport. The meeting will be attended by the European Commissioner for Transport, Adina-Ioana Vălean, and the Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism, Karima Delli.


The COVID-19 crisis placed a heavy strain on the use and financial balance of all forms of transport on a local and global scale. These tensions have been long-lasting in some cases and require the EU Member States to adopt measures in response.
Innovating for the transition

The transport sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. Decarbonising the sector is essential in order to reach the goals for climate neutrality by 2050. Support for the development of innovative technologies in a harmonised regulatory framework must enable the implementation of effective, inclusive and sustainable transport systems. The ministers will discuss the regulatory provisions needed to encourage innovation in these areas, as well as the measures to be taken to facilitate implementing smart transport systems on a large scale, particularly based on automated and connected vehicles.
Decarbonising the road transport sector

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION update

Meetings
Thursday 17 February 2022

● Council of the EU

17/02/2022 10:06 | MEETING |

Agenda highlights - Competitiveness Council - Internal market and industry, 24 February 2022

Ministers responsible for the internal market and industry will meet in Brussels to discuss foreign subsidies and mobility ecosystems. The European Chips Act and the standardisation strategy are also on the agenda.

Council of the EU
Competitiveness Council - Internal market and industry, 24 February 2022

Agenda highlights

Corporate sustainability reporting

Ministers responsible for the internal market and industry will discuss the directive as regards corporate sustainability regulation (CSRD) and are expected to agree on a general approach on the file.

The CSRD proposal requires companies to publish detailed information on sustainability matters such as the environment and social rights. It also extends and strengthens existing rules on non-financial reporting.

Foreign subsidies

Ministers will hold a policy debate on the regulation on foreign subsidies distorting the internal market. The regulation addresses the potential distortive effects of foreign subsidies in the single market and that harm the level playing field.
Proposal for a regulation on foreign subsidies distorting the single market
Presidency note on the foreign subsidies regulation
Mobility ecosystems and the green transition

The industrial mobility ecosystem is of particular importance to European economies and employment, but is facing difficulties such as the current semiconductor shortage.

Ministers will discuss the role the Competitiveness Council can play in the green transition, with a particular focus on the industrial mobility ecosystem. They will address challenges and needs to support the transition of the mobility ecosystem.
Presidency note on industrial mobility ecosystems
Industrial policy (background information): A recovery plan for Europe - Consilium (europa.eu)
European Chips Act

Also on the agenda is an information point by the European Commission on the European Chips Act, which was presented on 8 February. The proposal aims to ensure EU security of supply, resilience and technological sovereignty in the field of semiconductor applications and technologies.
Regulation establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe's semiconductor ecosystem (European Commission)
Other matters

Any other business will include information provided by the presidency on the common charger proposal and on raw materials. The European Commission will provide information on several matters, such as the Standardisation Strategy, the annual single market report, and sustainable corporate governance.

Meeting information
Meeting n°3849
24 February 2022
Preparatory documents
Provisional agenda
Provisional list of A items



President Macron delivered an address today, Wednesday, 16 February 2022 in Toulouse, in which he outlined his vision for French and European space strategy, during an informal Competitiveness Council meeting on space, which brought together European Ministers responsible for Space and the European Commission, and a European Space Agency (ESA) Ministerial Council meeting, which were both chaired by Bruno Le Maire, Minister for the Economy, Finance and the Recovery.

These two meetings covered four major issues surrounding the development of European space policy:
European Commission projects related to implementing an EU constellation for connectivity and defining common rules governing space traffic management
EU roadmap regarding Earth and climate observation from space
Europe’s objectives in terms of science and space exploration

During his speech, President Macron stressed that space is an essential component of Europe’s sovereignty, in spheres such as communications, Earth observation, climate change monitoring and navigation. He praised the EU’s many strengths, as exemplified by the Galileo and Copernicus programmes, which now have billions of daily users. At a time when several countries have manifested their intention to send human missions to the Moon and Mars, President Macron has called on Europe to define its space ambitions.

Joining this effort, President Macron announced the creation of an expert group tasked with analysing attainable options and putting forward recommendations to Member States.

1) Informal Competitiveness Council meeting of European Ministers responsible for Space

Back in November 2021 Member States had agreed that action needed to be taken in the area of space traffic management. During the informal meeting held today, they agreed to work over the coming months on tangible proposals to improve space traffic management. The objective is twofold: increase Europe’s operational capacities and put forward common rules at EU level that will subsequently be advocated at international level.

EU Member States also welcomed the Commission’s proposal for a regulation on the governance and financing of the Union Secure Connectivity Programme, which it presented on Tuesday, 15 February 2022. They affirmed Europe’s political objective of equipping Europe with connectivity capabilities through autonomous satellites, at a time when similar projects are gaining traction abroad and the frequencies and orbits necessary for carrying out such projects are scarce resources. Emphasis was put on the need to do more work to spell out the objectives, requirements, governance and financing of these initiatives.

Taking into account these priorities, the French Presidency will continue the work undertaken within the bodies of the Council of the European Union to set out, along with Member States, the details of this new constellation for secure connectivity as part of a regulation.


2) ESA Ministerial Council meeting

During the ESA Ministerial Council meeting, ESA Member States reaffirmed the need to define the future direction of European space exploration policy. The proposal to create an EU expert group tasked with advising on possible options in terms of space exploration and human spaceflight was hailed. The work will be presented to Ministers responsible for Space during upcoming ministerial meetings in 2022 and 2023.

Lastly, the Ministers agreed on the need to fast track the deployment of space resources in order to monitor and fight climate change.

3) France 2030

President Macron reiterated the fact that the “France 2030” long-term investment plan will earmark €1.5bn for the emergence, within five years, of a French reusable launcher, New Space stakeholders and the constellation for secure connectivity. Bruno Le Maire made a point during the space summit in Toulouse to give a progress update on the space objectives contained in the “France 2030” plan. After the launch of an initial call for projects to fund micro- and mini-launchers in December 2021, it was announced that new calls for projects will be presented in the coming weeks to support the development of initiatives in such areas as in-orbit services, space surveillance and connectivity constellations. These calls for projects could be rounded out by public procurement support provided by the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) on behalf of the French government, so as to meet the needs of EU businesses and become a long-term player in the global space landscape.

The implementation of the space component of the “France 2030” plan is fully under way, driven by an especially thriving and ambitious industrial base, and a strategic vision supported at the highest level of the French government.

Today we reached an agreement with other Member States on the need to provide Europe with the resources to create a constellation for autonomous connectivity. This is a great step forward and a major act of sovereignty. What is more, we set the framework under which the satellite constellation must be envisioned: economic profitability must be guaranteed, SMEs will need to be brought to the fore and the constellation should not take away from other EU space projects. Governments, engineers, astronauts, industrialists: all of us are united in maintaining Europe’s status as a space power.— Bruno Le Maire, Minister for the Economy, Finance and the Recovery

 

15/02/2022 20:00 | Press releases Driving forward support for reskilling in light of the digital and ecological transitions Under the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Élisabeth Borne, the French Minister of Labour, Employment and Economic Inclusion, was joined in Bordeaux by the European labour and social affairs ministers and Nicolas Schmit, the European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, for an informal Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) Council meeting dedicated to the impact of the digital and ecological transitions on the labour market. With European social partners, MEPs and representatives of civil society and international organisations in attendance, the European ministers agreed on the importance of investing in skills, supporting career transitions and strengthening social dialogue in light of these changes. Under the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Élisabeth Borne, the French Minister of Labour, Employment and Economic Inclusion, was joined in Bordeaux by the European labour and social affairs ministers and Nicolas Schmit, the European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, for an informal Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) Council meeting dedicated to the impact of the digital and ecological transitions on the labour market. With European social partners, MEPs and representatives of civil society and international organisations in attendance, the European ministers agreed on the importance of investing in skills, supporting career transitions and strengthening social dialogue in light of these changes. The digital and ecological transitions entail profound shifts in the labour market with jobs being created while others disappear or evolve. Due to these shifts, not only do businesses have a need for new skills, but there is also a need to support reskilling for salaried employees whose jobs are jeopardised. It is therefore vital that the EU Member States make investments enabling the adaptation of employees’ skills in order to protect jobs while strengthening social dialogue, which is essential given the shifts under way in businesses and the labour market. Investing in skills to provide training for professions of the future and anticipate needs The ministers agreed on the importance of investing in skills in Europe in order to identify and anticipate training needs for jobs of the future, in terms of both initial training for young people and reskilling for adults. They discussed how to mobilise European funds and to strengthen the European framework in this area. The EU has already taken initiatives to support these transformations, namely through the European Skills Agenda presented by the European Commission in July 2020. In light of this, the investment made by the EU in supporting training measures is also essential, and takes the form of a range of programmes, namely the European Social Fund +, the Just Transition Fund, the InvestEU Programme and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund. The Recovery and Resilience Facility funding can also support measures to address the training challenges resulting from the digital and ecological transition. Supporting career transitions for workers The ministers also agreed on the necessity of putting in place measures to support career transitions to enable workers impacted by these changes to adapt their skills or find new employment. They underscored the importance of providing security for workers pursuing training or undergoing transitions in this context. The ministers discussed the initiatives already in place at national level and the most effective way of implementing them. They also spoke about the coordination of these initiatives with European funding and how to strengthen European action in this field. The Action Plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights includes several initiatives that aim to address this issue. In December 2021, the Commission presented three proposals for recommendations that particularly concern the challenges of supporting occupational transitions: a recommendation on individual learning accounts, a recommendation on micro-credentials for skills and a cross-cutting recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality. European funding, in particular through the Just Transition Fund and the European Social Fund +, can provide support to the workers and regions most affected by the green transition, by financing training, re-qualification and economic diversification. Lastly, the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund aims to offer urgent assistance to workers displaced due to large-scale structural changes, and to support them in finding new employment. The Recovery and Resilience Facility can also provide funding in this context. Strengthening European and national social dialogue The partners agreed on strengthening social dialogue in Europe and in each Member State on issues concerning the ecological and digital transitions. They agreed to initiate discussion on how to improve social partnerships and encourage social dialogue at all levels (European, national, local and in specific sectors) in response to the changes under way. At European level, the political framework of social dialogue is defined in the European Pillar of Social Rights, which specifies that the social partners must be consulted on the design of economic and social policies, and encouraged to reach collective agreements. As part of the plan to implement the Pillar of Social Rights, the Commission will present an initiative in the second half of 2022 designed to support social dialogue at EU and national level, particularly in relation to the ecological and digital transitions. The changes under way in our societies, whether related to the digital revolution or the climate, are sources of concern for our fellow citizens. The role of each Member State and of the European Union must be to protect jobs and ensure that each European will always have their place in society. This is why it is imperative to invest in initial and ongoing training and reskilling, as the EU and many Member States are doing, and to fully recognise the importance of social dialogue in response to these transformations. This is a key issue for the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union and is essential to build Europe’s future growth.— Élisabeth Borne, Ministry of Labour, Employment and Economic Inclusion The challenges we face are enormous. However, the recovery provides us the opportunity to promote a more equitable and inclusive labour market. The Skills Agenda aims to make the right to training and lifelong learning inscribed in the European foundation for social rights a reality throughout Europe. The Member States must put skills at the heart of their policies. If we wish for a lasting recovery as we emerge from the pandemic, we will have to strengthen investment in people and their skills. In this way, each one of us will be able to seize the new opportunities that arise in the rapidly changing labour market.— Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights More information

 

14/02/2022 12:00 | Article Informal Meeting of European Ministers Responsible for Space The informal meeting of European Ministers responsible for Space, hosted on 16 February 2022 in Toulouse, France, will cover an array of space issues, including treating space as critical connectivity infrastructure for the economy, developing common rules for space traffic, and leveraging space to fight climate change, improve scientific research and expand space exploration capabilities.

A satellite in orbit around the earth

© 3dsculptor / Stock.Adobe.com

The informal meeting of European Ministers responsible for Space, hosted on 16 February 2022 in Toulouse, France, will cover an array of space issues, including treating space as critical connectivity infrastructure for the economy, developing common rules for space traffic, and leveraging space to fight climate change, improve scientific research and expand space exploration capabilities.


This event will open in the morning with an informal meeting of the Competitiveness Council of the European Union, followed by a Ministers’ joint working lunch and a meeting of the European Space Agency (ESA) Council.
Informal Competitiveness Council meeting on space

The informal Competitiveness Council meeting on space will focus on two strategic matters: space traffic management and the European Secure Connectivity Initiative, a constellation of interconnected communication satellites intended to greatly expand internet access. Thierry Breton, EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, will present the European Commission’s ambitions in these areas.

This meeting will provide an opportunity for EU Ministers to offer their input on the Commission’s objectives. These discussions will set the tone for the next five months of the French Presidency, which is set to oversee negotiations on a draft regulation with an eye to clarifying procedures for implementing the Secure Connectivity Initiative.

The Commission’s work on space traffic management represents a first step towards adopting a European approach to setting common rules for space exploration. The French Presidency will thus work on determining a common EU position on space traffic management that ensures sustainability, safety and security, and is based on three pillars: space surveillance capabilities, standards for space activities and their promotion at global level.

In addition, the ESA will outline its goals regarding the protection of EU space assets and the Rapid and Resilient Crisis Response Accelerator, two programmes that will be instrumental in the Commission’s initiatives.
Ministers’ joint working lunch

Bringing together EU Ministers and ESA Ministers, the joint working lunch will tackle such topics as the climate and how space can contribute to climate change research, as well as space exploration, with inspiring presentations given by aerospace players, including innovative start-ups.
ESA Ministerial Council meeting

In the afternoon, the ESA Ministerial Council will assemble all ESA Member States, i.e. the 27 EU Member States plus Norway, Switzerland and the UK, as well as Canada, participating as a Cooperating State.

The Council will discuss climate change and build on the issues raised during the Ministers’ joint working lunch, such as the Space for a Green Future Accelerator, an initiative to help Europe act to mitigate climate change by harnessing data from space

Lastly, the Council will cover the role of science and space exploration: a presentation of the ESA vision and a round the table discussion will provide the latest insights into Europe’s ambitions in these realms, with a special focus on the potential for a European human spaceflight programme.

 

10/02/2022 22:00 | Press releases Informal Meeting of European Health Ministers on the Implementation of a Public Health Policy at EU Level On 10 February 2022, the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union brought together the 27 European ministers responsible for health as well as their European Free Trade Association (EFTA) counterparts in Grenoble to discuss the future of health in the European Union. The ministers reviewed the current situation regarding European cooperation in health, identified possible courses of action for enhanced cooperation in public health and discussed the relevance of building a Public Health Union at EU level.

On 10 February 2022, the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union brought together the 27 European ministers responsible for health as well as their EFTA counterparts in Grenoble to discuss the future of health in the European Union. The ministers reviewed the current situation regarding European cooperation in health, identified possible courses of action for enhanced cooperation in public health and discussed the relevance of building a Public Health Union at EU level.


Over the last two years, the Member States have demonstrated how, faced with a public health crisis of unprecedented magnitude, they are able to act quickly and in a coordinated manner both among themselves and with the EU institutions to respond to a crisis such as this one. They showed solidarity and implemented an appropriate European framework to urgently support research, development, production, access and efficient distribution of health products as well as safe and effective vaccines.

Nevertheless, the crisis also brought to light profound inequalities between Member States, which in some cases were the cause of losses, where health is concerned, for citizens in Europe as is the case elsewhere in the world. It also highlighted citizens’ desire to see the protection of their health being placed at the heart of EU policy on a more egalitarian basis.

Several initiatives led by previous presidencies have contributed to laying the foundations for enhanced EU action in public health, while respecting national competence in the matter. Thanks also to the mobilisation of the European Parliament, the Union also recently acquired a new health programme, EU4Health 2021-2027, with considerably enhanced financial backing.

However, is this European Health Union of sufficient dimensions to meet the shared challenges that we must face, such as an ageing population, climate disruption or growing public health insecurity?

Over the course of their discussions, the European health ministers identified several areas of convergence.

Firstly, while already subject to intervention by the European Union, non-communicable diseases such as rare diseases, cancer, rare chronic illnesses, the fight against antimicrobial resistance and mental health could be better tackled with stronger cooperation between the Member States and further intervention at EU level.

What’s more, the ministers agreed on the need to better take account of the impact that other EU policies have on the health of their fellow EU citizens and to ensure these policies do not have adverse effects on health.

As part of our presidency, I decided to include on the agenda of this informal ministerial meeting, a discussion on the role of public health at EU level, beyond simply the matter of health security and the immediate emergency of the COVID-19 crisis. These discussions have shown the Member States’ broad support of better taking into account citizens’ health expectations. We must ensure that their health and well-being can again be placed at the heart of EU policies, from drafting to implementation. We must strengthen our coordination and cooperation, and we must continue to work towards a European Public Health Union, in particular by identifying the areas in health in which European action can bring an objective and tangible added value for European citizens, while respecting the current distribution of competences.— Olivier Véran, Minister for Solidarity and Health


Commissioner for Health, Stella Kyriakides, reiterated the European Commission’s unwavering mobilisation in support of strengthening health in Europe and making it more resilient, more inclusive and more concrete for European citizens. She commended the French Presidency’s initiative to identify the next steps for the European Health Union and will support the discussions led by the Presidency.

Strengthening health in the European Union is fundamental and health needs to be more dynamic and more concrete. The COVID-19 pandemic undeniably demonstrated the added value the EU brings in protecting the health of European citizens. We now must be even more ambitious and even more forward-looking. The European Commission will be fully mobilised in implementing the ambition expressed today and we will work together with the French Presidency and the Trio to identify the concrete instruments and tools to deploy for the success of the European Public Health Union.— Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety

Presidency event: Informal Meeting of Agriculture Ministers

 

Press material Wednesday 9 February 2022

● Council of the EU   09/02/2022 09:19 | Press release | Presidency event: Informal Meeting of Agriculture Ministers   From 6 to 8 February 2022, Julien Denormandie, presiding over the Council meeting of ministers responsible for agriculture, brought together his European counterparts to discuss climate-friendly agriculture and forestry models. The European Union has set itself the ambitious target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The agriculture sector has a key role to play in meeting this target, involving low-carbon agriculture. From 6 to 8 February 2022, Julien Denormandie, presiding over the Council meeting of ministers responsible for agriculture, brought together his European counterparts to discuss climate-friendly agriculture and forestry models. The European Union has set itself the ambitious target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The agriculture sector has a key role to play in meeting this target, involving low-carbon agriculture. While the agricultural transition must contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this sector also offers an excellent opportunity due to agricultural land’s capacity to store carbon. Throughout the day on 7 February, the European ministers responsible for agriculture were able to see first-hand the practices used by farmers and the structures helping them implement low-carbon systems. For example, France’s proposed approach makes use of two tools: a carbon diagnosis scheme and the low-carbon label. This helped paint a clear picture of the changes to agricultural models required at farm level and the need to support farmers in these transitions. Developing markets based on carbon credits can offer the opportunity to reap the full economic benefits of these practices, which help combat climate change. At the working meeting on 8 February, participants were able to achieve a political consensus at European level concerning the role of farmers and forestry professionals in the fight against climate change. The ministers shared their experience regarding climate-friendly agricultural practices, such as planting hedgerows and ground cover, diversifying and rotating crops while integrating pulses, and implementing agroforestry and sustainable grassland management, which are associated with many environmental benefits. They also focused on specific systems such as wetlands and peatlands. They underscored the need to align these practices with agriculture’s primary goal of feeding the population. The participants also shared initiatives already in place in certain Member States and identified the conditions needed to expand these efforts. In addition to the mobilisation of public funding and in particular the CAP, a common certification framework at European level emerged as a promising avenue, provided that it reconciles robust science, ease of implementation and sufficient financial incentive. The ministers also highlighted the importance of research and experimentation, and mobilising agricultural training and advice networks to share knowledge and best practices. For Julien Denormandie, “the goal is to create political momentum for a framework at European level that is conducive to the development and acceleration of soil carbon sequestration. I hope that the French Presidency can help provide the necessary impetus to reconcile environmental value and economic value.”