Europaudvalget 2004-05 (1. samling), Udenrigsudvalget 2004-05 (1. samling), Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2004-05 (1. samling)
EUU Alm.del Bilag 79, URU Alm.del Bilag 68, UPN Alm.del Bilag 34
Offentligt
Medlemmerne af Folketingets Europaudvalgog deres stedfortrædere
Bilag1
Journalnummer400.C.2-0
KontorEUK
3. december 2004
Til underretning for Folketingets Europaudvalg vedlægges udkast til arbejds-program for luxembourgske/britiske formandskab i 2005, 15503/04.
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COUNCIL OFTHE EUROPEAN UNION
Brussels, 2 December 2004
15503/04
POLGEN 49
NOTEfrom:to:Subject:
The Luxembourg and United Kingdom DelegationsDelegationsDraft Operational Programme of the Council for 2005 submitted by tcoming Luxembourg and United Kingdom Presidencies
Delegations will find attached the Draft Operational Programme of the Council for2005 submitted by the incoming Luxembourg and United Kingdom Presidencies.
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INDEX
FUTURE FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE ..........................................................................................
THE LISBON AGENDA ....................................................................................................................
GENERAL ECONOMIC CONTEXT/POLICY COORDINATION................................................................
ACTION FORGROWTH.......................................................................................................................
STRENGTHENING COMPETITIVENESS.................................................................................................
Regulatory reform.........................................................................................................................
Innovation and enterprise.............................................................................................................
Intellectual property rights ...........................................................................................................
Research .......................................................................................................................................
Education......................................................................................................................................
DEVELOPING A GENUINE INTERNAL MARKET...................................................................................
Technical Harmonisation .............................................................................................................
Company Law ...............................................................................................................................
Financial Services.........................................................................................................................
Taxation ........................................................................................................................................
Insurance ......................................................................................................................................
Services and Professional Qualifications .....................................................................................
Consumers ....................................................................................................................................
Foodstuffs .....................................................................................................................................
Customs.........................................................................................................................................
SECTORAL POLICIES..........................................................................................................................
Electronic communications and information society....................................................................
Energy...........................................................................................................................................
Transport ......................................................................................................................................
Chemical policy ............................................................................................................................
EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL POLICY..................................................................................................
Employment ..................................................................................................................................
Social policy issues .......................................................................................................................
Health ...........................................................................................................................................
Culture, audiovisual and youth.....................................................................................................
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ENVIRONMENT..................................................................................................................................
Thematic strategies .......................................................................................................................
The four key areas of the 6th Community Environment Action Programme ................................
Environmental governance ...........................................................................................................
Environmental technologies .........................................................................................................
International meetings ..................................................................................................................
COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY/FISHERIES...................................................................
AGRICULTURE...................................................................................................................................
FISHERIES..........................................................................................................................................
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT...................................................................................................
FREEDOM, SECURITY AND JUSTICE: NEXT STEPS ..............................................................
ASYLUM AND MIGRATION.................................................................................................................
LAW ENFORCEMENT COOPERATION..................................................................................................
FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM..............................................................................................................
JUDICIAL COOPERATION....................................................................................................................
FUTURE ACCESSIONS ....................................................................................................................
ENHANCING GLOBAL STABILITY AND PROSPERITY .........................................................
CONTRIBUTING TO INTERNATIONAL SECURITY.................................................................................
ESDP.............................................................................................................................................
Counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and disarmament ..............................................................
BUILDING UP INTERNATIONAL MULTILATERAL COOPERATION........................................................
Development .................................................................................................................................
Multilateral trade policy...............................................................................................................
EXTENDING THE AREA OF PEACE AND SECURITY..............................................................................
Western Balkans ...........................................................................................................................
Neighbours....................................................................................................................................
Middle East...................................................................................................................................
DEEPENING COOPERATION WITH KEY PARTNERS..............................................................................
Transatlantic relations..................................................................................................................
Africa ............................................................................................................................................
Latin America and Caribbean ......................................................................................................
Asia ...............................................................................................................................................
THE CONSTITUTIONAL TREATY: PREPARING ENTRY INTO FORCE ............................
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Introduction22.The European Union will face several important challengesin 2005. In particular, the Union needs to make better progress in deliver-ing on the Lisbon agenda of more and better jobs, sustainable economicgrowth and greater competitiveness. The newly-adopted programme ofEU-wide justice and home affairs action will strengthen judicial and policecooperation, the Union's external borders and the fight against terrorism.The EU will also take action to strengthen stability, security and prosperityon its borders and globally. In 2005 the Union intends to reach agreementon its finances for the next seven years as well as on a set of detailed pro-posals covering main policy areas.23.Luxembourg and the UK will work closely together as suc-ceeding Presidencies to deliver the EU-wide action to meet these chal-lenges. This programme sets out the main work which the two Presiden-cies will take forward during 2005. Continuity across Presidencies is nowmore important than ever. This programme reflects the key priorities forthe three years 2004-06 already agreed by Heads of State and Governmentat the European Council in December 2003. Luxembourg and the UK willwork closely with the European Parliament, the European Commission,and the other Member States to deliver this programme.The EU's finances 2007-201324.The negotiations on the Union's financial perspectives for thenext seven years will be pursued in 2005. Building on the progressachieved under the Dutch Presidency, and in particular the principles andguidelines agreed by the European Council in December 2004, work willcontinue with the aim of reaching political agreement by June 2005 and fi-nal adoption of the detailed legislation by the end of the year.
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The Lisbon Agenda25.On the Lisbon Agenda, the two presidencies will seek tobuild on the progress achieved so far on the basis of a balanced strategycovering an economic, social and environmental dimension. 2005 willconstitute the mid-point of the Lisbon Strategy, and this will provide animportant opportunity to review progress, increase efforts across the boardto achieve the agreed goals, and to take corrective action to stay on course.26.Key to achieving that will be a more effective focus on deliv-ery. The agenda for regulating better at European level set out in this pro-gramme can make a valuable contribution to that effort, inter alia by ensur-ing that the potential impact of new legislation on competitiveness is fullyanalysed, by looking at alternatives to regulation and by reviewing andsimplifying existing laws. To meet the Lisbon objectives, the Union needsto improve openness to trade and investment, and pursue structural reform.This package can stimulate growth and productivity within the Union andcontribute to achieving the Lisbon goals including that of increasing em-ployment. This programme sets out the actions through which MemberStates and the Commission will press ahead with meeting the economic,social and environmental objectives of the Lisbon Strategy.Freedom, Security and Justice27.In 2005 the Union will begin implementing the new "HagueProgramme" which sets out key action in the area of justice and home af-fairs over the next five years. Many of the issues faced by governmentstoday, such as terrorism, asylum and immigration, and organised crime canbe tackled most effectively through increased cooperation between Mem-ber States. In particular, priority will be given to implementing the com-mitments in the counter terrorism action plan agreed by the EuropeanCouncil. The EU will also focus on working more closely with third coun-tries to deliver its objectives, particularly in the field of asylum and immi-gration. Work to strengthen the EU's external borders, and measures to
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manage migration flows better will be considered. In law enforcement, ef-fort will be given to improving the cooperation between law enforcementservices across the EU to enable them to exchange information more effec-tively, and to make full use of Europol and Eurojust. The programme alsosets out a range of civil justice measures to help Europe’s citizens accessjustice across the EU.
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Future accessions28.In 2005 the Union will continue its work intended to prepareBulgaria and Romania to join the EU in 2007. Negotiations for accessionwill also be opened with Croatia – subject to it maintaining full coopera-tion with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia –and with Turkey –subject to a positive decision by the December 2004European Council.Enhancing global stability and prosperity29.Enhancing security, stability, democracy and prosperityacross the world is the Union's global priority. The Union will act in anumber of priority areas to take this forward. Greater military and civiliancrisis management capabilities will allow the EU to contribute more effec-tively to international security and stability. It will address the root causesof insecurity in the world and use its policy instruments in a coherent andintegrated manner so as to render them fully effective and so maximise itsinfluence across the world. Security and prosperity increasingly dependon an effective multilateral system. Development challenges will be at theforefront of EU external action in 2005 with the review of the United Na-tions Millennium Development Goals in September. The Union will playa leadership role at this Conference, most of the preparation of which willtake place during the first half of the year. As part of the preparations forthis event, the Union will discuss setting new and higher ODA targets for2009/2010. There will also be the opportunity to make progress on worldtrade talks through the Doha Development Agenda in Hong Kong in De-cember, and the challenge of making a difference to Africa. The EU canhelp provide global leadership on tackling climate change. In particular,the two Presidencies will maintain the momentum towards establishing EUmid and longer term climate change strategies and targets and seek to en-sure that the EU will be able to demonstrate progress towards its Kyotocommitments.
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30.
Russia and the EU will jointly progress the four commonspaces initiative. Partnerships with neighbours to the East and South ofthe EU will be enhanced through the Union's neighbourhood policy, theBarcelona Process remaining the main framework for relations with theMediterranean region. The EU will seek to continue its dialogue and co-operation with the countries of the Middle East and the Gulf region. It re-mains committed to pursuing a resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict andto contributing to the political, economic and social reconstruction of Iraq.The EU will continue its work to bring greater stability to the WesternBalkans. 2005 will also be an opportunity for the Union to deepen its co-operation with key global partners, in particular the US and African, LatinAmerican and Caribbean and Asian partners.
The Constitutional Treaty31.Member States signed the Constitutional Treaty in Rome inOctober 2004. The ratification process for the new Treaty will be continu-ing across the EU throughout 2005. The Council will keep track of pro-gress in the process of ratification of the Constitutional Treaty in eachMember State. Preparatory work will be needed in certain areas in orderto prepare the ground for rapid implementation after ratification, althoughthere is no question of applying the provisions of the Treaty before it hasentered into force.
FUTURE FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVE32.p.m. (to be drafted in the light of the situation at the end ofthe Dutch Presidency)
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THE LISBON AGENDA33.The Lisbon Agenda put in place an overall strategy for theUnion aimed at promoting economic growth, fostering competitivenessand job creation, and advancing structural and regulatory reform, while en-suring social cohesion and environmental sustainability as defined by theGöteborg European Council. The mid-term review in 2005 offers aprominent opportunity to take stock of the results achieved so far and tostep up efforts at EU and Member State level, and where necessary to takecorrective action, to achieve the Lisbon targets (p.m. Kok Report)General economic context / policy coordination
Stability and Growth Pact34.ECOFIN will continue to discuss the review of the EU's Sta-bility and Growth Pact with the aim to conclude before mid-2005. TheCommission is expected to come forward with a proposal to implement theagreement reached in ECOFIN; there will also be ongoing implementationof Excessive Deficit Procedures regarding certain Member States.The BEPGs update35.As usual, ECOFIN will prepare, in February/March, a KeyIssues Paper to be submitted to the Spring European Council and then fur-ther elaborate a specific text for presentation to the June European Coun-cil.Statistical framework36.The Economic and Financial Committee will report toECOFIN on improvements in data quality for budget statistics and theCommission will bring forward, in accordance with the Council Conclu-sions of 3 June 2004, proposals for improving institutional framework forstatistical institutes of the Member States by June 2005.
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Action for Growth
Review and the Quick-Start List37.In accordance with paragraph 16 of the conclusions of theMarch 2004 European Council, the Council will present the review of theaction for growth and the quick-start list to the Spring European Council.Financing of the Growth Initiative38.The Council will examine the proposal on financing of theInitiative for Growth, expected for end of July.Strengthening competitiveness
39.
The two Presidencies will pursue theintegrated competi-tiveness approachwithin the context of the Lisbon agenda, in particularby addressing different horizontal initiatives aimed at fostering innovationand competitiveness. Reducing burdens on business by legislating better,reviewing and simplifying existing EU legislation and using alternatives toregulation will play an important role in strengthening competitiveness.Other important policies contributing to enhanced competitiveness, are in-novation and enterprise, research and education.
Regulatory reform40.The two Presidencies will continue to take forward the fourPresidency initiative on regulatory reform, as initiated during the IrishPresidency, including the implementation of the Interinstitutional Agree-ment on better law-making. They will seek to ensure that proposals forlegislation will be accompanied by a credible impact assessment. Theywill, further, pursue work to implement the commitments of the 2004Spring European Council and strengthen and promote the use of impactassessment for new legislation and the review of existing law and promotethe use of alternatives to regulation. This includes:
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Full implementation of the Better Regulation Action PlanThe Presidencies will work with the Commission to ensure the conti-nuing implementation of the Better Regulation Action Plan, and asses-sment of areas where further work is needed.
Review of existing legislationThe Presidencies will work to strengthen the review of existing Euro-pean legislation, taking forward the work of the Irish and Dutch Presi-dencies, which has established 15 priority areas for simplification andimplementing the Competitiveness Council's commitment to considermechanisms for identifying future priorities.
Impact assessmentDuring 2005, the Presidencies will work to support the Commission'sefforts to strengthen the competitiveness dimension of impact asses-sments process to ensure that the potential impact of new legislationon competitiveness is fully and transparently analysed.The Presidencies will promote the use of impact assessments in allCouncil formations to allow a full consideration by the Council of thesocial, economic and environmental effects of proposed measures. ThePresidencies will work towards implementation of a common Euro-pean methodology for the measurement of the administrative burdensimposed by EU legislation as soon as possible in 2005, and will facilita-te consideration of options for quantitative objectives in this area.
The economic implications of regulationWork in this area has progressed through joint work across all relevantCouncil formations and this will continue. In particular, both theECOFIN and Competitiveness Councils will continue to play an activerole, reflecting the importance of improving the regulatory frameworkto the goals of economic reform and growth.
EnforcementIn order to realise the full benefits of the internal market and of eco-nomic reform, the Presidencies will continue to work with the Com-mission to ensure full compliance with Community legislation.
Innovation and enterprise41.In this area the Council will give due consideration to thefollowing proposals/activities likely to be launched or progressed in thisarea:Innovation Action Plan
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the European Charter for Small Enterprises and EntrepreneurshipAction PlanMulti-annual programme for competitiveness of enterprises (CIP)Improving the state of the competitiveness of the Pharmaceutical In-dustryStrategy for life sciences and biotechnologyLaunch of a European Centre of Enterprise competition and of anEU Enterprise Week
Intellectual property rights42.With a view to improving theIntellectual Property regime,the two Presidencies will explore possibilities to find solutions for theCommunity patent. They will aim at final agreement on the proposal onthe patentability of computer-implemented inventions. Furthermore, theywill seek progress on copyright and related rights and on design protectionfor spare parts and the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement.
Research43.Public and private investments in all areas of the knowledgechain are key factors of competitiveness. The Presidencies will thereforeencourage concrete actions to be taken, on the basis of the Commission'sfollow-up on the 3% Action Plan in the context of the Lisbon process andmid-term review,, and promote increased investments in R&D and innova-tion and the development of human resources in science and technology, inorder to move towards the Barcelona objective.The process of establishing the European Research and Innovation Areashould maintain its momentum. Given the central role of the Seventh Euro-pean Framework Programme for Research and Development for the on-going development of the European Research and Innovation Area the Pre-sidencies will endeavour to ensure that work on the proposal starts in the firsthalf of 2005, leading to a timely launch of the future Programme.
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44.
Taking into account the EC/ESA framework agreement andthe White Paper on Space, the Presidencies' efforts will aim to contributeto the development of an overall European space policy.The Presidencies will consider the role that security-related R&D could playin promoting leading-edge technologies in the context of increasing Euro-pean competitiveness.Furthermore, the Presidencies will endeavour to ensure that the Council willtake the necessary formal decisions on the ITER international project.
Education45.The Presidencies will make every effort to reach agreementon a new programme in the field of lifelong learning (2007-2013). The re-port on education and its cultural aspects will be addressed in the frame-work of the preparation of the Spring 2005 European Council.46.The Presidencies will also continue to focus on the contribu-tion which education and training can make to the Lisbon agenda under theOpen Method of Coordination and to economic reform and social cohesionin particular. Work will begin on the preparation of a report to the 2006Spring European Council on the implementation of the detailed work pro-gramme 2010 for education and training systems agreed at Barcelona inSpring 2002.Developing a genuine internal market
47.
Developing and extending the Internal Market with a view tooptimising the free movement of goods, services, persons and capital willcontribute significantly to strengthening competition and so boosting inno-vation, enterprise and growth. The Presidencies will work to ensure thatthe Internal Market delivers on its promise, focusing on providing tangibleeconomic benefits.
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Technical Harmonisation48.The Council is expected to adopt the proposal for a Directiveon electromagnetic compatibility in early 2005. It will start work on a se-ries of proposals amending Directives concerning safety and environ-mental aspects of motor vehicles.49.Other harmonisation work will concern the proposals onmeasures to be taken against the emission of gaseous and particulate pol-lutants from compression–ignition engines for use in vehicles, the proposalconcerning the usability, recyclability and recoverability of motor vehiclesand the proposal for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers, andof systems, components and separate technical units intended for such ve-hicles.
Company Law50.Alongside the financial services work described below (CrossBorder Mergers and Transfer of Registered Office of Limited CompaniesDirectives and amendment of 8th Company Law Directive on statutoryaudit of annual accounts and consolidated accounts), the Council will ad-dress proposals for amending existing company law Directives (2nd Direc-tive on capital maintenance and 4th and 7th Directives in relation to re-sponsibility of board members, disclosure of information on intra grouptransactions and publication of annual corporate governance statement).Work will also start on the forthcoming proposal for a directive on share-holders' rights in listed companies.
Financial Services51.The two Presidencies aim to make progress on the proposalsfor directives of theFinancial Services Action Plan (FSAP):The new measures on Capital Adequacy (Recasting of the bankingDirective and third amendment of the Capital Adequacy Directive)
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Cross-Border Mergers of Companies with Share Capital DirectiveTransfer of the Registered Office of Limited Companies Directive
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In early 2005 the Commission will present its outline of thefuture integrati-on and regulationof the financial services sector following the FSAP. TheCouncil will engage with the Commission in a constructive debate to focuson the long term priorities for this sector.52.Presidencies will pursue work onnon-FSAP Initiativeswhich are either currently under negotiation or are awaited:Insurance sector: the Reinsurance Directive Codification of non-lifeinsurance directives and e-commerce in insurance and Solvency 2Company law: 8th Company Law Directive on statutory audit,Payments, clearing and settlement: the legal framework for pay-ments, a directive on clearing and settlementA special effort will be devoted to the fight against the fi-nancing of terrorism. In this respect adoption of the Third Money Laun-dering Directive, which makes special reference to terrorist financing, andthe regulation implementing special recommendation VII of the FATF onwire-transfers are key issues.
53.
TaxationValue Added Tax54.The bulk of the proposals in the VAT area aim atcompletingand modernisingthe common system of value added tax by simultane-ously adapting it to recent economic, technical and political developmentsand making it easier to operate for both the private and public sectors.Other proposals merely seek tocodify and simplifyexisting Communitylegislation.Council will seek to make progress on proposals already submitted:A.B.C.D.E.Implementing measures for the 6thVAT DirectiveRecast of the 6thVAT DirectivePlace of supply of services- business to businessReduced rates of VATOne stop shop
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and take up work on a series of forthcoming proposals:F.Place of supply of services – business to consumerG. Rationalisation of Article 27 derogationsH. Promotions and payments cardsI.Development and implementation of an appropriate mechanism on anon-discriminatory basis for charging, declaring, collecting and allo-cating tax revenues in connection with e-commerce supplies withtaxation in place of consumption (the current interim solution expir-ing on 1 July 2006).Excise Duties55.
Commission proposals in the area of excise duties seek to
codify, complete and moderniseexisting Community legislation. Workin this area will address the modification of Directive 92/12/EEC as re-gards Articles 7 to 10 and the proposal on the recast of Directive92/12/EEC, expected to be submitted at the end of 2004/beginning 2005.Direct Taxes56.
In the field of direct taxation, the Presidencies will focus on
issues relating to economic growth and the competitiveness of the internalmarket. The Presidencies will continue work on the following files:J.K.Insurance57.The Presidencies will work to secure final agreement on theproposal for a Directive relating to insurance against civil liability in re-spect of the use of motor vehicles ("5th motor insurance Directive") andstart work on proposals for Directives on Solvency Margin requirementsfor life and non-life insurance companies regarding a risk-based insurancesolvency system, proposals which are expected to be submitted in 2005.Interest and Royalties Directive,Stocktaking on implementation of the Savings Tax Directive.
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Services and Professional Qualifications58.The Council will continue its work in view of reaching anagreement on the Directive on Services in the Internal Market and reach-ing agreement with the European Parliament on the Directive on recogni-tion of professional qualifications.
Consumers59.In this area the Council will aim to achieve progress on theDirective on consumer credit and will endeavour to reach final agreementwith the European Parliament on the Directive on unfair commercial prac-tices. The Luxembourg Presidency will also explore options for the Regu-lation on sales promotion. The Council will also promote simplification ofthe Consumer Protection Acquis by supporting the Commission review inthis area.
Foodstuffs60.The Council will aim to reach an agreement on the Regula-tion on the addition of vitamins and minerals and the Regulation on nutri-tional and health claims. It will also start work on expected proposals con-cerning food additives, flavours and enzymes, as well as on nutrition label-ling.
Customs61.The Presidencies aim to reach agreement on the Regulationmodernising the Community Customs Code as well as on a Regulation oncontrols of cash movements at the external frontiers.
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Electronic communications and information society62.In 2005 efforts will be intensified to ensure that e-communications serve as a key driver of European competitiveness andstructural reform by addressinginternal market aspectsandaccompany-ing measures:ensuring the effective implementation of the regulatory frameworkfor networks and communications services;seeking agreement with the European Parliament on the Safer Inter-net Plus and eContent Plus programmes;considering a forthcoming amendment proposal concerning univer-sal services on the basis of Article 15 of the Directive on universalservices (2002/22/CE);considering a possible follow-up to the eEurope Action Plan during2005;considering the Commission report on the application of Directive97/67/CE on postal services to be submitted in accordance with Arti-cle 23 before the end of 2004;preparing the World Summit on Information Society to be held inNovember 2005;considering and acting on (as appropriate) a Report on the ElectronicCommerce Directive 2000/31/EC pursuant to Article 21.
Energy63.In 2005 work will continue on different aspects, such as in-ternal energy market, security of supply, sustainability of energy produc-tion and consumption, international dimension and nuclear issues.
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Internal energy market/security of supplyWork on the Regulation on access to gas networks as well as on theDecision on TEN-E will be finalised. In the first semester of 2005,work on the Directive on Security of Electricity supply should beconcluded. In this context, consideration will be given to the negotia-ting mandate on exchanges in electricity with Russia. Work to enhancesecurity of supply will be taken forward by re-invigorating the EU-Russia Energy Dialogue. An EU-Russia Energy Permanent Part-nership Council may take place in the second semester.
Sustainability of energy production and consumptionThe Presidencies will finalise work on the Council Directive on Eco-Design, progress work on the Directive on end-use energy efficiencyand energy services and start work on the proposal for a Directive onthe promotion of low energy and low emissions road vehicles. Envi-ronmental integration in the energy sector will be dealt with in the fra-mework of the mid-term review of the EU Sustainable DevelopmentStrategy.
Extending the Internal Energy Market to Balkan and Mediter-ranean countriesL.Euromed Energy: Consideration is being given to a ministerialconference under the UK Presidency on the occasion of the10th anniversary of the Barcelona Process.EU-South East Europe Agreement establishing an energy mar-ket: negotiations have started, conclusion of the agreementcould intervene under the UK Presidency.
M.
Nuclear energyThe Presidencies will pay due attention to safety aspects by seekingagreement on the Council Decision on Euratom accession to the (IA-EA) Joint Convention on the safe management of spent fuel and ra-dioactive waste and on Council Decision on Euratom accession to the(IAEA) Convention on early notification of a nuclear accident. ThePresidencies will continue efforts to give practical effect to the Conclu-sions on nuclear safety and the safe management of radioactive wasteand spent fuel adopted by the Council on 28 June 2004. Other aspectsto be addressed in this field concern the shipments of radioactive wa-ste, the EU-Russia Agreement and the issue of Non-proliferation.
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TransportLand Transport64.
The Council will continue work on the Third Railway pack-
age (Certification of train crews operating locomotives and trains on theCommunity's rail network, compensation in cases of non-compliance withcontractual quality requirements for rail freight services, International RailPassengers' Rights and Obligations, Development of the Community'srailways). A special attention will be paid to the Commission's evaluationof the first railway package. The Presidencies will give due attention tothe promotion of road safety and take forward work on the Commissionproposal on charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infra-structures (the 'Eurovignette' Directive). They will also begin examinationof the proposal to be submitted on public service requirements (PSRs)Aviation65.
The Presidencies will start work on new legislative proposals
to be submitted in this area, including possibly proposals on slot allocation, on extension of scope of EASA, and on access to air transport for passen-gers with reduced mobility. They will also complete, as necessary, thework of the Council on the Commission proposal in the field of air trafficcontroller licensing;66.In the field ofExternal relations,mandates for negotiationswith selected third countries other that with the US may be adopted, withina framework of templates for standard agreements. The Presidencies willsupport the Commission in its continuing negotiations with the US.Maritime transport67.The Presidencies will give due attention to achieve substan-tial progress within the expected Maritime safety proposals ("Erika III"),which will address issues such as port State control, Flag State initiative, inparticular on the maritime administration audits in the framework of IMOand EMSA, Community vessel traffic monitoring and information systemand legal instruments on liability and compensation.
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The Presidencies will seek to make progress on the revised proposal on mar-ket access to port services.Horizontal issues68.The Presidencies will examine the awaited legal instrumenton enhancing the security of the intermodal transport chain, which has tobe seen in the wider context of the Community efforts to combat globalterrorist threats.The Presidencies will continue to work on the different issues relating to theEuropean satellite radio navigation system "GALILEO". During 2005, thisproject will be in its development and validation phase covering the deve-lopment of the satellites and the system's ground components, as well as vali-dation in orbit. The Presidencies will pay special attention to security, safetyand financing issues, the international cooperation and the negotiation of theconcession contract relating to "GALILEO". Consequently, the Presidencieswill make every effort to reach agreement on the proposed regulation on de-ployment and operation.The Presidencies will also work actively towards agreement on the proposedMarco Polo II programme, as well as on the proposed Regulation determi-ning the general rules for the granting of Community financial aid for thetrans-European transport networks and energy.Chemical policy69.Building on the work conducted to date, the two Presidencieswill invest major efforts on the REACH Regulation with the aim of reach-ing political agreement by the end of 2005 based on an effective balancebetween economic, social and environmental considerations.Other issues are the Directive on certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons inextender oils and tyres (twenty-seventh amendment of Council Directi-ve 76/769/EEC) and the Directive concerning toluene and trichlorobenzene(twenty-eighth amendment of Council Directive 76/769/EEC), on which thePresidencies will seek political agreement.Employment and social policy
Employment70.In the context of the overall mid-term review and taking ac-count of the report from the Wim Kok-high level group of 2003 on work inthis area will focus on finalising the Joint Council and Commission Em-
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ployment Report 2004/2005. As usual, the EPSCO Council will prepare aKey Messages Paper to be submitted to the Spring European Council andthen further elaborate the Employment Guidelines and Recommendationsto Member States.
Social policy issues71.Separately from the initial reflections on the renewal of theSocial Policy Agenda (2006-2010), which will be of major importance,and the adoption of the first annual Joint Council/Commission report onsocial protection and social inclusion, the Presidencies will seek to makeprogress on a number of concrete proposals in various fields. Among oth-ers, the presidencies will seek agreement on the proposal to establish acommunity programme for employment and social strategy (PROGRESS).72.Onsocial security issues,the Council will examine the draftimplementing regulation regarding Regulation (EC) No 883/04 on the co-ordination of social security systems, the draft Regulation regarding themiscellaneous amendments 2004 to Regulation (EC) No 1408/71 and thedraft Regulation regarding Annex XI of Regulation (EC) No 883/04.73.In the area ofworking conditions,the Presidencies will seekagreement on the Directive amending Directive 2003/88/EC on WorkingTime in order to solve the problems created by the SIMAP and Jaegerjudgments, and will use their best endeavours to reach a settlement on theTemporary Agency Work Directive. Furthermore, the Luxembourg Presi-dency will aim to reach agreement on a proposal for a Council Directiveconcerning the implementation of the agreement reached by the Europeansocial partners on the working time of the railway personnel during thefirst semester 2005.74.In the area ofData Protection,the Presidencies will addressthe protection of workers' personal data.75.In the area ofSafety and Health at Work,the Presidencies
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will seek to ensure final adoption of the Directive regarding the exposureof workers to optical radiation and will start work on the Draft Directiveamending the Carcinogens Directive (90/394/EEC) (expected in 2005).76.As forequality and non-discrimination,the Council willstart work on the proposal for a European Gender Institute. The review ofthe Platform for Action (Beijing + 10) will be dealt with at a meeting ofthe Commission on the Status of Women in New York. During 2005 theCouncil will work with the European Parliament in considering the Direc-tive under Article 141 which merges and re-casts previous equality Direc-tives (the so-called 'Recast' Directive).
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Health77.Focus will be put on the newHealth Strategy,likely to beproposed in late 2004/early 2005. The Presidencies will also pay due at-tention todevelopments in health care,in particular toN.the work of the High Level Group on Health Services and MedicalCare set up by the Commission in response to the December 2003report on the high level process of reflection on patient mobility andhealth-care developments in the European Union;facilitating patient mobility and assessing the importance of devel-opments in the Internal Market for health systems;evaluating the EU e-health strategy which finishes in 2005 and de-termining the next steps for it;working with other Member States to develop a better understandingof the causes and effective interventions to reduce inequalities in healthoutcomes within Member States;the extension of the open method of coordination to health.The Council will continue or start work on legislative pro-posals such as the Regulations on pharmaceuticals for children and on tis-sue engineering and the revision of legislation on medical devices. In thefield of combating tobacco consumption, new proposals are awaited (to-bacco ingredients, tobacco measurement standards, tobacco health warn-ings and tobacco batch numbering and tracing) and, at the internationallevel, the first Conference of the parties to the WHO Framework Conven-tion on Tobacco Control will start negotiations on protocols to the Con-vention. The Presidencies will follow closely the revision of the Interna-tional Health Regulations (IHR). Other issues on which action may betaken are patient safety, epidemics, bioterrorism and alcohol. Finally, thePresidencies will review the area of pandemic preparedness planning andthe work of the structures involved.
O.P.
Q.78.
Culture, audiovisual and youth79.The Presidencies will make every effort to reach an agree-ment on the new generation of Culture programmes (2007-2013) and thenew generation of Media programmes (2007-2013).
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In addition, the Presidencies will seek to adopt the Recommendation on ci-nema heritage and the Recommendation on the protection of minors.
29
The Presidencies will also look to make progress on priority initiatives flo-wing from the new culture work plan, agreed during the Dutch Presidency,including those on mobility of collections, mobility of artists and the digitisa-tion of cultural heritage. Furthermore the Luxembourg Presidency will paydue attention to the issues of cultural tourism and intercultural dialogue.The Presidencies will take forward preparatory work for a review of the Tele-vision Without Frontiers Directive, which is expected to be proposed in2006, leading to an exchange of views at the Council in November 2005.In the field of youth, the Presidencies will make every effort to reach finalagreement on the new programme in the field of youth (2007-2013).Environment
In the field ofenvironment,work will concentrate on the following:Thematic strategies80.The discussion on the seven thematic strategies to be submit-ted in the framework of the 6th Community Environment Action Pro-gramme (soil protection, waste prevention and recycling, sustainable useof natural resources, sustainable use of pesticides, air quality, protectionand conservation of the marine environment, urban environment and re-lated sustainable consumption and production areas, such as IntegratedProduct Policy) will be of major importance for EU environmental policyin the coming years. The Council will ensure a more outcome-focused,strategic direction for environmental and sustainable development policy,in line with the principles of better regulation. These thematic strategiesmay include a number of both legislated and non-legislated initiatives.
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The four key areas of the 6th Community Environment Action Pro-gramme81.The Council will make every effort to reach agreement on theRegulation on a financial instrument for the environment ("LIFE +") andon the INSPIRE Directive aiming at putting in place infrastructures for theprevention and better management of potential environmental risks, in or-der to support delivery of actions under the 6thEnvironmental Action Pro-gramme.82.In the field ofclimate changethe two Presidencies willmaintain the momentum towards establishing EU mid and longer termclimate change strategies and targets and seek to ensure that the EU will beable to demonstrate progress towards its Kyoto commitments. They willmonitor the effective implementation of the emission trading system andseek to finalise work on the proposals related to fluorinated greenhousegases and take forward any Commission proposals to incorporate aviationinto the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.83.Concerningnature and biodiversitythe Council will takeforward work on biodiversity action following the expected proposalsfrom the Commission and on the Directive on humane trapping standards.84.In the area ofenvironment and health and quality of lifethe Council will finalise work on the Directive concerning the manage-ment of bathing water quality and on the Directive on sulphur content ofmarine fuels and progress work on the Regulation on Pollutant Releaseand Transfer Register, on the Directive on priority substances and emis-sions control and on the Directive concerning the protection of ground wa-ter.85.In the field ofnatural resources and waste,the Presidencieswill seek to ensure final adoption of the Regulation on shipments of waste,the Directive on batteries and accumulators and the Directive on the man-agement of waste from extractive industries.
31
Environmental governance86.The two Presidencies wish to finalise work on the Regulationto apply the Aarhus Convention to the European Community and the deci-sion to enable the Community to conclude the Convention and make pro-gress on the rest of the Aarhus package.
32
Environmental technologies87.The two Presidencies will seek to make progress on imple-mentation of the Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP), in or-der to ensure that measures taken stimulate innovation and market penetra-tion for environmental technologies and that synergies between environ-mental protection and enhanced economic competitiveness are fully ex-ploited.
International meetings88.The two Presidencies will continue to promote sustainabledevelopment at international level, by ensuring effective preparation andcoordination of international meetings throughout the year, including forthe UNEP Governing Council, the UNCSD, and the UN's High level re-view of Progress against the Millennium Declaration and the WSSD com-mitments. The annual meeting of the UN Climate Change Convention willbe particularly important because of the expected entry into force of theKyoto Protocol.
common agricultural policy/fisheriesAgriculture
CAP Reform/Markets89.The Council will continue to build on its work to make theagriculture sector competitive, sustainable and able to deliver greater pub-lic benefits from the public funding it receives.In particular, the Council will aim to agree on the reform of thesugar sector,as well as on the adapted Regulation onCAP financing.It will also seekprogress on the Regulation onorganic farming.The Council will address the adjustments to theWineregime and work to-wards finalisation of the EU-US Wine Agreement. The Council will alsoconsider the case for revising thefruit and vegetablesandflax and hempregimes and will take forward negotiations in the World Trade Organisationon modifying its concessions under GATT 1994.
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The Regulation onrural developmentwill be adopted with a view to betterintegrating environmental priorities, making agriculture more sustainable.
34
Veterinary Sector90.The Council will continue work on enhancing animal health(avian influenza, aquaculture), animal welfare (inter alia proposal concern-ing broilers) and public health (BSE and animal by-products). Work maystart on the revision of the Veterinary Fund and on Commission proposalsto revise and consolidate existing legislation on residues of veterinary me-dicinal products in foodstuffs of animal origin.Food Safety/Harmonisation91.The Council will continue to progress work on proposals forstrengthening food and feed legislation as set out in the Commission'sWhite Paper on Food Safety of January 2000. Work on food safety willinclude: a new proposal on novel foods. The issue of the coexistence ofGM crops with conventional and organic farming will continue to be ad-dressed. The Council will finalise work on maximum residue levels ofpesticides and start working on the placing of plant protection products onthe market, the recasting of feed labelling legislation, on seeds and theproposal for a Regulation on cadmium in fertilizers.Forestry92.
The Council will continue work on sustainable management
of forests by moving forward with the Action Plan on Forest Law, En-forcement, Government, Governance and Trade (FLEGT), including seek-ing agreement on the Regulation to implement a voluntary timber licensingscheme by evaluating the EU forestry strategy and by taking forward theissue of the future international arrangements on forests in the frameworkof the United Nations (UNFF V).Fisheries
93.
In the framework of the reformed CFP,the Council willcontinue efforts to bring about greater sustainability in the fisheries sector,by finalising or making progress on a series of proposals concerning con-servation measures(recovery plans and management plans),environ-mentally friendly technical conservation measures and third country fisher-
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ies agreements. On most of the previous issues,Regional AdvisoryCouncils should actively contribute to forming the opinions of theCommission and the Member States in respect of future proposals orthe implementation of Community rules.94.The Council will seek opportunities to simplify fisheries leg-islation and to improve fisheries control and inspection, including throughthe establishment of theCommunity Fisheries Control Agency.Finally,the Presidencies will make every effort to reach agreement on the newEuropean Fisheries Fund in the context of the Financial Perspective2007-2013.95.The Council will also fix theTACs and quotas for 2006,taking into account economic, social, environmental and sustainabilityconsiderations.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT96.The European Council in Göteborg in its conclusion declaredthat the sustainable development is a fundamental objective defined in thetreaties. It implies that the economic, social and environmental policies aredeveloped in a synergetic spirit. In 2005, the Commission is expected topublish its mid term review report on the Strategy.97.The Council will take any necessary follow-up action to themid-term review report on the EU Sustainable Development Strategy fromthe Commission, expected in 2005, and provide environmental input to the2005 and 2006 Spring European Councils.98.The two Presidencies will also work to integrate internationalissues into the revised EU Sustainable Development Strategy
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FREEDOM, SECURITY AND JUSTICE: nextsteps99.In 2005 work will continue on the implementation andevaluation of the Tampere agenda, and begin on the new multi-annualwork programme (the "Hague Programme") intended to make progresstowards turning the Union into a more complete area of freedom, securityand justice. In line with the Hague Programme, priority will also be givento developing a coherent external dimension of this work through en-hanced cooperation with third countries, groups of countries and regions.The Council is expected to receive proposals on the instruments for Free-dom, Security and Justice in the context of the Financial Perspective2007-2013. The two Presidencies will make every effort to reach agree-ment on these instruments.Asylum and migration
100.
Once the Directive on asylum procedures has been adopted,the legislative programme envisaged by the Treaty of Amsterdam forcommon minimum standards on asylumwill be complete. The twoPresidencies will focus on its implementation, and will consider furtherrelevant communications from the Commission. On improving access todurable solutions, work will include the development of pilot RegionalProtection Programmes and exploring Member State cooperation on reset-tlement. On a Common European Asylum System , focus will be given toevaluating the impact of measures already adopted and improving effi-ciency through a single procedure for deciding applications for interna-tional protection, taking into account the deadline set by the multiannualprogramme for the second phase of the common European asylum system,including the setting up of appropriate structures designed to facilitatepractical cooperation between asylum services.
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101.
The Council will continue to attach importance to theinte-gration of third-country nationalsin the EU on the basis of the commonbasic principles to be adopted by the Council and the representatives of thegovernments of the Member States to that end. Best practice in areas suchas language training, orientation and citizenship programmes will beshared, and an EU handbook on best practice in integration will be pre-pared. The Council will consider the Green Paper on the admission ofthird-country nationals in the Member States of the EU for employmentpurposes.
102.
The Council will also examine a proposal for a Directive onminimum standards regardingreturn policyand the mutual recognition ofexpulsion decisions.
103.
Regardingborder security,the two Presidencies will focuson practical measures to improve cross-border cooperation, strengtheningthe security and management of the external border and increasing coop-eration with the new neighbouring countries. They will help ensure thatthe new European Border Agency, which should become operational on 1May 2005, plays an effective role as soon as possible. The implementationof the programme of measures to combat illegal immigration across themaritime borders of the Member States of the European Union will be re-viewed. Work will continue on creating the legal framework for the de-velopment of the Visa Information System (VIS) and on the related issueof the inclusion of biometric identifiers in travel documents.
104.
Cooperation with third-countrieswill remain a key ele-ment in asylum and migration policy. The two Presidencies will work toensure that there is coordinated approach within the Council so that migra-tion issues are integrated into the Union's external policy. Work will con-tinue onreadmission,with a view to supporting the Commission in therapid conclusion of negotiations of readmission agreements, and to identi-fying new third-countries with whom to enter into negotiations. In addi-tion, the Council will have to examine the first Commission monitoring
38
and evaluation report, which will be delivered by the end of 2004, on themanagement of migration flowsfrom third countries.
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Law enforcement cooperation
105.
The two Presidencies will lead a renewed effort to maximisepractical, operationally focussed criminal intelligence exchange betweenMember States, including through Europol, and to step up the coordinationof investigation and prosecution by Member States of serious crime, mak-ing best use of Eurojust.on the basis of the forthcoming general report on the implementationof the EU Millennium Strategy to combatorganised crime,theCouncil will focus its work on further measures to be taken in theimplementation of that strategy and the fight against organised crimein general. Of particular relevance in this area will be measures toimprove the exchange of information on criminal convictions for theprotection of the public, the draft Framework Decision on simplify-ing exchange of information and intelligence between law enforce-ment authorities of the Member States, in particular as regards seri-ous offences including terrorist acts, the draft Decision on the ex-change of information and cooperation concerning terrorist offences,the draft Framework decision on participation in a criminal organisa-tion; the draft Council decision establishing a European Police Col-lege (CEPOL); the draft Council regulation and decision on SIS II;the draft Framework Decision on cross-border police cooperation;the draft Framework Decision on exchange of DNA data; the draftFramework Decision on penalties for counterfeiting.
fight against terrorism
106.The two Presidencies will focus their attention on deliveringon the commitments contained in the Action Plan on Combating Terror-ism. This will include efforts aimed at enhancing the exchange of and ac-cess to information for law enforcement agencies; streamlining terroristthreat assessments and integrating their use in policy-making; and continu-ing the mutual evaluation round on anti-terrorist arrangements in the new40
Member States. Work will also be taken forward on radicalisation and re-cruitment, protecting central infrastructures, fighting the financing of ter-rorism, and implementation of the EU solidarity programme. As part of theEU's external relations agenda, efforts will be made to raise the profile ofthe fight against terrorism through engaging with third countries.
41
Drugs107.
The Council will adopt a new EU Action Plan onDrugsfor
the period 2005-2008, based on Drugs Strategy 2005-2012, which wasadopted by the European Council in December 2004.Judicial cooperation
108.
The two Presidencies will continue to develop judicial coop-eration in the areas of criminal and civil matters.
Criminal mattersWork will continue in the Council on a number of measures di-rected at judicial cooperation in criminal matters.These includethe Draft Framework Decision on the European Evidence Warrant;the draft Framework Decision on the retention of data processed andstored in connection with the provision of publicly available electroniccommunications services or data on public communications networksfor the purpose of prevention, investigation, detection and prosecutionof crime and criminal offences including terrorism; and the draft Fra-mework decision on procedural safeguards in criminal proceedings.Furthermore, the Council is expecting to receive proposals on:the draft Framework Decision on ne bis in idem and a Communicationon Jurisdictional conflicts; the draft Framework decision on data pro-tection in the area of law enforcement; the draft Framework decisionon mutual recognition of decisions to transfer sentenced persons; thedraft Framework decision on cash payments and money laundering; thedraft decision on improving cooperation in the exchange of data oncriminal conviction; the draft Framework decision on the recognitionand execution of disqualifications and the proposed development of aproject "Erasmus for Judges".
42
Civil mattersWork will continue in the Council on various proposals in the field ofjudicial cooperation incivil matters.They include draft Regulationsconcerning applicable law in non-contractual matters ("Rome II") andconcerning a European Order for Payment procedures, as well as thedraft Directive on certain aspects of mediation in civil and commercialmatters.The Council expects new Commission proposals particularly concer-ning Small Claims, and the law applicable to contractual obligations("Rome I"). Other work may begin in the areas identified in the newmulti-annual programme as serving the objective of promoting mutualrecognition and improving access to cross-border justice.Fundamental rightsIn the expectation that the Commission will present a proposal during2005 for the extension of the mandate of the European MonitoringCentre on Racism and Xenophobia towards the creation of a HumanRights Agency, work may begin on the process of developing a humanrights data collection and analysis function with a view to defining Uni-on policy in this field.109.Work concerning external competence will continue, for ex-ample, as regards the future Hague Conventions on choice of court and onmaintenance obligations.
FUTURE ACCESSIONSBulgaria and Romania110.Main tasks for the Union in 2005 will comprise: finalisationand signature of the accession instruments, monitoring of Bulgaria's andRomania's preparations for accession, and continuation of Bulgaria's andRomania's preparations for accession in the framework of the EuropeAgreements.
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Croatia111.
Opening of accession negotiations with Croatia is expected
early in 2005, in line with the decision of the June 2004 European Council,on the basis of a general negotiating framework to be established and sub-ject to it maintaining full cooperation with the International Criminal Tri-bunal for the former Yugoslavia. Further work will comprise: a reinforcedpre-accession strategy for Croatia, including the necessary financial in-strument, and preparations for accession in the framework of the Stabilisa-tion and Association Agreement with Croatia.Turkey112.
Subject to a positive decision by the December 2004 Euro-
pean Council, opening of accession negotiations with Turkey is expectedin 2005, on the basis of a general negotiating framework to be established.Further work will comprise: preparations for accession in the frameworkof the Association Agreement and of the Customs Union with Turkey; Re-vision of the Accession Partnership with Turkey.Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia113.Concerning the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, themain focus will be the follow-up to the Commission's Opinion, expected inthe second half of 2005.
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ENHANCING GLOBAL STABILITY ANDPROSPERITYContributing to international security
114.
In 2005, the Luxembourg and United Kingdom Presidencieswill pursue the objective of global stability through the development of theCommon Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)including theEuropeanSecurity and Defence Policy (ESDP),along the lines set out in the Euro-pean Security Strategy (ESS), as the EU key instruments to achieve its for-eign policy goals. The Union will address the root causes of insecurity inthe world and use its policy instruments in a coherent and integrated man-ner so as to render them fully effective and so maximise its influenceacross the world. Security and prosperity increasingly depend on an effec-tive multilateral system. The two Presidencies are committed to upholdinginternational law. The fundamental framework for international relationsis the United Nations Charter.
115.
The two Presidencies will make every effort to reach agree-ment on the new financial instruments in the area of external relations inthe context of the Financial Perspective 2007-2013.
ESDP116.In the field ofmilitary crisis management,particular atten-tion will be devoted to the running of theEUFORoperationALTHEAinBosnia and Herzegovina, to date the largest EU-led mission with recourseto NATO assets and capabilities. In 2005, the two first six-monthly re-views of the operation will be carried out.
45
117.
As in previous years, the development ofEU military capa-bilities,through the Headline Goal process and the Capability Develop-ment Mechanism (CDM), will be a key priority. Work to implement thenew Headline Goal 2010 will be based on Strategic Planning Assumptionsand Illustrative Scenarios, taking into account the changing global securityenvironment, the ambitions set out in the ESS and the declaration on soli-darity against terrorism. In this context, the Council is expected to approvethe Requirements Catalogue 2005 and to take note of the Force Catalogue2005. TheEuropean Defence Agencywill have an important role in fa-cilitating the development of EU military capabilities.
118.
Military cooperation among Member States will be furtherenhanced with the aim of making the best use of scarce resources and im-proving our capabilities. In this respect the EU will continue to co-operateclosely with partner organisations - particularly the UN and NATO. Fur-ther progress in theEU rapid response capacityshall be made not leastthrough the development of theBattle Groupconcept.
119.
The collectivecapability of the EUwill be enhancedthrough the development of theCiv-Mil Celland liaison arrangementswith NATO. The ability of the EU to plan and conduct certain operationswill be strengthened by work to establish the facilities for an operationscentre.
120.
The Union will remain active in the field ofcivilian crisismanagementand look to implement the action plan for the future of civil-ian ESDP. In particular work will continue on developing and becomingoperational in new areas of civilian ESDP, and building capability in lightof November's Capabilities conference and the development of a CivilianHeadline Goal. Appropriate capabilities, including mission planning andsupport, shall then be identified in order to achieve this headline goal, thusenabling the EU to carry out further civilian crisis management missions.The EU will also continue to run effectively the ongoing mission in Bos-nia-Herzegovina, in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and in
46
Georgia.
47
121.
Further cooperation with the EU's partner international or-ganisations such as theUN, NATO, OSCE,theCouncil of EuropeandtheAfrican Unionwill be important. The implementation of theEU-UNJoint Declarationon cooperation in crisis management remains a priorityfor the EU. An EU-UN exercise study will be conducted in the first half of2005.
Counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and disarmament
122.The Council will continue to review, update and implementthe EU action plan on combating terrorism and the EU strategy against theproliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and the associated actionplan, focussing on support to international organisations such as the Inter-national Atomic and Energy Agency and the Organisation for the Prohibi-tion of Chemical Weapons, as well as acting for the universal adherence ofsuch treaties and agreements as the Non-Proliferation Treaty, ChemicalWeapons Convention, Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, Biological andToxin Weapons Convention and Hague Code of Conduct and promotingcompliance with the UN security council resolution 1540 by all UN mem-ber states. Weapons of Mass Destruction non-proliferation will continueto be a cross-cutting issue in the union's relations with third countries, bothin the context of its political dialogues and through the inclusion of "non-proliferation clauses" in appropriate agreements with third parties.123.The EU will set up its efforts in thefight against terrorism,through a multidimensional approach, making full use of its internal andexternal instruments. The ESDP contribution will be developed on the ba-sis of the action points foreseen in the Conceptual Framework on theESDP dimension of the fight against terrorism.Building up international multilateral cooperation
124.
The Union will pursue its efforts towards enhancedmultilat-eral cooperation,notably within the United Nations. Of particular impor-
48
tance in that respect will be the follow-up to High-Level Panel report onThreats, Challenges and Change and its contribution to the preparation ofthe "Major Event" which will reflect the Union's role in the internationalefforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
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125.
The EU will also continue its efforts to promotehumanrights,with particular attention to the Commission on Human Rights, andits human rights dialogues with China and Iran. It will also be committedto the implementation of existing Human Rights Guidelines.
Development
126.The Union will work towards the reaffirmation and achieve-ment of the Millennium Development Goals and the implementation of thespecific commitments agreed at Monterrey and Johannesburg. In particu-lar:stock take of the EU aid volume target in the framework of the regu-lar monitoring of the Barcelona Commitments,adoption of an EU Action Plan for Coordination and Harmonisationwith a view to the High Level Forum on Harmonisation and Align-ment for Aid Effectiveness in the OECD/DAC framework (Paris,March 2005),Work on the Regulation on the Untying of Aid will be carried outjointly with the European Parliament.127.
The Council will review the 2000 Joint EC DevelopmentPolicy Statement.
128.
The EU Action Plan on Commodities and EU-Africa Partner-ship on Cotton will be implemented.
129.
The Council will discuss a new Programme of Action onpoverty related diseases including AIDS, TB and malaria.
130.
As concerns ACP/EU Cooperation, the revision of the Coto-nou Agreement will be completed as well as negotiation of a follow upagreement to the ninth EDF and work will continue on the Economic Part-nership Agreements negotiations to be concluded by the end of 2007. The
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thirteenth session of the ACP-EC Council of Ministers will take place inMay 2005. The sixth session of the EU-South Africa Cooperation Councilshould be held towards the end of 2005.
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131.
The EU will actively contribute to a number of importantconferences and negotiations in the field of development, in particular:the UN High-Level Review of the Millennium Declaration and otherrelated commitments/High Level Dialogue on Financing for Devel-opment;renegotiation of the Food Aid Convention, 1999 that supports EUpolicy on food aid, security and development,Small Island Developing States (SIDS) International Conference,World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) (Phase II),II World Coffee Conference,renegotiation of the 1994 International Tropical Timber Agreement.
Multilateral trade policy
132.The Union will continue to work towards a successful con-clusion to the current round ofWTO negotiationstaking into account thefact that the EU approach to the Doha Development Agenda is based on abroad agenda including ambitious trade liberalisation, strengthened traderules and poverty reduction through a greater degree of integration of de-veloping countries into the world trading system. The agreement reachedat the WTO General Council on 1 August 2004, provides a framework forthese negotiations to deliver on the Doha Development Agenda. The Un-ion will engage constructively with other WTO members as we work to-wards the next WTO Ministerial scheduled for December 2005 in HongKong. These negotiations will require the close attention of the Council.The two Presidencies will work towards the adoption of a new system ofGeneralised System of Preferences (GSP) for the period 2006-2008.52
Extending the area of peace and security
Western Balkans
133.The Stabilisation and Association Process(SAP) will re-main the basic framework for the development of the EU's relations withthe Western Balkans all the way to their future accession. The Councilwill consider the application for membership by the Former Yugoslav Re-public of Macedonia on the basis of the Commission's assessment. TheCouncil will continue supporting Albania's reform efforts in order to createthe conditions necessary for the successful conclusion of the negotiationsfor a SAA. The Council will also review and consider extension of theEU's autonomous trade measures towards the region.134.The Council will pursue implementation of the jointly agreedThessaloniki agenda,involving in particular the establishment of a re-gional School for Higher Education on Public Administration Reform;preparations for participation of Western Balkan countries in individualCommunity programmes; improvement of regional cooperation, updatingof European Partnerships with individual Western Balkans countries.135.The Council will pay close attention to political develop-ments and continuing stabilisation throughout the region.Developmentsin Kosovo– governed by UNSCR resolution 1244 – will be particularlyimportant, in light of the review of implementation of standards bymid-2005.Neighbours
136.The Union will deepen relations with its neighbours in allfields. The linchpin of this policy will continue to be theEuropeanNeighbourhood Policy,which will be completed through the ring ofAc-tion Planswith the neighbouring countries concerned. The Council willdecide the pace at which Action Plans with the countries of the South Cau-53
casus will be prepared.
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137.
The Union will seek to develop the Action Plan for establish-ing thefour common spaces with Russiaagreed at the St PetersburgSummit in May 2003. Further work may be required to ensure the formalextension of existing EU agreements with its neighbours to all 25 EUmembers.
138.
Within theBarcelona Process,which remains the mainframework for a coherent set of privileged relations with theEuro-Mediterranean neighbourhood, the 7thMinisterial Euromed FM Con-ference (Barcelona VII) will be held in May in Luxembourg. Prior to the10thAnniversary of the Barcelona Declaration which will mark 10 years ofachievement through political, economic and cultural cooperation, Barce-lona VII aims at conducting a comprehensive review of the Process as wellas defining orientations on the future of the process.
139.
The EU will pursue the objectives of theStrategic Partner-ship for the Mediterranean and the Middle Eastprimarily through ex-isting structures and arrangements. A first review of the implementationof this partnership will be presented to the June European Council.
Middle East140.The EU will continue its efforts to resolve the crisis in theMiddle East, notably by striving for the implementation of the Road Map.141.The Council will continue tofollow the situation in Iranclosely.In this context, particular attention will be paid to the issue ofIran's nuclear programme and its cooperation with the IAEA.142.In the Gulf region, the Council encourages progress in thenegotiations for theFree Trade Agreement with the Gulf CooperationCouncilin order to be able to conclude the agreement before the 15thJointCouncil and Ministerial meeting due to take place in Bahrein during theLuxembourg Presidency.
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143.
The EU will continue to work in partnership with theIraqigovernment and the Iraqi people with the aim of reaching the goal of secu-rity and stability.
Deepening cooperation with key partners
Transatlantic relations
UNITED STATES144.The Union will continue its broad and intensive dialoguewith the US, and will follow up the June 2004 EU-US Summit declara-tions, in particular on strengthening the economic partnership, on combat-ing terrorism and on non-proliferation of WMD in preparation for the 2005Summit. The preparation of the summit that will take place during the firsthalf of 2005 will be an opportunity to take forward the results of the stake-holder consultation and develop the forward-looking strategy to enhanceour economic partnership and eliminate barriers called for at the 2004Summit. The EU will then work to ensure effective implementation of theforward-looking strategy.CANADA145.The adoption of the EU-Canada Partnership Agreement, at
the EU-Canada Summit in March 2004, provides a positive frameworkaimed at strengthening dialogue and enhancing cooperation between theEU and Canada. In particular, the two EU-Canada Summits in 2005 pro-vide an opportunity to move forward on negotiations towards a Canada-EU trade and Investment Enhancement Agreement (TIEA). The Unionwill also pursue the negotiation with Canada on an international agreementconcerning the transfer of PNR data.
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Africa
146.The Union will develop its relations with the African conti-nent at all levels: regional level (AU), sub-regional level (ECOWAS,SADC, IGAD) and with individual countries. In doing so particular atten-tion will be paid to:conflict prevention, management and resolution, including by ad-dressing the reinforcement of African peace support operations ca-pabilities, notably through the use of the Peace Facility and;improving governance, promoting economic growth and reducingpoverty, including through support for NEPAD. The possibility ofconvening an EU-Africa Summit will be kept under review.The EU will also work actively with African organisationsand international partners to address the trafficking of small arms and lightweapons, children in armed conflicts and the impact of HIV/AIDS on Af-rican societies. It will also work closely with African and internationalpartners to ensure elections held in 2005 are free and fair.147.
148.
The Council will continue to follow closely the situation inZimbabwe, Sudan and in the Great Lakes region (including the preparatoryprocess for the convening of a Great Lakes Conference).
Latin America and Caribbean
149.The XIIthEU-Rio Group Ministerial meeting as well as theMinisterial meetings with sub-regional groups which will take place inLuxembourg in May 2005 will allow to further deepen the relationshipwith Latin America. Work will also be taken forward in preparation of theIVthEU-LAC Summit in 2006.150.One of the main objectives of 2005 will be to make furtherprogress with a view to finalise the EU-Mercosur negotiations and initiat-ing the process of ratification.58
151.
The EU will carry out the joint assessment of regional inte-gration between the EU and Central America / the Andean Community ascalled for in the Declaration of the Guadalajara Summit, which will be afirst step towards negotiations on association Agreements including FreeTrade Agreements with these two sub-regions of Latin America in duecourse.
Asia
152.The Union's objective will be to build up strategic partner-ships with China, India and Japan. The European Union has becomeChina's largest trading partner and we will work towards adapting the legalbasis of our cooperation to this new level. Recognising the ever-increasingimportance of the Indian subcontinent, an EU-India political declarationand an EU-India action plan should be adopted by the EU-India summit in2005. At the multilateral level, we will continue working through ASEMand with regional bodies such as ASEAN, the ARF, the Shanghai Coop-eration Council and SAARC. Economic integration and cooperation aswell as regional political issues will be on the agenda of the EU-ASEANministerial meeting.THE CONSTITUTIONAL TREATY: PRE-PARING ENTRY INTO FORCE153.p.m.––the External Action Service–the exercise of the Council Presidency154.Follow-up of the ratification processPreparation of the Decision establishingPolitical agreement on the Decision on
Preparations for the establishment of theEuropean ExternalAction Service,as foreseen in the Treaty establishing a constitution forEurope, will continue in 2005 and will thus lay the foundations for greatercoherence and effectiveness of the EU's external action.
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