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Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2014-15 (1. samling)
UPN Alm.del Bilag 62
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Council of the

European Union

16928/14

(OR. en)

PROVISIONAL VERSION

PRESSE 651

PR CO 73

PRESS RELEASE

3361st Council meeting

Foreign Affairs

Brussels, 15 December 2014

President

Federica Mogherini

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and

Security Policy

PRESS

Rue de la Loi 175 B – 1048 BRUSSELS Tel.: +32 (0)2 281 6319 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 8026

[email protected] http://www.consilium.europa.eu/press

16928/14

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PROVISIO AL VERSIO

15 December 2014

Main results of the Council

Syria and Iraq

Today's Foreign Affairs Council was focussed on the situation in Syria, Iraq and the threat from

ISIL. The discussion will feed into the preparation of an EU comprehensive regional strategy.

Ministers also exchanged views on the crisis in Syria with UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de

Mistura. The EU is fully committed to support his efforts to achieve a strategic de-escalation of

violence as a basis for a broader political process. The EU stands ready to concretely support the

development of his proposal to build on local freezes of hostility in Aleppo and elsewhere.

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, said: "All the

EU member states and the European Union as such are, in one way or another, involved in the fight

against Da'esh. All of us are very much working on the support of the Iraqi government." She added

that she would travel to Bagdad and Erbil next week.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Council agreed a renewed approach to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), without changing the

EU accession conditions, including the implementation of the Sejdic-Finci ruling. It invited the

High Representative and Commissioner Hahn to engage with the BiH leadership to secure its

irrevocable written commitment to undertake reforms for EU accession. Once this commitment has

been agreed by the BiH presidency, signed by the BiH political leaders and endorsed by the BiH

parliament, the Council will decide on the entry into force of the Stabilisation and Association

Agreement.

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, added: "Yes,

there can be a new start for the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are ready to engage. We are

ready to reciprocate in the moment when this commitment will be adopted by the parliament. This

could be a turning point in the way of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards the European Union."

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PROVISIO AL VERSIO

15 December 2014

CO TE TS

PARTICIPA TS................................................................................................................................ 5

ITEMS DEBATED

Syria ..................................................................................................................................................... 7

Iraq ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

Western Balkans ................................................................................................................................ 10

Ukraine............................................................................................................................................... 11

Ebola .................................................................................................................................................. 11

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIG AFFAIRS

–

Central African Republic....................................................................................................................................... 12

Southern Mediterranean investment initiative....................................................................................................... 15

South Sudan........................................................................................................................................................... 16

EU action against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction ..................................................................... 17

Action against proliferation of small arms in the Sahel region ............................................................................. 17

EU action against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction ..................................................................... 18

EU - Ukraine relations........................................................................................................................................... 18

Relations with Serbia............................................................................................................................................. 18

Relations with Morocco ........................................................................................................................................ 18

Where declarations, conclusions or resolutions have been formally adopted by the Council, this is indicated

in the heading for the item concerned and the text is placed between quotation marks.

Documents for which references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site

(http://www.consilium.europa.eu).

Acts adopted with statements for the Council minutes which may be released to the public are indicated by

an asterisk; these statements are available on the Council's Internet site or may be obtained from the Press

Office.

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COMMO SECURITY A D DEFE CE POLICY

–

15 December 2014

Chairman of the EU military committee ............................................................................................................... 18

Amendment of the small arms and light weapons article in agreements............................................................... 19

EUCAP SAHEL Mali............................................................................................................................................ 20

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PROVISIO AL VERSIO

15 December 2014

PARTICIPA TS

High Representative

Ms Federica MOGHERINI

Belgium:

Mr Didier REYNDERS

Bulgaria:

Mr Daniel MITOV

Czech Republic:

Mr Lubomir ZAORÁLEK

Denmark:

Mr Martin LIDEGAARD

Germany:

Mr Frank-Walter STEINMEIER

Estonia:

Mr Keit PENTUS-ROSIMANNUS

Ireland:

Mr Dara MURPHY

Greece:

Mr Evangelos VENIZELOS

Spain:

Mr José Manuel GARCIA-MARGALLO Y MARFIL

France:

Mr Laurent FABIUS

Croatia:

Ms Vesna PUSIĆ

Italy:

Mr Paolo GENTILONI

Cyprus:

Mr Ioannis KASOULIDES

Latvia:

Mr Edgars RINKĒVIČS

Lithuania:

Mr Linas A. LINKEVIČIUS

Luxembourg:

Mr Jean ASSELBORN

Hungary:

Mr László SZABÓ

Malta:

Mr George VELLA

etherlands:

Mr Bert KOENDERS

Austria:

Mr Sebastian KURZ

Poland:

Mr Grzegorz SCHETYNA

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and

Security Policy

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs,

External Trade and European Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister of State for European Affairs and Data Protection

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation

Minister for Foreign Affairs and International

Development

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and

European Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Minister for

Immigration and Asylum

Parliamentary State Secretary and Deputy Minister,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign

Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs

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Portugal:

Mr Rui MACHETE

Romania:

Mr George CIAMBA

Slovenia:

Mr Karl ERJAVEC

Slovakia:

Mr Miroslav LAJČÁK

Finland:

Mr Erkki TUOMIOJA

Sweden:

Ms Margot WALLSTRÖM

United Kingdom:

Mr Philip HAMMOND

Commission:

Mr Johannes HAHN

Minister for Foreign Affairs

15 December 2014

State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

(Foreign Secretary)

Member

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ITEMS DEBATED

Syria

15 December 2014

The Council held an in-depth discussion on the situation in Syria, following an informal session

with UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura on 14 December. It adopted the following

conclusions:

"1.

Recalling the Council conclusions of 20 October, the EU expresses grave concern

regarding the continued deterioration of the humanitarian and security situation in Syria.

The EU condemns unreservedly the atrocities and human rights violations and abuses

perpetrated by the Assad regime as well as ISIL / Da'esh, Jabhat al-Nusra and other

terrorist groups. The EU will continue to encourage all efforts to reach a political solution

by mutual consent in order to maintain the unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity as well as

the multi-ethnic and multi-religious character of Syria. A lasting solution to the conflict

can only be achieved through a Syrian-led political process leading to a transition.

The EU is committed to fully support the UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura's

efforts to achieve a strategic de-escalation of violence as a basis for a broader sustainable

political process. The EU stands ready to support concretely the development of his

proposals, in particular the proposal to build on local freezes of hostility in compliance

with international humanitarian law in Aleppo and elsewhere.

Reduction of violence will not be achieved without effective monitoring, preferably

anchored in the United Nations Security Council. The EU recalls that cases of forced

surrender imposed by the Assad regime through starvation sieges were labelled

fallaciously as local ceasefires in the past. It expresses serious concern regarding the

intensified military action by the Assad regime against areas held by the opposition, which

threaten the UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura's initiative. The EU will seek ways to

provide practical support to his efforts notably by contributing to the revival of local

governance and administration, to the restoration of basic services and to the return to

normalcy in areas of reduced violence, in particular in Aleppo, as conditions allow.

The EU recalls that the overall objective remains a Syrian-led process leading to a

transition that meets the aspirations of all the Syrian people, based on the Geneva

communiqué of 30 June 2012 and in line with relevant UNSC Resolutions. The EU calls

on all Syrian parties to show clear and concrete commitment to this process, and to ensure

the involvement of civil society and women. The EU is ready to engage with all regional

and international actors with influence over the Syrian parties and calls on them to use

their influence constructively towards this end.

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15 December 2014

The EU recalls that the moderate opposition, including the National Coalition of Syrian

Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (SOC), is a vital element of both a future political

settlement and in fighting the extremist groups on the ground in Syria. The EU encourages

both internal and external opposition groups to unite behind a common strategy in order to

present an alternative to the Syrian people. It will seek ways to enhance its political and

practical support to the moderate opposition including in opposition held areas such as

Aleppo.

The EU condemns the continued widespread and systematic violations and abuses of

human rights and international humanitarian law perpetrated in Syria, in particular by the

Assad regime and terrorist groups, as reported by the Commission of Inquiry. This

includes indiscriminate bombings with barrel bombs by the regime forces and atrocities

committed by ISIL / Da'esh. The EU welcomes the adoption of the UN General Assembly

Third Committee resolution condemning human rights violations in Syria. It underlines its

concern regarding cases of forced disappearances and calls for the immediate release of the

victims. The EU will spare no effort to ensure that all perpetrators of such violations and

abuses are held accountable for their crimes which may amount to crimes against humanity

and war crimes. The EU reiterates its call to the Security Council to refer the situation in

Syria to the International Criminal Court.

The EU will continue its policy of imposing and enforcing sanctions targeting the regime

and its supporters as long as repression continues.

The EU urges the Assad regime to fully implement the United Nations Security Council

Resolution 2118 and the Chemical Weapons Convention and to take the necessary

measures to eliminate its chemical weapons program completely and irreversibly. This

includes the destruction of the remaining production facilities and the provision of

evidence to support the assurances that Syria has fully abandoned its chemical weapons

program. The EU remains extremely concerned by the gaps and discrepancies in the Assad

regime’s declarations to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

(OPCW). The EU condemns the use of chlorine gas as a chemical weapon by the Assad

regime and it will continue its support to the investigations of the OPCW's Fact Finding

Mission. The EU recalls that, in line with the Convention on Chemical Weapons, it is the

primary responsibility of the Assad regime to bear the costs related to the verification and

the destruction of its chemical program.

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15 December 2014

The EU urges all parties to comply with international humanitarian law as regards

protection and access to humanitarian aid and to provide humanitarian aid to all people in

need, including in hard-to-reach areas. The EU condemns the continued impediments in

the delivery of aid for which the Assad regime bears the primary responsibility. The EU

urges all parties, in particular the Syrian authorities, to fully and immediately implement

all the provisions of UNSC Resolutions 2139 (2014) and 2165 (2014). The EU fully

supports the renewal of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2165 in order to

foster effective cross-border and cross line assistance and ensure access to vulnerable

people regardless of their location.

The EU and its Member States continue to play a leading role in the provision of

humanitarian aid in response to the crisis, having mobilised so far €3 billion for relief and

recovery assistance to those most in need in Syria and in neighbouring countries, including

host communities. The EU will sustain its efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the people

affected by the crisis and to build their resilience through recovery assistance and basic

services in Syria and the neighbouring countries alike. The EU expresses serious concern

about the severe lack of funding for the UN Appeals 2014, which resulted in a temporary

suspension of World Food Program assistance to Syrian refugees. Therefore, it calls on the

international community to step up its funding and assistance in view of the winter and in

response to the forthcoming 2015 appeals.

The Council welcomes the establishment of the European Union Regional Trust Fund in

response to the Syrian crisis that will act in coordination and complementarity with

ongoing assistance including the existing Syria Recovery Trust Fund.

The EU commends the considerable efforts of Lebanon and Jordan as well as Turkey

sheltering refugees from Syria. It will spare no effort to continue to help them provide

assistance to refugees and vulnerable host communities and comply with existing refugee

laws, conventions and humanitarian principles as regards protection and access to

humanitarian aid. In this context, it welcomes the Berlin declaration "Solidarity with the

refugees and their hosts" of the Conference on the Syria Refugee Situation of 28 October

2014.

The EU remains fully aware of the immense security challenges that the crisis in Syria

poses to Lebanon and Jordan in particular. The EU underlines the importance of the

ongoing EU and member States' support, and it reiterates its commitment to seek ways to

further enhance this support to both countries to meet those challenges. "

10.

11.

12.

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15 December 2014

Iraq

The Council exchanged views on the situation in Iraq. The discussion will feed into the preparation

of an EU comprehensive regional strategy on Syria and Iraq as well as the ISIL / Da'esh threat.

The EU has pledged its full support to efforts by Prime Minister Haider al Abadi's government in its

pursuit of inclusive policies and national reconciliation. It is committed to comprehensively tackling

the threat posed by terrorism and to addressing the underlying dynamics, which have given ISIL a

foothold.

Western Balkans

The High Representative and Neighbourhood Commissioner Hahn briefed the Council about their

recent trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1.

The Council reiterates its unequivocal commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU

perspective. The Council also reaffirms its unequivocal commitment to the territorial

integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign and united country.

The Council welcomes the Compact for Growth and Jobs to shift the focus towards

reforms and issues of direct concern to citizens, in the wake of the widespread, citizen-led

protests in early 2014 which underlined the fragility of the socio-economic situation.

The Council welcomes the recent visit of HR Mogherini and Commissioner Hahn to

Sarajevo and their engagement in the revitalisation of the reform process in Bosnia and

Herzegovina. The Council agreed on a renewed EU approach towards Bosnia and

Herzegovina on its EU accession path throughout which all conditions, including the

implementation of the Sejdic-Finci ruling will have to be met. The Council calls on BiH

political leadership to anchor the reforms necessary for EU integration in the work of all

relevant institutions.

The Council invites HR Mogherini and Commissioner Hahn to continue engaging with the

BiH leadership to secure at the earliest its irrevocable written commitment to undertake

reforms in the framework of the EU accession process. The overall objective is to establish

functionality and efficiency at all levels of government and allow Bosnia and Herzegovina

to prepare itself for future EU membership. The text will also contain a commitment to

work out in consultation with the EU an initial agenda for reforms, in line with the EU

acquis. The reform agenda should be developed and implemented in consultation with civil

society. This agenda should include first and foremost reforms under the Copenhagen

criteria (socio-economic reforms including the "Compact for Growth and Jobs", rule of

law, good governance) and also agreed functionality issues (including the EU coordination

mechanism).

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15 December 2014

The BiH leadership will also commit to make progress, at a later stage, on further reforms

in order to enhance functionality and effectiveness of the different levels of government.

The Council invites HR Mogherini and Commissioner Hahn to regularly report on progress

in bringing about this written commitment and on how this is reflected in the work of all

relevant institutions.

Once the written commitment has been agreed by the BiH Presidency, signed by the BiH

political leaders and endorsed by the BiH Parliament, the Council will decide on the entry

into force of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

Meaningful progress on the implementation of the agenda for reforms, including the

"Compact for Growth and Jobs", will be necessary for a membership application to be

considered by the EU. When requesting the Commission's Opinion on the membership

application, the Council will ask the Commission to pay particular attention to the

implementation of the Sejdic-Finci ruling.

The Council underlines the crucial importance of swift government formation and calls on

the country's leaders to ensure that this takes place."

Ukraine

The Council confirmed its agreement in principle to the High Representative's proposal for

additional EU restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol.

Technical discussions on the proposal are ongoing.

Ebola

The Council took note of a report by EU Ebola coordinator Christos Stylianides on the state of play

in the epidemic and the EU's response. Collectively, the EU and its member states are the prime

donor among the international community to help stem the Ebola outbreak: they have committed

over €1.1 billion.

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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIG AFFAIRS

Central African Republic

The Council adopted the following conclusions on the Central African Republic:

"1.

15 December 2014

L’Union européenne (UE) continue à suivre attentivement la situation en République

centrafricaine (RCA) qui reste fragile malgré une relative amélioration de la situation

sécuritaire perçue ces dernières semaines à Bangui. L’UE appelle au respect de l’intégrité

territoriale du pays et rappelle son attachement à la cohabitation pacifique entre les

différentes communautés et religions.

En vue d’engager le pays sur une voie de sortie de crise durable, le processus politique en

RCA doit continuer à avancer. L’UE réitère son plein soutien aux autorités de transition et

les encourage à continuer à s’investir, dans la plus grande cohésion, pour mettre en œuvre

les réformes nécessaires. Elle salue la montée en puissance de la MINUSCA pour appuyer

le processus politique et appelle à son déploiement complet dans les plus brefs délais.

L’UE rappelle que le soutien de l'ensemble de la communauté internationale est primordial

pour aider les autorités de transition à renforcer leurs capacités et pour maintenir une

dynamique de changement.

Le Forum de Bangui sur le Dialogue Politique et la Réconciliation Nationale qui constitue

une étape importante de la transition, doit être large, inclusif et conduit par des acteurs

locaux afin d’être durable et apporter une vraie valeur ajoutée. Il doit permettre aux acteurs

centrafricains d’aboutir eux-mêmes à des solutions durables aux défis interdépendants de

sécurité, de gouvernance et de développement auxquels le pays est confronté. Dans ce

contexte, l’UE prend note de la déclaration de la plate-forme religieuse relative au Forum

de Bangui et reconnaît l’importance des consultations locales et du dialogue

intercommunautaire pour poser les jalons d’une véritable réconciliation nationale. Elle

invite les autorités de transition à poursuivre activement ce processus, en concertation avec

l’ensemble des parties prenantes, et rappelle la nécessite absolue d’un engagement de

bonne foi de tous les acteurs concernés.

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15 December 2014

Une stratégie claire sur la façon de traiter les groupes armés est nécessaire. Comme la crise

actuelle est largement alimentée par l’impunité persistante, les auteurs des violations des

droits de l’Homme et du droit international humanitaire doivent être tenus responsables.

L’UE invite les autorités de transition à poursuivre leurs efforts en matière de lutte contre

l’impunité en contribuant activement au rétablissement de la chaîne pénale, avec le soutien

de la communauté internationale, et notamment de l’UE et les Nations unies, en accélérant

l’adoption de la législation pour la Cour criminelle spéciale, et en continuant à coopérer

avec la Cour pénale internationale dans le cadre de l’enquête en cours.

La tenue d’élections les plus inclusives possibles est également une étape cruciale. Il n'en

est que plus important que le scrutin soit bien préparé. A cet égard, l'UE appuie l’extension

de la période de transition jusqu’en août 2015. Comme souligné par le Groupe

International de Contact à Bangui le 11 novembre, elle salue l’adoption d’un calendrier

électoral et appelle à l’accélération des préparatifs. L’UE réitère sa disponibilité à soutenir

le processus électoral, y compris à travers le déploiement d’une mission d’observation

électorale. Elle appelle tous les partenaires internationaux à contribuer, y compris

financièrement, à la préparation des élections en RCA.

L’UE salue les efforts mis en œuvre dans le domaine de la stabilisation, en particulier les

contributions de la MINUSCA, de la force française Sangaris et de l’opération EUFOR

RCA, mais aussi ceux des autorités de transition. La prolongation de l'opération militaire

de transition EUFOR RCA, demandée par l’ensemble des acteurs présents sur le terrain

constitue une preuve supplémentaire de l’utilité et de l’efficacité de l’opération

européenne. L’UE soutient pleinement l’action de la MINUSCA qui est le principal garant

de la sécurité dans le pays. En vue d’une stabilisation du pays à long terme, les réflexions

sur un programme de désarmement, démobilisation et réintégration et la réforme du secteur

de sécurité doivent se poursuivre dans le cadre du processus politique en cours. Dans ce

contexte, l’UE souligne l’importance d’une coordination étroite des efforts internationaux

et de la poursuite de la médiation internationale, menée sous l’égide du Congo-Brazzaville

et de la Communauté Economique des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (CEEAC), de l’Union

africaine et des Nations unies, en associant pleinement les autorités de transition.

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15 December 2014

Afin de contribuer à la réforme des Forces Armées Centrafricaines (FACA), dans le cadre

de l'approche globale de l'UE en RCA, le Conseil approuve un Concept de gestion de crise

en vue d’une mission militaire PSDC de conseil, d'une durée d'une année, basée à Bangui.

Cette mission PSDC contribuera à fournir au gouvernement centrafricain des conseils

d'experts dans la perspective de la réforme des FACA en une force armée républicaine,

professionnelle et multi-ethnique. Sur la base d'une approche graduelle sous responsabilité

du Comité politique et de sécurité, des entraînements non-opérationnels spécifiques et

limités, au profit de l'armée centrafricaine, pourraient aussi être dispensés par cette

mission. Le Conseil invite le SEAE à poursuivre les travaux de planification

opérationnelle, selon des procédures accélérées, en vue de permettre le déploiement de la

mission, soumis à une décision du Conseil, avant la fin du mandat d’EUFOR RCA. Il

souligne enfin l'importance d'une coordination étroite avec les partenaires, notamment les

autorités centrafricaines et l’ONU, afin d'assurer une bonne coopération et

complémentarité des efforts en cours en vue de restaurer la stabilité de la RCA.

L’UE réitère ses inquiétudes relatives à la situation humanitaire en RCA et son lourd

impact sur les pays voisins. Les capacités de mouvement des acteurs humanitaires et

l’accès à la population à l’intérieur du pays restent limités à cause des activités de

multiples groupes armés présents sur le territoire, ce qui complique considérablement

l’acheminement de l’aide et entrave l’accès aux populations les plus vulnérables. L’UE

condamne fermement les attaques contre les travailleurs et les convois humanitaires. La

mobilisation des moyens de réponse à la crise humanitaire, y compris dans les pays voisins

où de nombreux Centrafricains ont trouvé refuge, reste une priorité. La communauté

internationale doit rester engagée au côté de la RCA.

Dans le domaine du développement, la priorité va à la reconstruction de l’Etat

centrafricain, notamment pour lui permettre d’exercer ses prérogatives sur l’ensemble du

territoire et d’apporter aux populations les services sociaux de base. Ce processus doit aller

de pair avec le déploiement progressif en cours des forces internationales sur l’ensemble

du territoire centrafricain. Le fonds fiduciaire européen « Békou » en faveur de la RCA a

commencé à mettre en œuvre les premiers projets et d’autres vont suivre prochainement.

Le Conseil rappelle que le fonds Békou est ouvert aux contributions de tous, y compris des

tiers. Il se réjouit par ailleurs de l'engagement des autorités à poursuivre les réformes pour

rétablir progressivement l’équilibre des finances, notamment à travers la mise en œuvre

des recommandations faites lors de la mission du Fonds Monétaire International (FMI) en

RCA. "

At the same time, the Council adopted the crisis management concept for a possible EU military

CSDP mission in the Central African Republic.

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15 December 2014

Southern Mediterranean investment initiative

The Council adopted the following conclusions on a Southern Mediterranean investment initiative

(AMICI):

"1.

Against the background of regional developments in the past few years in the EU’s

Southern Neighbourhood and the necessity for political and economic reforms and respect

for the rule of law, the Council highlights the need for greater co-ordination in investment-

related programmes and enhanced support for policy dialogue and regional cooperation

aiming at inclusive economic growth, private sector development and job creation.

In this context, the Council welcomes the successful completion of the

mapping/stocktaking exercise on ongoing projects and operations in the region and

existing coordination mechanisms, which cover resources managed by the European

Commission, and those from EU Member States and European Financial Institutions. The

Council endorses the key findings and proposals of the mapping/stocktaking exercise.

The Council invites the High Representative/Vice President and the European

Commission, within their respective competences, to pursue the Southern Mediterranean

Investment Coordination initiative (AMICI). This initiative will be fully in line with

European Neighbourhood Policy principles and will not create any duplications but will

operate within the existing institutional framework. It will also take into account initiatives

such as the Deauville Partnership. . The aim is to optimise the policy dialogue among

relevant actors and donors in order to support the Southern partner countries in a more

effective way, and provide more targeted investments in the region with a greater socio-

economic impact in line with European and partners' priorities.

Regular coordination will be initiated at country level, where feasible, in the framework of

Joint Programming, to be followed up during the implementation phase through the local

EU development counsellors meetings, and at EU Member States level, through the

European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) Committee and in the framework of the

Neighbourhood Investment Facility. It will also include a regional and international

dialogue, involving the European Commission, the EEAS, Member States, European

Financial Institutions, the Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), partner

countries, International Financial Institutions and other donors, as appropriate. The Council

notes the important role that the UfM and its Secretariat can play in this respect, notably by

facilitating the dialogue at sectorial level.

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15 December 2014

It is planned that the first plenary meeting takes place in the first semester of 2015.

The Council invites the High Representative/Vice President and the European Commission

to review annually the progress made and the functioning of the AMICI initiative as a part

of the ENI implementation report."

South Sudan

The Council adopted the following conclusions on South Sudan:

"1.

Today marks one year since the outbreak of the destructive conflict in South Sudan. The

European Union (EU) is dismayed that all efforts have so far proved unsuccessful in

resolving the situation. It calls on the parties to bring the conflict to an immediate end and

swiftly reach a political settlement.

The civil war has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands, the displacement of two

million people with detrimental effects also in the neighbouring countries and appalling

violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. At least 2.5 million people

will face severe food shortages in the coming months and this man-made situation has

become one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. The EU is particularly

concerned at the continued hindrance of international humanitarian assistance.

The EU is deeply concerned about reports that human rights violations and abuses,

including sexual violence against women, continue even today. It stresses the need to end

impunity in South Sudan and bring the perpetrators to justice, and looks forward to the

publication of the report from the AU Commission of Inquiry.

The EU expresses its full support for the implementation of the mandate of the United

Nations mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to protect civilians in all parts of South Sudan

and to the benefit of all communities, including by sheltering more than 100 000 civilians

in its own bases.

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15 December 2014

The EU has lent full support to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)

efforts to push for inclusive and comprehensive peace talks, including by financing the

cease-fire verification and monitoring mechanism, yet the government and the opposition

have failed to engage in the process in good faith. Both sides have undermined the process

by failing to honour their commitments and excluding others from negotiations, while

regularly breaching the cessation of hostilities agreement and continuing their hostilities on

the ground. It is vital that the parties respect their commitments and desist from any

planned offensives.

Given this alarming lack of progress, the EU welcomes the declarations of the latest IGAD

Summit and the African Union Peace and Security Council that restrictive measures will

be applied to any party responsible for violating the cessation of hostilities or obstructing

the political negotiations. The EU calls for their swift adoption in coordination with the

UN Security Council. The EU has imposed an arms embargo and invites all international

key partners to consider this step, and calls for measures to ensure that the wealth of the

country is used for the benefit of the South Sudanese people rather than to stockpile

weapons of war. The EU is ready to consider further targeted restrictive measures against

those individuals obstructing peace in South Sudan.

Tougher action by the international community as a whole, including regional partners, is

needed to press all sides in the conflict to pursue the path of peaceful negotiation to a

lasting settlement to their political differences in the primary interest of the South

Sudanese population."

EU action against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

The Council extended the implementation period for EU support to the Organisation for the

Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the UN Security Council resolution 2118 (2013).

The EU funds were initially granted in December 2013 and will be prolonged until

30 September 2015.

Action against proliferation of small arms in the Sahel region

The Council allocated €3.8 million to support states in the Sahel region in conducting physical

security and stockpile management activities to reduce the risk of illicit trade in small arms and

light weapons.

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15 December 2014

EU action against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

The Council allocated € 990.000 for activities in support of the Hague Code of Conduct against

ballistic missile proliferation. The funds will be used for information and communication, action to

strengthen ballistic missile non-proliferation and outreach activities for the universalization of the

Hague Code of Conduct.

EU - Ukraine relations

The Council endorsed the EU position on the rules of procedure of the Association Council with

Ukraine and those of the Association Committee and of Sub-Committees, the establishment of two

Sub-Committees, and the delegation of certain powers by the Association Council to the

Association Committee in Trade configuration.

Relations with Serbia

The Council adopted the EU position for the Stabilisation and Association Council with Serbia, to

take place in Brussels on 17 December.

Relations with Morocco

The Council adopted the EU position for the twelfth meeting of the EU-Morocco Association

Council, to be held in Brussels on 16 December.

COMMO SECURITY A D DEFE CE POLICY

Chairman of the EU military committee

The Council appointed General Mikhail Kostarakos as next Chairman of the EU Military

Committee as of 6 November 2015. For more details, see

press release.

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15 December 2014

Amendment of the small arms and light weapons article in agreements

The Council adopted the following conclusions concerning the amendment of the small arms and

light weapons article in agreements between the EU and third countries:

"The Council:

Recalls its 2008 Conclusions on the inclusion of a small arms and light weapons (SALW)

article in agreements between the EU and third parties, which have since then been

included in numerous agreements;

considers that, following the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and its forthcoming

entry into force in December 2014, there is a need to complement the standard reference

text for the SALW article with provisions relating to the regulation of legal arms trade;

considers that the provisions relating to the regulation of arms trade should contain, in

addition to a generic part, a part referring specifically to the ATT, to be included in

agreements with third countries that have ratified/acceded to the ATT, or expressed their

intention to do so;

considers that the revised clause will have a more comprehensive nature, as it will cover

both legal and illicit trade aspects;

considers that the following text will be used as a reference in future negotiations:

SMALL ARMS A D LIGHT WEAPO S A D OTHER CO VE TIO AL WEAPO S

The Parties recognise that the illicit manufacture, transfer and circulation of small arms and

light weapons, including their ammunition, and their excessive accumulation, poor

management, inadequately secured stockpiles and uncontrolled spread continue to pose a

serious threat to peace and international security.

The Parties agree to observe and fully implement their respective obligations to deal with

the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, including their ammunition, under

existing international agreements and UN Security Council resolutions, as well as their

commitments within the framework of other international instruments applicable in this

area, such as the UN Programme of Action to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade

in SALW in all its aspects.

II.

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III.

15 December 2014

The Parties recognise the importance of domestic control systems for the transfer of

conventional arms in line with existing international standards. The Parties recognise the

importance of applying such controls in a responsible manner, as a contribution to

international and regional peace, security and stability, and to the reduction of human

suffering, as well as to the prevention of diversion of conventional weapons.

Part III bis to be added when negotiating with a country that has ratified/acceded to the

ATT or expressed its intention to do so:

The Parties undertake in this regard to fully

implement the Arms Trade Treaty and to cooperate with each other within the framework

of the Treaty, including in promoting the universalisation and full implementation of the

Treaty by all UN Member States.

IV.

The Parties therefore undertake to cooperate and to ensure coordination, complementarity

and synergy in their efforts to regulate or improve the regulation of international trade in

conventional arms and to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in arms. They agree

to establish regular political dialogue that will accompany and consolidate this

undertaking."

EUCAP SAHEL Mali

The Council approved the Operational Plan for the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)

Mission EUCAP SAHEL Mali. EUCAP SAHEL Mali has been established as a civilian mission to

deliver strategic advice and training for the Malian internal security forces, in coordination with

international partners.

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