UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender

Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2015-16
UPN Alm.del Bilag 46
Offentligt

Council of the

European Union

14688/15

(OR. en)

PROVISIONAL VERSION

PRESSE 74

PR CO 66

OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING

3430th Council meeting

Foreign Affairs

Trade issues

Brussels, 27 November 2015

President

Jean Asselborn

Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of

Luxembourg

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

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

27 November 2015

CONTENTS

ITEMS DEBATED

TRADE AND INVESTMENT POLICY ............................................................................................. 3

WTO MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ............................................................................................... 8

EU-US TRADE AND INVESTMENT NEGOTIATIONS ................................................................. 9

EU-MERCOSUR FREE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS ....................................................................... 10

EU-ASIA FREE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS - JAPAN AND ASEAN ............................................ 11

OTHER BUSINESS .......................................................................................................................... 13

–

Trilateral consultations with Ukraine and Russia .................................................................................................. 13

Crisis in the European steel industry ..................................................................................................................... 13

Trade and investment relations with China ........................................................................................................... 13

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

TRADE POLICY

–

WTO: customs duties ............................................................................................................................................ 14

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

–

EU - Ukraine Association Council ........................................................................................................................ 14

COHESION POLICY

–

EU strategy for the alpine region ........................................................................................................................... 14



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.

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

ITEMS DEBATED

TRADE AND INVESTMENT POLICY

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1.

27 November 2015

Recalling the European Council Conclusions of 7/8 February 2013 and its previous

Conclusions on Trade of 21 November 2014, the Council broadly welcomes the

Communication from the Commission of 14 October 2015 on "Trade for All: Towards a

more responsible trade and investment policy". The Council takes note of the

Communication's conclusions and recommendations, which pave the way for an ambitious

trade and investment agenda, in line with the EU’s external relations and other relevant

policies.

The Council remains fully committed to a strong, rules-based multilateral trading system

and strongly supports the Commission's ambitious approach in this regard. It supports the

further strengthening of the multilateral system, including dispute settlement as one of its

central pillars, on the basis of a robust and effective WTO that responds to current and

future global trade challenges, and which better reflects the capacities of other WTO

members to contribute to the system. A successful WTO Ministerial Conference (MC10)

in Nairobi with concrete, balanced and meaningful outcomes and progress on the

remaining issues of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) will be important to foster trust

and confidence in the multilateral trading system and boost international trade. Following

the ratification by the EU of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), the Council

now expects other WTO partners which have not yet done so to fulfil all the required

procedural steps without delay, so that companies, in particular in developing countries,

can experience the tangible benefits of the TFA as soon as possible. The EU is also

committed to exploring ways to make the multilateral trading system work better in the

future and is open to considering the addition of new issues to the future trade agenda.

The Council looks forward to swift progress in plurilateral negotiations, including the

Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) and, by MC10, the expansion of the Information

Technology Agreement (ITA) and a significant outcome on the Environmental Goods

Agreement (EGA). These agreements, and any new plurilateral initiatives among WTO

members, should contribute to stronger global trade and to more growth and jobs, and

should act as building blocks for future multilateral agreements.

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

27 November 2015

The Council supports the conclusion of ambitious, comprehensive and mutually beneficial

bilateral trade and investment agreements and calls on the Commission to work to advance

negotiations with the US, Japan and key partners in Latin America, and in the Asia-Pacific

region. It welcomes the strong positive results stemming from the implementation of the

EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, which is the first and most ambitious new

generation bilateral trade deal ever implemented by the EU. The Council also welcomes

progress achieved in the context of the Economic Partnership Agreements with ACP

countries and looks forward to swiftly moving ahead with signature, ratification and

implementation of these agreements. Deepening the trade and economic integration of the

Eastern and Southern neighbourhood with the EU should also be pursued, taking into

account the different ambitions of partner countries, in order to further develop an area of

shared stability, security and prosperity.

The Council welcomes the ambitious programme of future bilateral trade negotiations set

out by the Commission in its Communication, and underlines the need to consider any

decision to open negotiations on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the EU's

offensive and defensive interests, broader political context, as well as prioritising those

negotiations that will provide most benefit in terms of growth and jobs. Bilateral, regional

and plurilateral agreements should complement each other, be transparent, consistent and

contribute to a stronger multilateral trading system under WTO rules.

The Council agrees that trade should benefit all, whether consumers, workers or economic

operators and be coherent with other EU policies. It stresses the importance of national and

European economic, social, environmental and labour market policies to help workers and

businesses adjust to the process of continuous change in the global economy, making sure

that they enhance their international competitiveness, harness new market opportunities

and that the benefits of globalisation are fairly distributed and negative impacts mitigated.

The Council underlines that EU trade agreements will not lead to lower levels of

consumer, health, environmental or social and labour protection standards, and that any

changes to levels of protection can only be upward and need to respect fully governments'

right to regulate.

The worldwide economic shifts outside the EU will require Europe to further tap into the

new centres of global growth in order to consolidate economic recovery and create more

and better jobs to address continued unemployment, especially among young people, on

our continent. Taking into account the EU's interests and specificities, trade agreements

should provide equal opportunities across EU Member States, regions, including outermost

regions and overseas territories of the EU, and all relevant sectors, including industry,

agriculture and services. In this context, the Council underlines the need to facilitate and

improve the integration of European companies in global value chains, in particular small

and medium sized enterprises.

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

27 November 2015

Given the importance of small and medium sized enterprises in the EU, their key role in

job creation and their significant contribution to EU trade, the Council stresses the need to

cut trading costs for SMEs through streamlining customs procedures, reducing non-tariff

barriers and regulatory burdens, and strengthening trade enabling services. Therefore, the

Council welcomes the Commission's intention to address these issues through provisions

dedicated to SMEs in all trade and investment negotiations, in order to enhance the

effective use of trade preferences by SMEs.

As the world's largest exporter of digitally deliverable services, the EU needs an ambitious

and pro-active digital trade strategy in order to reap the benefits of digitalisation, in line

with the Digital Single Market and relevant policies. This includes addressing new types of

trade barriers which European businesses of all sizes face, such as non-transparent rules,

undue government interference, and unjustified data localisation and data storage

requirements. The Council stresses the need to create a global level playing field in the

area of digital trade and strongly supports the Commission's intention to pursue this goal in

full compliance with and without prejudice to the EU's data protection and data privacy

rules, which are not negotiated in or affected by trade agreements.

The Council recalls that trade in services is becoming all the more important for the EU

economy and is closely interlinked with trade in goods. EU trade policy therefore needs to

aim at improving market access for both goods and services together, as well as facilitating

the mobility of highly skilled service providers and professionals, including recognition of

their qualifications. The Council also reiterates that EU trade and investment agreements

do not and will not require governments to privatise any public service, or prevent

governments, at any level, from protecting, supporting or regulating the provision of public

services in areas such as water, education, culture, health or social services, nor from

expanding the range of services they supply to the public.

The Council underlines that investment, both inward and outward, is essential for Europe’s

economy and companies to succeed. Regarding investment policy, which is an area of

shared competence and responsibility, the Council stresses the need to promote and protect

investments, and to maintain a level playing field for all investors. It welcomes the

Commission's innovative and ambitious approach to modernise investment protection, and

takes note of the transmission of a negotiating text proposal to the United States in this

regard. The Council further takes note of the Commission’s intention to consider this

approach, where appropriate, in other EU trade agreements and to work towards the

establishment of a multilateral investment court as a final goal. The Council welcomes the

renewed pledge to respect governments' right to regulate.

10.

11.

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

12.

27 November 2015

The Council underlines the need to seize the benefits of open trade in a spirit of reciprocity

and mutual benefit, and taking into account third countries’ level of development. Open

trade also depends on and benefits from fair and undistorted competition. It is therefore of

utmost importance to fight all forms of protectionism by reducing barriers to trade,

including as regards non-tariff trade barriers, ensuring better market access, promoting

appropriate investment conditions including as regards investment protection, enforcing

and promoting intellectual property rights (including geographical indications, patents,

designs, trademarks and copyright), opening up public procurement markets, and securing

access to energy, raw materials and components. It encourages the Commission to continue

its efforts for market opening, reinforced international regulatory co-operation, raising

global standards, as well as tackling trade barriers and unfair trade practices, including

through using the full range of EU trade policy instruments. It also supports the

Commission in its efforts to ensure compliance and enforcement of WTO rules and the

better implementation of the EU's own bilateral trade and investment agreements.

The Council acknowledges that trade policy and a better implementation of the EU's

agreements are a joint responsibility of the Commission, Member States, the European

Parliament and stakeholders, building on an effective cooperation and timely consultations,

and welcomes the proposed enhanced partnership for implementation with a view to

maximising the benefits stemming from trade and investment agreements. The Council

recalls the importance of ensuring the non-discrimination of Member States as well as the

integrity of the single market when it comes to trade preferences granted by third countries.

It welcomes the Commission’s intention to improve “ex-ante” impact assessments, to

report annually on the implementation of FTAs and to intensify its work on “ex-post”

impact evaluations

A responsible EU trade policy must be accompanied by a high level of transparency and an

effective communication with citizens about the benefits and challenges of trade and open

markets. The intensification of the debate around the EU’s trade policy is an opportunity to

better involve all stakeholders in the preparation, negotiation and implementation of our

different initiatives in the field. This should respect the existing institutional balance and

applicable rules regarding classified information, and not prejudice the EU’s negotiating

positions or international relations.

13.

14.

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

15.

27 November 2015

Only through an ambitious and responsible trade policy agenda, which takes account of

other relevant policies, will the EU be able to shape globalisation and participate in the

drawing up of robust international rules in future. The Council is therefore committed to

ensuring that trade agreements safeguard the values on which the EU is founded, as well as

EU standards and regulatory practices. This includes strengthening measures to support

sustainable development and good governance through trade agreements, multi-

stakeholder initiatives and beyond, with an emphasis on free, fair and ethical trade,

environmental protection, labour rights, decent working conditions, as well as human

rights, health and consumer protection, animal welfare, ensuring the protection of cultural

diversity and promoting development through trade, including Aid for Trade and the 2030

Agenda. The Council attaches great importance to ensuring the inclusion and effective

implementation of related provisions in all trade agreements and the Generalised System of

Preferences.

The EU needs to be at the forefront of the fight against corruption and the Council looks

forward to the Commission's proposals on how to tackle related issues in trade agreements.

Corporate social responsibility and due diligence, in particular regarding global value

chains, needs to be increased. The EU will support partner countries, and in particular least

developed countries, in taking advantage of responsible global value chains to foster

inclusive and sustainable growth, thereby creating jobs and strengthening

competitiveness."

16.

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

WTO MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE

27 November 2015

The Commission reported on preparations for the 10

World Trade Organisation ministerial

conference, to be held in Nairobi from 15 to 18 December 2015.

The Council discussed the EU's strategy for the meeting. It assessed the overall balance to be

achieved between the main elements in discussion – namely development issues, export

competition and transparency – and considered priorities for work after the Nairobi conference.

It underscored the importance of strengthening of the multilateral trading system, and reiterated its

commitment to WTO trade negotiations.

The Council will hold a meeting in Nairobi on 15 December 2015, in the margins of the ministerial

conference.

The current round of world trade talks started at the fourth WTO ministerial conference, held in

Doha, in 2001. They are aimed at facilitating global trade, with lower trade barriers and revised

trade rules, and improving trading opportunities for developing countries. Following a stalemate in

the talks in 2011, ministers agreed to pursue efforts in areas where progress could be achieved. This

led to agreement on a more limited work programme at the 9

ministerial conference, held in Bali

in December 2013.

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

EU-US TRADE AND INVESTMENT NEGOTIATIONS

27 November 2015

The Council discussed developments and next steps in negotiations on a comprehensive trade

agreement with the United States, the "transatlantic trade and investment partnership" (TTIP).

The aim is to finalise the negotiations during the term of office of the current US administration.

The coming months will be crucial for success. The Council called on the Commission to step up its

efforts to obtain an ambitious outcome in all of the key areas of the negotiations.

The TTIP talks are structured around three components: market access, provisions on regulatory

issues and non-tariff barriers, and rules.

Eleven negotiating rounds have been held, the latest in Miami from 19 to 23 October 2015.

Negotiations in Miami covered all areas under discussion, with the exception of investment

protection. No date has yet been confirmed for the next round of negotiations, which is expected to

take place in February 2016. Intersessional meetings will be held in the meantime to enable the pace

of negotiations to accelerate.

The Commission is leading the negotiations on behalf of the EU and its member states, on the basis

of a mandate agreed by the Council in June 2013. The Council decided in October 2014 to make

public its negotiating directives for the TTIP negotiations.

EU negotiating mandate for TTIP

Commission webpage on trade with the US

Report on the 11

round of TTIP negotiations

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

EU-MERCOSUR FREE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS

27 November 2015

The Commission reported on the state of talks on a free trade agreement with Mercosur, South

America's largest economic bloc. It assessed the prospects for progress before the end of 2015 with

a possible exchange of tariff offers.

The Council held an exchange of views. It reaffirmed the importance of concluding a

comprehensive and ambitious accord that meets the EU's offensive and defensive interests. It took

note of the views expressed by member states, notably as regards a possible exchange of offers on

the basis of a reduced coverage of tariff lines.

The agreement is intended to cover trade in industrial and agricultural goods, as well as services,

establishment and government procurement. It would also involve the improvement of rules in areas

such as government procurement, intellectual property, customs and trade facilitation and technical

barriers to trade. It would be part of a region-to-region association agreement with political and

cooperation provisions.

Negotiations were launched in 2000, but have been suspended at times since then. At an EU-Latin

America and Caribbean summit in Brussels in June 2015, the EU reconfirmed its commitment to a

comprehensive free trade agreement with Mercosur.

Commission webpage on trade with Mercosur

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

EU-ASIA FREE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS - JAPAN AND ASEAN

27 November 2015

The Council discussed various trade negotiations underway with the countries of Asia, focusing on

Japan and the countries of ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The Council reaffirmed its support to the Commission for the negotiation of an ambitious and

comprehensive agreement with Japan, with a view to concluding the talks as early as possible in

2016.

It looked forward to finalisation of negotiations on the last part of a free trade agreement with

Vietnam.

It welcomed the imminent launch of negotiations on a free trade agreement with the Philippines.

The Council considered that the resumption of bi-regional negotiations with ASEAN should remain

a strategic objective in the medium term.

Japan

Negotiations on a free trade agreement with Japan were launched in March 2013, on the basis of a

mandate issued by the Council in November 2012. The latest round was held in Brussels from

22 October to 6 November 2015. The next will take place in Tokyo from 30 November to

4 December 2015.

ASEAN

Talks on a free trade agreement with the ASEAN region as a whole were suspended in early 2009.

The Council decided in December 2009 to pursue negotiations with ASEAN countries individually,

whilst maintaining the strategic objective of a region-to-region free trade agreement in the long run.

It approved the launch of negotiations with Singapore (in December 2009), Malaysia (in September

2010), Vietnam (in May 2012), Thailand (in February 2013) and the Philippines (in November

2015).

In October 2013, the Council amended its original mandate to allow the Commission to negotiate

provisions on investment protection.

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

27 November 2015

Negotiations with Singapore were finalised in December 2012 and with Vietnam in July 2015 (with

the exception of provisions on investment protection). The latest round of talks with Malaysia was

held in April 2012, and talks with Thailand are currently on hold due to the political situation in the

country. Preparations for talks with Indonesia are ongoing.

Commission webpage on trade with Japan

Commission webpage on trade with ASEAN

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

OTHER BUSINESS

–

Trilateral consultations with Ukraine and Russia

27 November 2015

The Commission briefed the Council on preparations for a trilateral meeting with the Ukrainian and

Russian trade ministers on 1 December 2015. The meeting comes ahead of provisional application,

on 1 January 2016, of free trade provisions under the EU-Ukraine association agreement.

–

Crisis in the European steel industry

The Council discussed challenges facing the European steel industry stemming from a fall in world

demand. This follows an extraordinary meeting of the Competitiveness Council on 9 November

2015.

–

Trade and investment relations with China

Over lunch, ministers discussed relations with China, specifically:

–

the issue of market economy status, following China's accession to the WTO in 2001;

trade barriers in China;

EU anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures;

negotiations on an EU-China investment agreement.

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

TRADE POLICY

WTO: customs duties

27 November 2015

The Council adopted a decision setting out the EU's position within the ministerial conference of

the World Trade Organization as supporting an extension of the moratorium on customs duties on

electronic transmissions and the moratorium on non-violation and situation complaints.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

EU - Ukraine Association Council

The Council adopted the EU's position in view of the second meeting of the EU - Ukraine

Association Council on 7 December 2015.

COHESION POLICY

EU strategy for the alpine region

The Council adopted the following conclusions on the European Union strategy for the alpine

region (13528/15):

"THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNIONRECALLING the European Council Conclusions

of 19-20 December 2013

inviting the Commission, in cooperation with Member States, to

elaborate an EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (hereinafter: "EUSALP" or the "Strategy");

(1)

ACKNOWLEDGING the Commission's Communication concerning the EUSALP

, and

COMMENDING the Commission on its extensive consultation process conducted when

preparing the Communication;

EUCO 217/13.

COM (2015) 366 final, Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the

European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions concerning a European Union

Strategy for the Alpine Region.

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

General considerations

(2)

27 November 2015

RECALLING the Council Conclusions of 22 October 2013 on the added value of macro-

regional strategies

, and that the Council recommended when considering the creation of new

macro-regional strategies to ensure that: a) there are particular needs of strategic importance

for the macro-regions for improved high level cooperation in solving common challenges as

well as using opportunities, b) involvement of the EU is appropriate and existing EU

horizontal policies would be reinforced, c) the appraisal of the added value at the EU and

macro-regional level is evidence-based, d) there is clearly expressed political will from both

the Member States concerned and their involved regions for such an approach;

RECALLING the Council Conclusions of 21 October 2014 on the governance of macro-

regional strategies

;

RECOGNISING the potential of macro-regional strategies, as an integrated framework

relating to Member States and non-EU countries in the same geographical area in order to

address common challenges and to benefit from strengthened cooperation, to contribute to

Treaty-based objectives including economic, social and territorial cohesion of the EU,

therefore supporting the achievement of the Europe 2020 Strategy objectives and in particular

the promotion of growth and jobs;

NOTING in particular that existing and future macro-regional strategies provide an important

instrument to pursue the objective of territorial cohesion in the areas concerned, because of

their integrated and place-based approach;

STRESSING that macro-regional strategies are based on the principles of no new EU funds,

no additional EU formal structures and no new EU legislation, and are an instrument for

optimal use of existing financial resources, better use of existing institutions and better

implementation of existing legislation;

REITERATING the need for coordination between relevant EU policies as well as between

EU and national, regional and local policies having an impact on territorial cohesion,

respecting the principle of subsidiarity and proportionality;

STRESSING the need for macro-regional strategies to be result-oriented, promote concrete

achievements and ensure accountability;

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

Doc. 14926/13 ADD 1.

Doc. 13374/14.

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

The EU Strategy for the Alpine Region

(9)

27 November 2015

RECALLS that the Strategy will affect around 80 million people living in 48 regions in seven

States, of which five are EU Member States (Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Slovenia)

and two are non-EU countries (Liechtenstein and Switzerland);

(10) ENDORSES the Strategy, as set out by the Commission's communication, and TAKES

NOTE of the annexed Action Plan elaborated by the Commission, in cooperation with

Member States, and on the basis of a public consultation with the participating States and

Regions, involving all relevant partners and stakeholders at national, regional and local level;

(11) RECOGNISES the common challenges and the particular needs of strategic importance of the

territories concerned as identified in the Strategy. RECOMMENDS that the EUSALP

enhances solidarities and synergies between mountainous and, non-mountainous areas, urban

and rural areas and peripheral regions surrounding the Alps. ACKNOWLEDGES its added

value in line with the Council Conclusions of 22 October 2013 on the added value of macro-

regional strategies

;

(12) WELCOMES the active cooperation of all interested international, national and regional and

local organisations and communities in areas where actions of mutual interest can be

identified, taking into account the initiatives of the civil society; STRESSES that the Strategy

is the expression of a clear political will, and the result of a long political, administrative and

technical process among the seven States and 48 Regions participating in the Strategy, and,

TAKING NOTE that the macro-regional strategies are dynamic processes,

ACKNOWLEDGES that the Strategy remains open to future developments;

(13) APPRECIATES that the Strategy addresses the challenges of the Alpine Region by selecting

3 Thematic Policy Areas focusing on topics with the highest macro-regional relevance, such

as 1) economic growth and innovation, 2) mobility and connectivity and 3) environment and

energy, as well as Governance and institutional capacity as a cross-cutting policy area;

(14) RECOGNISES, as described in the Action Plan of the Strategy, the challenges of the Alpine

Region facing demographic trends, characterised particularly by the combined effects of

ageing, low population density in the mountain areas and new migration models, the high

vulnerability to climate change and its foreseeable effects on the environment, biodiversity

and the living conditions of its inhabitants;

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

27 November 2015

(15) STRESSES that the Alpine Region, due to its central location in Europe, is of interest to all

EU Member States for a number of EU policies, in particular in the following fields:

–

the Region, which comprises some of the most dynamic European regions, can build

on its high competitiveness and enhance the already existing opportunities, such as

its innovation capacity or its strong potential in tourism, based on the preservation

and valorisation of cultural and natural heritage, to increase employment;

improving sustainable transport infrastructure, its intermodal connectivity and

interoperability in the region with a clear trend to reduce emissions, hence supporting

a balanced development between North and South as well as East and West;

the safeguarding of the alpine biodiversity by preserving its integrity and its

ecological connectivity. Actions and projects to be implemented under this Strategy

should contribute towards the targets to be agreed at COP21, including supporting

the shift towards a low-carbon economy as well as promoting climate change

mitigation and adaptation, efficient disaster risk management including prevention.

–

(16) UNDERLINES the importance of ensuring mutually beneficial interaction between the core

area and the metropolises with regard to the need to establish sustainable and balanced models

in the field of energy as well as of preserving and valorising natural resources in view of the

particular vulnerability of the environment of the Alpine Region;

(17) REITERATES that the Strategy is financially neutral, in the sense that, through its

coordinated approach, it aims at a more efficient and effective use of existing instruments and

funds;

(18) ACKNOWLEDGES that the Strategy builds on:

–

long experience of a large number of cooperation structures already operating in the

area such as: Alpine Convention1, Alpine Space INTERREG Programme, and other

ad hoc structures;

The Alpine Convention is an international treaty, entered into force in 1995 for the sustainable development and

the protection of the Alps, ratified by the alpine countries (Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein,

Monaco, Slovenia and Switzerland) and the European Union.

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

–

27 November 2015

the lessons learnt from the existing macro-regional strategies: need to focus on a

limited number of challenges and/or opportunities, and to secure ownership,

commitment and leadership from the participating States, regional and local

authorities , need to establish, at an early stage, a sound governance and management

system with a clear division of tasks and roles;

the Grenoble "Political

resolution

towards a European Union Strategy for the Alpine

region" of

October 2013, stressing the joint will of the States and Regions of the

Alpine region to support the elaboration of a macro-region for the Alpine region;

the "Milan Declaration of the Alpine States and Regions" of 1 December 2014,

emphasising the importance of the future EUSALP in constituting a tailor-made

contribution to the growth of the region in line with Europe 2020 Strategy objectives

and building on its cultural and natural heritage;

the extensive public online consultation from July to October 2014 with close to 400

contributions and its outcomes.

–

(19) UNDERLINES that the timing of the Strategy's launch coincides with the start of the

implementation of the European Structural Investment Funds 2014-2020 programming

period, which helps mobilising relevant policies and programmes in support of the Strategy;

RECALLS that the 2014-2020 legislative package paves the way for better embedding macro-

regional strategies in the programming and implementation of relevant EU policies where

appropriate;

Internal Governance

(20) WELCOMES the Milan Declaration and the commitment "to carry out the necessary actions

to improve the coordination of funds available at the EU, state, regional or local level, based

on the awareness that tangible results for citizens can only be achieved by enabling the

development of synergies between the various planning levels. The participating States and

Regions put all efforts in using the potential of the existing 2014-2020 financial framework.";

(21) INVITES the Commission to:

a. keep playing a leading role in strategic coordination of the Strategy, where its

involvement brings a clear added value, in partnership with the participating States,

regional and local authorities, and in accordance with the subsidiarity and proportionality

principles; and ensure that the Strategy is taken into account in relevant EU policy

initiatives and programme planning;

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

27 November 2015

b. support, in cooperation with the participating States, regional and local authorities, the

aims of the Strategy and the implementation of the agreed actions by promoting the

coordination of existing EU funds and instruments, and by cooperating closely with the

relevant financial institutions necessary for the realisation and funding of the Strategy;

c. promote the full and effective involvement of the non-EU countries participating in the

Strategy;

d. promote the involvement of the Alpine Convention in the implementation of the Strategy,

with a view to building on the Convention’s expertise in the protection and sustainable

development of the Alps, and exploring synergies;

e. promote, also with the support of Eurostat, the collection of reliable and comparable data

concerning the Region, at the adequate statistical level, and support the development of

adequate monitoring and evaluation tools also making recourse, as appropriate, to

technical assistance funds directly managed by the Commission;

f. promote active participation of all relevant partners and stakeholders, including relevant

cooperation structures, non-governmental organisations and institutions, social and

economic partners, the civil society and the private sector, in all steps of the Strategy’s

implementation.

(22) INVITES all actors in their different roles in the implementation of the Strategy to ensure the

most effective use of existing national and EU resources, including:

a. the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds and programmes supporting

Treaty-based objectives, according to the specific nature, objectives and governance, fully

respecting the content of the already adopted programmes; in particular, the Alpine Space

programme should support the implementation and governance of the Strategy through the

priorities and funding foreseen for this purpose;

b. the opportunities provided in the context of the European Fund for Strategic Investments

(EFSI).

(23) INVITES all actors in their different roles to ensure adequate visibility, communication and

awareness raising about the Strategy's objectives and results;

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

(24) CALLS upon the Member States participating in the Strategy to:

27 November 2015

a. establish in their respective countries key conditions for good implementation and

exploitation of the EU added value of the Strategy, including political support, ownership,

leadership and responsibility, taking into account the views of the Council on the

governance of macro-regional strategies;

b. safeguard the alignment of relevant policies and funds at national, regional and local level,

including, where appropriate and in line with the Regulations, the embedding of the

Strategy into the programmes co-financed by the ESI Funds for the 2014-2020 period and

other EU relevant programmes, and ensure that the Strategy's objectives and actions are

appropriately considered in the design and implementation of relevant national, regional

and local policies and programmes, and

vice versa;

c. set up, in partnership with the Commission and the non-EU countries participating in the

Strategy, an effective multilevel governance system and effective and efficient procedures

and modalities enhancing continuity, ownership and visibility for the implementation of

the Strategy, in accordance with the Milan Declaration of 1 December 2014, in line with

the views of the Council on the governance of macro-regional strategies, fully respecting

the institutional and constitutional architecture of the participating States, and the

specificities and competences of their administrative structures, in order to ensure a timely

start of the Strategy;

d. encourage and facilitate the full and effective involvement of non-EU countries

participating in the Strategy at all levels and in all steps of the implementation of the

Strategy, in particular in the definition of concrete actions and projects;

e. ensure that the partnership principle is respected and fully made operational, by promoting

active participation of relevant partners and stakeholders, including the relevant

cooperation structures, the existing regional governmental and non-governmental

organisations, social and economic partners, the civil society, including through national

and regional parliaments, and the private sector, in all steps of the Strategy's

implementation, thus creating synergies and enabling knowledge-sharing;

f. safeguard the involvement of the stakeholders concerned from all levels in the region,

evaluate results, consult on revised actions and, where appropriate, develop new

approaches.

14688/15

UPN, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 46: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender - handel) den 27.11.15

PROVISIONAL VERSION

EU-wide Governance

27 November 2015

(25) STRESSES the importance of due involvement of all EU Member States and all interested

stakeholders on transnational, regional and local level, as appropriate, in the implementation

of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region;

(26) INVITES the Commission and the Member States to ensure that adequate coordination is

established among macro-regional strategies, in particular to ensure that projects and

partnerships can be developed across macro-regional strategies as appropriate and where

relevant;

(27) APPRECIATES the engagement of the States and relevant partners participating in the EU

Strategy for the Alpine Region to exchange knowledge and good practices with other

mountainous regions and areas in Europe and INVITES these mountainous areas to actively

engage in these exchanges;

(28) INVITES the Commission to ensure the exchange of best practices between the Strategy and

other existing and future ones, as well as to include the Strategy within the competences and

activities of the High-Level Group on macro-regional strategies and to reflect on how to

improve the effectiveness of this Group in the light of the evolution of the EU macro-regional

strategies from 2009 onwards;

(29) STRESSES the importance to ensure that the EU Institutions are regularly involved in the

implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Strategy, based on a regular reporting by

the Commission;

(30) STRESSES its commitment to take into account the implementation of the Strategy, and to

that scope, INTENDS to reflect, at the level of its relevant preparatory bodies, on the progress

of the implementation of the Strategy with the view to reporting as appropriate;

(31) ASKS the Commission to draft a report every two years, starting end 2016, on the

implementation of the EUSALP and TAKES NOTE of the Commission's intention to draft a

single report every two years, starting end 2016, describing the progress made towards the

implementation of all macro-regional strategies, presenting recommendations on possible

developments of the Strategies and their Action Plans and/or on how to improve or optimise

their implementation, taking into account the particularities of the different strategies."

14688/15