UPN, Alm.del - 2016-17 - Bilag 177: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender) 6. marts 2017

Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2016-17
UPN Alm.del Bilag 177
Offentligt

Council of the

European Union

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(OR. en)

PROVISIONAL VERSION

PRESSE 13

PR CO 13

OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING

3525th Council meeting

Foreign Affairs

Brussels, 6 March 2017

President

Federica Mogherini

High Representative 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

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

6 March 2017

CONTENTS

ITEMS DEBATED

Security and defence ............................................................................................................................ 3

Egypt .................................................................................................................................................. 10

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

Migration ............................................................................................................................................ 10

Middle East Peace Process ................................................................................................................. 11

Democratic Republic of the Congo .................................................................................................... 11

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

–

Strengthening synergies between EU climate and energy diplomacies ................................................................. 15

EU Guidelines for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Child .............................................................. 18

Exports of military technology and equipment...................................................................................................... 18

Common military list of the European Union ....................................................................................................... 19

EU-Algeria partnership priorities .......................................................................................................................... 19

COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY

–

Operational planning and conduct capabilities for CSDP missions and operations .............................................. 19



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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PROVISIONAL VERSION

ITEMS DEBATED

Security and defence

6 March 2017

EU foreign ministers and defence ministers held a joint session on implementation of the EU global

strategy in the area of security and defence. The Council adopted the following conclusions

assessing progress in implementing the various lines of action agreed by the European Council of

15 December 2016:

Introduction

"1.

In accordance with the 15 December 2016 European Council Conclusions and guidance

contained therein, the Council has reviewed progress in the implementation of its

conclusions of 17 October and 14 November 2016. It welcomes the initial advances made,

as set out below, in fulfilling through a comprehensive set of actions the EU's level of

ambition derived from the EU Global Strategy in the area of security and defence. It calls

for further work and guidance and agrees to revert to these matters in May, ahead of the

June European Council.

The Council recalls that this should contribute to enhancing the Union’s ability to act as a

security provider and to enhance the Common Security and Defence Policy, as well as its

global strategic role and its capacity to act autonomously when and where necessary and

with partners wherever possible.

The Council welcomes the ongoing work on the implementation of the European Defence

Action Plan by the Commission, in close cooperation with the Member States. It also

welcomes the Commission's intention, included in its Communication dated 30 November

2016, to present further proposals in the first semester of 2017 for the establishment of a

European Defence Fund including a window on the joint development of capabilities to be

commonly agreed by the Member States, and a research window (whose first step is the

launch of the Preparatory Action for defence-related research) to be examined under the

next Multiannual Financial Framework. The Council recalls the invitation made by the

European Council in December 2016 to the European Investment Bank to examine steps

with a view to supporting investments in defence research and development activities.

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6 March 2017

The Council also reiterates, in line with its Conclusions of 14 November 2016, the need to enhance

the effectiveness of CSDP and the development and maintenance of Member States’ capabilities,

supported by a more integrated, sustainable, innovative and competitive European Defence

Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), which also contributes to jobs, growth and innovation

across the EU and can enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy, strengthening its ability to act with

partners. The Council recalls that these efforts should be inclusive, with equal opportunities for

defence industry in the EU, balanced and in full compliance with EU law.

The Council furthermore welcomes the swift action in follow-up to the Council

conclusions of 6 December 2016 implementing all areas of the Joint Declaration signed in

Warsaw by the President of the European Council, the President of the European

Commission and the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. In this

regard, it calls for further work, in full respect of the principles of inclusiveness,

reciprocity and the autonomy of the EU’s decision-making processes, and to report back on

progress in June 2017.

Improving CSDP crisis management structures

Today, the Council approves the Concept Note on the operational planning and conduct

capabilities for CSDP missions and operations. Further to the December European Council

Conclusions and in line with its Conclusions of November 2016, this Note contains

measures to improve the EU’s capacity to react in a faster, more effective and more

seamless manner, building on existing structures and in view of enhancing civilian-military

synergies, as part of the EU's Comprehensive Approach. On this basis, the Council agrees

in particular:

–

To establish, as a short term objective, a Military Planning and Conduct Capability

(MPCC) within the EU Military Staff in Brussels which will be responsible at the

strategic level for the operational planning and conduct of non-executive military

missions, working under the political control and strategic guidance of the Political and

Security Committee. The newly created MPCC will work in parallel and in a

coordinated way with the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC).

That the Director General of the EU Military Staff will be the Director of the MPCC

and in that capacity will assume the functions of missions' commander for non-

executive military missions, including the three EU Training Missions deployed in the

Central African Republic, Mali and Somalia, in line with the agreed Terms of

Reference.

–

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–

6 March 2017

To invite the High Representative to propose consolidated terms of reference of the EU

Military Staff, as well as to propose a Council Decision reflecting the above

arrangements and amending the Council Decisions of the CSDP missions concerned.

To bring together civilian and military expertise in key mission support areas within a

Joint Support Coordination Cell at the Brussels level, in order to work on a daily basis

to further strengthen and enable effective civilian/military coordination and cooperation

in the operational planning and conduct of CSDP civilian and non-executive military

missions. This would further contribute to the full implementation of the EU's

Comprehensive Approach, while respecting the respective civilian and military chains

of command and the distinct sources of financing.

To review the establishment of the MPCC and the Joint Support Coordination Cell one

year after becoming fully operational, but no later than by the end of 2018, based on a

report by the High Representative. This review should be prepared in full consultation

with the Member States and would not prejudge any political decisions to be taken.

–

The Council also agrees to proposals on strategic foresight and oversight contained in the

Concept Note and requests the High Representative, in cooperation with the Commission as

appropriate, to proceed with their implementation.

Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO)

To strengthen Europe’s security and defence in today’s challenging geopolitical

environment, the Council agrees on the need to continue work on an inclusive Permanent

Structured Cooperation (PESCO) based on a modular approach. It should be open to all

Member States who are willing to make the necessary binding commitments and meet the

criteria, based on articles 42.6 and 46 and Protocol 10 of the Treaty. The Council

recognises that PESCO could significantly contribute to fulfilling the EU's Level of

Ambition including with a view to the most demanding missions and that it could facilitate

the development of Member States' defence capabilities and strengthen European defence

cooperation, while making full use of the Treaties. It notes that any capabilities developed

through PESCO will remain owned and operated by Member States. It recalls that Member

States have a single set of forces that they can use in other frameworks. Underlining the

responsibility and competence of the Member States in the area of defence, it stresses that

PESCO should help generate new collaborative efforts, cooperation and projects.

To this end, the Council invites the Member States, supported by the EEAS and the

European Defence Agency (EDA), to continue working in order to further consider and

develop:

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–

6 March 2017

An agreement on a shared understanding of the common commitments, goals and

criteria on the basis of the relevant provisions of the Treaty, as well as the governance

model.

The possible projects and initiatives that Member States are willing to pursue through

PESCO including in a modular way and while making use of ongoing projects and

making new commitments in the area of defence investment, with a view to tackling

recognised shortfalls and addressing EU and Member States' priorities in the field of

capabilities; improving the deployability and operational availability of their armed

forces; and increasing their interoperability by pooling and sharing existing capabilities.

–

This work would feed into the preparation of the notification to the Council and the High

Representative and of the Council Decision establishing PESCO.

While noting that they are standalone initiatives, the Council underlines the need to reflect

on the possible links between PESCO and the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence

(CARD). The Council recognises that more work is needed to explore the potential link to

the Commission’s proposals to establish a European Defence Fund, including on how

PESCO projects and initiatives could benefit from its mechanisms, which will be subject to

further decisions to be taken on the setting up and final structure of the fund.

The Council agrees to revert in May 2017 in order to provide further political guidance on

the possible decision-making.

Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD)

The Council welcomes the work launched to develop the principles and scope of a Member

States-driven CARD to deepen cooperation in defence, including by fostering capability

development addressing shortfalls, and ensure more optimal use, including coherence, of

defence spending plans. It stresses the importance to develop through CARD a more

structured way to deliver the key capabilities needed in Europe, based on greater

transparency, political visibility and commitment from Member States, while avoiding any

unnecessary additional administrative effort by Member States and EU institutions. The

Council stresses the need to ensure coherence between the CARD and the NATO Defence

Planning Process where requirements overlap while recognising the different nature of the

two organisations and their respective responsibilities. The Council stresses that CARD, as

an overarching tool, needs to build on and make best use of existing processes and tools

and should draw as much as possible on available information generated through them.

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11.

6 March 2017

The Council highlights that CARD would be implemented on a voluntary basis and in full

respect of Member States' prerogatives and commitments in defence, including, where it

applies, in collective defence, and their defence planning processes, and taking into

account external threats and security challenges across the EU.

The Council stresses the importance of bringing greater transparency and political

visibility to the European capability landscape. In this regard, it underlines that CARD

should provide an overarching assessment on capability-related issues contributing to

political guidance by the Council. The Council therefore underlines that CARD should

help Member States deliver on critical capabilities notably on the basis of the capability

priorities agreed through the EU's Capability Development Plan. It should also provide

Member States with a forum for coordinating and discussing their national defence

planning – including in terms of defence spending plans, taking into account the

commitments made by the European Council in December 2016 – in a more structured

way that builds on the voluntary measures set out in the Policy Framework for Systematic

and Long-Term Defence Cooperation. While noting that they are standalone initiatives, the

work on CARD should be undertaken in coherence with the implementation of the

European Defence Action Plan.

12.

The Council welcomes the idea of regular and dedicated meetings of Defence Ministers',

initially every two years, and more frequently if so decided. The EDA should play a key

role in CARD to provide the overarching objective assessment and supporting analysis in

the form of a written report to Defence Ministers, while making full use of existing tools

and acting also as CARD secretariat.

The Council agrees to the parameters of CARD set out above and invites the High

Representative/Head of the Agency, in close cooperation with Member States, to develop

more detailed proposals on the scope, methods and content of CARD by June, notably in

terms of interaction with Member States, with a view to preparing the establishment of

CARD by the end of 2017. The first full CARD should be implemented based notably on

the revised Capability Development Plan priorities as well as other existing processes and

tools as of 2018.

13.

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Developing Civilian Capabilities

14.

6 March 2017

The Council underlines the importance of taking work forward swiftly on developing

civilian capabilities. It agrees on the need to enhance responsiveness in order to ensure

more effective, rapid and flexible deployment of civilian CSDP missions, which play an

important role as a pillar of the EU's Comprehensive Approach. In this context, the Council

notes ongoing discussions, including on a standing capacity, pre-configured specialised

teams of experts and contingents of police and/or other professional categories, and

revisiting the Civilian Response Team (CRT) mechanism. It requests the High

Representative and, where relevant, the Commission, working together with Member

States, to present concrete proposals to enhance responsiveness in view of their approval

ahead of the June European Council. It also agrees on the need to further review the Feira

priority areas of civilian CSDP missions. The Council underlines the importance of

strengthened EU-UN synergies, compatibility and interoperability also in this field. It will

revert to these issues in May.

Implementation in various other areas

As an important contribution to allow the EU to provide capacity building in an effective,

responsible and seamless way, the Council looks forward to the swift finalisation of

legislative work on the proposal to amend the Instrument contributing to Stability and

Peace. The Council recalls its Conclusions of November 2016 about the need to fully cover

all requirements to further support partner countries in preventing and managing crises on

their own, including those in the context of non-executive CSDP missions. In this context,

it calls to continue the ongoing preparatory work to identify the needs in the area of

Capacity Building in support of Security and Development (CBSD). The Council reiterates

the flexible geographical scope of CBSD and calls to identify and develop new projects.

The Council further recalls its proposal to work on a dedicated instrument for providing

capacity building. The Council will revert to CBSD in May 2017.

The Council welcomes the first reflections and looks forward to further work on

strengthening the relevance, usability and deployability of the EU’s Rapid Response

toolbox including the EU Battlegroups – particularly to reinforce their modularity, their

preparation and their effective financing. As part of this, further consideration should be

given to the particular modalities and common costs and other financial provisions for

rapid response operations in general and the EU Battlegroups in particular.

16.

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The Council will revert to the issue in May based on consolidated proposals to be presented by the

High Representative in close consultation with the Member States. Regarding their financial

aspects, these proposals could contribute to the comprehensive review of the Athena mechanism

foreseen by the end of 2017 and to be discussed in the relevant framework.

17.

The Council reiterates the importance of working with its partners, in particular the UN,

NATO, OSCE, African Union, League of Arab States and ASEAN, as well as strategic

partners and other partner countries, within our neighbourhood and more globally, with

due respect to the institutional framework and decision-making autonomy of the EU, and

the principle of inclusiveness. In this regard, the Council recalls the need to take CSDP

partnerships forward and invites the High Representative to present options before May

2017 for a more strategic approach to CSDP partners as set out in the November 2016

Council Conclusions.

The Council welcomes the review and organisational steps taken to promote an increased

EU civil-military intelligence-based situational awareness to inform strategic foresight. It

supports further steps to be taken in view of a future increase of staff, logistics and

infrastructure, if deemed necessary, and will revert to the issue in June.

The Council, recalling the need for a timely implementation of the review of the Capability

Development Plan by spring 2018, welcomes that the EDA is developing proposals on the

improvement of the EU Capability Development process. In this regard, it also welcomes

the ongoing work on the revision of the Requirements Catalogue. The work being taken

forward by Member States within EDA on capability priorities, overarching R&T priorities

and Key Strategic Activities will help to guide future investments and inform the

implementation of the European Defence Action Plan. The Council further recalls the need

for the expeditious implementation of actions taken forward within the EDA related to

critical enablers and security of supply based on Member States' political commitments and

programme/sector specific agreements.

18.

19.

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

Egypt

6 March 2017

Over lunch, EU ministers discussed EU-Egypt relations with their Egyptian counter-part, Foreign

Minister Sameh Shoukry. Together, they addressed political developments, economic reforms,

cooperation in various sectors, including counterterrorism and migration, as well as Egypt's role in

the region, in particular in regards to Libya, Syria and the Middle East peace process.

Western Balkans

Ministers reconfirmed the

EU engagement

and focus on the region, including through political and

economic links. The Council also stressed the need for partners in the region

to deliver on reforms

to ensure they make steady progress on the European path. In this context,

good regional

cooperation

continues to be essential, as is the need to contain and avoid inflammatory rhetoric.

Ministers also underlined the importance of reaching out to the populations of the region, in

particular through public diplomacy, to better

communicate the benefits

of the European path has

on offer: improvement in the rule of law, the transformation of societies and economic and social

opportunities, in particular for the youth. Ministers also expressed the EU's readiness to continue

helping the Western Balkans

address common challenges,

such as human trafficking, drugs

smuggling, extreme radicalisation and terrorism. The Council's discussion will feed into the

European Council meeting of 9-10 March, which is expected to discuss the situation in the region.

Western Balkans (EEAS website)

Migration

The Council briefly discussed the external aspects of migration ahead the European Council

meeting of 9-10 March. The High Representative presented the main elements of the progress

made under the partnership framework approach and with the five priority countries, namely Mali,

Niger, Senegal, Nigeria and Ethiopia, based on the third report on the partnership framework issued

on 2 March 2017. The Maltese Presidency touched upon the ongoing work on the implementation

of the Malta declaration, an undertaking that is being taken forward in close cooperation with the

Commission and the High Representative.

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Middle East Peace Process

6 March 2017

The Council briefly discussed the Middle East peace process in light of the most recent

developments, including with the new US administration.EU ministers reaffirmed the EU's strong

commitment to long-standing consolidated positions; not least on the two-state solution, on

settlements and on Jerusalem and to continue working to achieve a comprehensive peace deal,

preserve the viability of the two-state solution and reverse ongoing negative trends on the ground.

The Council took note of the preparations for an Association Council with Israel, which have

started, while maintaining a corresponding political dialogue with the Palestinian side.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Council adopted following conclusions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo:

"1.

The European Union remains seriously concerned by the political situation in the

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) caused by the blockage in the implementation

of the inclusive political agreement of 31 December 2016, as well as by the security

situation in several parts of the country, where the disproportionate use of force has been

observed. The situation is aggravated by the economic and budgetary crisis severely

affecting the population.

The EU welcomes the agreement of 31 December 2016 which is the only way to establish

the necessary legitimacy for the institutions which should manage the transition, including

the Presidency. Neither the death of opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, nor the security

situation, should provide any excuse for calling into question this process which must lead

to a democratic and peaceful transition of power. This agreement provides, inter alia, for

maintaining the President in office, provided that a Prime Minister nominated by the

opposition is appointed and that all the institutions continue on an interim basis until the

end of the year. It also rules out maintaining the current President beyond that deadline.

The EU underlines the urgency of the effective implementation of the agreement by all

stakeholders, in particular the presidential majority, in order to lead to elections before the

end of 2017 and thus to full constitutional legitimacy. The recent appointment of a new

president of the governing council of the Rassemblement, who will also be the President of

the National Council for the Monitoring of the Agreement (CNSA), is a first step in this

direction.

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6 March 2017

In this context, the EU reiterates its full support for the mediation role played by the

Catholic Bishops' Conference (CENCO), whose moral leadership, impartiality and

legitimacy are indispensable for the success of the process and are recognised by all

Congolese actors. It supports the recommendations in the message from CENCO's plenary

assembly of 22 February 2017, and calls on the region and the international community to

maintain their commitment to working alongside CENCO. The EU condemns the recent

violence against churches and other CENCO institutions and stresses that those responsible

will be held accountable.

It will only be possible to overcome the deep institutional, security and socio-economic

crisis suffered by the country by fully implementing the agreement of 31 December 2016

and forming a government with sufficient legitimacy to lead the country to elections.

Concrete progress is vital, in particular the urgent need to appoint the Prime Minister from

the 'Rassemblement' coalition. There is also an urgent need to ensure implementation of

measures to ease tension, such as the release of political prisoners, an immediate end to the

abuse they are suffering, the end of intimidation and arbitrary arrests of opponents and

activists, and the cessation of all politically motivated legal prosecutions. The EU notes

that women's participation in the political dialogue has been limited and calls for their

involvement in the implementation of the agreement to be facilitated.

The EU underlines the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission

(CENI), and the crucial role which it must play, in the implementation of a credible and

democratic electoral process. To this end, it reiterates its call for further measures on

transparency and governance of the CENI, and for the urgent fixing of an electoral

calendar and of a realistic and consensual budget so that the elections can be held before

the end of 2017. The EU invites the National Assembly to adopt as quickly as possible the

legislative measures required to hold the elections and to establish the CNSA which is

called upon, in this context, to play an essential role in supervising the CENI. These

elements, as well as the financial commitment of the future government, are conducive to

promoting the trust that will allow the EU and the other partners to mobilise their support

for the elections.

The UN Security Council will renew the mandate of MONUSCO in March. On that

occasion, the priority will be to provide the mission with the resources needed to cope with

the new political and security challenges in ensuring that measures to protect civilians are

strengthened, and in providing relevant support for the electoral process.

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The EU strongly condemns the serious human rights violations that have occurred recently

in the DRC and stresses that the fight against impunity, whoever the perpetrators of those

violations may be, is one of the conditions necessary for a peaceful transition and lasting

stability in the country. Human rights and fundamental freedoms must be fully guaranteed

by the authorities, in particular freedom of expression, including for the independent

media, and freedom of association. The EU considers it essential in this respect that the

work of the UN Joint Human Rights Office in the DRC (UNJHRO) should be able to take

place without hindrance throughout the country.

The EU deplores the emergence of outbreaks of violence in all three Kasai provinces and

in Kongo Central, which illustrates the potential for further deterioration of the situation

which the country is facing. The EU is concerned, as are the members of the UN Security

Council, at recent reports of serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law

committed by local militias in the Kasai region, including the recruitment and unlawful use

of child soldiers and the killing of civilians by members of the DRC security forces, which

could constitute war crimes under international law. The EU supports the UN Security

Council's call, issued on 25 February 2017, for the government of the DRC to immediately

launch a credible and impartial investigation into these events in order to bring those

responsible to justice, and would also like an independent international investigative team

to be invited to support the process.

The EU is deeply concerned at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in several regions

of the country and wishes to emphasise the primacy of respect for humanitarian principles

and the need to ensure access to the populations affected.

The situation in the East, in the Kivu provinces and in Tanganyika, also remains of

concern, as do the reports of the former rebels of the M23 possibly taking up arms again.

The EU recalls the responsibility of the Congolese authorities and urges the FARDC – with

the support of MONUSCO – to make every effort to protect the population. As regards the

M23, the EU recalls the commitments of the Nairobi declarations of December 2013 as

well as the principles laid down in the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the

DRC and the region.

10.

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11.

6 March 2017

The EU reminds political leaders and members of the security forces that it is prepared to

adopt new individual restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human

rights violations or for incitement to violence and those who would obstruct a consensual

and peaceful solution to the crisis, one that respects the aspiration of the people of the DRC

to elect their representatives. The EU invites the High Representative to initiate work to

this end.

The EU confirms its willingness to engage in a political dialogue at the highest level with

the future government as soon as possible, in accordance with Article 8 of the Cotonou

Agreement. It stands ready to provide support, including financial support, for an election

process which meets all the necessary conditions. The EU is also ready to continue

supporting the Congolese people faced with serious socio-economic challenges on a daily

basis and encourages the resumption of dialogue in a structured manner with the

international financial institutions, in order to work out a lasting solution to the current

economic and budgetary crisis."

12.

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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Strengthening synergies between EU climate and energy diplomacies

6 March 2017

The Council adopted the following conclusions on " Implementing the EU Global Strategy -

strengthening synergies between EU climate and energy diplomacies and elements for priorities for

2017:

The Council recalls its conclusions of 20 July 2015 and 15 February 2016 which continue

to guide the common work of the EU and its Member States on energy and climate

diplomacies, the respective Action Plans on EU Energy Diplomacy and EU Climate

Diplomacy, as well as the conclusions on the Global Strategy on the European Union's

Foreign and Security Policy (EUGS) of 17 October 2016, which call for the

implementation of joined-up actions in these fields, and the conclusions on Energy and

Development of 28 November 2016, which stress the need for an EU strategic approach.

Recalling the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Energy Union Framework Strategy,

and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Council underlines that tackling

climate change and supporting a climate-neutral and resilient future as well as promoting

the global transition to low greenhouse gas emissions, climate resilient, competitive and

sustainable economies and energy security are mutually reinforcing objectives and

constitute integral parts of the EUGS.

The Council congratulates the United Nations and the Moroccan COP 22 Presidency for

their significant efforts in making COP 22 a success and expresses its support to the

upcoming Fiji COP23 Presidency. The Council reiterates the EU's and its Member States'

commitment to the Paris Agreement as signalled by its ambition to turn climate goals into

climate action, and stresses its continued support for sustaining this positive momentum in

the UNFCCC processes and other international climate fora, including by maintaining the

global ownership of the Paris Agreement. It emphasises the need for the EU to maintain its

leadership in implementing the Paris Agreement and in the transition to low greenhouse

gas emission and climate resilient economies. It also calls for Europe to become the world

leader in renewable energy, including research, innovation and technologies.

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6 March 2017

In line with the Paris Agreement, the 2030 Agenda and the Marrakech Action

Proclamation which reaffirmed the world's determination to fight climate change and

confirmed the irreversibility of the transition towards low greenhouse gas emission and

climate resilient economies and societies, the Council also resolves to reinvigorate EU

Climate Diplomacy and to maintain climate change as a strategic priority in diplomatic

dialogues, taking into account the latest developments and changing geopolitical

landscape. The Council invites the EU Green Diplomacy Network to update the current

Climate Diplomacy Action Plan as soon as possible, with a view to implementing these

Council conclusions during 2017/2018.

The Council resolves to strengthen synergies and joined-up actions where appropriate

between the relevant elements of the EU and Member States' climate and energy

diplomacies. This includes better utilising EU and Member States' financial and technical

assistance instruments, and strengthening the links with other important policy areas,

including economic diplomacy, sustainable development cooperation, nuclear safety,

migration, water and food security, ocean and marine resources, disaster preparedness,

research and innovation. EU Delegations in coordination with Member States' embassies

have a key role to play in promoting more joined-up actions.

The Council underlines the importance of sustained and tailor-made partnerships with

third countries, as well as with non-state actors, including local and regional authorities,

civil society and the private sector, with the aim of supporting the implementation of the

2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement and the Energy Union Strategy and to foster the linking

of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with national development strategies,

and their translation into actionable policies and measures in all sectors of the economy.

The Council also highlights the positive economic impact of the transition to low

greenhouse gas emission economies for EU and third country economic actors around the

world as well as the importance of enhancing energy efficiency and renewable energy in

order to ensure universal access to sustainable energy. In this context, the Council

considers that climate and energy diplomacies' action in G20 countries – accounting for

some 80% of global emissions – will be particularly important, while recognising the

importance to continue to support and work together with developing countries in meeting

their mitigation and adaptation needs.

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The Council also encourages the active inclusion of EU climate and energy objectives in

EU partnerships with the International Financial Institutions, Development Banks, and

other financial institutions as well as within other multilateral organisations and fora,

recognising the importance of all indigenous resources and safe and sustainable low

greenhouse gas emission technologies in line with the Paris Agreement and the EU Energy

Union Strategy.

The Council reaffirms the importance of energy diplomacy supporting the efforts to ensure

sustainable, competitive, secure, safe, affordable energy in terms of diversification of

sources, suppliers and routes, as well as universal access to sustainable energy, following

the objectives of the Energy Union in line with its external dimension, and relations with

third countries based on a level-playing field. In this respect, guidance through regular

high-level engagement remains important. The Council also recognises how the clean

energy transition fosters economic opportunities, energy security, climate security,

prosperity as well as state and societal resilience, and reiterates the significance of

intensifying engagement with non-state actors such as local authorities, businesses, NGOs,

civil society, the security community and the scientific community. On nuclear safety the

EU remains committed to the promotion and continuous improvement of the highest level

of standards in third countries.

In particular, the Council stresses the urgency to focus on the potential destabilising

effects of climate change and the development implications of energy poverty on

resilience, security and migration, and to mainstream its work with all Sustainable

Development Goals, in particular with goals 13 on Climate, 7 on Sustainable Energy, 16

on Peace, 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation and 2 on Food Security. From the G7 and G20

to the UN Security Council and other international fora, building on existing initiatives, the

EU and the Member States should work towards a broader awareness, analysis and

management of climate risks and support EU partners around the world to better

understand, integrate, anticipate and manage the impacts of climate change on domestic

stability, international security and the displacement of people.

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6 March 2017

The Council emphasises that EU climate and energy diplomacies must continue to

encourage and back initiatives in vulnerable countries that are affected by the impacts of

climate change as well as from lack of, or uneven access to, safe and sustainable energy.

The EU and its Member States are providing financial resources, technology transfer and

capacity-building to assist developing countries with respect to ensuring that climate

change adaptation and mitigation and increased access to sustainable energy are integrated

at all relevant levels of development decision-making, in continuation of their existing

commitments. The important contributions in terms of climate finance from various

sources, including the Green Climate Fund, international financial institutions and

multilateral development banks as well as private finance must in this respect be

highlighted and maintained, taking into account the objective of the Paris Agreement of

making finance flows consistent with low greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilient

development.

EU Guidelines for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Child

The Council adopted the EU Guidelines for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of the Child

(2017) – Leave No Child Behind". With these Guidelines, the EU reaffirms its commitment to

comprehensively protect and promote the rights of the child in its external human rights policy.

Read the guidelines:

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Exports of military technology and equipment.

The Council took note of the 18th annual report required b y Council common position

2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and

equipment. Transparency is paramount in the EU framework regulating arms exports.

Under its 2008 Common Position on the control of arms exports, the EU commits to publish every

year a comprehensive report on arms exports authorised by its Member States. The 18th annual

report covers EU Member States' arms exports authorised in 2015. It also provides information on

the activities of the EU Council working party on conventional arms exports (COARM) in 2015 and

2016, and notably on outreach and co-operation activities with third countries.

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

Common military list of the European Union

6 March 2017

The Council adopted the updated common military list of the EU. This is in line with the provisions

of the EU Common Position on arms exports (Common Position 2008/944/CFSP). The update was

made in accordance with changes agreed in 2016 by the relevant international export control

arrangement. This list lays down the scope of reference for Member States' arms export control

systems. It therefore covers the full scope of military items that have to be licensed by national

authorities before being possibly exported.

The Council adopted the first common military list of the European Union on 13 June 2000. This

list is regularly reviewed, taking into account, where appropriate, similar national and international

lists. The list is a reference point for member states' national military technology and equipment

lists, without replacing them.

EU-Algeria partnership priorities

The Council agreed on the EU-Algeria partnership priorities to be adopted at the EU-Algeria

Council, which will take place on 13 March 2017.

EU-Algeria partnership priorities

The Council adopted the EU position for the Association Council with Algeria, which will take

place on 13 March 2017.

COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY

Operational planning and conduct capabilities for CSDP missions and operations

The Council approved a concept note on the operational planning and conduct capabilities for

CSDP missions and operations which contains measures to improve the EU’s capacity to react in a

faster, more effective and more seamless manner, building on existing structures and in view of

enhancing civilian-military synergies, as part of the EU's comprehensive approach.

These measures include the establishment of a military planning and conduct capability (MPCC),

within the existing EU Military Staff of the European External Action Service, for the planning and

conduct of non-executive military missions. The Director General of the EU Military Staff will be

the Director of the MPCC and in that capacity will assume command of non-executive military

CSDP missions (currently, the EU military training missions in Somalia, in Central Africa and in

Mali). This will allow the mission commanders in the field to concentrate on the specific activities

of their mission, with better support provided from Brussels.

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The MPCC will work under the political control and strategic guidance of the Political and Security

Committee (PSC), which is composed of EU member states' ambassadors and is based in Brussels.

The MPCC will work closely with its existing civilian counterpart, the Civilian Planning and

Conduct Capability (CPCC) through a joint support coordination cell. This cell will be able to share

expertise, knowledge and best practices on issues relevant to both military and civilian missions, as

well as capabilities when civilian and military missions are simultaneously deployed in the same

area, including medical support or protective measures.

Read the concept note: 6881/17

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