UPN, Alm.del - 2016-17 - Bilag 280: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender) 19. juni 2017

Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2016-17
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Council of the

European Union

10424/17

(OR. en)

PROVISIONAL VERSION

PRESSE 38

PR CO 38

OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING

3551st Council meeting

Foreign Affairs

Luxembourg, 19 June 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 / 6319 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 8026

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

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UPN, Alm.del - 2016-17 - Bilag 280: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender) 19. juni 2017

PROVISIONAL VERSION

19 June 2017

CONTENTS

ITEMS DEBATED

EU Global Strategy .............................................................................................................................. 4

EU-NATO Cooperation ....................................................................................................................... 4

Counter-terrorism ................................................................................................................................. 5

Migration .............................................................................................................................................. 5

Iraq ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

Gulf Crisis ............................................................................................................................................ 6

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

–

Climate Change: United States Administration's decision to withdraw the Paris Agreement ................................. 7

Framework for a joint EU diplomatic response to malicious cyber activities ("cyber diplomacy toolbox")........... 9

Council conclusions on a renewed impetus for the Africa-EU partnership ........................................................... 10

Council conclusions on Mali and the Sahel ........................................................................................................... 10

Council conclusions on the EU strategy for Central Asia ..................................................................................... 11

Restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia ......................... 11

Sanctions on Guinea-Bissau .................................................................................................................................. 12

Council conclusions on the Court of Auditors' Special Report on 'EU Assistance to Tunisia' .............................. 12



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

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COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY

–

European defence cooperation: political commitment on security of supply ........................................................ 12

DEVELOPMENT POLICY

–

EU engagement with civil society ......................................................................................................................... 13

Cooperation in the field of sustainable energy between the EU, several member states and Vietnam.................. 14

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

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ITEMS DEBATED

EU Global Strategy

The Council had a discussion on the implementation of the EU Global Strategy, on the basis of a

report presented by the High Representative on the first year of implementation.

Foreign ministers welcomed the report and highlighted the important work achieved over the year,

not only in the area of

security and defence cooperation,

but also in building

the resilience

states and societies in the East and South, and on advancing an

integrated approach to conflicts

and crises.

They welcomed the ongoing work on updating existing or preparing new regional and thematic

strategies. In this context, the Council adopted conclusions on

global maritime security.

One-year report Global Strategy implementation report

Council adopts conclusions on global maritime security

EU-NATO Cooperation

Foreign ministers discussed EU-NATO cooperation with NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose

Gottemoeller. The discussion was based on a joint

progress report

by the EU High Representative

and the Secretary-General of NATO. The Council adopted conclusions on the report, welcoming

progress in the implementation of the common set of proposals and calling for further steps in the

same direction.

EU-NATO cooperation: Council welcomes progress made

EU cooperation on security and defence (background information)

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

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Counter-terrorism

Foreign ministers debated the

external aspects of counter-terrorism,

a timely discussion in view

of the recent attacks in the EU and beyond. They underlined that counter-terrorism is the

highest

security priority for the EU.

Many encouraged to further work on enhancing the linkages between

internal and external security and for greater cooperation between Common Security and Defence

Policy (CSDP) and Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) actions. The Council adopted conclusions on

counter-terrorism.

EU external action on counter-terrorism: Council adopts conclusions

EU fight against terrorism (background information)

Migration

Foreign ministers discussed the external aspects of migration in preparation for the European

Council of 22-23 June. They took stock of the progress made on the

Partnership Framework.

Ministers expressed their continued support for the current approach, which they considered should

be strengthened in order to produce more results, given the number of lives being lost on the

Central Mediterranean Route.

Cooperation with partner countries should be reinforced with a

view to further fighting traffickers, reducing the number of arrivals of irregular migrants to the EU

and ensuring returns and readmission. Supporting improved migration management in

Libya

with a

view to helping

protect migrants and refugees

also continues to be a key objective for the EU.

Partnership Framework on Migration: Commission reports on results and lessons learnt one year

on, press release of 13 June 2017

A new migration partnership framework (background information)

Iraq

The Council discussed Iraq, focussing on the latest developments, in particular in

Mosul

and

Nineveh province, and on the

future stabilisation

of the country. The Council adopted conclusions.

Iraq: Council adopts conclusions

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Gulf Crisis

Over lunch, EU foreign ministers discussed the

current crisis in the Gulf region.

EU ministers urged

de-escalation

of the crisis through dialogue and negotiation. They expressed

their full support for the

mediation efforts of Kuwait.

Ministers highlighted that the crisis requires

urgent resolution

and that Gulf unity is important to

the EU but also vital for the stability of the region..

The High Representative recalled that the EU values its bilateral relations with all parties

concerned, as well as its relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

19 June 2017

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Climate Change: United States Administration's decision to withdraw the Paris Agreement

The Council adopted conclusions on

climate change

following the United States Administration's

decision to leave the Paris Agreement:

"1.

The Council deeply regrets the unilateral decision by the United States Administration to

withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The Council also welcomes the numerous strong

statements of commitment to the Paris Agreement from countries ranging from major

economies to small island states.

The Paris Agreement brought us together in very challenging times. It is an unprecedented

multilateral agreement between nearly 200 parties, supported by regions, cities,

communities, companies as well as other non-state actors across the world, to address a

problem that threatens us all. It demonstrates, along with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable

Development, our collective responsibility towards the entire planet, for this and future

generations, and our commitment to act accordingly.

The Council reaffirms that the Paris Agreement is fit for purpose and cannot be

renegotiated. The Agreement is ambitious yet not prescriptive and allows each Party to

forge its own path, in contributing to the goals that serve to combat climate change, which

threatens development, peace and stability around the world.

The Council reiterates the European Union's steadfast support for the United Nations as the

core of a rules-based multilateral system. The European Union and its Member States

remain united and absolutely committed to full and swift implementation of the Paris

Agreement, recall the particular responsibility of major economies, accounting for some

80% of global emissions, and call on all partners to keep up the momentum created in 2015

towards successful results at COP 23 and COP 24.

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The world can continue to count on the EU for leadership in the global fight against

climate change, holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C

above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C

above pre-industrial levels. The EU will lead through its ambitious climate policies and

through continued support to those who are particularly vulnerable, to build strong and

sustainable economies on the path towards achieving greenhouse gas emissions neutrality

in the second half of the century, and societies resilient to climate change. The EU and its

Member States are the largest contributors of climate financing and remain committed to

mobilise their share of the developed countries' goal to jointly mobilise USD 100 billion

per year by 2020 for climate action in developing countries, from a variety of sources.

The EU is strengthening its existing global partnerships to this end and will continue to

seek new alliances, from the world's largest economies to the most vulnerable island states.

Our partnerships will include the many businesses, regions, cities, citizens and

communities that have voiced their support for the Paris Agreement both worldwide and in

the US and are taking ambitious climate action.

Together, we will implement the Paris Agreement because it is our common interest and

responsibility. We see the Paris Agreement and the low greenhouse gas emission and

climate resilient transition for what it is, the driver of an irreversible process of sustainable

growth for our economies and the key to protecting our planet. The EU stands ready to

cooperate with all parties to this end."

Ministers for Environment gathering on the same day welcomed these conclusions and held a

debate specifically on the Paris Agreement.

The Paris Agreement was adopted by 195 countries in Paris on 12 December 2015, during the UN

climate change conference known as COP21. The agreement sets out the framework for global

action on climate change. The EU ratified it on 5 October 2016. The Agreement itself entered into

force on 4 November 2016.

Paris Agreement - full text

Timeline - A new global climate change agreement

UNFCCC website - information about Paris Agreement and COP23 Bonn

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

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Framework for a joint EU diplomatic response to malicious cyber activities ("cyber

diplomacy toolbox")

The Council agreed to develop a framework for a joint EU diplomatic response to malicious cyber

activities, the cyber diplomacy toolbox.

The EU recognises that cyberspace offers significant opportunities, but also poses continuously

evolving challenges for EU external action. The EU is concerned by the increased ability and

willingness of state and non-state actors to pursue their objectives through malicious cyber

activities. Such activities may constitute wrongful acts under international law and could give rise

to a joint EU response. The EU reiterates that states should not knowingly allow their territory to be

used for internationally wrongful acts using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

The framework for a joint EU diplomatic response is part of the EU's approach to cyber diplomacy,

which contributes to conflict prevention, the mitigation of cybersecurity threats and greater stability

in international relations. The framework is expected to encourage cooperation, facilitate mitigation

of immediate and long-term threats, and influence the behaviour of potential aggressors in the long

term.

The EU diplomatic response to malicious cyber activities will make full use of measures within the

Common Foreign and Security Policy, including, if necessary, restrictive measures. A joint EU

response to malicious cyber activities would be proportionate to the scope, scale, duration, intensity,

complexity, sophistication and impact of the cyber activity.

The EU reaffirms its commitment to the settlement of international disputes in cyberspace by

peaceful means. In this context, all of the EU’s diplomatic efforts should as a priority

aim to

promote security and stability in cyberspace through increased international cooperation, and at

reducing the risk of misperception, escalation and conflict that may stem from ICT incidents.

Read the council conclusions

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

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Council conclusions on a renewed impetus for the Africa-EU partnership

The Council adopted conclusions on a renewed impetus for the Africa-EU partnership. The

conclusions state that the EU has a

genuine strategic interest in deepening and strengthening its

longstanding partnership with Africa.

The Council welcomes the adoption of the joint

communication by the High Representative and the Commission for a renewed impetus of the

Africa-EU partnership.

The conclusions prepare the Africa-EU Summit to take place in November, whose theme is

"Investing in youth", which has become a key priority for Europe as well as for Africa, in a context

of African demographic trends creating major challenges in terms of economic development and

job creation, security, political participation and migration.

Read the full text of the Council conclusions

Council conclusions on Mali and the Sahel

Today, the Council adopted conclusions on Mali and the Sahel recalling its

strong integrated

approach towards achieving stabilisation of the region.

This approach includes full range of

relevant instruments in the field of diplomacy, long-term development cooperation, support to

human rights, stabilisation efforts, resilience building, humanitarian assistance, migration

management and security, including CSDP missions.

The Council strongly condemned the yesterday's

terrorist attack.

The Council reiterates its full support to the implementation of the

Malian Peace and

Reconciliation Agreement,

with full involvement of civil society, women and youth, as the only

way to restore peace and security in the country. The High Representative's participation on 5 June

2017 to the Comité

de suivi de l'accord de paix

(CSA) in Bamako confirms the strong commitment

of the EU to the agreement.

The EU reiterates the importance of ensuring close coordination between all security actors, including

the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), and welcomes the

initiative of the Heads of State of the G5 Sahel on

the establishment of the G5 Sahel Joint Force.

The

EU has been the first to announce a financial contribution, with EUR 50 million as planned support to

this initiative.

Read the full text of the Council conclusions

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

19 June 2017

Council conclusions on the EU strategy for Central Asia

10 years after the adoption of the first Central Asia strategy, the Council adopted conclusions on the

EU strategy for the region. The Council emphasises that Central Asian countries have become

significant partners of the EU

and welcomes the

progress achieved

under partnerships with the

EU. The Council reaffirms the EU's commitment to develop stronger relations and highlight the

need to

strengthen dialogue and cooperation on human rights, education, sustainability

as well

as on tackling emerging

security challenges

faced by the Central Asian countries.

EU-Central Asia relations are developed under the EU strategy for Central Asia signed in 2007 and

reviewed in 2015. The Council invites the High Representative and the Commission to come

forward with a proposal for a new Strategy by the end of 2019 in accordance with the EU Global

Strategy.

Read the full text of the Council conclusions

Restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia

The Council extended the restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and

Sevastopol by Russia until 23 June 2018. The measures apply to EU persons and EU based

companies. They are limited to the territory of Crimea and Sevastopol. The sanctions

include prohibitions on:

–

imports of products

originating in Crimea or Sevastopol into the EU;

investment

in Crimea or Sevastopol, meaning that no Europeans nor EU-based companies

can buy real estate or entities in Crimea, finance Crimean companies or supply related

services;

tourism services

in Crimea or Sevastopol, in particular, European cruise ships cannot call

at ports in the Crimean peninsula, except in case of emergency;

exports of certain goods and technologies

to Crimean companies or for use in Crimea in

the

transport, telecommunications and energy sectors

and related to the prospection,

exploration and production of

oil, gas and mineral resources.

Technical assistance,

brokering, construction or engineering services related to infrastructure in these sectors

must not be provided either.

–

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As stated in the declaration by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on

behalf of the EU on 17 March 2017, the EU continues to condemn the illegal annexation of Crimea

and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and remains committed to fully implement its non-

recognition policy.

Council decision: 9631/17, Annex: 9869/17

Sanctions on Guinea-Bissau

The Council reviewed the list of certain persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures

in view of the situation in Guinea-Bissau. The Council prolonged the restrictive measures for

another 12 months. The sanctions were introduced by the Council in May 2012. The sanctions are

targeted against those who seek to prevent or block a peaceful political process or who take action

that undermines stability in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. The sanction list is reviewed on a

regular basis at least every 12 months.

Council conclusions on the Court of Auditors' Special Report on 'EU Assistance to Tunisia'

The Council adopted conclusions welcoming the Court of Auditors' Special Report on 'EU

Assistance to Tunisia'. Fully aware of the socioeconomic and democratic expectations of the

Tunisian people for the pursuit and completion of the democratic transition, the Council underlines

the importance of developing EU

assistance to Tunisia as outlined by the Court’s recommendations

(10189/17).

COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY

European defence cooperation: political commitment on security of supply

Member states participating in the European Defence Agency (EDA) adopted a declaration

reaffirming their commitment to

strengthen European defence cooperation by improving the

security of supply.

They commit to respond to requests for security of supply support from

another member state and to facilitate transfers and/or transits of supplies and services needed by

other member states. Security of supply is a critical feature for the effectiveness of armed forces.

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19 June 2017

Both the 2013 December European Council conclusions and the EU Global Strategy highlight the

importance of comprehensive EU-wide security of supply regime, which takes account of the

globalised nature of critical supply chains.

Read the declaration (10217/17).

EU cooperation on security and defence

DEVELOPMENT POLICY

EU engagement with civil society

The Council adopted Council conclusions on EU engagement with civil society.

The Council recognises the

many different roles

that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) play as

promoters of democracy, and as defenders of rights holders, the rule of law, social justice and

human rights.

The conclusions underline the crucial importance of CSOs for the successful implementation of the

EU Global Strategy and the 2030 Agenda, including in the realisation of the

Sustainable

Development Goals

(SDGs).

At a time when the space for civil society is shrinking in a increasing number of countries, the

Council reaffirms the EU's opposition to any unjustified restrictions to freedom of association,

expression and peaceful assembly that hinder the work of CSOs. The conclusions underline the

EU's commitment to play an important role

in promoting stronger positions on civic freedoms

and against any reduction in the space for civil society to act..

The Council welcomes the progress achieved in the EU’s engagement with

civil society in external

relations since its most recent conclusions of 2012. It also welcomes the increase of EU financial

resources since 2012 in support of CSOs, noting that the

EU has become the leading donor for

local CSOs,

including those active in humanitarian assistance and in protecting and promoting

human rights and democracy.

The Council calls on the Commission to continue and strengthen its engagement with civil society

and invites it to reflect further and report on the

challenges encountered in partner countries

where engagement with civil society is or has been difficult.

Read the council conclusions (10279/17).

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

19 June 2017

Cooperation in the field of sustainable energy between the EU, several member states and

Vietnam

The Council endorsed a Joint Declaration between the EU, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Finland,

France, Ireland, Italia, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Spain, the UK and Vietnam on reinforced

cooperation in the field of sustainable energy. The Joint Declaration will allow increase cooperation

in the energy sector, in particular in support of Vietnam's commitments to increase access to

sustainable and affordable energy for its population taking into account the promotion of renewable

energy sources.

Joint Declaration (9838/17)

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