UPN, Alm.del - 2016-17 - Bilag 92: Rådssekretariatets referat fra rådsmøde (udenrigsanliggender) 12. december 2016

Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2016-17
UPN Alm.del Bilag 92
Offentligt

Council of the

European Union

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(OR. en)

PROVISIONAL VERSION

PRESSE 69

PR CO 68

OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING

3510th Council meeting

Foreign Affairs

Brussels, 12 December 2016

President

Federica Mogherini

High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security

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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PROVISIONAL VERSION

12 December 2016

CONTENTS

ITEMS DEBATED

EU-Africa relations .............................................................................................................................. 4

Democratic Republic of Congo............................................................................................................ 5

Syria ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

Migration .............................................................................................................................................. 7

In the margins of the Council ............................................................................................................... 8

Cuba ..................................................................................................................................................... 8

Colombia .............................................................................................................................................. 8

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

–

Council conclusions on South Sudan ...................................................................................................................... 9

Council conclusions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea .................................................................... 11

Relations with Vietnam ......................................................................................................................................... 12

3rd meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council ............................................................................................ 12

Democratic Republic of Congo ............................................................................................................................. 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

COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY

–

12 December 2016

EU monitoring mission in Georgia ........................................................................................................................ 12

EUCAP Somalia and EUTM Somalia ................................................................................................................... 12

EU battlegroups ..................................................................................................................................................... 13

TRADE

–

Relations with Ukraine .......................................................................................................................................... 13

JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS

–

Schengen Evaluation - Spain ................................................................................................................................. 13

Schengen Evaluation - Luxembourg ..................................................................................................................... 13

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

ITEMS DEBATED

EU-Africa relations

12 December 2016

The Council had a debate on EU-Africa relations. Ministers discussed priorities in the EU's

relations with Africa, as well as how those relations should evolve in the light of emerging

challenges. They emphasised that engagement in and with Africa remains key to preventing

conflict, promoting human security, addressing the root causes of instability and managing

migration flows. While development cooperation remains one key aspect of EU engagement in

Africa, ministers also underlined the importance of economic relations and investment and the need

to help create jobs. Ministers also highlighted the need to continue working on governance,

democracy, human rights, and related aspects of participation, in particular of civil society and of

women, in decision-making.

Ministers noted the importance of reaching out to African youth, in particular given that youth will

be the theme of the next Africa-EU Summit to take place in autumn 2017. Bringing both African

and European young people in the process of preparations of the Summit will be key to its success.

The discussion will guide the forthcoming joint communication on a renewed impetus for the

Africa-EU partnership, which is due to be presented in April 2017 by the High Representative and

the European Commission. The Council will revert to EU-Africa relations after the joint

communication has been issued and ahead of the Africa-EU Summit.

The High Representative concluded the debate highlighting the need to continue working with

African partners in spirit of partnership, on areas of EU interest and on areas of African partners'

interest, in a joint effort of EU institutions and member states.

The High Representative concluded the debate by highlighting the need to continue working with

African partners in a spirit of partnership, ion areas of EU interest to the EU and on areas of to those

of interest to African partners' interest, in a joint effort of from the EU institutions and member

states.

4th EU-Africa summit declaration, 2- 3 April 2014

EU-Africa roadmap 2014-2017, 2-3 April 2014

EU-Africa relations

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

Democratic Republic of Congo

12 December 2016

The Council has adopted travel restrictions and an asset freeze in respect of seven individuals

occupying

positions of authority in the chain of command over perpetrators of violence,

with

immediate effect. Meeting within the Council of the European Union, foreign affairs ministers

discussed the latest developments in the country. Member states agreed on a declaration on the

situation in the DRC.

EU declaration on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

"The European Union and its Member States are deeply concerned about the political situation in

the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The constitutional mandate of President Kabila will come to

an end on 19 December, and the date approaches fraught with risk and uncertainty after the recent

crackdowns and violations of fundamental rights. Any new government in place after that date must

ground its legitimacy in a clearly and inclusively defined political framework, otherwise the

country's relations with the European Union will suffer.

Efforts have been made to reconcile positions and to reach an inclusive agreement on a transition

which will allow the country to hold peaceful, credible elections as soon as possible, in accordance

with the Constitution of the DRC and UN Security Council Resolution 2277 (2016).

The European Union has supported these initiatives, in particular the ongoing mediation efforts of

the DRC Catholic Bishops' Conference. It invites all political stakeholders, from both the

government and the opposition, to heed its call to assume responsibility, show good will, and make

full use of their good offices. It commends the constructive role that regional organisations and

other countries in the region, in particular Angola and the Republic of the Congo, have played in

attempting to find a peaceful solution.

With the 19 December deadline fast approaching, the European Union calls upon the Congolese

people to show restraint and to promote dialogue by rejecting violence.

The acts of violence which caused the death of at least 50 people on 19 and 20 September in

Kinshasa constitute serious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, attested to by

several observers, including the UN Joint Human Rights Office. In the Council Conclusions of 23

May and again on 17 October, the European Union pledged to adopt restrictive measures against

those responsible for that violence and those who are allegedly trying to obstruct a peaceful and

consensual solution to the crisis in the DRC.

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

12 December 2016

Therefore, the EU Foreign Affairs Council have today taken the decision to impose restrictive

measures against the seven individuals who hold positions of authority in the chain of command

over the Congolese security forces which have exercised a disproportionate use of force.

The European Union calls upon the Government of the DRC to cooperate with a transparent and

independent investigation with the goal of bringing to justice those responsible for the acts of

violence. It also calls for full compliance with fundamental rights, including freedom of expression,

freedom of assembly and freedom of the press.

The European Union will be monitoring the crucial political developments taking place in the DRC

during the coming weeks with increased attention. In this context, additional restrictive measures

may be considered in the event of further violence or the political process being impeded."

The individuals subject to a travel ban and an asset freeze include:

–

four members of the Congolese republican guard, army or police force, who contributed to

acts constituting

serious violations of human rights

in the DRC, by planning, directing or

carrying out those acts;

three senior figures and influential persons

trying to obstruct a consensual and peaceful

solution to the crisis

as regards the holding of elections in the DRC, in particular through

acts of violence, repression or incitement to violence, or actions that undermine the rule of

law;

–

The names of the individuals concerned and the reasons why the Council has listed them appear in

the Official Journal of 12 December 2016. The restrictive measures take effect immediately.

Official Journal of 12 December 2016

Council conclusions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Adopting EU restrictive measures - 'sanctions'

Syria

Over lunch, ministers discussed the situation in Syria in view of the latest developments. Ministers

discussed the situation on Syria, in view of the latest developments, in particular in Aleppo. The

High Representative underlined strong and unanimous view of all member states on the need to

protect civilians and to grant full humanitarian access to all parts of Syria.

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

Migration

12 December 2016

Ministers discussed migration issues ahead of the European Council of 15 December, which will

take stock of the latest developments in the EU's migration policy. The Council followed up on the

discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council on 17 October and the Foreign Affairs Council

(Development) of 28 November. The Council took stock of the progress made in the partnership

framework approach and country specific compacts with the five priority countries, namely Mali,

Niger, Senegal, Nigeria and Ethiopia. This approach is providing its first concrete results. Minister

also discussed the implementation of the Valletta commitments in view of the senior officials

meeting that will take place next February in Malta under the auspices of the rotating Presidency.

The Commission informed the Council that 64 actions worth €1 billion had so far been approved

through the EU trust fund for Africa.

Foreign affairs ministers noted the ongoing work on the proposed External investment plan,

including the European Fund for Sustainable Development. The Council is expected to adopt its

negotiating position on the EFSD regulation on 13 December. The fund will help tackle the root

causes of migration by creating job opportunities, encouraging investment and facilitating

sustainable development in partner countries.

European fund for sustainable development: Council agrees negotiating position

Finding solutions to migratory pressures

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

In the margins of the Council

Cuba

12 December 2016

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, EU foreign

ministers, and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla signed the Political Dialogue and

Cooperation Agreement, the first ever agreement between the EU and Cuba.

The agreement foresees an enhanced political dialogue, improved bilateral cooperation and the

development of joint action in multilateral fora. It will support the transition process of the Cuban

economy and society. It promotes dialogue and cooperation to encourage sustainable development,

democracy and human rights, and find shared solutions to global challenges.

EU-Cuba: Council opens new chapter in relations - press release of 6 December 2016

EU-Cuba relations

Delegation of the European Union to Cuba

Colombia

After the Council meeting, ministers had an informal discussion with President Santos of Colombia.

The EU and participating member states then signed the constitutive agreement of the EU Trust

Fund for Colombia.

The signature took place in presence of the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and

President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos. The agreement was signed by the European

Commission and by the 19 participating member states: Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, France,

Germany, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands,

Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Slovakia, Slovenia.

The EU Trust Fund for Colombia is part of an overall package of almost EUR 600 million to

support Colombia's post conflict and peace building efforts. Apart from the trust fund, EU support

to Colombia consists of short and medium term measures in the form of loans, technical assistance

and grants. It includes cooperation funds from the Development Cooperation Instrument

(EUR 67 million for the period 2014-2017) and from the Instrument contributing to Stability and

Peace (EUR 28 million) in support of the Colombian government`s rapid response plan, as well as

loans offered by the European Investment Bank (EUR 400 million).

European Commission press release on the EU Trust Fund for Colombia

Factsheet on EU-Colombia relations (EEAS)

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Council conclusions on South Sudan

The Council adopted the following conclusions on South Sudan:

"1.

12 December 2016

The EU is profoundly disturbed by developments in South Sudan. The UN Secretary

General has warned that South Sudan stands on the edge of the abyss and that catastrophe

may be imminent. The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide has warned of

escalating violence along ethnic lines and the potential for genocide. As all sides are

planning for further military campaigns with the onset of the dry season, time to find a

solution is running out. There is now a last chance for political and military leaders to

avoid the resumption of war, to spare their people further suffering and to find a just and

inclusive political settlement of their differences. The EU calls on all parties to lay down

their arms and to take decisive steps to end violence.

Fighting between the Sudan People's Liberation Army, the Sudan People's Liberation

Army in Opposition and armed groups is increasing in scope and intensity; South Sudan is

at risk of complete fragmentation. Atrocious acts of violence, often with an ethnic

motivation, are being committed in many parts of the country; killing and maiming of

civilians, starvation, rape and other forms of sexual violence, recruitment and use of child

soldiers and attacks on schools, on hospitals and on humanitarian workers are taking place.

Sexual and gender-based violence are repeatedly being used as a weapon of war.

Inflammatory rhetoric, on the part of both government and opposition, is whipping up

ethnic animosities. The Transitional Government of National Unity is severely restricting

fundamental freedoms and applying relentless pressure on civil society and on the media.

The EU calls upon the Transitional Government to uphold its responsibility for the

protection of civilians and on all parties to comply strictly with their obligations under

international law and to put an end to violations of human rights and of international

humanitarian law in South Sudan.

The humanitarian situation has never been as bad since the country gained independence

five years ago. It is estimated that some six million people are in need of humanitarian

assistance. Almost one and a half million refugees have sought protection in neighbouring

countries, and thousands continue to do so each day, dramatically increasing pressure on

resources and living conditions in host countries.

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

12 December 2016

Almost two million persons are internally displaced, often subsisting in appalling

conditions or in UN Protection of Civilians sites, which remain extremely vulnerable to

attack; the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) must be allowed to exercise its mandate

concerning the Protection of Civilians sites without hindrance. Access restrictions and

violence continue to obstruct humanitarian operations. Since the start of the conflict in

December 2013, sixty-seven humanitarian workers have been killed; increasing restrictions

on humanitarian access are of great concern. Almost five million persons are food

insecure. Famine is looming unless humanitarian aid is provided to the people in need. The

humanitarian crisis is further exacerbated by the disastrous economic situation in South

Sudan. The EU urges all parties to allow and facilitate the full, safe and unhindered

provision of humanitarian assistance to all those in need, in accordance with international

humanitarian law. This is essential in order to save lives. The EU has provided substantial

humanitarian aid to South Sudan and to neighbouring countries which are generously

receiving those fleeing violence; the EU will continue to do so.

There can be no military solution to the divisions of South Sudan. The EU calls on all

parties to observe the ceasefire in full and to repudiate any speech inciting ethnic hatred.

UNMISS must be allowed to exercise its mandate in full and without hindrance. The

Regional Protection Force must be established and deployed rapidly, as mandated in

UNSC Resolution 2304 (2016). All parties must be brought into an inclusive political

process, based on the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict. The Transitional

Government of National Unity must implement, in full and immediately, the commitments

made in the Joint Communiqué issued with the UN Security Council on 4 September 2016.

The EU urges all South Sudanese parties to work urgently and constructively with the

United Nations, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and its

international partners (IGAD Plus), the African Union, and the Joint Monitoring and

Evaluation Commission, to address the crisis. The EU will continue to enforce its own

arms embargo and urges the United Nations Security Council to impose a UN arms

embargo. The countries of the region and the international community should make every

possible effort in this regard. The EU reiterates that it remains ready to impose further

autonomous restrictive measures against any individual who obstructs the peace process

and its implementing institutions, who impedes UNMISS in the performance of its

mandate, who prevents actors from exercising their humanitarian duties, who incites ethnic

hatred or who orders or commits atrocities against civilians. The EU calls on the African

Union to move forward as quickly as possible with the implementation of the justice and

accountability measures provided for in the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the

Conflict, in particular the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, and

underlines that it will support efforts to ensure that any individual who orders or commits

criminal acts of violence in breach of international or relevant South Sudanese law is held

accountable before a court."

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

Council conclusions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

12 December 2016

The Council adopted the following conclusions on the Democratic Popular Republic of Korea:

"1.

The Council strongly condemns the nuclear tests and multiple ballistic missile launches

conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in 2016. They represent

a serious threat to international peace and security and undermine the global non-

proliferation and disarmament regime of which the EU has been a steadfast supporter for

decades. The DPRK's ongoing nuclear and ballistic missile-related activities are in clear

violation of its international obligations under multiple UN Security Council Resolutions,

including Resolution 2270 (2016), imposing further sanctions on the DPRK after its 4th

nuclear test on 6 January 2016.

The Council underlines that these irresponsible and illegal actions increase tensions on the

Korean Peninsula to the detriment of all. The Council is concerned by the DPRK's

development of nuclear weapons which is bound to seriously aggravate the security

situation in Asia and beyond. These actions also underline the necessity of universalisation

of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

The Council calls again on the DPRK to re-engage in a credible and meaningful dialogue

with the international community, in particular in the framework of the 6 Party Talks, and

to cease its provocations.

The Council expresses grave concern at the DPRK's diversion of resources toward

developing its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes without regard for

humanitarian situation and the hardship that the DPRK people are subjected to.

The Council urges the DPRK to abide by all its international obligations and abandon its

nuclear weapons, other WMD and existing nuclear and ballistic missiles programmes, in a

complete, verifiable and irreversible manner, and cease immediately all related activities.

In light of the above, the Council welcomes the unanimous adoption by the UNSC of

Resolution 2321 (2016) condemning the DPRK’s 5th nuclear test on 9 September 2016

and imposing new restrictive measures. The Council stands ready to enhance coordination

with international partners on the full implementation of relevant UNSC resolutions.

The Council recalls the Union’s determination to combat proliferation and remains fully

committed to the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, including through the

consideration of new restrictive measures."

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

Relations with Vietnam

12 December 2016

The Council adopted a protocol to the framework agreement on comprehensive partnership and

cooperation between the EU and Vietnam, to take account of the accession of Croatia.

3rd meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council

The Council approved the EU position for the 3rd meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council,

which will take place in Brussels on 19 December 2016 (

15157/16).

Democratic Republic of Congo

See under B items.

COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY

EU monitoring mission in Georgia

The Council prolonged the mandate of the EU monitoring mission EUMM Georgia for a further

period of two years (until 14 December 2018) and allocated to the mission a budget of €18 million

for the period from 15 December 2016 to 14 December 2017.

See the press release

EUCAP Somalia and EUTM Somalia

The Council prolonged the mandate of its two CSDP missions in Somalia, the civilian mission of

capacity building EUCAP and the military training mission EUTM, both until 31 December 2018.

The

Council renamed the capacity building mission EUCAP Nestor "EUCAP Somalia".

The objective of EUCAP Somalia

is to assist this country in strengthening its maritime security

capacity, so that maritime law is enforced more effectively.

The EU military mission EUTM Somalia

contributes to the capacity building of Somali National Army (SNA).

See the press release

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

EU battlegroups

12 December 2016

The Council renewed for two years the declaration on the common funding of the deployment of

EU Battlegroups, until December 2018. Through this declaration, the Council commits to paying

for the strategic transportation of battle groups if deployed at short notice, within set limits.

TRADE

Relations with Ukraine

The Council adopted the EU position in

the Association Committee in trade configuration established

by the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine in relation to the update of Annexes XXI−A

to XXI−P on regulatory approximation in the area of public procurement. This is a technical update

necessary for the implementation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA).

JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS

Schengen Evaluation - Spain

The Council adopted an implementing decision setting out a recommendation on addressing the

deficiencies identified in the 2015 evaluation on the application of the Schengen acquis in the field

of external borders (Algeciras Port) by Spain (15482/16).

Schengen Evaluation - Luxembourg

The Council adopted an implementing decision setting out a recommendation on addressing the

deficiencies identified in the 2016 evaluation of Luxembourg on the application of the Schengen

acquis in the field of return (15483/16).

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