Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2017-18
UPN Alm.del Bilag 140
Offentligt
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Council of the
European Union
5471/18
(OR. en)
PROVISIONAL VERSION
PRESSE 1
PR CO 1
EN
OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING
3591st Council meeting
Foreign Affairs
Brussels, 22 January 2018
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
22 January 2018
CONTENTS
1
ITEMS DEBATED
Future relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific states ................................................................ 4
Libya .................................................................................................................................................... 4
Middle East Peace Process ................................................................................................................... 5
In the margins....................................................................................................................................... 5
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
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Council conclusions on Zimbabwe .......................................................................................................................... 6
Conclusions on Iraq ................................................................................................................................................. 7
Sanctions on Venezuela ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Sanctions on North Korea ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Council conclusions on the Integrated Approach to External Conflict and Crises .................................................. 8
EU priorities for cooperation with the Council of Europe ....................................................................................... 9
Upgraded generic standards of behaviour for CSDP Missions and Operations ...................................................... 9
Exercise Specifications for MILEX 18.................................................................................................................. 10
Promotion of effective arms export controls ......................................................................................................... 10
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
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EU Policy Cycle .................................................................................................................................................... 10
1

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
TRADE
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22 January 2018
EU-Ukraine association agreement ....................................................................................................................... 11
Import of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia ................................................................................................ 11
Modernisation of EU-Chile association agreement ............................................................................................... 11
TRANSPORT
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EU Railway Agency – participation of Switzerland .............................................................................................. 12
Aviation agreement with Morocco ........................................................................................................................ 12
HEALTH
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Use of bisphenol A in varnishes and coatings ....................................................................................................... 12
APPOINTMENTS
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Court of Auditors................................................................................................................................................... 13
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
ITEMS DEBATED
Future relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific states
22 January 2018
Foreign ministers had an initial exchange on the Commission's recommendation and draft
negotiating directives of 12 December 2017 for a future agreement between the EU and the ACP
countries, as the current agreement framing the partnership, the Cotonou agreement, is due to expire
on 29 February 2020.
Foreign ministers expressed their broad support for the Commission's approach to move towards an
umbrella agreement at ACP level combined with three regional tailored partnerships for Africa, the
Caribbean and the Pacific. They underlined the importance of building on the experience gained
through cooperation under the existing Cotonou agreement, in particular on political dialogue and
on migration.
Discussions on the negotiating mandate will continue within relevant Council preparatory bodies,
with a view to adopting a decision authorising the opening of negotiations and the negotiating
directives within the first semester of 2018.
Cotonou Agreement (background information)
Libya
The Council held a debate on Libya. The UN Secretary General's Special Representative
Ghassam Salamé gave an overview of the state of play of the political process,
including progress towards the adoption of a new Constitution and the forthcoming elections. He
received the full support of foreign ministers in his efforts to bring about unity and reconciliation in
the country.
Foreign ministers also discussed the importance of EU engagement in Libya as a way of supporting
the UN in its efforts to bring about political stability, as well as those UN agencies working to
address the situation of migrants in Libya. Ministers also highlighted the importance of continuing
to work with countries of origin, in particular in the Sahel region.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
Middle East Peace Process
22 January 2018
The Council held discussions on the latest developments in the Middle East Peace Process.
Ministers looked at how the EU can help ensure engagement by all relevant players in order to
advance the peace process.
In the margins
The High Representative and the EU foreign ministers had an informal lunch with Palestinian
President Mahmoud Abbas in the margins of the Council. The meeting was an opportunity for the
European Union to reiterate its united and clear messages on the importance of preserving a two-
state solution and the status of Jerusalem as future capital of two states
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Council conclusions on Zimbabwe
On 22 January 2018, the Council adopted the following conclusions on Zimbabwe:
"1.
22 January 2018
The ongoing political transition in Zimbabwe creates high expectations among all
Zimbabweans. It can open the way to a full return to the Rule of Law, within a constitutional
framework and under civilian rule, allowing for the preparation and implementation of much-
needed political and economic reforms.
The EU reaffirms its availability to engage constructively with the new authorities including
through a structured political dialogue, with political actors across the spectrum, and with
civil society, on the basis of a mutual commitment to shared values focused on human rights,
democratic principles and the Rule of Law. It will do so in coordination with African and
international partners.
The upcoming electoral process will be an essential step. The EU welcomes the commitment
of the authorities to hold elections in line with the constitution, and underlines the importance
that the conditions are in place to allow those elections to be peaceful, inclusive, credible and
transparent. The EU would consider favourably electoral observation, provided that the
required conditions are fulfilled and that an invitation from the Government of Zimbabwe is
received.
The EU welcomes the stated intention of the Zimbabwean authorities to deliver economic
reforms in Zimbabwe, aiming at supporting job creation, growth and sustainable long-term
development, and reaffirms its willingness to support the planning and implementation of
much-needed structural changes and the promotion of good governance. In this context, the
EU will support the authorities in establishing as soon as possible a constructive re-
engagement with international financial institutions based on a clear and time-bound
economic and political reform programme.
The EU stands ready to review the whole range of its policies towards Zimbabwe at any
moment to take into account the progress achieved in the country."
2.
3.
4.
5.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
Conclusions on Iraq
22 January 2018
The Council adopted conclusions establishing a new strategy on Iraq, following the joint
communication by the High Representative and the Commission on elements for an EU strategy on
Iraq adopted on 8 January 2018.
The Council endorses the joint communication and its proposals to address the many challenges the
country faces following the territorial defeat of Da´esh. The Council agrees that in order to maintain
the momentum towards building a better future for Iraq it is now essential to start working to
implement the follwoing EU strategic objectives in Iraq :
a) Preserving the unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity of the country as well as its ethnic and
religious diversity;
b) Strengthening the Iraqi political and judicial systems through enhanced accountability;
c) Delivering humanitarian aid, support for early recovery, stabilisation, development and
reconstruction while ensuring sustainable, knowledge based, inclusive growth for jobs;
d) fostering regional dialogue with neighbours and cooperation on migration with the EU.
Read the full text of the conclusions
Sanctions on Venezuela
In view of the continuing deterioration of the situation in Venezuela, the Council decided to put 7
individuals holding official positions under restrictive measures, with immediate effect. These
individuals are involved in the non-respect of democratic principles or the rule of law as well as in
the violation of human rights. The measures include a travel ban and an asset freeze.
The decision was adopted as the political, social and economic situation in Venezuela continues to
deteriorate, and as negotiations between the government and the opposition have not yet delivered
concrete results. It is an expression of the Council's concern with this current state of affairs.
The restrictive measures aim to help foster democratic shared solutions that can bring political
stability to the country and allow it to address the pressing needs of the population.
As indicated in Council conclusions of 13 November 2017, constructive dialogue and negotiation
are the only sustainable way to address the current crisis and to respond to the pressing needs of the
people of Venezuela. The Council indicated that the EU fully supports credible negotiations
between all relevant actors that can lead to shared solutions to the multiple challenges in the
country.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
22 January 2018
The conclusions also underlined that the restrictive measures can be reversed depending on the
evolution of the situation in the country, in particular the holding of credible and meaningful
negotiations, the respect for democratic institutions, the adoption of a full electoral calendar and the
liberation of all political prisoners. The Council also recalled that these are targeted measures
designed not to harm the Venezuelan population whose plight the EU wishes to alleviate.
On 13 November 2017, the Council adopted a ban on arms and equipment for internal repression
and a framework decision on targeted restrictive measures without listing any individual or entity.
See the
Council decision
Sanctions on North Korea
The Council added 17 individuals to its list of those subject to an asset freeze and travel restrictions.
These listings come in addition to those drawn up by the United Nations, complementing and
reinforcing the UN sanctions regime.
The sanctions have been adopted as a means of maintaining pressure on the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea (DPRK) in view of its continued and accelerated development of nuclear and
ballistic programmes in flagrant disregard of previous UN Security Council resolutions.
The 17 individuals have been identified due to their involvement in illegal trade activities and
activities aimed at facilitating the evasion of sanctions imposed by the UN, including from abroad.
The decision brings the total number of individuals and entities autonomously designated by the EU
under restrictive measures against the DPRK to 58 individuals and 10 entities. In addition, 79
individuals and 54 entities are listed by the UN.
See the
Council decision
Council conclusions on the Integrated Approach to External Conflict and Crises
The Council adopted conclusions on the EU´s Integrated approach to external conflict and crises.
The Global Strategy for the EU's Foreign and Security Policy identifies the integrated approach as
the framework for a more coherent and holistic engagement by the EU to external conflicts and
crises and promotes human security and with that it also increases the security of the EU and its
citizens.
Read the full text of the conclusions
An Integrated Approach to Conflicts
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
EU priorities for cooperation with the Council of Europe
22 January 2018
The Council adopted the EU priorities for cooperation with the Council of Europe. The conclusions
set out the agreed priorities for the cooperation in the areas of rule of law, human rights and
democracy. It is the fourth time the EU adopts priorities for a two year period.
The EU will continue to focus on the inter-linked and mutually reinforcing priorities: human rights,
democracy, and the rule of law. More attention will be given to our cooperation in the areas such as
death penalty, torture and ill-treatment, freedom of expression, of association and of assembly.
The EU will continue its work on the rule of law, notably on the reform of judiciary and judicial
cooperation in civil and criminal matters. The EU has a strong interest in capitalising on the Council
of Europe' s expertise. More emphasis will be also put on the EU's commitment to the convention
system.
Upgraded generic standards of behaviour for CSDP Missions and Operations
The Council approved new upgraded standards of behaviour for Common Security and Defence
Policy (CSDP) missions and operations.
The upgraded generic standards of behaviour for CSDP missions and operations sets out the
principles based on common EU values for all staff in CSDP missions and operations to uphold and
respect. The revised document is part on the on-going wider efforts of the EU to constantly improve
our policies and procedures in conduct and discipline in CSDP missions and operations and
contributes to ensure that all personnel in CSDP civilian and military missions and operations
uphold the highest professional standards. It reaffirms the EU's commitment to zero tolerance
policy for misconduct and abuse.
The upgraded standards are applicable both for the civilian missions and military missions and
operations. These standards are similar with those applying to other EU actors; in particular, they
are in line with the corresponding provisions in the Staff Regulations, with the European
Commission Practical Guide to staff ethics and conduct, as well as with the European Commission
policy on protecting the dignity of the person and preventing psychological harassment and sexual
harassment.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
Exercise Specifications for MILEX 18
22 January 2018
The Council approved the exercise specifications for the EU crisis management military exercises
in 2018 (MILEX 18). This annual exercise will be conducted in 2018 from 14 to 23 March. It will
on the military planning process for the deployment of EU military forces.
EU cooperation on security and defence
Promotion of effective arms export controls
The Council adopted a decision on the promotion of effective arms export controls. With this
decision, the EU intends to promote effective controls on arms exports by third countries. The
decision funds a new phase of assistance over the next 2 years, with a budget of € 1.3 million.
Since 2009, the EU has been providing technical assistance to 17 third countries in the EU close
neighbourhood to improve their controls over arms transfer. The rationale behind EU assistance is
to fight illicit arms trafficking often fuelled by diversion and poorly regulated arms exports. The
assistance activities envisioned aim to encourage countries to join and fully implement the Arms
Trade Treaty. These assistance activities provide complementarity and synergies with EU assistance
projects in the field of export controls on dual-use goods and to support third countries’ efforts at
national and regional levels to make trade in conventional weapons more responsible and
transparent.
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
EU Policy Cycle
The Council approved that Europol is authorised to release to third countries and third parties the
Operational Action Plans which are part of the EU Policy Cycle for organised and serious
international crime where there is an operational need to do so and the necessary conditions are met.
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TRADE
EU-Ukraine association agreement
22 January 2018
The Council adopted a decision on the position to be taken on behalf of the EU within the EU-
Ukraine Association Council and within the trade committee configuration.
The position clarifies in particular the implementation of the modalities reduction to the base rate of
customs duties to be applied according to the EU-Ukraine association agreement. (15244/17)
Import of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia
The Council agreed to withdraw its appeals against six judgements by the European Court of Justice
related to imports of biodiesel originating from Argentina and Indonesia.
The Court had initially annulled two articles in a Council implementing regulation imposing a
definitive anti-dumping duty and collecting definitively the provisional duty imposed on imports of
biodiesel originating in Argentina and Indonesia.
In November 2016, the Council lodged appeals against the Court's judgements. On 22 January, a
simple majority in favour of the withdrawal of the appeals was reached.
Modernisation of EU-Chile association agreement
The Council decided to
publish the mandate
given to the Commission on 13 November 2017 to
modernise the existing association agreement with Chile.
This is the first time that the Council has decided to make public the entire mandate for an
association agreement covering political and trade aspects. It responds to calls for greater
transparency and the need to better communicate the contents and the objectives of the negotiations.
Political and economic relations between the EU and Chile have so far been governed by an
association agreement which was signed in 2002 and fully implemented in 2005. The aim of a
modernised agreement is to deepen EU-Chile relations by enhancing existing cooperation on
political, security and trade matters. Negotiations were launched on 16 November 2017 on the basis
of the agreed mandate.
See the
press release
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TRANSPORT
EU Railway Agency – participation of Switzerland
22 January 2018
The Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with Switzerland to amend the
agreement between the European Community and Switzerland on the carriage of goods and
passengers by rail and road with a view to enabling the country's participation in the EU Agency
for Railways.
Aviation agreement with Morocco
The Council adopted a decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the EU, of the Euro-Mediterranean
Aviation Agreement between the European Community and its member states, of the one part, and
Morocco, on the other part, so as to permit the conclusion of the agreement (15653/16).
HEALTH
Use of bisphenol A in varnishes and coatings
The Council decided not to object to a Commission regulation (EU) …/... of XXX on the use of
bisphenol A in varnishes and coatings intended to come into contact with food.
The new legal text amends regulation (EU) No 10/2011 which establishes specific requirements for
the manufacture and marketing of plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with
food (13852/17 + ADD 1).
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
APPOINTMENTS
Court of Auditors
22 January 2018
The Council appointed the following persons as members of the European Court of Auditors for the
period running from 1 March 2018 to 29 February 2024:
Ms Bettina Michelle JAKOBSEN,
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Mr Baudilio TOMÉ MUGURUZA,
Mr Pietro RUSSO,
Mr João FIGUEIREDO,
Mr Hannu TAKKULA.
In addition, Ms Iliana IVANOVA was appointed as member of the European Court of Auditors for
the period running from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2024.
Mr Takkula is a new member of the Court of Auditors. The remaining persons are re-appointed.
In total, the term of office of nine Court members expires in 2018. The Court members from
Sweden, Ireland and Belgium still need to be appointed.
The Court of Auditors is made up of 28 members, one from each member state, appointed for a
renewable term of six years. The members elect one of their number as president for a renewable
term of three years.
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