Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2017-18
UPN Alm.del Bilag 57
Offentligt
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Council of the
European Union
14239/17
(OR. en)
PROVISIONAL VERSION
PRESSE 60
PR CO 60
EN
OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING
6319th Council meeting
Foreign Affairs
including Defence issues
Brussels, 13 November 2017
President
Federica Mogherini
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy
PRESS
Rue de la Loi 175 B
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1048 BRUSSELS Tel.: +32 (0)2 281 6319 / 6319 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 8026
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
13 November 2017
CONTENTS
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ITEMS DEBATED
EU-Africa relations .............................................................................................................................. 4
Strategic communication...................................................................................................................... 4
Security and defence cooperation ........................................................................................................ 4
EU-NATO cooperation ........................................................................................................................ 4
IN THE MARGINS ............................................................................................................................. 5
Permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) notification .................................................................... 5
European Defence Agency steering board ........................................................................................... 6
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
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Venezuela ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People's Army (FARC) .................................................................... 8
Council conclusions on resilience in EU's external action ...................................................................................... 9
EU Special Representative for South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia ............................................................... 9
North Korea ........................................................................................................................................................... 10
Relations with Jordan ............................................................................................................................................ 10

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
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13 November 2017
EU requirements catalogue 2017 ........................................................................................................................... 10
European Defence Agency report.......................................................................................................................... 10
Guidelines for the work of the European Defence Agency in 2018 ...................................................................... 11
WESTERN BALKANS
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EU - Albania Stabilisation and Association Council ............................................................................................. 11
ENLARGEMENT
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EU - Serbia Stabilisation and Association Council ............................................................................................... 11
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
13 November 2017
ITEMS DEBATED
EU-Africa relations
The Council discussed EU-Africa relations in preparation of the 5th African Union - EU Summit,
taking place on 29-30 November in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Ministers welcomed the focus on youth
and underlined the importance of broad participation in the Summit.
In their discussion, ministers mentioned many of the common challenges foreseen to be discussed at
the Summit, including job creation, climate change, peace and security, as well as migration and
mobility.
Fifth AU-EU Summit, 29 and 30 November 2017
Strategic communication
Foreign ministers took stock of the current work on EU strategic communications, in particular
regarding outreach to the Eastern Partnership region, the Southern Neighbourhood and the Western
Balkans.
They agreed to enhance further the work and supported the development of the three task forces.
Member states underlined the importance on conveying positive EU messages in the EU's
neighbourhood, as well as the need to counter disinformation where and when needed.
Security and defence cooperation
Over lunch, foreign affairs ministers and defence ministers discussed the implementation of the EU
Global Strategy in the area of security and defence. The Council then adopted conclusions on
security and defence in the context of the EU Global Strategy.
Security and defence cooperation: Council highlights the significant progress made (press release
and link to Council conclusions)
EU-NATO cooperation
The Council met in defence format and discussed EU-NATO cooperation together with NATO
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Ministers noted in particular that the work within the EU
framework, in particular on PESCO but also military mobility, will benefit both organisations.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
13 November 2017
IN THE MARGINS
Permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) notification
Ministers from 23 member states signed a joint notification on the Permanent Structured
Cooperation (PESCO) and handed it over to the High Representative and the Council.
The possibility of the Permanent Structured Cooperation in the area of defence security and defence
policy was introduced by the Lisbon Treaty. It foresees the possibility of a number of EU member
states working more closely together in the area of security and defence. This permanent framework
for defence cooperation will allow those member states willing and able to jointly develop defence
capabilities, invest in shared projects, or enhance the operational readiness and contribution of their
armed forces.
The member states who signed the joint notification are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech
Republic, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
It is possible for other member states to join at a later stage.
The joint notification is the first formal step to set up the PESCO. It sets out:
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the principles of the PESCO, in particular underlining that the "PESCO is an ambitious,
binding and inclusive European legal framework for investments in the security and
defence of the EU's territory and its citizens"
the list of "ambitious and more binding common commitments" the member states have
agreed to undertake, including "regularly increasing defence budgets in real terms in order
to reach agreed objectives",
proposals on PESCO governance, with an overarching level maintaining the coherence and
the ambition of the PESCO, complemented by specific governance procedures at projects
level.
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The Council now has to adopt a decision establishing PESCO by reinforced qualified majority. This
could take place at the next Foreign Affairs Council (11 December).
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
13 November 2017
A first list of projects to be undertaken within the PESCO framework should be agreed by the
participating member states once PESCO has been established. These could cover areas such as
training, capabilities development and operational readiness in the field of defence.
Joint notification by member states to the High Representative and to the Council on PESCO
Permanent structured cooperation factsheet (EEAS)
European Defence Agency steering board
Ministers of defence met in the European Defence Agency (EDA) Steering Board under the
chairmanship of Federica Mogherini in her capacity as Head of the Agency. All EU member states
except Denmark participate.
The European defence agenda issued a press release:
Outcome of EDA Ministerial Steering Board
of 13 November 2017
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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Venezuela
The Council adopted conclusions on Venezuela and targeted sanctions in view of the situation.
Council conclusions on Venezuela:
"1.
The European Union (EU) recalls its Council conclusions of July 2016 and May 2017 and
reaffirms that 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.
Therefore it stands ready to support a credible negotiation involving all relevant actors that
can lead to shared solutions to the multiple challenges in the country.
Recently, the 15 October Gubernatorial elections took place amidst reported numerous
irregularities and the results were not recognised by a large part of the opposition. The EU
calls for full transparency on the results of these elections through a comprehensive and
independent audit. In order to regain the people's trust in elections, it is important to ensure
credible electoral processes and a more balanced composition of the National Electoral
Council. The EU also expresses its concern about the lack of respect for the
constitutionally established mechanisms in the appointment and functioning of the new
Governors, including the disqualification of the Governor-elect of Zulia State.
These developments have accentuated the political polarisation in the country. The setting-
up of an all-powerful Constituent Assembly further eroded the democratic and independent
institutions. The EU reiterates that it cannot recognise the Constituent Assembly or its acts
because of serious concerns about its legitimacy and representativeness. The EU recalls the
importance of the respect for the prerogatives of the National Assembly and its Members
and the independence of the judiciary. Reports, including by the UN High Commissioner
for Human Rights, of violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms are an
additional reason for alarm, as are the increasing urgent needs of the population that are
affecting their rights, such as the right to food and the right to health.
2.
3.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
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4.
In this context, in addition to its political and diplomatic efforts in support of a peaceful
negotiated way out of the political crisis, the Council has today decided by unanimity to
adopt restrictive measures, underscoring its concerns with the situation in the country.
These consist of an embargo on arms and on related material that might be used for
internal repression, as well as a legal framework for a travel ban and assets freeze.
These measures will be used in a gradual and flexible manner and can be expanded, by
targeting those involved in the non-respect of democratic principles or the rule of law and
the violation of human rights. The 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. These measures were designed not to
harm the Venezuelan population whose plight the EU wishes to alleviate.
The primary responsibility for ending the crisis in Venezuela lies in the country. The EU
calls upon the government to urgently restore democratic legitimacy, including through
free and fair elections, and on the opposition to continue engaging in a united manner
towards a negotiated solution to the current tensions, in the interest of the country. The EU
reiterates its full support to regional and international efforts to find a lasting solution to
the crisis."
5.
6.
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People's Army (FARC)
The Council adopted the legal acts providing for the de-listing of the FARC from the EU list of
individuals and entities subject to restrictive measures to combat terrorism (Common Position
2001/931/CFSP).
The FARC designation on the EU terrorist list was suspended since September 2016, following the
signing of the initial Peace Agreement between the Government of Colombia and the FARC. As the
demobilisation and disarmament process in Colombia is being completed, and as the peace
agreement is being implemented, the Council decided to proceed with the full delisting of the
FARC, which ceased to exist as an armed group on 1 September 2017.
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Council conclusions on resilience in EU's external action
The Council adopted conclusions on a strategic approach to resilience in the EU's external action.
The EU strategy for resilience building aims at moving from crisis containment to a more structural
and long-term approach to global challenges. It puts a particular emphasis on anticipation,
prevention and preparedness.
The Council invited the High Representative, the Commission and the member states to take
forward the work on the four building blocks proposed in the joint communication by the High
Representative and the Commission of 7 June 2017:
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improving the shared analysis of risk at country and regional level
more dynamic monitoring of external pressures
integrating the resilience approach into current EU programming and into reflections on
the future of financing EU external action
developing international policy and practice on resilience
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This work forms one of the major pillars of the implementation of the EU Global Strategy.
Read the full text of the Council conclusions
EU Special Representative for South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia
The Council appointed Toivo Klaar as EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the
crisis in Georgia. His task will be to contribute to a peaceful settlement of conflicts in the region,
namely the crisis in Georgia and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as well as to encourage regional
cooperation. In particular, the Special Representative co-chairs and participates on behalf of the EU
in the Geneva International Discussions on the consequences of the 2008 conflict in Georgia.
See the
press release
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North Korea
The Council adopted a regulation reviewing the list of luxury goods subject to an import and export
ban on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
EU restrictive measures on the North Korea
Relations with Jordan
The Council adopted a decision to open negotiations on a Missions Framework Participation
Agreement with Jordan. The agreement will aim at making possible the participation of Jordan in
EU crisis management operations.
EU delegation to Jordan
COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY
EU requirements catalogue 2017
The Council approves the requirements catalogue 2017 which identifies the military capability
requirements for the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) stemming from the EU level of
ambition as agreed by the Council in November 2016, taking into account the three strategic
priorities deriving from the EU Global Strategy. The three strategic priorities are: responding to
external conflicts and crises, building partners' capacities and protecting the EU and its citizens.
The requirements catalogue for 2017 is broader than previously, and also takes into account new
threats. Work will continue in implementing its recommendations to identify and prioritise the EU
military capability shortfalls, in view of identifying priorities for EU capability development.
European Defence Agency report
The Council endorsed the European Defence Agency (EDA) report.
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Guidelines for the work of the European Defence Agency in 2018
The Council adopted the guidelines for the work of the European Defence Agency in 2018
(14189/17).
WESTERN BALKANS
EU - Albania Stabilisation and Association Council
The Council established the EU position ahead of the ninth meeting of the Stabilisation and
Association Council between the EU and Albania which will take place on 15 November in
Brussels.
ENLARGEMENT
EU - Serbia Stabilisation and Association Council
The Council established the EU position ahead of the fourth meeting of the Stabilisation and
Association Council between the EU and Serbia which will take place on 16 November in Brussels.
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