Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2018-19 (1. samling)
UPN Alm.del Bilag 10
Offentligt
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Council of the
European Union
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(OR. en)
PROVISIONAL VERSION
PRESSE 52
PR CO 52
EN
OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING
3643rd Council meeting
Foreign Affairs
Luxembourg, 15 October 2018
President
Federica Mogherini
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy
PRESS
Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 175 B
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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
15 October 2018
CONTENTS
1
ITEMS DEBATED
Current affairs ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Libya .................................................................................................................................................... 4
External aspects of migration ............................................................................................................... 5
Central African Republic ..................................................................................................................... 6
Venezuela ............................................................................................................................................. 7
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
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Chemical weapons restrictive measures .................................................................................................................. 8
Connecting Europe and Asia ................................................................................................................................... 9
Council conclusions on Bosnia and Herzegovina/ Operation EUFOR Althea ........................................................ 9
Mali: EU stabilisation action in Mopti and Ségou ................................................................................................. 10
Sanctions against ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaeda ..................................................................................................... 11
Relations with Vietnam ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Relations with Tunisia ........................................................................................................................................... 11
Common Foreign and Security Policy exercises programme 2018-2022.............................................................. 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
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–
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15 October 2018
EUAM Iraq ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
PESCO commitments ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Operation EUFOR Althea ..................................................................................................................................... 14
RESEARCH
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European Atomic Energy Community - Research and Training Programme (2019-2020)* ................................. 14
Second Arctic Science Ministerial meeting - Joint Statement ............................................................................... 14
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
ITEMS DEBATED
Current affairs
15 October 2018
Foreign ministers discussed the most pressing issues on the international agenda, among them the
case of the missing Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, where the EU expects a full and
transparent investigation by the Saudi authorities in full cooperation with the Turkish authorities.
Libya
The Council discussed Libya. The discussion focused on the political process, the stability of the
country, and the economic situation. Foreign ministers reiterated the EU's support for the political
process under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative Ghassan Salamé.
They reiterated the EU's unity in its determination to support a Libyan-found solution for the
Libyan people, under UN auspices.
The discussions were part of the preparations for the upcoming high-level meeting on Libya which
will take place in Palermo (Italy) on 12-13 November 2018. The Council underlined the importance
of holding both presidential and parliamentary elections as soon as possible, and the need to put in
place a proper constitutional and legal framework before the elections take place.
EU-Libya relations, factsheet
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
15 October 2018
External aspects of migration
The Council discussed the external aspects of migration together with the UN High Commissioner
for Refugees Filippo Grandi. Ministers were also briefed by the Director-General of the
International Organisation for Migration António Vitorino. They took stock of progress and recent
developments, and underlined the importance of the strategic partnership between the EU, the IOM
and the UNHCR in Libya.
The Council emphasised the significant results delivered through the joint efforts of the EU, its
member states and UN agencies. Irregular migration flows to Europe have been significantly
decreased, and efforts to better tackle irregular migration and to fight smuggling networks have
been considerably strengthened, in particular through Operation Sophia. Significant EU funding is
also being allocated under a wide range of instruments to projects in countries of origin and transit.
Over the past three years the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa has in particular demonstrated
its added value as a swift and effective implementation tool with a view to addressing the root
causes of instability, forced displacement and irregular migration and contributing to good
migration management.
EU migration policy (background information)
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
15 October 2018
Central African Republic
The Council discussed and adopted conclusions on the Central African Republic (CAR). In its
conclusions, the Council underlines that the situation in the CAR is still very fragile and that the EU
remains engaged in support of the country. The EU emphasises the need to continue working,
through its various instruments, to help the CAR get back on the road to stability, peace and
development and to meet the aspirations of its entire population for lasting peace and reconciliation.
The EU reiterates its support for the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation under the
auspices of the African Union and the leadership of President Touadéra to reach a peace and
reconciliation agreement, to create the conditions for the complete disarmament of armed groups
and to strengthen State authority, while preserving the unity and integrity of the CAR.
The EU also stresses the importance of inclusive involvement of all institutions and all actors of
Central African society, including women, youth and civil society. The EU calls on all international
actors, especially those engaged in the CAR, to support the action of the government and the
African Initiative in a properly coordinated and fully transparent manner.
The Council also welcomes the commitment of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated
Stabilisation Mission in CAR (MINUSCA), in particular to support the CAR authorities in carrying
out the security sector reform process and to help them restore State authority.
The Council emphasises that the security situation, including hybrid threats, confirms the need to
continue to strengthen the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), and welcomes the request by the
CAR for additional assistance for the Internal Security Forces, notably by means of civilian
engagement. Ministers invited the EEAS to establish and deploy as soon as possible a civil-military
interoperability pillar within EUTM RCA, tasked with providing strategic advice in this area.
The EU remains concerned by the humanitarian situation in the CAR and emphasises the need for
the international community to mobilise in response to the humanitarian emergency, and reiterates
its own ongoing engagement through the Bêkou Trust Fund. The EU remains strongly committed to
the CAR, with an envelope of EUR 487 million allocated for the period 2017-2020.
Council conclusions on the Central African Republic
EUTM RCA
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
15 October 2018
Venezuela
Over lunch, the High Representative and foreign ministers discussed the situation in Venezuela and
its impact in the region, including on migration.. Ministers reaffirmed the EU's strong position on
the political crisis in Venezuela. Since the crisis can only be addressed through a political process,
they agreed to explore the possibility of establishing a contact group which could, if conditions are
met, help facilitate such a process.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Chemical weapons restrictive measures
15 October 2018
The Council adopted a new regime of restrictive measures to address the use and proliferation of
chemical weapons. This decision is a direct follow-up to the conclusions of the European Council of
28 June 2018.
The EU will now be able to impose sanctions on persons and entities involved in the development
and use of chemical weapons anywhere, regardless of their nationality and location.
The restrictive measures target persons and entities who are directly responsible for the
development and use of chemical weapons as well as those who provide financial, technical or
material support, and those who assist, encourage or are associated with them.
Sanctions consist of a travel ban to the EU and an asset freeze for persons, and an asset freeze for
entities. In addition, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to those
listed.
This decision contributes to the EU's efforts to counter the proliferation and use of chemical
weapons, which poses a serious threat to international security. It supports the global prohibition of
chemical weapons as laid down by the Chemical Weapons Convention, against a background of
increasing chemical attacks in various parts of the world.
Council decision concerning restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical
weapons
Council Regulation concerning restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical
weapons
Sanctions: how and when the EU adopts restrictive measures
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
Connecting Europe and Asia
15 October 2018
The Council adopted conclusions on "Connecting Europe and Asia
–
Building blocks for an EU
strategy", following the joint communication of the Commission and the High Representative of 19
September. The strategy will feed into the upcoming Asia-Europe meeting (ASEM) summit on 18-
19 October.
The Council underlines that the EU will promote an approach to connectivity which is sustainable,
comprehensive, and rules-based, and will advance investment and trade. This European approach is
based on high standards of social and environmental protection and inspired by the EU's internal
market, enabling countries to achieve higher levels of quality of life while guaranteeing respect for
individual rights.
The Council calls for strengthened cooperation at the regional level between the EU and Asia,
noting that the EU should consider developing regional approaches for sustainable connectivity,
identifying opportunities for cooperation.
Connecting Europe and Asia - building blocks for an EU strategy (European Commission press
release, 19 September 2018)
Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), 18-19/10/2018
Council conclusions on Bosnia and Herzegovina/ Operation EUFOR Althea
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
1. The Council reiterates its unequivocal commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective
as a single, united and sovereign country. Following the elections on 7 October, and recalling the
Conclusions of June 2018, the Council expects all leaders to engage constructively on government
formation at all levels, in the interests of all citizens. The Council recalls that it expects the BiH
authorities to prioritise taking forward the reforms needed to advance on in its EU path, ensuring
the full and effective implementation of the Reform Agenda.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
15 October 2018
2. In this context, the Council welcomes the continued presence of Operation Althea, which in the
follow up of the Strategic Review 2017 has refocused on its core mandate, while retaining the
elements of capacity building and training deemed to be still necessary and phasing out the other
elements no longer relevant. In this context, as part of the overall EU strategy for Bosnia and
Herzegovina, the Council confirms the EU's readiness to continue at this stage the executive
military mandate of Operation Althea to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's authorities to maintain
the safe and secure environment, under a renewed UN mandate.
3. The Council looks forward to the presentation of the next Strategic Review in 2019 as a basis for
discussion with Member States on EUFOR's tasks and options for the future of the Operation, also
bearing in mind the need to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress in its EU integration process
and taking into account the security situation on the ground.
4. The Council recognises the importance of continued coordination of EUFOR Althea with other
international actors on the ground.
5. The EU continues at the same time to urge the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the
support of the international community, to accelerate their efforts to address the disposal of excess
ammunition, weapons and explosive devices, as well as demining and other outstanding issues.
Mali: EU stabilisation action in Mopti and Ségou
The Council decided to extend the EU stabilisation action in Mopti and Ségou (EUSTAMS) for a
period of three months, following an initial operating period of one year. This decision was taken in
light of the progress achieved by the stabilisation action, the importance of ensuring its continuity
through follow-up activities and the need to capitalise on its results and on the knowledge derived
from it for future EU programmes in Mali.
On 4 August 2017, the Council launched an EU stabilisation action to advise the Malian authorities
in Mopti and Segou on governance-related issues, and support the planning and implementation by
the Malian authorities of activities aimed at reinstating the civilian administration and basic services
in the region.
Mali: European Union supports the stabilisation in the central regions of Mopti and Segou
EU Delegation to Mali
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
Sanctions against ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaeda
15 October 2018
The Council has extended the EU restrictive measures against ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaeda and
persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them until 31 October 2019.
The Council also decided to add one person to the list of persons and entities associated with them
and targeted by the sanctions, bringing the total number of persons currently on the list to 2. This
EU sanctions regime complements the sanctions imposed by the United Nations.
Fight against terrorism: EU strengthens its legal arsenal against ISIL/Da'esh and Al-Qaida
Response to foreign terrorist fighters and recent terrorist attacks in Europe (background
information)
Relations with Vietnam
The Council adopted new rules of procedures for the Joint Committee established by the EU-
Vietnam Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA). The PCA
between the EU and Vietnam entered into force on 1 October 2016.
The rules of procedure are meant to establish the technical way of working of the Joint Committee
and the sub committees under the PCA. The agreed text encompasses the human rights dimension,
as the sub committee on good governance, rule of law and human rights will complement the
existing human rights dialogue and thus create another opportunity for the EU and Vietnam to
discuss human rights issues.
Delegation of the EU to Vietnam
Relations with Tunisia
The Council agreed on the signing, on behalf of the EU, of a protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean
Agreement establishing an association between the EU and Tunisia, in order to take account of the
accession of Croatia to the EU.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
15 October 2018
The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement between the EU and Tunisia was signed in Brussels on 17 July
1995. The Agreement entered into force on 1 March 1998. According to the act of accession of the
Republic of Croatia to the EU, Croatia accedes to the international agreements signed or concluded
by the EU and its Member States by means of a protocol to those agreements. The negotiations on
the protocol with Tunisia were successfully concluded on 11 May 2018. Croatia can therefore
accede to the agreement, which created a free trade area between the EU and Tunisia.
Relations between the EU and Tunisia
EU and Tunisia trade relations
Common Foreign and Security Policy exercises programme 2018-2022
The Council adopted the EU programme of exercises and exercise-related activities under the
Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) for the period 2018-2022. The exercise programme
reflects the EU requirements for exercises set out in the EU Exercise Policy.
Exercise policy of the EU under the CFSP
COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY
EUAM Iraq
The Council extended the mandate of the EU Advisory Mission, EUAM Iraq, until 17 April 2020
and agreed on a budget of
€
64.8 million for the period from 18 October 2018 to 17 April 2020.
The Council also updated the mandate of the mission to reflect lessons learnt during the first year of
the mission and following its strategic review. The mission will now pursue three strategic
objectives:
–
provide advice and expertise to the Iraqi authorities at strategic level to identify and define
the requirements for the coherent implementation of the security sector reform civilian-
related aspects of the Iraqi National Security Programme and associated plans,
identify opportunities at national, regional and provincial levels for further EU engagement
in support of the needs of the civilian security sector reform,
–
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
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15 October 2018
assist the EU Delegation in the coordination of the
EU's and member states’ support in the
field of security sector reform, ensuring coherence of EU action.
The mission contributes to the implementation at strategic level of a comprehensive strategy
countering terrorism and organised crime with specific reference to border management, financial
crime, money laundering and the trafficking of cultural heritage. The mission works in coordination
with key international actors operating in Iraq, including the NATO mission in Iraq.
EUAM Iraq was launched on 16 October 2017 to support the implementation of the civilian aspects
of the Iraqi National Security Programme. This programme aims at building state institutions
capable of consolidating security and peace and preventing conflicts under the rule of law, and
outlines a number of threats to national security, including terrorism, corruption and political
instability. The mission is based in Baghdad. The Head of mission is Markus Ritter (Germany),
currently leading 52 staff.
Delegation of the EU to Iraq
EUAM Iraq Website
EUAM Iraq Factsheet
PESCO commitments
The Council adopted a recommendation providing detailed guidance on the objectives and progress
indicators for the fulfilment, by each participating member state, of the binding commitments they
undertook when the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) was launched at the end of 2017.
On this basis, the participating member states will review and update as necessary their national
implementation plans, which will be submitted in January 2019. These plans will be assessed by the
PESCO Secretariat, consisting of EEAS, including the EU Military Staff (EUMS), and the
European Defence Agency (EDA). This will provide the basis the annual PESCO report by the
High Representative to the Council on the progress made by each participating member state in the
fulfilment of their commitments.
Q&A on Permanent Structured Cooperation
EU cooperation on security and defence (background information)
Factsheet on Permanent Structured Cooperation (EEAS)
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
Operation EUFOR Althea
15 October 2018
The Council approved the High Representative's report on the operation commander's 28
th
six-
monthly-report on Operation EUFOR Althea.
The High Representative supports the Operation's Commander's assessment and conclusions
expressed in the 28
th
six-monthly-report on Operation EUFOR Althea, which contained the regular
six-monthly reporting on the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and EUFOR activities,
including on the preparations for the country's general elections on 7 October 2018.
EUFOR Althea
EU in Bosnia and Herzegovina
RESEARCH
European Atomic Energy Community - Research and Training Programme (2019-2020)*
The Council adopted a regulation on the research and training programme of the European Atomic
Energy Community for the years 2019 and 2020. This regulation, which complements the Horizon
2020 framework programme for research and innovation, establishes the research and training
programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period from 1 January 2019 to 31
December 2020. (12431/18,
12551/18 ADD 1)
Second Arctic Science Ministerial meeting - Joint Statement
The Council approved a joint statement for the occasion of the second Arctic Science Ministerial
meeting taking place in Berlin on 25 and 26 October 2018. The joint statement will be signed by the
Commission on behalf of the European Union. (12678/18)
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