Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2018-19 (1. samling)
UPN Alm.del Bilag 151
Offentligt
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Council of the
European Union
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(OR. en)
PROVISIONAL VERSION
PRESSE 15
PR CO 15
EN
OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING
3681st Council meeting
Foreign Affairs
Brussels
President
Federica Mogherini
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy
PRESS
Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 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
CONTENTS
1
ITEMS DEBATED
Current affairs ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Republic of Moldova ........................................................................................................................... 3
China .................................................................................................................................................... 4
Yemen .................................................................................................................................................. 5
In the margins....................................................................................................................................... 6
–
–
5th anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea ................................................................................................ 6
Informal lunch with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi ...................................................... 6
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
–
–
–
–
Council conclusions on guidelines on non-discrimination in external action.......................................................... 7
Sanctions on South Sudan ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Exercise specifications for EU crisis management - MILEX 19 ............................................................................. 8
EU-the Republic of North Macedonia Stabilisation and Association Council ........................................................ 9
DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION AND HUMANITARIAN AID
–
–
Transparency of EU funds implemented by NGO funds ......................................................................................... 9
EU-Ukraine Association Council ............................................................................................................................ 9
ENERGY
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Conclusions on the first European topical peer review for nuclear safety ............................................................. 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
ITEMS DEBATED
Current affairs
The High Representative and foreign ministers welcomed the results of the third Brussels
conference on supporting the future of Syria and the region, which was the opportunity to reaffirm
EU support for the UN-led political process, and gave a strong signal of continued support for the
Syrian people by successfully mobilising aid from the international community.
The High Representative briefed ministers on the ongoing work of the International Contact Group
on Venezuela. Foreign ministers expressed their concern as the humanitarian situation continues to
deteriorate. They reiterated the urgent need to find a way towards a political process.
The signature of the peace agreement in Central African Republic and the recently announced US
measures on the International Criminal Court were also among issues mentioned.
Republic of Moldova
The Council discussed Moldova following the parliamentary elections of 24 February. Foreign
ministers highlighted the importance of a transparent and credible government formation process,
that should reflect a genuine parliamentary majority that respects the outcome of the elections.
They stressed the importance of non-interference in the formation process and recalled that the EU
does not support individual parties and specific political actors, but values and principles.
The Council recalled that the basis for EU cooperation with Moldova is the implementation of the
Association Agreement, including a strong commitment to the reform agenda and respect for the
rule of law and democratic principles.
Foreign ministers confirmed the importance of the principle of conditionality in delivering macro-
financial assistance, which had to be withheld following serious deterioration in the areas of rule of
law and the upholding of democratic principles. In this context, they highlighted the critical
importance of delivering tangible benefits to Moldovan citizens and continued support for civil
society.
EU relations with Moldova, background information
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China
The Council held wide-ranging and comprehensive exchange of views on China and EU-China
relations, ahead of their discussion with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The discussion will feed into the preparation of the debate amongst Heads of State or government at
the European Council meeting of 21-22 March, and ahead of the EU-China summit, to be held on 9
April 2019 in Brussels.
The discussion was informed by the joint communication by the High Representative and the
Commission entitled "EU-China: A strategic outlook" which was adopted on 12 March. Ministers
welcomed the assessment made in the joint communication and the proposed actions. While the
2016 China Strategy remains the basis for EU cooperation with China, the joint communication
provides useful directions on how to refine Europe's approach to China to be more realistic,
assertive and multi-faceted.
Foreign ministers stressed the paramount importance of unity, solidarity, and consistency at EU
level for a productive engagement with China, as only a united EU can effectively tackle the
challenges presented by China today. They also insisted on EU values, principles and a safeguard of
the EU's strategic interests in the EU-China relationship. They highlighted the importance of the
respect for human rights and of the EU-China human rights dialogue. They underlined the need for
better reciprocity in economic relations, as well as the development of a level playing field and
equal market access for EU businesses. Ministers also referred to cyber-security, investment
screening, and to the need to protect critical EU infrastructure and industry.
Ministers called for deepening cooperation with China on areas such as multilateralism, climate
change, non-proliferation (in the context on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action - JCPOA and
in the Korean peninsula), peace-keeping and addressing regional security challenges.
EU relations with China, background information
2019 Joint Communication- EU-China
–
A strategic outlook, press release, 12 March 2019
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
Yemen
Ministers recalled that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Yemen and that the only
way forward is the implementation of the Stockholm agreement in all its parts. They stressed the
need to keep the political momentum and push the parties to urgently fulfil their commitments
under the agreement, as well as the need to see immediate progress on the ground.
The Council reiterated the EU's full support for the UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and his
efforts in finding a lasting, sustainable, enforceable, inclusive and negotiated political solution
within a UN-led framework. Foreign ministers highlighted in particular the importance of fully
associating Yemenite women to the political process.
Ministers expressed concern at the lack of improvement in the dire humanitarian situation, in
particular in regard to access for humanitarian aid. The Council reiterated that the EU and its
member states would continue their humanitarian assistance efforts and lend political support as
necessary.
Council conclusions on Yemen, 18 February 2019
EU relations with Yemen (EEAS)
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
In the margins
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5th anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea
As the meeting was taking place on the 5th anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea and
Sevastopol, the High Representative and foreign ministers marked the event by reiterating publicly
key elements of the EU position.
EU foreign ministers mark the 5th anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea (Video)
–
Informal lunch with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi
Over lunch, foreign ministers held an open and wide-ranging discussion with Chinese State
Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Before the Council meeting, the EU High Representative and the State Councilor held the EU-
China strategic dialogue.
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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Council conclusions on guidelines on non-discrimination in external action
The Council adopted the following conclusions approving the EU guidelines on non-discrimination
in external action:
1.
The Council reaffirms the EU’s commitment to the purposes
and principles of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights that applies to all human beings without
distinction of any kind.
The Council recalls that the Treaty on the European Union establishes that the action of the
Union on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have inspired its
own creation, development and enlarging, and which it seeks to advance in the wider
world: democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and
fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity
and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
The Council further recalls that the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
prohibits any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social
origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or other opinion, membership
of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation.
With the view to enhancing the EU’s effectiveness in combatting discrimination on any
grounds and the visibility and awareness of the EU’s values and action in combatting
discrimination in its external action, the Council approves the EU Human Rights
Guidelines on Non-Discrimination in External Action.
These Guidelines on Non-discrimination deliver on the EU Action Plan on Human Rights
and Democracy, complement and reinforce all other EU Human Rights Guidelines and
support the EU’s Right Based Approach
to Development Cooperation encompassing all
Human Rights.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
6.
The Guidelines on Non-discrimination shall be disseminated widely and their accessibility
be ensured including for persons with disabilities. The effective operationalisation of these
Guidelines on Non-discrimination will be undertaken jointly by the European Union and
its Member States. The Council Working Party on Human Rights (COHOM) will support
the implementation while involving, when appropriate, other Council working groups.
Regular exchanges of views will be held on the implementation and review of these
Guidelines."
EU guidelines on non-discrimination in external action
Promoting and protecting human rights
Sanctions on South Sudan
The Council reviewed sanctions regarding the situation in South Sudan, and agreed to maintain the
restrictive measures currently in place against the one person.
Exercise specifications for EU crisis management - MILEX 19
The Council approved the specifications for the crisis management military exercise 2019
(MILEX 19). It is a command post exercise which concentrates on decision making and planning at
the military strategic and operational levels to launch an autonomous CSDP military operation.
The exercise will be held from 4-5 November 2019, with follow up phases up to 15 November
2019. It will take place at in Brussels, as well as in Larissa and Nea Santa Kilkis (Greece).
The exercise focuses on the interaction between the EU Operation Headquarters (OHQ), the EU
Force Headquarters (FHQ) and the EU Military Staff (EUMS).The United Nations has been invited
to participate in the exercise.
The exercise has the objective of ensuring the effective coordination of different EU instruments
through an Integrated Approach and further enhance the EU military capacity to respond to external
conflict and crises.
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EU-the Republic of North Macedonia Stabilisation and Association Council
The Council established the EU's position for the 15th meeting of the EU-the Republic of North
Macedonia Stabilisation and Association Council, which will take place on 19 March 2019 in
Brussels.
DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION AND HUMANITARIAN AID
Transparency of EU funds implemented by NGO funds
The Council adopted conclusions on the European Court of Auditors Special Report 35/2018
'Transparency of EU funds implemented by NGOs: more effort needed'. The Council concluded
that NGOs are important partners in implementing EU funding programmes and in delivering EU
external assistance. Therefore, transparency regarding the funding chain is essential for the
efficiency of the respective initiatives.
Council conclusions on the European Court of Auditors Special Report 35/2018:
'Transparency of EU funds implemented by NGOs: more effort needed'
EU-Ukraine Association Council
The Council adopted a common position to allow for the update of the annexes of the Association
Agreement with Ukraine, to reflect the evolution of the EU acquis in the energy sector and facilitate
Ukraine's approximation efforts in this field.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
ENERGY
Conclusions on the first European topical peer review for nuclear safety
The Council adopted conclusions on the first European topical peer review for nuclear safety.
The topical peer review was carried out in accordance with Article 8e of the amended Nuclear
Safety Directive (Council
Directive 2014/87/Euratom).
Nineteen countries, including 16 EU
member states, and the Commission as an observer participated in the first topical peer review. The
subject of the first topical peer review was ageing management, as identified by the European
Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG). ENSREG published a report on the peer review on its
website in October 2018.
The main conclusion of the peer review is that ageing management programmes exist in all
countries with nuclear power plants. No major deficiencies were identified in European regulation
and implementation of ageing management programmes, but the review identified areas where
further work would enhance ageing management. In terms of next steps, ENSREG will prepare an
action plan setting out how the challenges of the topical peer review will be addressed. The
participating countries will prepare national action plans on the implementation of their country
specific findings.
The Council conclusions adopted today welcome the adoption and publication by ENSREG of the
report on the first topical peer review. They call on the member states to deliver their national action
plans and on the Commission to ensure that ENSREG will prepare the action plan on the necessary
measures to address the challenges of the peer review. The Council also promotes actions for
further cooperation and transparency. (7073/19)
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