Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2018-19 (1. samling)
UPN Alm.del Bilag 171
Offentligt
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Council of the
European Union
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(OR. en)
PROVISIONAL VERSION
PRESSE 18
PR CO 18
EN
OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING
3684th Council meeting
Foreign Affairs
Luxembourg, 8 April 2019
President
Federica Mogherini
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy
PRESS
R ue de l a Loi / Wets traat 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
8 April 2019
CONTENTS
1
ITEMS DEBATED
Current affairs .............................................................................................................................. 4
Afghanistan.................................................................................................................................. 5
Eastern Partnership....................................................................................................................... 7
Venezuela .................................................................................................................................... 7
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
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UN-EU counter-terrorism framework............................................................................................................................ 8
EU strategy against weapons of mass destruction (2018) ............................................................................................ 8
European Court of Auditors' report on strengthening the capacity of the internal security forces in Niger
and Mali ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Relations with Pakistan ................................................................................................................................................... 9
Relations with Mexico .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Agreement establishing the EU-LAC International Foundation ................................................................................ 10
Relations with Egypt ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
Relations with Israel...................................................................................................................................................... 11
Relations with Vietnam................................................................................................................................................. 11
EU action in Yemen - review ....................................................................................................................................... 11
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
ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
–
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8 April 2019
Financial action task force ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Appointment of a member of the Single Resolution Board........................................................................................ 12
GENERAL AFFAIRS
–
Approval of EU-Canada ocean partnership ................................................................................................................. 13
INTERNAL MARKET AND INDUSTRY
–
–
Amendments to annex XVII of regulation 1907/2006................................................................................................ 14
Amendments to annex to regulation 440/2008 ............................................................................................................ 14
TRANSPORT
–
–
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Civil aviation research and development
–
cooperation with the USA ..................................................................... 15
EU-USA agreement on cooperation in the regulation of civil aviation safety .......................................................... 15
Maritime transport agreement EU-China-Croatia....................................................................................................... 15
CULTURE
–
Council conclusions on an EU strategic approach to international cultural relations and a framework for
action .............................................................................................................................................................................. 16
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
ITEMS DEBATED
Current affairs
8 April 2019
The High Representative and foreign ministers had a exchange of views on the most pressing issue
of the international agenda. In particular, they expressed their concern over the developments in
Libya. They urged all parties to immediately implement a humanitarian truce, refrain from any
further military escalation and return to the negotiations. They reiterated their full support to the
efforts of the UN Special Representative Ghassan Salamé to work towards peace and stability in
Libya.
Foreign ministers also referred to the implementation of the penal code order in Brunei-Darussalam.
They expressed their strong opposition to the foreseen imposition of punishments such as the
severing of limbs, whipping, and stoning to death, punishments which amount to torture and acts of
cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment which are prohibited by the Convention against Torture and
Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment which was signed by Brunei-
Darussalam in 2015.
The Council took note that the US extended on 3 April 2019 the title III waiver, which prevents the
extra-territorial application of the 1996 Helms-Burton Act against EU companies, until 1 May 2019.
This 2-week extension follows recent 45-day and 30-day extensions, while prior practice were 6-
month renewals. Foreign ministers reiterated the EU's strong opposition to the extraterritorial
application of unilateral restrictive measures, which it considers contrary to international law.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
8 April 2019
Afghanistan
Ministers discussed the situation in Afghanistan. They focused on current peace efforts and how the
EU can best contribute to these efforts. The High Representative debriefed ministers on her visits to
Islamabad on 25 March and Kabul on 26 March.
The Council adopted conclusions on the Afghanistan's peace process:
"1.
Recalling previous Council Conclusions on Afghanistan, notably those of 19 November 2018,
the EU hereby reaffirms its political commitment and long-term support to the people of
Afghanistan on their path towards peace, security and prosperity.
The EU encourages the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban to intensify their efforts
towards a peaceful and negotiated settlement of the conflict. The EU supports all efforts to
catalyse such a process, which has created a political opportunity that should be seized.
Direct negotiations between Afghans, with the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban at
their core, should begin as soon as possible, ensuring an inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-
owned peace and reconciliation process. The EU strongly supports a process that respects the
sovereignty and independence of Afghanistan and the dignity of its people. The EU stands
ready to support the peace process, including its implementation, with the aim of preserving
and building upon the political, economic and social achievements of the people of
Afghanistan since 2001, which should be irreversible. Any future peace agreement must be to
the benefit of all parties. The EU commends the United Nations Assistance Mission in
Afghanistan on its commitment to achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The Afghan peace process requires the full support and constructive involvement of the entire
international community, in particular key regional and international stakeholders. The EU
must be associated from the outset to all stages of the peace process. The EU confirms that it
stands ready to support the following aspects of the process: to help make the peace process
inclusive; to assist with reforms, including security sector reform; to act as a guarantor of a
peace process, if requested by the parties; to assist with reintegration of fighters and their
families; and to promote regional trade and connectivity. The Council invites the High
Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission
to implement these actions as the peace process progresses. In this respect, the Council
welcomes the role of the Special Envoy of the EU for Afghanistan.
2.
3.
4.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
5.
8 April 2019
In order to provide substantial support for the implementation of a peace agreement and to
contribute effectively to the reconstruction needs of the country, the Council considers it
important that a peace agreement be negotiated in an inclusive way, is approved by the
Government of Afghanistan and that it (i) entails the renunciation of violence; (ii) counters
any threat of transnational terrorist organizations acting from Afghan territory; (iii) adheres to
the rule of law and respect for the universal human rights of all Afghans, in particular as
regards women, children, and persons belonging to minorities, consistent with the UN
Charter, international law and as enshrined in the Afghan Constitution; and (iv) ensures the
continuity of the Afghan State, its institutions, the constitutional order and Afghanistan's
international obligations, and implements any changes to these through a legitimate and
inclusive process; and (v) allows for possibilities to ensure accountability, including through
transitional justice, and to address the grievances of the victims of the conflict in Afghanistan.
The EU stands ready to contribute, both politically and financially, to the implementation of
a peace settlement that embodies these values and principles.
In line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, the EU reiterates the
importance of a meaningful participation of women in all peace initiatives, including formal
and informal peace negotiations. Acknowledging the achievements of the last 18 years and in
order to strengthen the sustainability of any peace settlement, the EU is committed to support
increased women's participation at all levels of Afghan society.
The EU reiterates the importance of the Government of Afghanistan and all relevant
stakeholders working towards improved, inclusive, credible and transparent presidential,
provincial council and district council elections in 2019, which are an essential element for
a strengthened democracy and stability in Afghanistan, by effectively implementing lessons
learned of the 2018 parliamentary elections."
6.
7.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
8 April 2019
Eastern Partnership
Ministers discussed the Eastern Partnership (EaP) in view of the EaP ministerial meeting (13 May)
and the high-level event (14 May) which will mark the 10th anniversary of the partnership.
Ministers highlighted the importance of the partnership, which is based on shared values and
principles, and an approach combining inclusivity and differentiation.
Ministers welcomed the progress achieved with Eastern Partnership countries within the "20
deliverable for 2020" framework, and in particular the tangible and concrete results in trade, people-
to-people contact, visa liberalisation, transport, connectivity, infrastructure and economic reform.
They agreed that implementation of reforms in sectors such as governance, anticorruption and the
judiciary require additional efforts.
Eastern Partnership
Venezuela
Foreign ministers exchanged views on Venezuela. They discussed the outcome of the second
meeting of the International Contact Group on 28 March in Quito (Ecuador). They agreed to step up
work on the two tracks of the ICG: facilitating humanitarian access, and creating the conditions
for free, fair, transparent presidential elections.
Ministers noted the improvements in recent days on humanitarian access. They agreed on the need
to intensify the work to start a political process towards a democratic and peaceful transition.
Venezuela: the Council response to the crisis
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
8 April 2019
UN-EU counter-terrorism framework
The Council endorsed the framework on counter-terrorism between the UN and the EU. The
framework identifies areas for UN-EU cooperation and priorities until 2020.
The UN and the EU share a deep conviction in and commitment to promoting multilateralism to
address the global challenges the international community faces today, including the scourge of
terrorism.
The framework is expected to be signed on the occasion of the 2nd UN-EU high-level
counterterrorism dialogue in New York on 24 April.
EU fight against terrorism
EU strategy against weapons of mass destruction (2018)
The Council endorsed the 2018 progress report on the EU Strategy against the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction.
The EU Strategy against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction was initially adopted on
12 December 2003.
European Court of Auditors' report on strengthening the capacity of the internal security
forces in Niger and Mali
The Council adopted conclusions on the European Court of Auditors' special report No 15/2018
entitled "Strengthening the capacity of the internal security forces in Niger and Mali: only limited
and slow progress".
The Council appreciates that, despite the challenging context and operational inefficiencies, the
missions have contributed towards strengthening the capacity of the forces responsible for internal
security.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
8 April 2019
The Council underlined the relevance of the five recommendations formulated by the Court of
Auditors:1) to take measures to improve the operational efficiency of the missions; 2) to improve
the occupancy rate of staff posts in the missions; 3) to set mandates and budgets to match operations
and provide for an exit strategy; 4) to increase the focus on sustainability; 5) to improve indicators,
monitoring and evaluation.
The Council noted that since the publication of the report, measures have been taken towards the
implementation of recommendations 1 and 2, and welcomes the progress achieved.
Council conclusions on strengthening the capacity of the internal security forces in Niger and Mali
(7285/19)
EUCAP Sahel Mali
EUCAP Sahel Niger
Relations with Pakistan
The Council authorised the signature of the EU-Pakistan strategic engagement plan on behalf of the
EU.
Since its adoption in 2012, the EU-Pakistan 5-year engagement plan has provided the overall
political framework for the EU's engagement with Pakistan, building on the EU-Pakistan
Cooperation Agreement, which has been defining the legal framework of the EU-Pakistani
relations, since 2004. The EU-Pakistan 5-year engagement plan expired at the end of 2017.
On 25 March 2019, on the occasion of the 4th Pakistan-EU strategic dialogue in Islamabad, the
High Representative and the Pakistani Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that agreement was
reached on the text of the strategic engagement plan.
In the new strategic engagement plan, several sectors of thematic cooperation have been reinforced
or introduced, with special attention to peace and security, democracy, rule of law, good
governance, and human rights, migration, as well as energy and climate change, education, culture,
science and technology.
EU delegation to Pakistan
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
8 April 2019
Relations with Mexico
The Council concluded the third protocol to the EU-Mexico Agreement establishing an Association
between the EU and Mexico, to take account of the accession of Croatia to the EU.
The third protocol was signed by the parties on 27 November 2018, and the European Parliament
gave its consent on 12 February 2019.
EU delegation to Mexico
Agreement establishing the EU-LAC International Foundation
The Council concluded the agreement establishing the EU - Latin America and the Caribbean
International Foundation. The agreement establishing the foundation was signed on 26 October
2016 and the European Parliament gave its consent on 4 October 2017.
For the agreement to enter
into force, it was required that 8 parties of each region, including Germany and the EU, had deposited
their respective instruments of ratification or accession with the depositary. This minimum was reached
on 6 February 2019, allowing for the conclusion of the agreement, which will enter into force on 17
May 2019.
The objective of the foundation is to strengthen the bi-regional partnership between the EU, its
member states, and the countries of the Latin American and the Caribbean.
EU-LAC Foundation: constitutive agreement signed, press release, 26 October 2016
EU- LAC International Foundation
Relations with Egypt
The Council concluded a protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an
Association between the EU and Egypt, to take account of the accession of Croatia to the EU.
The protocol was signed by the parties on 10 April 2017, and the European Parliament gave its
consent on 12 March 2019.
EU delegation to Egypt
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
Relations with Israel
8 April 2019
The Council concluded a protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an
Association between the EU and Israel, to take account of the accession of Croatia to the EU.
The protocol was signed by the parties on 20 December 2018, and the European Parliament gave its
consent on 26 March 2019.
EU delegation to Israel
Relations with Vietnam
The Council authorised the opening of negotiations with Vietnam for an agreement to establish a
framework for its participation in EU crisis management operations.
EU delegation to Vietnam
EU action in Yemen - review
The Council endorsed the continuation of the EU action in support of the UN Verification and
Inspection Mechanism for Yemen (UNVIM), from 1 April 2019 to 30 September 2019. The EU
contributes to UNVIM with
€4.9
million for one year. This project was established in September
2018, with a review clause after 6 months.
Its objective is to contribute to the restoration of the unimpeded free-flow of commercial items to
Yemen through a transparent and effective clearance process for commercial shipments destined for
Yemeni ports not under the control of the government of Yemen. The EU's support is also geared
towards implementing the UN Security Council resolutions 2451 and 2452, which were adopted to
endorse the Stockholm Agreement signed by the parties to the conflict.
EU delegation to Yemen
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8 April 2019
ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
Financial action task force
The Council adopted a decision authorising the Commission to endorse the ministerial declaration
and the revised mandate of the financial action task force at its meeting of 12 April 2019 in
Washington DC.
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body established in 1989. Its
objective is to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and
operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats
to the integrity of the international financial system. (7934/19, ADD1, ADD2)
Appointment of a membe r of the Single Resolution Board
The Council adopted a decision to appoint Sebastiano Laviola as member of the Single Resolution
Board for a term of five years.
The Commission submitted its proposal on 30 January 2019. The European Parliament approved it
on 14 March 2019.
The Single Resolution Board is the central resolution authority within the banking union. Together
with the national resolution authorities of participating member states, it forms the Single
Resolution Mechanism whose purpose is to ensure an orderly resolution of failing banks with
minimal costs for taxpayers and the real economy. (7492/19,
5580/19)
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
Transitional provisions for the UK on clearing obligations
8 April 2019
The Council adopted two decisions not to object to the following delegated acts to the European
market infrastructure regulation:
–
on the date until which counterparties may continue to apply their risk management
procedures for certain OTC derivative contracts not cleared by a central counterparty
(7964/19).
on the date at which the clearing obligation takes effect for certain types of contracts
(7963/19).
–
Both delegated acts put in place transitional arrangements in order to address the consequences of
the UK leaving the European Union. (7965/19)
GENERAL AFFAIRS
Approval of EU-Canada ocean partnership
The Council authorised the Commission to sign the Declaration by the European Union and Canada
concerning the establishment of an Ocean Partnership, as set out in document (7999/19), at the
forthcoming EU-Canada summit. (7652/19)
The instrument provides a general framework and establishes areas of cooperation on ocean affairs,
building on existing cooperation frameworks and based on the United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea. It covers a range of areas such as ocean governance, marine and maritime science,
conservation and sustainable management of ecosystems, challenges and opportunities relating to
the Arctic Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, implementation of the Paris Agreements, introduction of
practices to reduce pollution in oceans, implementing high environmental standards for deep sea
exploring, promoting sustainable fishing and an overall management and protection of the marine
environment.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
8 April 2019
INTERNAL MARKET AND INDUSTRY
Amendments to annex XVII of regulation 1907/2006
The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a Commission regulation amending annex XVII
of regulation (EC) N° 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the registration,
evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH).
The regulation imposes a maximum concentration limit of 2 ppb by weight for the presence of
(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl) silanetriol and any its mono-, di- or tri-O-(alkyl)
derivatives (those derivatives are referred to as TDFAs) combined with organic solvents in spray
products.
The Commission regulation is subject to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny. This means that
now that the Council has given its consent, the Commission may adopt the regulation, unless the
European Parliament objects.
(5561/19 +
5561/19 ADD 1)
Amendments to annex to regulation 440/2008
The Council decided not to oppose the adoption of a Commission regulation amending the Annex
to regulation 440/2008 laying down the test methods pursuant to regulation 1907/2006 of the
European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, evaluation, authorisation and
restriction of Chemicals.
The regulation stipulates that two new test methods for the assessment of ecotoxicity and nine new
test methods for the determination of toxicity to human health should be laid down, as well as seven
test methods should be updated.
(6800/19+
6800/19 ADD 1
+6800/19
ADD 2)
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8 April 2019
TRANSPORT
Civil aviation research and development
–
cooperation with the USA
The Council adopted a decision on the conclusion of Amendment 1 to the Memorandum of
Cooperation NAT-I-9406 (civil aviation research and development) between the USA and the EU
(7384/19;
5800/18
+ COR 1-2). The amendment extends the scope of cooperation between the
parties to all phases of air traffic management modernisation, including deployment activities, with
the goal of ensuring global interoperability. It also modifies the structure and governance of the
Memorandum of Cooperation so as to optimise the implementation and management of the
cooperative activities carried out thereunder.
EU-USA agreement on cooperation in the regulation of civil aviation safety
The Council adopted a decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the EU, of an agreement amending
the Agreement between the United States of America and the European Community on cooperation
in the regulation of civil aviation safety (7383/19;
7482/18).
This agreement ("Amendment 1")
creates the possibility to cooperate in additional areas that both parties find mutually desirable.
Maritime transport agreement EU-China-Croatia
The Council adopted a decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union and of the member states,
of the Protocol amending the Agreement on maritime transport between the European Community
and its member states, of the one part, and the government of China, of the other part, to take
account of the accession of Croatia to the EU (7490/19;
5083/15; 5880/15).
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
8 April 2019
CULTURE
Council conclusions on an EU strategic approach to international cultural relations and a
framework for action
The Council adopted Conclusions on an EU strategic approach to international cultural relations
and a framework for action (ST
7749/19).
The conclusions set the aim of strengthening the effectiveness and impact of EU foreign policy by
integrating international cultural relations in the range of its foreign policy instruments and
recognize the need for cross-cutting approach to culture and inclusiveness among others. The
conclusions are also calling on members states, the Commission and the EEAS to strengthen
coordination and strategic guidance on the best way to promote international cultural relations.
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