Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2018-19 (2. samling)
UPN Alm.del Bilag 7
Offentligt
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Council of the
European Union
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(OR. en)
PROVISIONAL VERSION
PRESSE 34
PR CO 34
EN
OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING
3700th Council meeting
Foreign Affairs
Luxembourg, 17 June 2019
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 Fax: +32 (0)2 281 8026
[email protected] http://www.consilium.europa.eu/press
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
17 June 2019
CONTENTS
1
ITEMS DEBATED
Current affairs ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Common Foreign and Security Policy's effectiveness ......................................................................... 3
EU Global Strategy .............................................................................................................................. 4
Sudan .................................................................................................................................................... 5
Informal lunch on the Middle East ...................................................................................................... 6
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
–
–
–
–
–
Council conclusions on the new EU strategy on Central Asia ................................................................................ 7
Council conclusions on the EU’s engagement to the Black Sea regional cooperation
............................................ 8
EU human rights guidelines on safe drinking water and sanitation ......................................................................... 8
Sanctions on the Maldives ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Relations with the Pacific Alliance ....................................................................................................................... 10
TRADE POLICY
–
Relations with Samoa ............................................................................................................................................ 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
17 June 2019
The High Representative and foreign ministers discussed the most pressing issues on the
international agenda. They referred to the situation in
Venezuela,
stressing their concern as the
political and humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. They reiterated their call for a political,
negotiated solution within the framework of the Venezuelan constitution that would ultimately lead
to free, fair and credible presidential elections and their support for efforts in this direction.
The High Representative and foreign ministers also referred to the
Helms-Burton Act,
underlining
the EU's commitment to protect its businesses and to draw on all appropriate measures to address
the effects of the Helms-Burton Act, including in relation to the EU's WTO rights and through the
use of the EU blocking statute.
They also discussed the situation in the Republic of
Moldova,
following the formation of the new
government. They reiterated the EU's readiness to work with a reform-committed government, on
the basis of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement.
The High Representative also referred to the first anniversary of the
Prespa agreement,
which was
concluded between Greece and North Macedonia one year ago.
Common Foreign and Security Policy's effectiveness
Foreign ministers discussed the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)'s effectiveness. The
major shifts underway in the global landscape and the challenges faced by the European Union in
today's world call for
an even more effective foreign policy.
Ministers therefore reflected on
practical ideas for enhancing the effectiveness of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy
(CFSP). They looked in particular at how
coherence and consistency
could be further increased
and reflected on possible ways to strengthen unity and effectiveness.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
EU Global Strategy
17 June 2019
Foreign and defence ministers discussed the EU Global Strategy on the basis of the third annual
progress report by the High Representative:
"The EU Global Strategy: three years on, looking
forward".
They took stock of progress made in the last three years and reflected on future
perspectives. The Council also adopted conclusions on EU action to strengthen
rules-based
multilateralism.
Strengthening multilateralism: Council adopts conclusions (press release, 17/06/2019)
Ministers also focused on
security and defence cooperation,
and welcomed the substantive
progress made to enhance the security of the Union and its role as a security provider and global
actor, including through its Common Security and Defence Policy. The Council adopted
conclusions on security and defence in the context of the EU Global Strategy.
Security and defence: Council adopts conclusions (press release, 17/06/2019)
The EU Global Strategy: there years on, looking forward, report, June 2019
EU cooperation on security and defence (background information)
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
Sudan
The Council discussed the situation in Sudan and adopted the following statement:
17 June 2019
"Over the past six months the people of Sudan, with the strong participation of women and youth,
have clearly and bravely demanded a new path for their country, one of democracy, political
plurality, security and prosperity. This represents a historic opportunity for Sudan. A peaceful,
united, democratic and prosperous Sudan remains crucial, including for the peace and stability of
the region, and is a priority for the European Union.
The EU firmly condemns the violent attacks in Sudan on 3 June 2019, which resulted in the killing
and injuring of many peaceful civilian protesters, as well as sexual and gender-based violence. It is
clear that the responsibility lies with the Transitional Military Council (TMC) as the authority in
charge of protecting the population. All human rights violations and abuses committed must be
investigated in an independent and transparent manner, and perpetrators held accountable for their
acts.
The EU calls for an immediate cessation of all violence against the Sudanese people, including
extrajudicial, arbitrary and summary killings, beatings and sexual and gender-based violence,
arrests and disappearances. It is the duty of the TMC to ensure the safety of all in Sudan. Members
of the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) and other civilians that have been arrested and
detained during recent events must be immediately released. Restrictions placed on freedom of
assembly, freedom of the media, civic space and access to the internet must also be lifted.
The EU remains deeply concerned by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, and
remains committed to help addressing the needs of the population. Obstacles to the timely delivery
of the humanitarian assistance need to be removed immediately, including in Khartoum. Staff and
supplies need to be brought in urgently to provide humanitarian assistance to more than 8 million
people in need. Attacks against hospitals, medical staff and patients must stop. Respect of
international humanitarian law and protection of civilians must be ensured, including safe and
unhindered humanitarian access.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
17 June 2019
The EU supports the call of the African Union (AU) for the establishment of a civilian-led
transitional authority. To that end, the EU calls for the immediate resumption of negotiations
between the TMC and the FFC, based on agreements reached so far. The EU also calls on the TMC
to implement the required confidence-building measures, on the FFC to respond accordingly, and
on both parties to refrain from unilateral moves.
The EU supports the leadership role of the AU and the mediation efforts led by the AU envoy to
help to move the political transition process forward, in cooperation with Ethiopia, IGAD Chair.
The EU commends the role of Ethiopia in facilitating the resumption of the talks. The EU also
commends the decision of the AU’s Peace and Security Council to suspend Sudan from
participation in all AU activities until the effective establishment of a civilian-led transition
authority, including the announcement that AU punitive measures would be applied if transition to
such an authority is obstructed. The EU further calls on other regional and international actors to
play a constructive and coordinated role in support of the leadership of the AU on this basis and
stands ready to work with international partners in that regard.
The aspirations of the Sudanese people can only be met through an orderly, peaceful, inclusive and
civilian-led transition that establishes the conditions for the return to constitutional order and
democratic rule through transparent and credible elections, and full respect of human rights. The EU
seizes this opportunity to recall the obligation of Sudan to cooperate with the International Criminal
Court pursuant to the UNSC Resolution 1593.
A civilian-led transitional authority is the only partner with which EU-Sudan relations can be
normalised. When Sudan embarks on a transition to civilian rule, the EU looks forward to
supporting the country in tackling the social, economic and political challenges and implementing
the necessary reforms, and will provide assistance accordingly."
Informal lunch on the Middle East
Foreign ministers had an exchange of views with the Foreign Minister of Jordan,
Ayman Safadi.
They focused on latest developments in the region, including
Syria,
tensions in the
Gulf region,
and prospects for the
Middle East Peace Process.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Council conclusions on the new EU strategy on Central Asia
17 June 2019
The Council adopted conclusions on a new EU strategy on Central Asia, adapting the EU policy to
new opportunities which have emerged in the region.
The Council welcomes the strengthening of relations between the EU and Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz
Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan since the adoption of the first EU strategy for
Central Asia in 2007.
The Council endorses the Joint Communication on "The EU and Central Asia: New Opportunities
for a Stronger Partnership" by the High Representative and the European Commission which,
together with the Council conclusions, provides a new policy framework for EU engagement with
the countries of Central Asia over the coming years. The new strategy focuses on promoting
resilience, prosperity, and regional cooperation in Central Asia.
The Council underlines its commitment to conclude and implement ambitious and mutually
beneficial Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (EPCAs) with the interested
countries of the region. These agreements remain a cornerstone of the EU's engagement with
Central Asia. The Council reiterates that the scope of the EU’s relations
is linked to the readiness of
individual Central Asian countries to undertake reforms and strengthen democracy, human rights,
the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, as well as to modernise and diversify the
economy, including by supporting the private sector, in particular small and medium-sized
enterprises, in a free market economy.
Recognising the strategic role of Central Asia in global efforts to promote Euro-Asian connectivity
and stressing that these efforts should bring benefits to the region, the Council states that it looks
forward to increased cooperation with Central Asian countries to promote sustainable,
comprehensive and rules-based connectivity. The Council also emphasises the joint interest of the
EU and of Central Asian states to intensify cooperation to promote peace in Afghanistan.
Council conclusions on the new EU strategy on Central Asia
Joint Communication on the EU and Central Asia: New opportunities for a stronger partnership, 15
May 2019 (EEAS)
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
17 June 2019
Council conclusions on the EU’s engagement to the Black Sea regional cooperation
The Council adopted conclusions on the EU’s engagement to the Black Sea regional cooperation.
The Council reaffirms its long-standing commitment to fostering prosperity, stability, and resilience
in the Black Sea area. It emphasises the increasing strategic importance of the Black Sea area for
the EU, and calls for enhanced EU involvement in the regional cooperation, with the Black Sea
Synergy initiative at its basis. In particular, it highlights the importance of harnessing the new
opportunities for economic development, resilience and connectivity in the region and beyond.
The Council remains concerned about the security challenges in the Black Sea area. In this context,
it reiterates that respect for international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty
and territorial integrity, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, including freedom of
navigation, as well as EU policy decisions and its non-recognition policy on the illegal annexation
of Crimea, are fundamental to the EU's approach to regional cooperation in the Black Sea area.
Council conclusions on
the EU’s engagement to the Black Sea regional cooperation
EU human rights guidelines on safe drinking water and sanitation
The Council adopted conclusions approving EU human rights guidelines on safe drinking water and
sanitation.
2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services and 4.5 billion people lack
safely managed sanitation services in the world. Climate change will increasingly affect water
availability and access. Across the globe, tensions and conflicts related to access to and use of water
continue to rise as the threat of water scarcity spreads.
The approval of the EU human rights guidelines on safe drinking water and sanitation is one of
many steps that the EU is taking to realise its commitment to ensure the progressive realisation of
the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation for all, as well as its commitment to
the human rights defenders fighting for these rights.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
17 June 2019
Building on existing human rights norms, these guidelines give instructions and guidance on how to
use the available EU foreign policy tools, including development cooperation, to promote and
protect the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation.
Council conclusions on the EU human rights guidelines on safe drinking water and sanitation
EU human rights guidelines on safe drinking water and sanitation
Sanctions on the Maldives
The Council decided to revoke the framework for restrictive measures against the Maldives that it
adopted on 16 July 2018.
This framework provided for the possibility of imposing a travel ban and an asset freeze on persons
and entities responsible for undermining the rule of law or obstructing an inclusive political solution
in the Maldives as well as persons and entities responsible for serious human rights violations. It
was adopted following a deterioration of the political situation in the Maldives in the first half of
2018, particularly as institutions such as Parliament and the judiciary were being prevented from
functioning properly. No persons or entities were listed under this sanctions regime.
Today's decision was taken in light of the Council's objectives and of the current situation in the
Maldives. Since the inauguration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih' administration in November
2018, the political situation has improved. The holding of peaceful and democratic parliamentary
elections on 6 April 2019 was a welcome step. The government confirmed its firm commitment to
consolidate democracy, ensure good governance, and promote respect for human rights during the
fourth annual policy dialogue between the Maldives and the EU which was held on 11 March 2019.
Maldives: EU adopts a framework for targeted sanctions (press release, 16/7/2018)
EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
Relations with the Pacific Alliance
17 June 2019
The Council approved and authorised the signature on behalf of the EU of a joint declaration with
the Pacific Alliance. The Pacific Alliance is composed of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. The
joint declaration expresses the strong interest of the EU and its member states to deepen the
engagement with the Alliance. It sets out a framework to strengthen the partnership, with a focus on
cooperation in areas such as economic integration, environment and climate, digital economy and
student mobility, as well as research and innovation.
This declaration is a non-binding political statement which, following the endorsement by the
Council, will be signed by the EU and the four countries of the Pacific Alliance at the earliest
opportunity.
The Pacific Alliance (website)
TRADE POLICY
Relations with Samoa
The Council adopted a decision on the position to be taken, on behalf of the European Union, in the
Trade Committee established under the Interim Partnership Agreement between the EU and the
Pacific States, to take account of the accession of Samoa and of future accessions of other Pacific
Island States.
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