Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2021-22
UPN Alm.del Bilag 14
Offentligt
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Council of the
European Union
12817/21
(OR. en)
PROVISIONAL VERSION
PRESSE 32
PR CO 32
EN
OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING
3819th Council meeting
Foreign Affairs
Luxembourg, 18 October 2021
President
Josep Borrell Fontelles
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
18 October 2021
CONTENTS
1
ITEMS DEBATED
Gulf region ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Eastern Partnership .............................................................................................................................. 4
Ethiopia ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Nicaragua ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Current affairs ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Council conclusions ............................................................................................................................. 6
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
–
–
–
–
–
–
Restrictive measures on arms in Central African Republic ..................................................................................... 7
Staff Regulation of the European Union Satellite Centre ........................................................................................ 7
Restrictive measures in Burundi .............................................................................................................................. 7
African Union - European Union Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting .................................................................. 7
Budget European Security and Defence College ..................................................................................................... 8
Barents Euro-Arctic Council Tromsø Declaration .................................................................................................. 8
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
EU POSTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
18 October 2021
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) - EU coordination .................................................................... 8
EU - Jordan partnership and EU position regarding the definition of "origination products" ................................. 8
Extension validity of the EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities ...................................................................................... 8
Extension validity of the EU-Algeria Partnership Priorities.................................................................................... 9
Extension validity of the EU-Jordan Partnership Priorities ..................................................................................... 9
Extension validity of the EU-Lebanon Partnership Priorities.................................................................................. 9
Extension validity of the EU-Tunisia Strategic Priorities........................................................................................ 9
TRANSPORT
–
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) High level conference on COVID-19 .................................... 10
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
ITEMS DEBATED
Gulf region
18 October 2021
The Council held a strategic discussion on the EU’s approach to the Gulf and how to strengthen the
EU's presence in the region.
Ministers acknowledged the key role that Gulf partners can play on foreign policy issues, such as
the crisis in Afghanistan. They discussed the need to actively support and accompany the positive
momentum in the region in areas that can help build confidence, while also contributing to the
EU's global agenda (e.g. green transition, digital, trade). The Council also focused on the need to
support socio-economic reforms and openly discuss issues where there is disagreement, for instance
human rights.
The ministerial discussion will feed into preparations for a Joint Communication on a “Partnership
with the Gulf”, that is due for adoption in the first quarter of 2022. An EU-Gulf Cooperation
council will also take place early 2022.
Eastern Partnership
Foreign Affairs Ministers had an exchange of views on EU's relations with the Eastern Partnership
(EaP), in preparation for the ministerial meeting that will take place in November and the EaP
summit scheduled for December in Brussels.
Ministers discussed the difficult geopolitical context faced by some partner countries in the region,
and agreed that the EU would keep pushing for fundamental values such as democracy, human
rights, rule of law, and anti-corruption. At the same time the EU will remain focused on long–term
socio-economic recovery, making sure it is sustainable and inclusive, delivering concrete results for
the people.
The EU will also support partners with vaccines, vaccine certificates and the fight against
disinformation.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
18 October 2021
Ethiopia
Over lunch the Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the situation in Ethiopia, in light of the
latest developments in the country and in the Tigray region, one year after the beginning of the
conflict.
The High Representative announced that the Council would prepare an adequate response, possibly
including sanctions, to the upcoming United Nations report on Human Rights expected on 1st of
November.
Ministers agreed to continue humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia and supported the upcoming
mission of the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, who will travel to
Ethiopia together with the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, to
convey a clear message on behalf of the EU on the need to finally implement a ceasefire and the
start a political process including all actors.
Nicaragua
Over lunch the Foreign Affairs Council also exchanged views on the situation in Nicaragua. Since
2018 violent suppression of protest killed at least 328 people.
Ministers reflected in particular on the need to adjust EU policies in relation to the upcoming
general elections in the country on 7 November 2021, for which the prospects of a credible and
legitimate electoral process are very weak.
The EU will continue to insist on democracy, human rights and rule of law, such as the release of
political prisoners or the return of international human rights organisations and the holding of free
and fair elections.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
Current affairs
18 October 2021
The Foreign Affairs Council had a discussion on the deteriorating humanitarian and economic
situation in Afghanistan. They concurred that an EU minimal presence in Kabul was necessary to
support the Afghan people and ensure safe passage for Afghans at risk, but that this did not mean
any EU recognition.
Tunisia was also discussed in light of the latest developments. Ministers stressed the importance of
preserving the democratic acquis, respecting the separation of powers and resuming institutional
normalcy. The recent appointment of a new government was considered to be a first positive step
that the EU will keep monitoring closely.
Ministers then touched on Western Balkans, following up on the recent summit in Brdo and against
the background of the recent tensions in the north of Kosovo. The EU will continue its strong
political engagement with the region, follow up on the important foreign and security policy tasking
from the summit, and facilitate the dialogue on the comprehensive normalisation of relations
between Kosovo and Serbia.
With a view to the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), the Council
discussed climate diplomacy. Ministers underlined the importance for all countries to submit
mitigation plans and long-term zero-emission strategies without delay.
Ministers were then informed about the latest developments around Varosha, and expressed strong
solidarity with Greece and Cyprus over the Turkish interventions against vessels operating in their
exclusive economic zones. The High Representative underlined that the only durable solution to the
issues is a Cyprus settlement in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the
principles on which the EU is founded.
The Council also had a long discussion on Belarus and the issue of migrants being pushed towards
the border of the EU. Ministers warned against the political use of migrants by the Belarusian
regime and underlined that contacts with origin and transit countries would continue, as well as
work on an appropriate EU response.
Before concluding the meeting the Council also touched on Mali. Ministers looked at the EU's
financial and political leverages, including the possibility to consider restrictive measures, in
support of the efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and in line
with the conclusions adopted by the European Council in May against those hampering the
transition agenda.
Council conclusions
The Council approved conclusions on Bosnia and Herzegovina / EUFOR Operation Althea.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
18 October 2021
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Restrictive measures on arms in Central African Republic
The Council adopted a decision and a regulation amending the current restrictive measures against
the Central African Republic and in view of its situation. The amendments are a transposition of
UN Resolution
2588 (2021),
that extends the exemptions to the arms embargo and broadens the
scope of the restrictive measures.
Staff Regulation of the European Union Satellite Centre
The Council adopted a decision concerning the Staff Regulations of the European Union Satellite
Centre (SATCEN), which will be aligned with the Staff Regulations of Officials, the Conditions of
Employment of Other Servants of the EU, and the Staff Regulation of the European Defence
Agency. The SATCEN Staff Regulation will provide for the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of
the European Union to rule on disputes between the SATCEN and its staff members.
Restrictive measures in Burundi
The Council adopted a decision regarding restrictive measures in view of the situation in Burundi.
The sanctions regime was renewed for one year, until 31 October 2022. The Council decided that
the persons and entities subject to restrictive measures should continue to be included in the list.
African Union - European Union Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting
The Council approved a draft joint communique prepared by the EU and African Union (AU). The
joint communique analyses various matters, including investments human capital (education,
science, technology and skills development), strengthening resilience, peace, security and
governance, migration and mobility. Furthermore, it includes a section about the mobilisation of
investments for African structural sustainable transformation and cooperation on the global scene.
The AU and the EU will constantly monitor the implementation of the proposals.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
18 October 2021
Budget European Security and Defence College
The Council adopted a decision establishing the European Security and Defence College, budget,
which is EUR 1 975 752,04. The financial reference amount refers to the period from 1 January
2022 to 31 December 2022.
Barents Euro-Arctic Council Tromsø Declaration
The Council approved the text of the draft Barents Euro-Arctic Council Tromsø declaration. The
declaration underlines the importance of regional cooperation for stability and people-to-people
contacts, notes the serious challenges of climate change and recognises the importance of
developing viable Barents communities.
EU POSTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) - EU coordination
The Council approved the text of an information note and endorsed the recommended EU position
contained in it, so that the Information Note can be used as the basis for the interventions of the
representatives of the EU member states which are members of the ICAO council at the ICAO
council’s 224th session (12291/21 + ADD 1).
EU - Jordan partnership and EU position regarding the definition of "origination products"
The Council decided that to amend the Protocol 3 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement, which
concerns the definition of the concept of 'originating products' and methods of administrative
cooperation. Furthermore, minor technical changes may be agreed upon by the Union
representatives in the Association council without further decision of the Council.
Extension validity of the EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities
The Council adopted a decision (12252/21) regarding the association between the
European Communities and their member states, and the Arab Republic of Egypt. The validity of
the EU - Egypt partnership priorities will be extended until new updated partnership priorities are
adopted by the association council.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
18 October 2021
Extension validity of the EU-Algeria Partnership Priorities
The Council adopted a decision (12251/21) regarding the association between the
European Communities and their member states, and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
The validity of the EU - Algeria partnership priorities will be extended until new updated
partnership priorities are adopted by the association council.
Extension validity of the EU-Jordan Partnership Priorities
The Council adopted a decision (12261/21) regarding the association between the
European Communities and their member states, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The
validity of the EU - Jordan partnership priorities will be extended until new updated partnership
priorities are adopted by the association council.
Extension validity of the EU-Lebanon Partnership Priorities
The Council adopted a decision (12263/21) regarding the association between the
European Communities and their member states, and the Republic of Lebanon. The validity of the
EU - Lebanon partnership priorities will be extended until new updated joint documents are adopted
by the association council.
Extension validity of the EU-Tunisia Strategic Priorities
The Council adopted a decision (12255/21) regarding the association between the
European Communities and their member states, and the Republic of Tunisia. The validity of the
EU - Tunisia strategic priorities will be extended until new updated strategic priorities are adopted
by the association council.
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
18 October 2021
TRANSPORT
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) High level conference on COVID-19
The Council approved the text of a draft ministerial declaration for the ICAO High Level
Conference on COVID-19, with respect to areas of EU exclusive competence. It also agreed that if
adjustments of the text are required in order to ensure the consensus of all participating States, the
text may be adapted accordingly provided that the changes do not affect the substance and the intent
of the text (12323/21; 12408/21).
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