COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION latest

Declaration by the High Representative, Federica Mogherini, on behalf of the EU on the occasion of the Day of International Criminal Justice, 17 July 2016

Justice is one of the pillars of our societies: it safeguards equality, cohesion, resilience. International Criminal Justice Day is the occasion to remember those who are seeking justice for appalling crimes, including crimes against humanity, and the many dedicated and courageous individuals who work in the field of international justice.

An international system of criminal justice - complementing and reinforcing national justice systems - is essential to deter those contemplating the most serious crimes, to enable victims to obtain justice and redress, to rebuild nations ravaged by war and to support post-conflict reconciliation.

17 July marks the date when the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court was first adopted in 1998. The EU and its Member States remain committed to promoting the efforts to end impunity for the most heinous atrocities and encourage the universal acceptance of the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

Δήλωση της Ύπατης Εκπροσώπου κας Federica Mogherini, εξ ονόματος της ΕΕ, με την ευκαιρία της ημέρας της διεθνούς ποινικής δικαιοσύνης, στις 17 Ιουλίου 2016

Η δικαιοσύνη είναι ένας από τους πυλώνες της κοινωνίας μας· διασφαλίζει την ισότητα, τη συνοχή και την ανθεκτικότητα. Η ημέρα της διεθνούς ποινικής δικαιοσύνης είναι η ευκαιρία για να θυμόμαστε όσους επιζητούν δικαιοσύνη για ειδεχθή εγκλήματα, καθώς και για εγκλήματα κατά της ανθρωπότητας, και τους πολλούς αφοσιωμένους και θαρραλέους πολίτες που εργάζονται στον τομέα της διεθνούς δικαιοσύνης.

Ένα διεθνές σύστημα ποινικής δικαιοσύνης –που συμπληρώνει και ενισχύει τα εθνικά συστήματα δικαιοσύνης- είναι αναγκαίο προκειμένου να αποτρέπονται όσοι απεργάζονται τα πλέον σοβαρά εγκλήματα, να παρέχεται η δυνατότητα στα θύματα να δικαιώνονται και να αποζημιώνονται, να ανοικοδομούνται έθνη κατεστραμμένα από τον πόλεμο και να υποστηρίζεται η συμφιλίωση μετά από συγκρούσεις.

Η 17η Ιουλίου είναι η ημερομηνία κατά την οποία θεσπίστηκε για πρώτη φορά το Καταστατικό της Ρώμης του Διεθνούς Ποινικού Δικαστηρίου το 1998. Η ΕΕ και τα κράτη μέλη της εμμένουν στη δέσμευσή τους να προωθήσουν τις προσπάθειες για τον τερματισμό της ατιμωρησίας των πλέον αποτρόπαιων θηριωδιών και ενθαρρύνουν την παγκόσμια αποδοχή της δικαιοδοσίας του Διεθνούς Ποινικού Δικαστηρίου.

16/7/2016 

Central African Republic: Council launches EU military training mission (EUTM RCA)

On 16 July 2016, the Council launched the EU military training mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA). The mission will contribute to the EU's comprehensive approach and security sector reform in the country.

The mission will be based in Bangui and operate for an initial period of two years. The mission commander is General Eric Hautecloque-Raysz from France. Following up an EU military advisory mission (EUMAM RCA), EUTM RCA will work towards modernised, effective, inclusive and democratically accountable Central African Armed Forces (FACA). It will provide strategic advice to the Central African Republic's Ministry of Defence and the general staff, as well as education to officers and non-commissioned officers, and training to the FACA.

16/7/2016

Remarks by President Donald Tusk at the press conference after the 11th ASEM summit In Ulaanbaatar

First of all let me thank President Elbegdorj and his dedicated team for the efficient organisation of the 11th ASEM Summit. Thank you also for sharing a beautiful and unforgettable insight into Mongolian culture at the Naadam festival yesterday.

Unfortunately, this summit has not only been unforgettable because of the Naadam festival but also because of the dramatic events that have shaken the world during the last days: the attack in Nice and the military coup attempt in Turkey. Both events serve as a strong reminder of the importance of global dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect and understanding. Let the message of solidarity of our entire community in the face of terrorism and violence be an important message to the world.

 This morning we discussed the situation in Turkey among the EU leaders and institutions present here at the ASEM summit. Turkey is a key partner for the European Union. The EU fully supports the democratically elected government, the institutions of the country and the rule of law. We call for a swift return to Turkey's constitutional order. We continue to follow closely the developments and to coordinate with the 28 EU Member States.

 Let me now return to the ASEM summit. The European Union attaches great importance to our partnership with Asia. ASEM represents 60% of the world's population, trade and GDP. We have weight. The question is how we use it for positive purposes. This is also what we discussed in Beijing earlier this week at our bilateral EU-China summit in a very constructive and friendly atmosphere. Another sign of the importance of strong, close relations between Europe and Asia.

Together we can make a difference. The terrorist attacks in Nice on July 14 and in Dhaka only two weeks ago demonstrate all too clearly that terrorism is a global phenomenon affecting both our continents and beyond. It requires global cooperation to fight this inhumane, violent plague. That is why I welcome our joint statement on counter-terrorism as an important result of this summit.

 We also addressed the global challenge of migration. This is an issue that will feature on the agenda of the G20 Summit hosted by China in September.

 How to strengthen Asia-Europe cooperation on international and regional security of common interest has also been central to our talks. Developments in our respective neighbourhoods, in particular, Ukraine, South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula reflect the need to protect the rules-based international order, in the best interest of our peoples.

 This Summit marked 20 years of bringing Asia and Europe together. We now leave Ulaanbaatar with a renewed will to strengthen our partnership further in view of the next ASEM Summit destination in Brussels in 2018. So let me conclude by once again thanking President Elbegdorj and the people of Mongolia for their hospitality and  excellent job in organising this important summit. Thank you.

16/7/2016 

Statement by the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the EU High Representative on behalf of the EU Member States present at the ASEM Summit on the situation in Turkey

Turkey is a key partner for the European Union. The EU fully supports the democratically elected government, the institutions of the country and the rule of law. We call for a swift return to Turkey's constitutional order. We continue to follow closely the developments and to coordinate with the 28 EU Member States.