COUNCILOF THE EU: latest news

15/7/2016

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the Award rendered in the Arbitration between the Republic of the Philippines and the People's Republic of China

The European Union and its Member States, as contracting parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), acknowledge the Award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal, being committed to maintaining a legal order of the seas and oceans based upon the principles of international law, UNCLOS, and to the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The EU does not take a position on sovereignty aspects relating to claims. It expresses the need for the parties to the dispute to resolve it through peaceful means, to clarify their claims and pursue them in respect and in accordance with international law, including the work in the framework of UNCLOS.

The EU recalls that the dispute settlement mechanisms as provided under UNCLOS contribute to the maintenance and furthering of the international order based upon the Rule of Law and are essential to settle disputes.

The EU also underlines the fundamental importance of upholding the freedoms, rights and duties established in UNCLOS, in particular the freedoms of navigation and overflight.

The EU supports the swift conclusion of talks aiming at an effective Code of Conduct between ASEAN and China implementing the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

Recalling its Statement of 11 March 2016, the EU calls upon the parties concerned to address remaining and further related issues through negotiations and other peaceful means and refrain from activities likely to raise tensions. As a member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and as a High Contracting Party to the 1976 Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South East Asia, the EU also wishes to "foster cooperation in the furtherance of the cause of peace, harmony, and stability in the region". The EU therefore stands ready to facilitate activities which help to build confidence between the parties concerned.

While underlining the importance of all States working together to protect the marine ecosystem already endangered by the intensification of maritime traffic and dredging, the EU and its Member States will continue to organise High Level Dialogues on Maritime Security Cooperation and the exchange of best practices on joint management and development of shared resources, such as fisheries, as well as on capacity-building measures.

15/7/2016 

Remarks by President Donald Tusk after his meeting with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe

The European Union and Japan are united in our resolve to fight terrorism, extreme violence and hatred. Today we mourn all the victims of the tragic attacks in Nice and Dhaka. We are committed to work hand in hand to counter the plague of terrorism.

Let me congratulate Prime Minister Abe on his coalition's victory in the elections last Sunday. Shinzo, this gives you a strong mandate to accelerate your ambitious reform agenda and to continue your excellent leadership in the G7. You have our full support.

During the G7 Ise-Shima summit we agreed on the goal to conclude our free trade and strategic partnership agreement by the end of this year. Let me assure you that the European Union is fully committed and with the renewed leadership of Prime Minister Abe we will do our utmost to make it happen. The result of the UK referendum does not affect this process. The arguments, and they are many, for an active and open trade policy have not changed.

The European Union remains an engaged and active global player. We will continue doing so also as an EU of 27 Member States once the UK leaves. Before this day happens let me recall that the UK is a full member of the EU, with all its rights and all its obligations. This situation will also apply during the whole - so-called - divorce process, which the UK government still needs to trigger. Later today, I will have the opportunity to discuss it with some of my colleagues and maybe also Prime Minister Theresa May.

Finally, let me conclude by saying that the European Union continues to cooperate with all our partners, not only here in Asia but also around the world. There is no shift in our foreign policy. This was the message I passed today as we intend to continue our fruitful cooperation with Japan and friendly relations with Prime Minister Abe.

15/7/2016

Statement of Asian and European Leaders on International Terrorism

Leaders reiterated their strong unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 15 July 2016

1. We, the Heads of State and of Government of Asia and Europe, the

President of the European Council, President of the European

Commission, and the Secretary General of ASEAN, meeting in

Ulaanbaatar on 15-16 July 2016, reiterated our strong unequivocal

condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations

committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes.

2. Following the recent terrorist attacks in Europe and Asia and in many

other places, as we have seen in Nice a few hours before our Summit,

we strongly condemn the heinous and cowardly terrorist attacks

perpetrated, resulting in the unacceptable loss of innocent lives and

countless injuries.

3. We express our deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the

victims, to the people and to the governments of various countries

which have suffered from terrorist attacks resulting in the loss of

innocent lives. We reaffirm our commitment to join forces to fight the

plague of terrorism and underline the need to bring to justice those

responsible for the attacks in accordance with the Charter of the United

Nations and other obligations under international law.

15/7/2016 

Remarks by President Donald Tusk at the opening ceremony of the ASEM summit

First of all thank you President Elbegdorj for expressing solidarity at the attack in Nice on the French national day. It's a tragic paradox that the subject of this attack were people celebrating liberty, equality and fraternity. Today we all, Europe and Asia, stand united with the French people and their government. We condemn this tragedy and keep up our fight against extreme violence and hatred.

Mr. President, thank you for welcoming us in Ulaanbaatar on this important occasion, as we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of ASEM. I had the pleasure yesterday to learn more from you about the proud and rich heritage of the Mongolian people. Your horse relay postal system from the 13th and 14th centuries, for instance, was the original connectivity project. I am happy that we meet here in Mongolia to advance on further connecting Asia and Europe.

Europe attaches great importance to our partnership with Asia. And ASEM is a unique forum to bring Europe and Asia closer,  in all spheres: economic, political, and people-to-people.

We have a lot to gain from working closely together - and much to lose if we do not. Together we account for about 60% of the world population, and of the world's trade and GDP.

As leaders, we have a duty to maintain peace, security and stability, and work for prosperous, cohesive and sustainable societies. Of course, we have our differences. But there is much more uniting us than dividing us. We have an obligation not only to keep it that way but also to improve our relations and cooperation

We have the chance to make the most of our cooperation by strengthening our trade and investment links, by bringing our citizens closer to each other. We should use this chance to increase our mutual understanding in practice by promoting enhanced links between our regions - from transport to digital highways.

Our cooperation is not without challenges. That is why dialogue and a strong commitment to the rules-based international order are necessary. Common and predictable rules make states more secure, people more free and encourage companies to invest with more confidence.Europe and Asia also share responsibilities for turning our climate change commitments and sustainable development goals into reality, promoting reformed global governance, addressing terrorism and the migration and refugee crisis.

All of these topics will be on the menu of our meeting. I hope that the Ulaanbaatar Summit will be remembered for our determination to find common solutions.

ASEM has come a long way in the last 20 years. We have achieved a lot together, but we have more work to do. I look forward to our discussions. Thank you.