COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION latest

11/5/2017
Main results - Foreign Affairs Council, 11/05/2017

Main results

Implementation of free trade agreementsNew anti-dumping methodology

The Council discussed the new anti-dumping methodology and all ministers confirmed their support for the Council's negotiating mandate agreed on 3 May by EU Ambassadors. Ministers also called for a quick conclusion to the negotiations with the European Parliament.

“We are now in a position to initiate negotiations with the European Parliament, which we encourage to come forward with a position so that  this dossier can be agreed and implemented as soon as possible. The position of the Council on the new anti-dumping methodology is designed to ensure that our businesses are not subject to unfair practices and market distortions in third countries, while at the same time ensuring that it is non-discriminatory and WTO compatible.”

Christian Cardona, the Maltese minister for the economy, investment and small business and president of the Council

• Commission proposal on a new anti-dumping and anti-subsidies methodology, 9 November 2016

The Council discussed the implementation of free trade agreements (FTAs) on the basis of ideas presented by the Commission.

With a growing number of FTAs being concluded and implemented, the importance of making sure that agreed provisions are applied as effectively as possible is essential if EU operators and citizens are to benefit fully from them.

Ministers supported the need to put in place initiatives to improve the way FTAs are implemented. They agreed on the importance of coordinating actions between the Commission, member states and European businesses.

• Relations with key trading partners - WTO Conference - Globalisation

Ministers took stock of a number of free trade negotiations and prospective free trade agreements.

They discussed developments in trade negotiations with Japan, Mercosur and Mexico and in talks on investment protection with Burma/Myanmar. The Commission reported on the possible launch of free trade negotiations with Australian, Chile and New Zealand. The Council also took stock of work on temporary trade measures for Ukraine.

The Council discussed the prospects for a WTO ministerial conference to be held in Buenos Aires in December 2017. The Commission also presented a reflection paper on globalisation.

Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 11/05/2017

Main results 

"Until now European fishermen have had to respect more than 30 different regulations, which constitute a particularly complex and burdensome legislative framework. We want to make their life easier, guarantee legal certainty and focus on innovation. Better and clearer rules will help protect our seas and the sustainability of our fishery resources. And most of all, the Council position empowers the fishing community by giving it more direct say in the decision-making process."

Roderick Galdes, Maltese Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and president of the Council

Technical measures 

The Council agreed its position on a proposal for new rules on the conservation of fishery resources and the protection of marine ecosystems, often referred to as "technical measures". 

The Council's position aims at modernising the existing rules on how, where and when fishermen may fish. These cover the taking and landing of fisheries resources, the specifications and operation of fishing gear, and measures to mitigate their impact on sensitive species or areas.

• Text of the Council general approach on the proposal for the conservation of fishery resources and the protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures

African swine fever in third countries 

The Council was updated on and had the opportunity to discuss the eradication of African swine fever, in particular in relation to the role of EU neighbouring countries such as Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. Delegations highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary and internationally coordinated approach to fight the disease, and the Commission confirmed its support for those member states concerned. 

Other topics on the agenda 

Ministers were informed about the MedFish4Ever declaration adopted at the ministerial conference on Mediterranean fisheries held in Malta on 29-30 March, and about the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference, that will take place in New York on 5-9 June.

11/5/2017

	Joint Declaration on the occasion of the EU-Tunisia Association Council of 11 May 2017
	Joint Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, George Vella, on behalf of the EU High Representative and by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia, Khemaies Jhinaoui, following the EU-Tunisia Association Council The thirteenth session of the Association Council of the European Union and Tunisia took place in Brussels on 11 May 2017. The session was co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, George VELLA, whose country holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, on behalf of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the Commission, and by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia, Mr. Khemaies Jhinaoui. Mr. Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, also participated in the session.  The session provided an opportunity to review the development of relations between Tunisia and the EU within the framework of the Privileged Partnership. These relations have gained new momentum, as demonstrated by President Essebsi's visit to Brussels on 1 December 2016, the first visit at the highest level by a Tunisian President to the European institutions.  In this regard, the two parties noted with satisfaction the progress achieved since the 12th session of the EU-Tunisia Association Council (Luxembourg, 18 April 2016) in terms of the implementation of the Privileged Partnership Action Plan for 2013-2017. They welcomed the positive momentum that characterises relations between Tunisia and the European Union, and stressed their commitment to reinforcing this partnership further and to opening up new opportunities, duly respecting the principle of a differentiated approach contained in the revised European Neighbourhood Policy.  The European side, which welcomed the unprecedented nature of the Tunisian democratic experience, renewed its resolute commitment to continue to support the process of reforms undertaken by the Tunisian authorities with a view to ensuring the effective implementation of the Constitution and the socio-economic development of the country. The recent adoption of the Five-Year Development Plan 2016-2020 and the progress made in the reform process will make it possible, in particular, to anchor the interventions of the Tunisian public authorities and their international partners, including the EU, within a new targeted and coherent programming framework.  The Association Council was also an opportunity to have an exchange of views at high level on regional issues of common interest, in particular the situation in Libya. In this regard, the EU welcomed Tunisia's important role in seeking a resolution to the Libyan conflict, and in particular supported the initiative launched by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Tunisia for a comprehensive and inclusive political solution to the Libyan crisis.  The two sides noted with satisfaction the marked improvement in the security situation in Tunisia, in particular due to the perseverance of the national security forces. Stabilisation of the security situation will allow the gradual resumption of economic activity, especially in the tourism sector. In this regard, Tunisia noted with satisfaction the changes made by a number of European to their country's travel advice concerning Tunisia.  Aware of the challenges posed by the transnational threat of terrorism, the European Union and Tunisia emphasised the progress achieved in their bilateral cooperation in the field of security and the fight against terrorism. In this context, the 2nd session of the High-Level Dialogue on Security in Brussels on 19 January 2017 reflected and their shared will to intensify cooperation in this field while promoting full respect for the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms.  The two partners stressed the importance of the forthcoming local elections in Tunisia, scheduled for 17 December 2017. The EU expressed its readiness to deploy an election observation mission, as it had done for the elections of 2011 and 2014. This proposal was welcomed by the Tunisian side, who stated that the preparation, supervision and monitoring of elections were the exclusive responsibility of the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE).  The European side reiterated the importance it attaches it attaches to its cooperation with Tunisia, its Privileged Partner. The Joint Communication of the EU High Representative and the European Commission of 29 September 2016 'Strengthening EU support for Tunisia', as well as the Council Conclusions of 17 October 2016, confirm the commitment of the EU and its Member States to that effect.  The Tunisian side, which noted with satisfaction the effort made by the European side in elaborating this Communication, views this document as a good starting point for giving new impetus to EU-Tunisia cooperation and further strengthening bilateral relations. The European side highlighted the success and positive momentum of the 'Tunisia 2020 International Conference' of 29 and 30 November 2016.  Tunisia expressed its appreciation for the EU's decision to increase the bilateral financial aid envelope for 2017 under the European Neighbourhood Instrument to EUR 300 million, and to maintain an equivalent level of funding for the period 2018-2020. The two sides welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and the loan agreement for the granting of a second Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) operation amounting to EUR 500 million to Tunisia on 27 April 2017. Once the conditions are met, this MFA will support Tunisia, in part, with its pressing external financing needs, in the consolidation of the internal reform process, and in strengthening the resilience of the national economy. In the same context, Tunisia and the EU stressed the need to consolidate European financial support to Tunisia and underlined the desirability for Tunisia to make the best use of the resources of the next European External Investment Plan, which aims to support private investment and strengthen employment opportunities.  The two sides held an exchange of views on the future framework of relations between Tunisia and the EU which will replace the Action Plan for a Privileged Partnership (2013-2017). In this respect Tunisia reiterated its determination to make significant progress in its relations with the European Union and to advance them in order to reinforce its anchoring in the European socio-economic space, as well as to reflect the Tunisian priorities defined in the five-year development plan 2016-2020. Tunisia believes that this is an opportune time to engage in a common broader and deeper reflection with the European side so as to define a new political horizon for Tunisian-European relations. There is a need today for this partnership to evolve in order to bring it into step with Tunisia's democratic consolidation and achievements.  The two sides agreed on the importance of making progress in identifying a new framework for the future EU-Tunisia Partnership to replace the current Action Plan, to define priorities that reflect the scale and the depth of our privileged relations, and to meet their ambitions for the future in respect of the principle a differentiated approach as provided for in the revised European Neighbourhood Policy.  Noting the opportunities and challenges posed by migration, the European Union and Tunisia reiterated their wish to define together a common vision for the proper management of migration flows within their Mobility Partnership. To this end, both sides welcome the opportunity posed by the  week of dialogue on migration and mobility last October, which helped to deepen the dialogue on all issues related to migration and to launch the negotiations for an agreement on visa facilitation and the negotiations for an agreement on readmission.  The 13th session of the Association Council provided an opportunity to identify concrete bilateral actions in the priority areas of youth and of economic development:  Youth Partnership As part of the implementation of the 'EU-Tunisia Youth Partnership' initiative launched on 1 December 2016, the two parties agreed on priority themes such as: youth employability; education in the wider sense; the participation of young people in public and political life and the strengthening of links between young Tunisians and Europeans. The activities that could be developed include EU support for the preparation and implementation of the Tunisian integrated youth strategy by 2030, greater dialogue between European and Tunisian youth, and the identification of new measures, also taking into account the multidimensional strategic vision recently elaborated by the Tunisian side. On the occasion of the launching of this partnership, the EU had already committed to making full use of the opportunities under the Erasmus + programme for Tunisia, in particular so as to ensure the mobility of 1,500 students, teachers and young people annually until 2020.  Partnership for Growth  In an enhanced effort to promote trade and investment and with the aim of supporting the Tunisian government's efforts for its economic transition, the two sides discussed the main thrusts of the 'Partnership for Growth' announced in the Joint EU Communication on 'Strengthening EU support for Tunisia', exchanging views inter alia on: a high level EU economic mission to Tunisia; the organisation of business forums on priority issues for the Tunisian economy with the involvement of the European businesses community; a structured dialogue on the various sectors of economic activity, with the first session of this dialogue potentially concerning the textile and clothing sector.  The two sides also pledged to strengthen their economic and trade relations and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing negotiations on a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA). In this context, Tunisia requested that the EU implement the exceptional measures set out in the Joint Communication that are aimed at boosting Tunisian exports and guaranteeing better access to the European market.  The two sides also noted with satisfaction the strengthening of cooperation between Tunisia and the European Parliament and remain committed to further deepening this cooperation. This is also achieved by strengthening parliamentary relations. The two sides welcomed the important speech of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Tunisia in a formal sitting of the European Parliament on 1 December 2016 and the organisation of the Tunisian parliamentary week from 2 to 4 May 2017. The variety of topics covered during the week clearly highlighted the depth of the partnership.  In the margins of the Association Council's work, the two parties signed:  an agreement on Tunisia's participation in the European programme to support the cultural and creative sectors entitled 'Creative Europe'. This programme will enable Tunisia's cultural and audio-visual actors to network and cooperate with their counterparts on the other side of the Mediterranean. It will thus help to strengthen the role played by culture in socio-economic integration and will help bring our societies closer together; a financial Convention for the 'Integrated Local Development Pilot Initiative'. With a grant of EUR 60 million, this initiative aims to support the government's efforts in the decentralisation process aimed at reducing inequalities in regional development. EU is ready to ratify the Minamata Convention on Mercury On 11 May 2017, the Council adopted a Decision to conclude, on behalf of the European Union, the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Together with the new regulation on Mercury which was adopted on 25 April, the EU has now taken all the necessary legislative measures to ratify the Convention, which will help protect its citizens from mercury pollution. Mercury is a highly toxic substance which, if emitted or released into the air, land and water, can cause serious risks to humans, fish, ecosystems and wildlife. Given that it can travel long distances through air and water, mercury represents a global threat that can only be tackled through cooperation at the international level. The Minamata Convention provides an international regulatory framework with the aim of protecting human health and the global environment from the harmful effects of mercury. The EU signed the treaty together with its Member States[1] on 10 October 2013 in Kumamoto (Japan) and undertook to ensure its ratification and implementation across the Union. "The forthcoming ratification of the Minamata Convention is a major step forward against mercury pollution. The EU takes the health of its citizens very seriously, and is part of international efforts to limit mercury emissions and releases on a global scale", said Jose A. Herrera, Minister for the Environment of Malta and President of the Council. "The Maltese Presidency, and as of 1 July the incoming Estonian Presidency, will oversee the preparatory work required within the EU for the first Conference of the Parties to the Convention". Schengen area: Council recommends up to six month prolongation of internal border controls On 11 May 2017, the Council adopted an implementing decision setting out a recommendation to prolong temporary internal border controls in exceptional circumstances. As from this date, when the previous decision expires, Austria, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway may prolong proportionate temporary border controls for a maximum period of six months at the following internal borders: Austria at the Austrian-Hungarian land border and Austrian-Slovenian land border Germany at the German-Austrian land border Denmark in the Danish ports with ferry connections to Germany and at the Danish-German land border Sweden in the Swedish harbours in the Police Region South and West and at the Öresund bridge Norway in the Norwegian ports with ferry connections to Denmark, Germany and Sweden Before prolonging such controls, those member states concerned should exchange views with the relevant member states to ensure that internal border controls are carried out only where it is considered necessary and proportionate. They should also ensure that internal border controls are only carried out as a last resort and when other alternative measures cannot achieve the same effect. When they provide the same security results, the use of police powers across the territory should be preferred. Border controls should be targeted and limited in scope, frequency, location and time to what is strictly necessary to respond to the serious threat and to safeguard public policy and internal security resulting from the continued risk of secondary movements of irregular migrants. The member states that carry out these controls should review each week whether they are still necessary and adjust them to the level of the threat, phasing them out wherever appropriate. They should report to the Commission and the Council every month.