Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, 2 November 2017
31/10/2017 | 12:00
Council of the EU
Foreign affairs & international relations
31/10/2017
12:00
Press release
622/17
Foreign affairs & international relations
On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the European Union commends the work of journalists in uncovering abuses of power, shining a light on corruption and human right violations, and questioning received opinion, often putting themselves at risk of intimidation, violence and death. An independent and free media is the basis of a participatory and pluralist democracy, and a tool to make governments accountable for their actions.
An attack on journalists represents an attack on democracy and pluralistic societies. Information comes to us at a price: journalists are still being persecuted, detained or even killed, not only in situations of armed conflict, but also in peacetime, including in the European Union, as we have sadly witnessed only a few weeks ago. Violence against journalists and media actors not only represents an attack on the victim, but also limits the ability of the public to access information and ideas of all kinds, both online and offline.
The EU will continue to use all appropriate external policy and financial instruments to enhance the quality of journalism, access to public information and freedom of expression. The EU plays a key role in funding the European Centre for Press and Media freedom (ECPMF) and provides targeted protection through Human Rights Defenders programmes.
We condemn killings, acts of violence, intimidation and harassment against journalists and other media actors in the strongest possible terms. We expect State authorities to uphold their international obligations by protecting journalists against intimidation, threats and violence, irrespective of their source, whether governmental, judicial, religious, economic or criminal. Any alleged unlawful killing, ill-treatment, threat or attack against journalists, whether by State or non-State actors, should be promptly investigated in an effective and independent manner, with a view to prosecuting the perpetrators of such crimes and bringing them to justice. Any impunity for these crimes is a blow to democracy and to the fundamental rights such as freedom of expression.
European Council, 19-20/10/2017
Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, wraps up the two-day summit in Brussels.
Main results
On 19 October, EU leaders discussed migration, digital Europe, defence, and external relations. They adopted conclusions on these four topics.
European Council conclusions, 19/10/2017
On 20 October, the European Council (Article 50), in an EU 27 format, reviewed the state of Brexit negotiations and adopted conclusions.
European Council (Art. 50) conclusions, 20/10/2017
EU leaders also met informally to endorse the Leaders' Agenda, a concrete work programme to guide EU's action in the future.
Remarks by President Donald Tusk on the European Council meetings and the Leaders' Agenda, 20 October 2017
Migration
EU leaders agreed that their “comprehensive, pragmatic and resolute” migration strategy, which aims to restore control of external borders and to reduce arrivals and the number of deaths at sea, was bringing results and should be consolidated.
At the same time they highlighted the need for vigilance on all migration routes and readiness to react to any new trends and developments.
The summit called for further action, including:
support for directly affected EU countries
strong cooperation with countries of origin and transit, including with Turkey and the Western Balkans
further efforts to increase returns
applying the necessary leverage by means of EU policies, such as trade or development, to improve return rates and prevent illegal migration
EU leaders also reaffirmed their support for the Schengen system. They said they would get "Back to Schengen" as soon as possible, taking into account security interests of EU countries.
They also pledged to continue talks on the reform of the Dublin system at their summit in December, with a view of reaching a consensus in the first half of 2018.
Central Mediterranean Route
Illegal arrivals decreased by almost 70% on the Central Mediterranean route in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, thanks to the efforts of the EU and its member states, especially Italy.
"Leaders agreed to offer Prime Minister Gentiloni stronger support for Italy's work with the Libyan authorities. We have a real chance of closing the Central Mediterranean route"
President Donald Tusk at the press briefing of European Council meeting of 19 October 2017
At the summit the EU leaders called for further efforts, including:
working with Libya and its neighbours to boost border controls and support local communities along the migratory routes in Libya
increase efforts to establish a permanent EU presence in Libya
providing adequate and targeted funding for migration-related projects in North Africa
Finding solutions to migratory pressures (background information)
Digital Europe
The European Council stressed that it is "ready to do what it takes for Europe to go digital", building on the conclusions of the Tallinn Digital Summit of 29 September.
Leaders examined how the EU can seize the opportunities and address the challenges posed by digitalisation. They agreed on a series of priorities to build a successful digital Europe, such as:
bringing governments and public sectors fully into the digital age
completing the digital single market strategy by the end of 2018
building a first rate infrastructure and communications network
adopting a common approach to cyber security
stepping up efforts to combat terrorism and online crime
achieving an effective and fair taxation system fit for the digital era
The European Council called on the institutions to step up the legislative work, and on the member states to implement EU legislation and take all the necessary measures to shape the new digital era.
Digital single market for Europe (background information)
Defence
EU leaders resumed discussions on the permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) on defence. Member states wishing to participate in PESCO are encouraged to inform the Council and the High Representative of their intentions. This will allow PESCO to be launched by the end of the year.
Regarding the European defence industrial development programme, the European Council called for an agreement to be reached within the Council by the end of this year.
The European Council also welcomed the launch of the trial run of the coordinated annual review on defence (CARD) aiming to enhance defence cooperation in the EU.
EU cooperation on security and defence (background information)
External relations
The European Council called on DPRK to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, stressing that lasting peace and denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula must be achieved through peaceful means.
The European Council also reaffirmed its full commitment to the Iran nuclear deal and endorsed the statement by the Foreign Affairs Council of 16 October 2017.
EU restrictive measures against North Korea (background information)
Iran nuclear deal: EU statement on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
Leaders' Agenda
On Friday morning, leaders endorsed the Leaders' Agenda during an informal breakfast.
"Today we discussed the Leaders' Agenda for our work in the next two years, and I am happy to have received univocal support of all the EU leaders to go ahead with this plan"
President Donald Tusk at the press briefing on the European Council meetings and the Leaders' Agenda
The Leaders' Agenda is a concrete work programme to guide EU action until June 2019. It was prepared by President Tusk in consultation with all the EU heads of state and government.
Leaders' Agenda (background information)
Brexit negotiations
The European Council (Article 50), in an EU 27 format, called for more progress regarding citizens' rights, the Irish border, and financial obligations. EU27 leaders agreed to start internal preparations for the second phase of the Brexit talks.
"The negotiations go on, and we will continue to approach them positively and constructively. And as we are all working actively on a deal, I hope we will be able to move to the second phase of our talks in December"President Donald Tusk at the press briefing on the European Council meetings and the Leaders' Agenda
European Council (Art. 50) conclusions, 20/10/2017
European Council (Art.50), 20/10/2017
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