Appendix 1: reports on Council meetings
When the House is sitting, we table a written
Question on the day of each meeting of the Council of Ministers
asking for a report on the Council meeting and on the activities
of UK Ministers in it. However, for Council meetings taking place
when the House is in recess we ask Departments to write to us
instead. Replies concerning meetings that have taken place since
7 April 2010 are published below.
Letter from the Parliamentary under Secretary
of State at the Home Office (Admiral the Lord West of Spithead
GCB DSC) to the Chairman of the Committee
Justice and Home Affairs Council, 23 April 2010
I am writing to update you on the Justice and Home
Affairs (JHA) Council which was held in Brussels on 23 April.
Lord Bach from the Ministry of Justice and Kenny MacAskill the
Scottish Secretary for Justice were unable to attend due the problems
caused by the volcanic ash cloud. Due to this issue the Council
was also reduced to one day and took place in Brussels instead
of Luxembourg.
The Council, beginning in Mixed Committee with the
Schengen States, was asked to agree Council Conclusions on the
Second Generation Schengen Information System (SISII). The Commission
explained that the timetable had been followed and the first milestone
test had been passed. I supported the Council Conclusions as drafted
and said that we should be applauding a successful outcome to
the milestone tests. The Commission then confirmed it would present
a global schedule in June which would then be agreed at the October
Council. The Presidency explained that whilst the Council Conclusions
were accepted since the Council was not quorate they would be
forwarded to the May 10th General Affairs Council for
formal adoption as an "A" point.
Next there was a presentation by the Austrian delegation
on lessons learnt following their experience as co-hosts of the
European Football Championships in 2008 (Euro 2008). They explained
how they had benefited greatly from a European network, and the
pan-European training programme had also been important. They
were currently providing advice and help to Poland and Ukraine
for the Euro 2012 Championships. They felt that the Committee
on Internal Security (COSt) would be the appropriate body to discuss
this type of operation. The UK strongly supported Austria's approach.
Following Mixed Committee, the Commission presented
the draft Stockholm Programme Action Plan — a Communication
which sets out their plans and timetable for taking forward the
Stockholm Programme (the next five year EU work programme for
justice and home affairs). The Council considered interior issues
in the morning and justice in the afternoon. Member States welcomed
an Action Plan in principle. Discussion centred on the need to
ensure that the Action Plan faithfully reflected the content of
the Stockholm Programme. The UK supported the implementation of
the Stockholm Programme as agreed by Heads of Government last
December, and was pleased to see a timetable for the actions in
the Programme.
The Presidency then introduced a draft negotiating
mandate for the EU-US Terrorist Finance Tracking Programme agreement,
underlining the need to reach an agreement as soon as possible;
an outcome also desired by the US. The Presidency also proposed
a joint Council and Commission declaration stating the need to
establish an acceptable legal basis for the transfer of data to
the US. I echoed the need to reach a quick agreement to fill the
security gap, noting that not reaching an agreement could have
a direct impact on the security of Member States. I believed that
the negotiating mandate struck the right balance between protecting
security and protecting citizens' data, and as such supported
it, as well as the text of the accompanying declaration. The Presidency
concluded that there was political agreement but since the Council
was not quorate, the draft negotiating mandate would be forwarded
to the May 10th General Affairs Council for formal
adoption as an "A" point.
The Presidency then updated the Council on the EU-US
JHA Ministerial Troika which took place in Madrid on 8-9 April,
which focused predominantly on the post-Toledo Informal Council
follow-up which covered aviation security, information sharing,
research and international cooperation.
The Commission updated the Council on the Canada-Czech
Republic visa issue, stating that it would not be introducing
reciprocal measures against Canada for visa imposition on the
Czech Republic. On 15 March Canadian, Czech and Commission officials
reached agreement on measures that, when fulfilled, would allow
Czech Republic nationals visa free access to Canada. The Presidency
confirmed this issue has been put on the agenda of the EU/Canada
summit on the 5 May.
Over lunch Justice Ministers, Commissioner Reding
and I discussed the possible future creation of a European Public
Prosecutors Office (EPP). Both the Presidency and Commission argued
strongly for setting up the EPP quickly, with an initial mandate
covering fraud against the Community budget. I made clear that
the UK opposed the creation of an EPP.
After lunch Justice Ministers had an orientation
debate about the EU's Accession to the European Convention on
Human Rights. The Presidency is seeking to make progress on a
mandate for negotiation with the Council of Europe. A number of
Member States, including the UK, noted that the issues involved
were important and complex and would need further detailed discussion.
The Presidency then adopted Council Conclusions on
actions in the field of justice that can be taken to assist the
economic recovery. The Presidency reported that the e-justice
portal could be launched in July.
Under AOB problems with visas in third countries
caused by the eruption of the Icelandic volcano were discussed.
The Commission was disappointed that certain non-EU countries
had not responded during the recent crisis. The Commission saw
the need for more developed cooperation around Consular affairs
for those Member States who are not ordinarily represented; the
ideal forum for this could be via the common consular cooperation
group.
29 April 2010
Letter from the Minister of Europe at the Foreign
and Commonwealth Office (Chris Bryant MP) to the Chairman of the
Committee
General Affairs Council and Foreign Affairs Council,
25-26 April 2010
I am writing to inform you of the outcome of the
General Affairs Council and the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels
on 25-26 April. Baroness Taylor in her Ministry of Defence role
and I attended both joint and separate sessions of the Foreign
Affairs Council. I attended the General Affairs Council.
The agenda items were as follows:
GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL
The provisional summary of Conclusions adopted, including
`A' points, can be found at:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cros data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/
114045.pdf
EXTERNAL ACTION SERVICE (EAS)
The Presidency sought Ministers' views on a draft
version of a decision establishing the EAS. Following a discussion,
a text was agreed which will allow Baroness Ashton to begin consultations
with the European Parliament. It was noted that a number of Member
States still needed to conclude their Parliamentary scrutiny requirements.
I made it clear that this applied to the UK. The final decision
will be taken once the discussions with the European Parliament
have been completed.
EUROPEAN CITIZENS' INITIATIVE
A number of Ministers set out their views on the
European Citizens' Initiative. The main themes of the discussion
were admissibility and verification checks; the number of signatories
required from each Member State and the conditions for collecting
supporting statements; and verification by Member States about
online collection systems.
The Presidency concluded that it would aim to reach
a general approach at the June General Affairs Council.
I underlined our commitment to make this as open,
as transparent and as readily accessible a process as possible.
EUROPE 2020
The Presidency set Tout work which was underway in
the sectoral Councils to take forward the Conclusions of the Spring
European Council. Member' States would have a further opportunity
to express their views at the June General Affairs Council.
VOLCANIC ASH DISRUPTION OF AIRSPACE
The Presidency set out the current situation and
the actions taken by the EU. Sweden called on the Council Secretariat
to investigate the, rise of video-conferencing to help the PU
coordinate its response to such events in the future.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL
Foreign and Defence Ministers met both in joint and
separate sessions chaired by Baroness Ashton. The full text of
all Conclusions 'adopted can be found at:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu?App/newsroom/loadbook.aspx?BID=78&LANG=1&cmsid=1850
EUROPEAN DEFENCE AGENCY(EDA)
Defence Ministers heard a presentation by the Chief
Executive, on the Agency's 2011-13 work plan and noted the increased
emphasis on cooperation with NATO. They also received a presentation
on the work of the team of five admirals on the integration of
maritime surveillance systems.
DEFENCE MINISTERS' FAC
During an informal discussion over dinner with High
Representative Baroness Ashton, Defence Ministers reached broad
agreement that they would continue to meet as a formation of the
Foreign Affairs Council under the chairmanship of the High Representative
to discuss issues falling wholly within their responsibility,
as well as joint sessions with Foreign Ministers. Ministers were
also briefed by the High Representative on the establishment of
the European External Action Service and discussed ongoing EU-led
operations in Bosnia, Somalia and the Indian Ocean.
During their formal session, Defence' ministers discussed
the continuing development of a maritime surveillance strategy
and lessons learnt from the EU's involvement in the Haiti earthquake
disaster. On the latter, there was broad agreement that while
EU coordination mechanisms for dealing with such circumstances
could be improved, the focus should be on achieving effect on
the ground rather than creating additional institutions.
AFGHANISTAN
Defence and Foreign Ministers discussed the way forward
on the implementation of the EU Action Plan for Enhanced Engagement
in Afghanistan and Pakistan and noted the first six-monthly implementation
report.
The NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen,
joined the meeting for a discussion of military and civilian cooperation
on and prospects for further EU - NATO cooperation in Afghanistan.
He set out the recent NATO agreement in Tallinn on the framework
for transition to Afghan ownership. He appealed for further contributions
to the NATO Training Mission and stressed the importance of coordinating
EUPOL's contribution with NATO's, allowing it to focus its efforts
on areas that EUPOL were not able to deploy.
SUDAN
Ministers agreed Conclusions and discussed the recent
elections. Although the elections had not met international standards,
they were an important milestone in the lead-up to the referendum
on the succession of Southern Sudan under the Comprehensive Peace
Agreement. A number. of Member States expressed a wish to see
greater EU engagement on the issue. Baroness Ashton concluded
that Ministers would have to discuss the issue again ahead of
the referendum of January 2011.
KYRGYZSTAN
Baroness Ashton set out the EU's approach in line
with the agreed Conclusions. Member States broadly agreed on the
need to encourage preparations for new elections and to provide
the necessary support.
BURMA
Member States discussed the worsening situation in
Burma and agreed Conclusions, expressing concern over its election
laws and calling for genuine dialogue between all ethnic and opposition
groups and the release of political prisoners. Restrictive measures
were renewed for another 12 months.
I reiterated our commitment to the sanctions and
to a tough approach towards the Burmese region.
EU RESOURCE ALLOCATION
Ministers had a preliminary discussion on how to
align EU resources with strategic priorities. There was agreement
for Ministers to revert to this issue at a later date.
AOB
SOMALIA/PIRACY
Ministers welcomed Baroness Ashton's plans to engage
with those countries in the region in May that could help achieve
EU objectives with regard to the prosecution of pirates.
4 May 2010
Letter from the Secretary of State, Department
for Transport (Andrew Adonis) to the Chairman of the Committee
EU Transport Council, 4 May 2010
I attended the extraordinary session of the EU Transport
Council in Brussels on 4 May.
The Council discussed an information note to the
Commission put together by Vice-President Kallas, together with
Vice-President Almunia and Commissioner Rehn, on the impact of
the volcanic ash cloud on air transport.
The disruption to air travel by the volcanic ash
was previously discussed on 19 April at an extraordinary videoconference
meeting of EU transport Ministers. During that discussion, Ministers
stressed the need to have a coordinated European response through
the European Commission and Eurocontrol. On this basis, the Presidency
together with the Commission considered that it would be appropriate
to convene an extraordinary Council on 4 May to evaluate the European
response and to consider the impact of the crisis on the European
airspace.
The Commission's information note provides a preliminary
assessment of the European response. It proposes a number of measures
including the review the European methodology for safety risk
assessments and safety management, particularly in cases of natural
disasters such as the Eyjafjallajokull eruption. It also includes
a recommendation to accelerate the full implementation of the
European Single Sky initiative.
At the Council, I stressed the urgent need to ensure
the manufacturers' technical standards and guidance with respect
to aircraft operation in the presence of volcanic ash are reasonable
and their implications fully thought through. I further expressed
that the work of individual member states in this area needed
to be followed-up in a more coordinated manner at EU level with
the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) playing a more prominent
role in engaging with the manufacturers.
The Council recognised that the airlines sustained
considerable losses while airspace was closed and took note of
the assessment work being undertaken by the Commission. I asked
for further work to be undertaken on the financial impact to assess
the precise nature of the costs to industry.
I also called for a broader review of the risk assessment
and risk management process with respect to aircraft operation,
and supported the Commission's suggestion that work is needed
to ensure that we respond in an appropriate way not only to volcanic
eruptions, but also more widely to other issues that could lead
to airspace closures or major disruption of aviation. I agreed
that the EU should work through EASA and the International Civil
Aviation Organisation on this issue.
The United Kingdom has taken the position of supporting
the Single European Sky initiative since its inception in 2004.
Accordingly, I supported the view that Member States and the Commission
should work closely together to make as much progress as possible
to accelerate its implementation.
In its conclusions, the Council agreed on a series
of measures, including the acceleration of the Single European
Sky initiative by bringing forward the nomination of Eurocontrol
as Network Manager and by accepting a proposal from the Commission
for the role of FAB (Functional Airspace Block) Coordinator being
established as soon as possible. The Council also agreed on the
need to develop a new European methodology for safety risk assessment
and risk management in relation to the closure and reopening of
European airspace. The Council invited the Commission to present
a report, in time for it to be discussed at the next Transport
Council on 24 June.
6 May 2010
Letter from the Minister for Culture, Communications
and Creative Industries at the Department for Culture, Media and
Sport (Ed Vaizey MP) to the Chairman of the Committee
- Education,
Youth and Culture Council — 10 May 2010
I am writing to inform you of the outcomes from the
Culture, Audiovisual and Sport sections of the Education, Youth
and Culture Council of Ministers meeting which took place on 10
May. The UK was represented at the meeting by the UK's Deputy
Permanent Representative to the EU, Andy Lebrecht.
EUROPEAN HERITAGE LABEL - PROGRESS REPORT
The Presidency reported to the Council on progress
with the establishment of a European Heritage Label.
The European Heritage Label has existed as a voluntary
inter-governmental initiative, in which 17 EU member states
and Switzerland participate. In November 2008, the Council requested
that this initiative be transformed into a Community action in
order to extend it and improve its functioning. The Commission
proposed a draft decision in March, which is currently being examined
in both the European Parliament and the Council.
An Explanatory Memorandum (EM) on the proposal for
the European Heritage Label was submitted to your Committee on
9 April for consideration.
EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE EVENTS 2014 - ADOPTION
OF COUNCIL DECISION
The Council designated Riga in Latvia and Umeå
in Sweden as European Capitals of Culture for 2014.
An EM was requested on this Council Decision on 28
April. As Parliament was in Dissolution at this time it was not
possible to gain scrutiny clearance from your Committee prior
to the Council meeting. The policy decision for the inclusion
of new Member States in the European Capital of Culture programme
was made in 2005 and cleared scrutiny in June 2005. This subsequent
draft Council decision was a routine and non controversial decision
on which cities would take part in the European Capital of Culture
event for the year 2014 and has no implications for the UK. Therefore,
in line with paragraph 3(a) of the 1999 Scrutiny Reserve Resolution,
the UK took the decision to override scrutiny on this occasion.
I hope you will understand why it was decided, given all
the circumstances, to agree to the Council Decision.
CONTRIBUTION OF CULTURE TO REGIONAL AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
- COUNCIL CONCLUSIONS
The Council adopted, without debate, conclusions
on the contribution of culture to regional and local development.
The Council Conclusions suggest how Member States can strengthen
the framework for applying public policies adopted nationally
and then taken forward locally; improving the basis for investment
in culture; how we can progress on sustainable cultural tourism;
how culture and creativity can foster human capital and employability;
the role of culture in fostering social cohesion; and the value
that the EU might be able to provide in these areas.
A COMPETITIVE, INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE EUROPE:
CONTRIBUTION OF CULTURE AND CREATIVITY - EXCHANGE OF VIEWS
The Council exchanged views on the contribution of
culture and creativity to a competitive, inclusive and sustainable
Europe.
Ministers stressed the importance of fully incorporating
creativity and the role of cultural industries into the "Europe
2020" strategy for growth and jobs, in particular into the
implementation of the flagship initiatives.
Delegations underlined the important contribution
of cultural and creative industries to innovation, economic growth
and employment in the EU. It was said that a favourable environment
for SMEs and reduced bureaucracy as well as adequate protection
of intellectual property rights were needed to help the cultural
sector fulfil its economic potential.
Some Member States highlighted how cohesion policy
instruments could support cultural and creative industries and
urged a better use of existing instruments, for instance structural
funds or the MEDIA programme.
EUROPEANA: NEXT STEPS
The Council adopted conclusions outlining the next
steps for the European digital library, Europeana. It invited
the Commission to present a proposal for the sustainable, long-term
financing of Europeana, together with a vision — including
as regards governance issues - for consolidating Europeana into
an essential reference tool for the digital era. The UK intervened
to support the voluntary nature of MS financial contributions.
TREATY OF LISBON AND SPORT
Ministers discussed EU sports policy for the first
time in a formal Council setting, given that the Treaty of Lisbon
has added specific EU competence for cooperation on sports issues.
Member States underlined that EU action needed to
have clear added value by comparison with national plans, respecting
the subsidiarity principle and the specific nature of sport. Ministers
suggested the following areas for possible EU action:
¯ Social
and educational functions of sport, e.g. social inclusion through
sport and health-enhancing physical activity, dual careers for
athletes;
¯ Sport
structures, in particular those based on voluntary activity;
¯ Fairness
and openness in sport, including the fight against racism, discrimination
and violence;
¯ Physical
and moral integrity of sportsmen and sportswomen, especially the
fight against doping and the protection of minors;
¯ Dialogue
and close cooperation with the sports movement.
Ministers agreed that a possible EU financial programme
supporting sports activities for the years 2012 to 2013 ought
to have a limited number of priorities.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Under Any Other Business, France raised the role
of culture in the reconstruction of Haiti, with some Member States
lending their support to the French proposal to restore and modernise
Haiti's one major theatre in Port-au-Prince.
28 May 2010
Letter from the Minister of Europe at the Foreign
and Commonwealth Office (David Lidington MP) to the Chairman of
the Committee
General Affairs Council and Foreign Affairs Council,
10 May 2010
I am writing to inform you of the outcome of the
General Affairs and Foreign Affairs Councils in Brussels on10
May. The UK was represented by Sir Kim Darroch, UK Permanent
Representative to the EU, at both Councils whilst these met in
Foreign Ministers' format. Anthony Smith, Director for Europe
and Development Relations DIFD, attended the Development Ministers'
Foreign Affairs Council.
The agenda items were as follows:
FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL
The provisional summary of Conclusions adopted, including
'A' points, can be found at:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/114366.pdf
SOMALIA AND PIRACY
Ministers discussed the prosecution of pirates captured
by ships taking part in Operation EU NAVFOR Atalanta. There was
a broad welcome for Baroness Ashton's plans to visit the affected
region. Ministers also noted that the UN Conference on Somalia,
to be held in Istanbul on 22 May, was an opportunity to work with
other interested groups and organisations.
NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION
There was a discussion on nuclear issues focusing
on the new START treaty, the Washington Nuclear Security Summit
in April and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review
conference that is taking place in New York (3-28 May). Ministers
broadly welcomed the comments made by Baroness Ashton at the beginning
of the New York meeting.
IRAN
The discussion on Iran focused on its nuclear programme,
including the EU's support to the UN Security Council process
on new restrictive measures against Iran. Ministers also discussed
human rights in Iran.
EU-RUSSIA SUMMIT
The Council looked at priorities for the 25th
EU-Russia Summit to be held in Rostov-on-Don on 31 May to 1 June.
These include the Partnership for Modernisation; possible progress
towards visa liberalisation (for Schengen countries only); the
global economic crisis; climate change; energy issues; and Russia's
accession to the World Trade Organisation.
EU RELATIONS WITH STRATEGIC PARTNERS
Over lunch, Ministers continued their series of discussions
on the EU's relations with strategic partners, this time focusing
on China. Baroness Ashton noted these discussions would continue
in the lead up to September's European Council.
MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS
Baroness Ashton issued a declaration on behalf
of the EU welcoming the launch of proximity talks between Israel
and the Palestinians. The text can be found at:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/cfsp/114343.pdf
MADAGASCAR
The Presidency (Moratinos) raised the European Parliament's
concern about the ongoing crisis and the need for the EU to work
closely with the African Union and the Southern African Development
Community.
MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT MINISTERS
EU Development Ministers discussed the EU's engagement
in Haiti, the EU position for the UN High Level Meeting on the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in September and the External
Action Service.
Development Commissioner Piebalgs and Baroness
Ashton briefed Ministers on EU reconstruction efforts in
Haiti. During an orientation debate on the MDGs, the Commission
set out proposals for a joint EU position including a mechanism for
improved transparency on aid volume commitments. These will be
explored in the June Foreign Affairs Council. On the EAS, Baroness
Ashton and Commissioner Piebalgs briefed Ministers on
plans for the new EAS structures and restated their commitment
to work together.
GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL
The provisional summary of Conclusions adopted, including
'A' points, can be found at:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/114364.pdf
JUNE EUROPEAN COUNCIL
The Presidency (Moratinos) presented a draft agenda
for the 17 June European Council. The agenda includes the Europe
2020 strategy, the G20 Toronto Summit, UN millennium development
goals and climate change.
19 May 2010
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