GENERAL AFFAIRS AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS
COUNCIL, BRUSSELS, FEBRUARY 2006
Letter from Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP,
Minister for Europe, Foreign and Commonwealth Office to the Chairman
The General Affairs and External Relations Council
(GAERC) will take place on 27 February in Brussels. My Right Honourable
Friend the Foreign Secretary will represent the UK. The agenda
items are as follows:
GENERAL AFFAIRS
Preparation of the European Council, 23/24
March. The Presidency will update the Council on preparation
for the Spring European Council. This will be on the basis of
the traditional annotated agenda setting out the issues, with
an indication of likely Conclusions. Substantive discussion will
take place at the 20 March GAERC.
Financial Perspective: Inter-Institutional
Agreement (IIA). The Presidency will give a readout of its
21 February trilogue with the European Parliament on the IIA for
the 2007-2013 Financial Perspective. The Government attaches great
importance to reaching agreement on a new IIA that fully respects
the deal reached by the European Council in December
EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Schengen visa fees. The Council is expected
to have a short discussion on a proposed increase in the fee for
a Schengen visa from €35 to €60. Some Member States
remain concerned about the proposed increase which we understand
reflects the costs of the introduction of the Visa Information
System and the collection of biometric data. The issue was also
discussed at the JHA Council on 21 February. No decision is expected
until April. The UK will not participate in this measure which
constitutes a development of the Schengen acquis.
Western Balkans. Enlargement Commissioner
Olli Rehn will debrief on his and Commission President Barroso's
recent visit to the region. The Council is expected to agree Conclusions
covering the Montenegrin referendum, Kosovo and the need for Serbia
to co-operate fully with ICTY to ensure continued EU progress.
Iraq. We expect that discussion will
focus on negotiations on the formation of the Iraqi government.
The Foreign Secretary will offer an update on the situation on
the ground, following his visit to Iraq on 20-21 February.
Reactions in the Muslim world to publications
in the European media. We expect the Council to offer support
to the efforts of CFSP High Representative Javier Solana and the
Presidency to foster dialogue following reactions to the cartoons
which have appeared in some European press.
Iran. The Council is expected to discuss
the outcome of the 4 February IAEA Board; developments since that
Board; handling of the 6 March IAEA Board; and what may happen
at the UN Security Council. The Council is expected to agree Conclusions.
MEPP. CFSP High Representative Javier
Solana is expected to brief the Council on his visit to the region
on 15-17 February. We expect discussion will focus on the situation
following January's Palestinian Legislative Council elections
and Hamas' victory. The Government believes the EU should continue
to be guided by the Quartet statement of 30 January.
Children in armed conflict. The Council
is expected to discuss how best to ensure greater EU enlargement
in tackling the issue of Children in armed conflict (CAAC). The
UK has been active in international fora in encouraging progress
in this area. We played a key role in the process of negotiating
and adopting UNSCR 1612 which establishes the first comprehensive
system of monitoring and reporting on the use of children in armed
conflict, and in drafting the biennial review and recommendations
under EU CAAC guidelines under our EU Presidency last year.
Democratic Republic of Congo. The Council
is expected to discuss the EU's response to a UN request for the
provision of an EU deterrent force, which could be deployed if
necessary, to support MONUC (the United Nations Mission in the
DRC) during the forthcoming election period. The Government believes
the EU should consider the request favourably, taking into account
expert military advice, contributions Member States can make and
the political situation in DRC. Owing to the UK's heavy operational
commitments, any UK contribution would be confined to planning
support. The Council is expected to agree Conclusions but not
agree a specific option for EU assistance. The Government believes
it important that the EU notes the constraints on its ability
to provide support to DRC in addition to current and future engagement
in Darfur.
22 February 2006
| 
