European Council

1.             The EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Council (SA Council) held its eighth meeting on 20 June 2017. This meeting was chaired by Mr Aleksandar Andrija PEJOVIĆ, Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro. Ms Helena DALLI, Minister of European Affairs and Equality of Malta, led the European Union delegation (on behalf of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini). Mr Christian DANIELSSON, Director General for Enlargement Negotiations and European Neighbourhood Policy, represented the European Commission.

2.             The SA Council meeting provided a timely opportunity to review Montenegro's progress in its preparations for accession and to consider priorities for further work within the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

3.             In the context of the accession negotiations, the SA Council welcomed the opening of a number of negotiating chapters since its last meeting. It also looked forward to the opening of another two chapters, namely chapter 1 (Free movement of goods) and chapter 22 (Regional policy and coordination of structural instruments), as well as to the provisional closure of chapter 30 (External relations) at the subsequent Accession Conference. The SA Council encouraged Montenegro to continue its work on meeting all benchmarks and to continue focusing on the fundamentals of the accession process: rule of law, economic governance and public administration reform. It welcomed the inclusion of civil society representatives in preparations for EU accession and of related reforms, and encouraged Montenegro to continue improving consultation mechanisms with civil society.

4.             Concerning the Copenhagen political criteria, the SA Council took note of the parliamentary elections held in Montenegro on 16 October 2016 which were conducted under a substantially revised legal framework and, in general, in a more participatory and transparent manner. Given the ongoing boycott of parliamentary work by the opposition, the SA Council encouraged all relevant actors to return the political debate to the democratic institutions, notably to Parliament, where it belongs. The SA Council took note of the investigations and ongoing legal proceedings regarding the events on and around election day.

5.             The SA Council welcomed the continued implementation by Montenegro of the action plans for chapters 23 and 24. It recalled that it remained essential for the overall pace of the negotiating process that the entire rule of law system delivers more concrete results and a strengthened and sustainable track record, in particular in the fight against corruption and organised crime, including effective investigations, prosecutions and final convictions. In this regard, the SA Council took positive note of the significant progress achieved in legislative reform and institution-building and acknowledged progress in establishing an initial track record in the repression of high-level corruption and some forms of organised crime. The SA Council noted that track records remained limited in some areas of prevention of corruption, seizure and confiscation of criminal assets, human trafficking and money laundering. This also applied to violence against journalists.

6.             With further regard to the political criteria, the SA Council recalled the importance of media freedom and encouraged the authorities to step up their efforts in creating an environment conducive to investigative journalism and media freedom in general.

7.             With regard to public administration, the SA Council welcomed the adoption of the 2016-2020 public administration reform strategy and encouraged the timely implementation of its action plan. The SA Council reiterated the importance of addressing remaining capacity issues in Montenegro's public service, with a view to the future effective implementation and enforcement of the acquis.

8.             The SA Council commended Montenegro for its continued commitment to regional cooperation and its constructive role in maintaining regional stability. It welcomed the active participation in numerous regional initiatives in South Eastern Europe and the good neighbourly and bilateral relations it entertains with other enlargement countries and EU member states. The SA Council welcomed the continuity of meetings in the format of joint committees established under the bilateral agreements in accordance with the SAA.

9.             The SA Council strongly commended Montenegro for its consistent cooperation with the EU on foreign policy issues, in particular its full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy.

10.         The SA Council took note of Montenegro's recent completion of a major step towards further Euro-Atlantic integration, as recognition of the country's reform efforts, especially in the area of rule of law.

11.         Concerning the economic criteria, the SA Council welcomed the submission by Montenegro of its third economic reform programme in January 2017. The SA Council invited Montenegro to ensure a close and timely follow-up to the policy guidance provided in the joint conclusions of the economic and financial dialogue between the EU and the Western Balkans and Turkey adopted on 23 May 2017. The SA Council encouraged Montenegro to make further efforts to ensure fiscal sustainability, to control public debt, to improve the business environment and to diversify the economy. The SA Council noted that the draft medium term fiscal consolidation package, presented in early June, would address the issue more comprehensively and now needed to be approved and implemented, in order to achieve fiscal sustainability.

12.         The SA Council examined the state of bilateral relations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA). It welcomed Montenegro's positive track record in implementing its obligations under the SAA, including its trade-related provisions, since its entry into force on 1 May 2010, while encouraging Montenegro to strengthen its efforts to fully comply with the provisions on state aid.

13.         The SA Council also held an exchange of views on developments in the Western Balkans.

On 21 June, EU Ambassadors agreed on the Council's negotiating position to extend existing provisions covering  aviation activities in the EU emissions trading system (ETS) regulation beyond 2016, and to prepare for the implementation of the global market-basedmeasure as of 2021. The Council is now ready to start negotiations with the European Parliament.

The Commission proposal for a new regulation comes as a response to the agreement reached in October 2016 by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to introduce a global market-based measure from 2021 in order to regulate international aviation emissions through an offsetting system, also referred as CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation). The EU supports this measure and aims to join the first phase, which is voluntary.

The agreement found within the Council supports the main elements of the Commission proposal:

• maintain current limitations within the scope of the EU ETS, particularly by prolonging the  derogation for non-intra EEA flights;
• set out provisions for a review in view of the implementation of the global market-based measure within the EU, particularly in the ETS directive, once all ICAO decisions are taken;
• subject to this review, foresee the application of the Linear Reduction Factor (LRF) to aircraft operators from 2021 onwards in the aviation sector.

In addition, the text of the Commission proposal has been amended, in particular to clarify the review process.

The  proposal must be adopted by the end of this year in order to avoid a legal gap with regard to compliance with the current ETS regulation in 2017 and to ensure certainty for aircraft operators and managing authorities. The dates for reporting and surrendering allowances from emissions in 2017 would be 1 April and 1 May 2018 respectively.

In the European Parliament, the vote in the ENVI Committee on the draft report of the proposal is scheduled for 11 July and a plenary vote is not expected until September.

The Commission submitted the proposal on 3 February 2017 and presented it to the Environment Council on 28 February.

The emissions trading scheme (ETS) was launched in 2005 to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions at EU level. The aviation sector is part of the existing ETS regulation. Emissions from aviation also contribute to the EU goal to cut 20% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 compared to 1990 levels.

It is recalled that in 2014, the EU decided to reduce the scope of the ETS scheme to apply only to flights within the European Economic Area (EEA) in order to facilitate  progress in the negotiations within the ICAO, and in the hope of achieving clarity as regards emissions from international flights connecting the EEA and third countries. The derogation for non-intra EEA flights was then made time-limited until the end of 2016.

The ETS reform is currently under negotiation for the 2021-2030 period. A review of the reform is planned for when ICAO legal obligations become clear for the implementation of the global market-based measure. Consistency will also be ensured with the EU's commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce emissions by at least 40% compared to 1990 levels by 2030.

The ICAO global market-based measure aims to slow the growth of greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector and stabilise the numbers at 2020 levels. The application of the measure will be compulsory for major aviation countries in 2027, but an initial phase will be launched in 2021, allowing countries to start participating early on a voluntary basis.

Today, the Council adopted a decision to support the regionalisation of EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions in the Sahel region, namely EUCAP Sahel Mali, EUCAP Sahel Niger and EUTM Mali.

The Council decision allows for the establishment of a regional coordination cell based within one of the EU civilian missions, EUCAP Sahel Mali. The regional coordination cell include internal security and defence experts in G5 Sahel countries, deployed in Mali but also in EU delegations in other G5 Sahel countries, namely Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad.

In a first phase, the regional coordination cell will conduct an assessment of G5 Sahel countries' security and defence needs and gaps with a view to the development of a CSDP regional implementation plan that will make recommendations for any subsequent phase. It will also facilitate the organisation of training courses by the EU CSDP Missions in the Sahel for G5 Sahel countries security and defence trainees.

The objectives of reinforcing a regional approach in the EU work in the region is to support cross-border cooperation in the Sahel and regional cooperation structures, and to enhance national capacities of the G5 Sahel countries.

The EU supports the efforts the G5 Sahel countries and will work together against terrorism and any other threat to security and peace. On 19 June, the Council adopted conclusions on Mali and the Sahel which, in particular, strongly condemn the terrorist attack of 18 June in Bamako (Mali). The conclusions recall that the EU has a strong integrated approach towards achieving stabilisation of the region, including a full range of relevant instruments in the field of diplomacy, long-term development cooperation, support to human rights, stabilisation efforts, resilience building, humanitarian assistance, migration management and security, including CSDP missions.

It is fair to say that we will meet in a different political context from that of a few months ago, when the anti-EU forces were on the rise. The current developments on the continent seem to indicate that we are slowly turning the corner. In many of our countries, the political parties that have built their strength on anti-EU sentiments are beginning to diminish. We are witnessing the return of the EU rather as a solution, not a problem. Paradoxically, the tough challenges of the recent months  have made us more united than before. But it is also thanks to your determination, that we have preserved this unity. I thank you for this, and I ask for more. Our unity is precisely the reason why we are in a much better place today, with the new-found optimism for the future.

However, we cannot be complacent or naïve. We have to prove to the people that we are capable of restoring control over events which overwhelm and sometimes even terrify. Last year we agreed that the EU will protect our people against security threats, illegal migration and uncontrolled globalisation, and we must continue to deliver. Therefore, during the upcoming European Council, I want us to move further on our policy response in these three areas.

Firstly, security. Terrorism remains a major threat. The recent attacks highlight the new wave of home-grown radicalisation. Let me be honest: the EU will not replace national states in this fight, because the policy response depends mainly on governments. But the EU can help to win this fight. So far we have made progress on foreign fighters and returnees. Now it is time to step up cooperation with the online industry. Terrorist propaganda makes its biggest impact within the first few hours of being posted. We should therefore encourage the industry to develop tools that will automatically detect and remove content that spreads terrorist material or incites to violence.

Given that Europe's security is our common responsibility, I would also like us to agree on the need to launch Permanent Structured Cooperation in defence. For it to succeed, we will need your ambitious commitments: from projects that develop our defence capabilities, to more demanding tasks such as military operations. Decisions in this respect will demonstrate not only our determination to invest more in Europe's security and defence, but also our responsibility for transatlantic relations, at a time when it is needed on our side of the Atlantic as never before. Every Member State should be invited to participate in the newly emerging defence cooperation and no-one should be excluded. This cooperation can be the best example that we are not promoting "different" speeds, but setting up a work method that should allow the whole EU to gain the "right" speed.

Secondly, on illegal migration, we need to review the situation on the Central Mediterranean route. The number of illegal arrivals of primarily economic migrants to Italy has increased by 26% compared to last year; around 1 900 people have lost their lives at sea, and the smuggling business is taking on a new dimension. Some operational results of our decisions have been achieved, namely the training of Libyan Navy Coastguards, the arrests of more than 100 smugglers and the neutralisation of more than 400 of their vessels. But this is clearly too little, and I don't see why we cannot bear greater financial responsibility for the functioning of the Libyan Navy Coastguards. They are our allies in the fight against smugglers. I am drawing your attention to this, because at the working level some of your representatives are not taking the necessary decisions in this regard.

Finally, on uncontrolled globalisation. In order to protect our free trade agenda at home, we must prove that we can defend Europe against those who want to abuse our openness. To that end, we must ensure that our Trade Defence Instruments are efficient. We need to have a serious debate on how to enhance reciprocity and screen investments from countries that impose unfair restrictions. People need to know that we can protect them from unfair trading practices.

As for the meeting agenda, we will start our proceedings with the traditional exchange of views with the European Parliament President Tajani, at 15.00 on Thursday. Following this exchange, Prime Minister Muscat will update us on where we stand in implementing our previous conclusions. Our first working session will be dedicated to internal security, counterterrorism and defence. After the adoption of our conclusions on these points, we will suspend our work to meet the press. We will reconvene for a working dinner dedicated to external relations. Chancellor Merkel and President Macron will first present the state of play as regards the implementation of the Minsk Agreements. Then I will share with you my reflections after the recent international summits and meetings, including with Presidents Trump and Erdoğan. In that context I would like us to recall that we stand united behind the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. At the end of the dinner, Prime Minister May will inform us on her intentions as regards the negotiations on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. After dinner, I will invite the 27 leaders to stay for a brief update on the negotiations, and to endorse the procedure for the relocation of the UK-based agencies.

On Friday, we will start at 10.00 with ECB President Draghi, who will present the current economic situation. Following that, we will move on to trade and adopt the relevant conclusions. We will then tackle conclusions on migration, where Prime Minister Muscat will inform us on the follow-up to the Malta Declaration. Before concluding, we will briefly turn to the concept of Digital Europe with Prime Minister Ratas, in view of the incoming Presidency's work programme. Our meeting should end around lunchtime. I look forward to seeing you all in Brussels.

On 20 June 2017 the Council reached a political agreement with the European Parliament on new rules for the sustainable management of external fishing fleets. 

The agreed regulation will modernise the regime of authorisations for fishing vessels and will apply to all EU vessels fishing outside EU waters, and to third-country vessels fishing in EU waters. 

Hon. Clint Camilleri, Maltese Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal rights welcomed the agreement and said that 'thanks to these new and more transparent rules the EU will be better equipped to monitor its external fleet, and to fight against illegal fishing. We are proud to end our fisheries semester with such an important achievement'. 

The reformed Common fisheries policy (CFP) promotes a sustainable, ecosystem-based and precautionary approach to fisheries management, emphasising the coherence between its internal and external dimension. An overhaul of the previous regime of authorisations was therefore needed to make sure that EU fishing activities outside Union waters respect the same principles and standards as those applicable in EU waters. 

The various authorisation procedures are improved to limit the administrative burden, increase legal certainty, ensure equal treatment between internal and external fleets, and shorten the time of response to applicants. 

Furthermore, the new framework will strengthen the rules against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU), which are key implementing pillars of the CFP. 

Today's agreement still needs to be approved by the Council's Permanent RepresentativesCommittee (Coreper). After formal endorsement by the Council, the new legislation will be submitted to the European Parliament for a vote at first reading and to the Council for final adoption. 

This should enable the new regulation to enter into force by the end of 2017. 

The Commission proposal for a regulation on the sustainable management of external fishing fleets was submitted to the Council on 11 December 2015. On 28 June 2016, the Council agreed on a general approach, on the basis of which a mandate for negotiations with the EP was agreed in Coreper on 8 March 2017.

Three informal political trilogues with the EP took place between April and June 2017.

The EU has played a leading role in the process that led to the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September 2015. It is now determined to take the lead in its implementation. 

The  conclusions adopted by the Council today reiterate the strong commitment of the EU and its member states to  implement in full the 2030 Agenda and accomplish the 17 SDGs. The conclusions set out the EU's response to the 2030 Agenda and its approach to how it is implemented at EU level. They cover next steps, the means and resources required, how multilateral stakeholders can be involved, and measures on future monitoring and review. 

The conclusions underline the importance of achieving sustainable development across  the three dimensions (economic, social and environmental), in a balanced and integrated way. It is vital that  sustainable development is mainstreamed into all policy areas, and that the EU is ambitious in the policies it uses to address global challenges. 

The Council calls on the Commission to set out by mid-2018 an implementation strategy with timelines, objectives and concrete measures to implement the 2030 Agenda in all EU policies. The Commission should also identify by mid-2018 gaps where the EU needs to do more by 2030 in the areas of policy, legislation,  governance structures for horizontal coherence and implementation. 

The EU calls on other UN member states and all stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, to contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. 

More needs to be done to promote  the 2030 Agenda. In its conclusions the Council emphasises the lack of public engagement and calls for action to raise awareness among EU citizens. 

The conclusions are based on the recent Commission communication on the 'next steps for a sustainable European future' presented in November 2016, which links the sustainable development of the 2030 Agenda to the EU policy framework and the Commission's priorities. It provides an insight into where the EU stands on addressing the sustainable development goals and identifies the most relevant sustainability gaps and concerns. 

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 'Transforming our World' was adopted at the UN Sustainable Development Summit (New York, 25-27 September 2015). It includes a set of global sustainable development goals that replaced the millennium development goals as from 1 January 2016. 

The 2030 Agenda responds to global challenges by addressing poverty eradication and the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development in a comprehensive way. The 17 new sustainable development goals and the 169 associated targets cover key areas such as poverty, human rights, food security, health, sustainable consumption and production, growth, employment, infrastructure, sustainable management of natural resources, oceans, climate change and gender equality. 

On 20 June 2017, the Council adopted a regulation amending regulation (EC) No1683/95 laying down a uniform format for visas. 

This regulation establishes a new common design for the visa sticker to update its security features in order to prevent forgery. The current visa sticker, which has been in circulation for 20 years, has been compromised by serious incidents of counterfeiting and fraud. 

The regulation is likely to be signed in early July by the Council and the European Parliament before its publication in the EU Official Journal. 

Ireland and the United Kingdom will not be subject to the application of the new measures, in accordance with the protocols annexed to the EU treaties. However, upon a request from these member states, the Commission shall enter into arrangements with them to exchange technical information in relation to the format for their national visas.

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION: 

RECALLING the new global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at its 70th session on 25 September 2015 and STRESSING the key objectives of the General European Union Environment Action Programme to 2020 'Living well, within the limits of our planet' (the seventh Environment Action Programme - 7th EAP) [1]; 

RECALLING its conclusions of 16 December 2015 on the Mid-Term Review of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 [2]; 

RECALLING its conclusions on the European Court of Auditors' Special Report No. 01/2017 entitled 'More efforts needed to implement the Natura 2000 network to its full potential' [3]; 

NOTING that, while hosting some of the most densely populated areas in the world, Europe also has a very rich and diverse natural heritage, which is an inherent and vital component of Europe's natural, social, cultural and economic capital, and must therefore be protected, cared for and conserved for the benefit of nature, people and the economy; 

UNDERLINING that the Nature Directives [4] are essential components of European nature protection and that they have so far played a vital role in the attainment of this objective; and RECONFIRMING their important role in achieving the targets of the CBD Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, including the Aichi Biodiversity targets, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change; 

RECOGNISING that the conservation status of a number of species and habitats protected under the Nature Directives, despite many efforts, continues to be under serious pressure from unsustainable practices in economic sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries and infrastructure as well as the impact of climate change and of alien invasive species; 

STRESSING that the comprehensive evaluation of the Nature Directives known as the 'Fitness Check' undertaken by the Commission under its commitment to Better Regulation, in consultation with the Member States and a diverse range of stakeholders, including citizens, has found that, as a cornerstone of broader EU biodiversity policy, the Nature Directives are fit for purpose but that achieving their objectives and realising their full potential can only be accomplished by substantially improving their implementation[5]; 

OBSERVING that the Fitness Check has identified important gaps in the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of the Nature Directives and has identified the need for further action, including working in partnership with different stakeholder communities in the Member States and across the EU to deliver practical results on the ground, enhancing the integration of nature objectives into other policy areas, improving knowledge and access to data, strengthening enforcement and allocating additional resources; 

RECOGNISING that the Fitness Check has shown that where targeted action takes place on a sufficient scale, the status of species and habitats improves, sometimes leading to remarkable recoveries; 

UNDERLINING that Europe's natural heritage is inextricably linked to the quality of life of its citizens and to various sectors of Europe's economy and that investing in nature conservation and its sustainable use offers opportunities and value for nature, people and the economy; 

WELCOMING the establishment of a 'European Natura 2000 Day' to be celebrated on 21 May each year through awareness-raising events and networking activities to be organised all over the EU; 

1.         WELCOMES the Commission's Communication on an Action Plan[6] to help improve and boost the implementation of the Nature Directives and the delivery of their objectives, as well as to strengthen their coherence with socio-economic objectives and to mobilise engagement with national, regional and local authorities, stakeholders and citizens; 

2.         HIGHLIGHTS the importance of further stakeholder engagement at national, regional and local level, given the strong territorial dimension of the Nature Directives; 

3.         WELCOMES the role that the EU institutions can play in supporting the delivery of the Action Plan, and in particular the Committee of the Regions as regards outreach and building ownership at regional and local level; 

4.         While taking into account economic, social, cultural and regional requirements, in line with the Habitats Directive, ACKNOWLEDGES the potential of the Action Plan to contribute to improving the practical implementation of the Nature Directives and moving closer towards the EU 2020 goal of halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services[7], thus benefitting Europe's nature, people and economy; 

5.         RECOGNISES that the four priority areas of the Action Plan respond to the findings of the Fitness Check, and thereby: 

Under Priority A: Improving guidance and knowledge and ensuring better coherence with broader socioeconomic objectives

6.         Without jeopardising the conservation objectives and requirements set within the Nature Directives, RECOGNISES that the flexibility of implementation approaches that take into account specific national circumstances contributes to the reduction and progressive elimination of unnecessary conflicts and problems between nature protection and socioeconomic activities, as well as to addressing the practical challenges resulting from the application of the annexes to the Directives; 

7.         In this context, WELCOMES the fact that the Commission, in close cooperation with the Member States, will update, develop and actively promote clear guidance and knowledge in all official languages of the EU to support the implementation of the Nature Directives, including updating by 2018 the guidance document on species protection rules and species action plans, whilst ensuring greater coherence between Europe's broader socioeconomic objectives and nature policy and engaging with stakeholders, land and marine users to explore smarter participative approaches; 

8.         WELCOMES the Commission's initiative to develop guidance on the integration of ecosystem services into decision-making, allowing for potential positive impacts on human wellbeing as well as sustainable economic growth and social development; 

9.         WELCOMES the support mechanism that the Commission will establish to help Member State authorities address key challenges in applying the Nature Directives' requirements related to permitting procedures, without jeopardising the application of the principle of subsidiarity, and ENCOURAGES national, regional and local authorities to make full use of these opportunities; 

10.      AGREES that traditional, practical and scientific knowledge and access to data and information is key for the effectiveness and efficiency of conservation measures and, ultimately, the Nature Directives, and that continued efforts at all levels are needed to deliver improvements in these areas, including through effective and efficient monitoring and appropriate reporting by the competent authorities, and through public online access to knowledge and information necessary for the implementation of the Nature Directives; 

Under Priority B: Building political ownership and strengthening compliance

11.      While taking into account the dynamic nature of ecosystems, RECOGNISES that the completion and effective management of the Natura 2000 network and the establishment and implementation of the necessary conservation measures for all sites are key actions towards achieving the Directives' objectives, and are primarily a responsibility of Member States, therefore CALLS UPON national, regional and local authorities to increase efforts in these areas; 

12.      ACKNOWLEDGES the Commission's commitment to increase support to Member States in achieving this objective and the crucial role of stakeholder awareness and cooperation; in this regard, RECOGNISES the beneficial role of stakeholder platforms in promoting good practices and practical solutions under the Nature Directives; 

13.      UNDERSCORES the need to build and maintain political ownership for the implementation of the Nature Directives and to strengthen compliance, and WELCOMES the Commission's support to improve synergies between relevant EU Directives, Regulations, programmes and other policies; 

14.      WELCOMES the voluntary, dedicated bilateral dialogues between the Commission and Member States within the framework of the new Environmental Implementation Review process, aimed at addressing structural problems,  responding to the needs of Member States and reflecting data submitted by them; CONSIDERS that the Environmental Implementation Review process complements and is without prejudice to compliance; 

15.      UNDERLINES the importance of focussed discussions at the biogeographical level to share experience, expertise and solutions regarding structural and cross-border challenges, as well as thematic discussions across those biogeographical regions and the importance of investing in capacity-building with a view to enhancing implementation and gaining experience on transboundary management of species; and WELCOMES the development of roadmaps as a possible tool for cooperative action in the context of the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process; 

16.      UNDERLINES that improving the conservation status of protected species and habitats requires concerted action by Member States, especially in certain cases such as when considering migratory species, and RECOGNISES that Species and Habitats Action Plans may, among other tools, be appropriate to reach this goal and SUPPORTS their further development and implementation in collaboration with relevant international Conventions and Agreements; 

Under Priority C: Strengthening investment in Natura 2000 and improving synergies with EU funding instruments

17.      RECOGNISES that funding shortages are a key obstacle preventing the Natura 2000 network from delivering its benefits in full and are a major factor undermining the effective implementation of the Nature Directives, and, therefore, UNDERLINES the need to ensure predictable, adequate, regular and targeted EU financing; in this regard, ENCOURAGES the Commission to reflect on ways to better integrate nature protection into EU funding; 

18.      RECOGNISES the need to further improve multiannual financial planning for investment in nature, and, having regard to Article 8 of the Habitats Directive, AGREES that there is a need to update and improve the Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAFs), notably through a simplified template, in view of the next programming period, taking into account the experience of the current PAFs; 

19.      CALLS on the Commission and the Member States to more effectively integrate Natura 2000 and wider biodiversity with the common agricultural policy, cohesion policy, common fisheries policy, integrated maritime policy and research and innovation policy, and RECOGNISES the potential of these policies to positively contribute to the attainment of the objectives of the Nature Directives; 

20.      RECOGNISES the strategically important role of the LIFE programme and WELCOMES the Commission proposal for an increase in dedicated funding for nature and biodiversity within the current LIFE envelope, increasing opportunities for investment in Natura 2000 and other green infrastructure; 

21.      HIGHLIGHTS the particularly important role of the European Agricultural Rural Development Fund under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and WELCOMES Commission plans to evaluate the impact of the CAP on biodiversity until 2019 that take into account proportionate control and verification requirements and also ensure compliance with the delivery of environmental outcomes, in order to further develop schemes that are adapted to the needs of Natura 2000 as well as of other high-value nature areas, including through results- and value-based payment approaches and training for farmers through Farming Advisory Services; 

22.      HIGHLIGHTS the importance of an updated needs assessment for the implementation of the Nature Directives, and of assessing the actual use of financial allocations for biodiversity protection, including Natura 2000, with a view to ensure their effective use during the current multiannual financial framework, and REITERATES its call for the Commission to analyse the effectiveness of the integrated approach for biodiversity financing [8]; 

23.      RECALLS its conclusions on the European Court of Auditors' Special Report, acknowledging the need for funding schemes to be tailored more effectively to the specific objectives of Natura 2000 and agreeing with the recommendation that the Commission establishes cross-cutting Natura 2000 indicators for all relevant EU funds for the next programming period and HIGHLIGHTS the need for Member States to include indicators and targets for the relevant funds specific to Natura 2000 and to allow for more precise and accurate tracking of the results generated by Natura 2000 funding; 

24.      UNDERLINES the importance of stimulating private sector investment in nature, and NOTES the support for biodiversity-related projects under the Natural Capital Financing Facility (NCFF), as well as the development of pilot projects to promote private land stewardship and better involvement of the finance sector; 

25.      WELCOMES the development of guidance to support strategic deployment of green infrastructure that contributes to the goals of the Nature Directives, particularly through better connectivity of Natura 2000 in a cross-border context; and in this regard REITERATES its call on the Commission to put forward a proposal for a trans-European network for green infrastructure (TEN-G) [9]; 

26.     Under Priority D: Better communication and outreach, engaging citizens, stakeholders and communities

27.      UNDERSTANDS that the success of the Action Plan ultimately depends on the awareness and engagement of Europe's citizens and all other stakeholders, including land-owners, and on the strengthening of links between natural and cultural heritage, and hence SUPPORTS the Action Plan's objective of strengthening and promoting such engagement at all levels, particularly at the local level and through the involvement of young people with the European Solidarity Corps; 

28.      NOTES that Member States are responsible for the implementation of the Nature Directives and ENCOURAGES the Commission, alongside national, regional and local authorities, to promote and implement the Action Plan in order to help them attain the objectives of the Nature Directives; 

29.      RECOGNISES that the timeframe for delivery of the Action Plan is short and therefore URGES the Commission to monitor its delivery across the 15 actions identified therein, in close collaboration with the Member States and the EU institutions, in particular the Committee of the Regions, the European Environment Agency, and all other relevant stakeholders.

[1]       Decision No 1386/2013/EU of 20 November 2013. 
[2]       15389/15. 
[3]      9645/17.
[4]      Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive) - OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7 and Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds (Birds Directive) - OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7. 
[5]      15671/16 - SWD(2016) 472 final (Commission Staff Working Document: Fitness Check of the EU Nature Legislation (Birds and Habitats Directives).
[6]       8643/17 - COM(2017) 198 final + ADD 1 - SWD (2017) 139 final. 
[7]       9658/11 - COM(2011) 244 final. 
[8]       15389/15 - Council conclusions on the Mid-Term Review of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, paragraph 13.
[9]      15389/15 - Council conclusions on the Mid-Term Review of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, paragraph 30.

The Council adopted conclusions on the EU action plan for nature, people and the economy. The plan will improve the implementation of the nature directives so that they deliver their full potential. Ministers expressed support for the EU action plan, which aims to address several identified implementation gaps identified through four priority areas and 15 concrete actions. These conclusions signal the EU's strong commitment to protecting species and natural habitats and to making progress towards the EU 2020 goal of halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The conclusions also call for EU actors at all levels to step up joint cooperation for real progress. 

Monday 12 June 2017
12.00 Meeting with Prime Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Zoran Zaev

Friday 16 June 2017
11.00 Meeting with President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier

Place:  European Convention Centre Luxembourg (ECCL)
Chair: Clint Camilleri, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights of Malta

All times are approximate and subject to change

+/- 08.30
Arrivals
VIP entrance ECCL

+/-  08.45
Doorstep by Clint Camilleri

+/- 10.00
Beginning of the meeting (Roundtable TV/Photo opportunity)
Adoption of the agenda
Adoption of non-legislative A items

 AGRICULTURE

+/-  10.10
Organic production and labelling of organic products (public session)
 +/-  12.10
Any other business
- WTO agriculture negotiations
- Negotiations between the EU and Mercosur

 +/-  14.40
Press conference (live streaming)

 +/-  15.10
Market situation
 +/-  16.40
Any other business
- AU-EU Agriculture Ministerial Conference
- European Soya Declaration
-  Emergency preparedness  for plant and animal health 
+/-  18.00
Any other business
- Veterinary medicinal products  (public session)
- Meat fraud in Brazil

 +/-   19.40
Press conference (live streaming)

Dear Prime Minister,

On behalf of the European Council, I would like to congratulate you on your reappointment as Prime Minister.

Our shared responsibility and urgent task now is to conduct the negotiations on the UK's withdrawal from the European Union in the best possible spirit, securing the least disruptive outcome for our citizens, businesses and countries after March 2019. The timeframe set by Article 50 of the Treaty leaves us with no time to lose. I am fully committed to maintaining regular and close contact at our level to facilitate the work of our negotiators.

I also look forward to welcoming you to the European Council later this month where we will discuss counter-terrorism, security and defence, trade and the Paris Agreement amongst other issues.

The Council added 14 persons and 4 entities to the lists of those subject to an asset freeze and  travel restrictions, transposing new listings imposed by UN Security Council resolution 2356 (2017). This resolution was adopted on 2 June 2017in response to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s ongoing  nuclear-weapon and ballistic missile-development activities, in violation and flagrant disregard of previous UN Security Council resolutions. 

The Council  decision brings the total number of persons under restrictive measures against the DPRK to 53 persons and 46 entities as listed by the UN. In addition, 41 persons and 7 entities are designated by the EU autonomously.  

The EU is implementing all UN Security Council  resolutions adopted in response to the DPRK's nuclear and nuclear weapons, other weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programmes. In addition, the EU has also imposed autonomous restrictive measures against the DPRK, complementing and reinforcing the UN sanctions regime. 

The legal acts were adopted by written procedure. They will be published in the Official Journal of 9 June. 

On 31 March 2017, the Council adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/621[1]. The Council Decision extends the existing restrictive measures until 2 October 2017. The measures in question are a travel ban, assets freeze and a prohibition from making funds available regarding 3 individuals considered as responsible for obstructing or undermining the successful completion of the political transition in Libya. 

The Candidate Countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Serbia* and Albania*, the country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine,   the Republic of Moldova and Georgia align themselves with this Council Decision. 

They will ensure that their national policies conform to this Council Decision. 

The European Union takes note of this commitment and welcomes it. 

 [1] Published on 01.04.2017 in the Official Journal of the European Union no. L89, p. 10. 
*The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

The European Union and its Member States signed today a strategic blueprint, outlining the future of European development policy. This "New European Consensus on Development" represents a new collective vision and plan of action to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development.

The jointly developed strategy, in the form of a Joint Statement, was signed today during the annual two-day European Development Days by the Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Muscat, on behalf of the Council and Member States, the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, the High Representative/Vice President, Federica Mogherini, and the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani.  

The new European Consensus on Development constitutes a comprehensive common framework for European development cooperation. For the first time, it applies in its entirety to all European Union Institutions and all Member States, which commit to work more closely together.  

The new Consensus strongly reaffirms that poverty eradication remains the primary objective of European development policy. It fully integrates the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. In doing so, it aligns European development action with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which is also a cross-cutting dimension for the EU Global Strategy. 

European leaders committed to three areas: 

1. They recognise the strong interlinkages between the different elements of such action. This includes development and peace and security, humanitarian aid, migration, environment and climate, as well as cross cutting-elements, such as: youth; gender equality; mobility and migration; sustainable energy and climate change; investment and trade; good governance, democracy, the rule of law and human rights; innovative engagement with more advanced developing countries; and mobilising and using domestic resources.
2. The new Consensus furthermore takes a comprehensive approach to means of implementation, combining traditional development aid with other resources, as well as sound policies and a strengthened approach to policy coherence, recalling that EU development cooperation always has to be seen in the context of Europe's partner countries' own efforts. The Consensus provides the basis for the EU and its Member States to engage in more innovative forms of development financing, leveraging private sector investments and mobilising additional domestic resources for development.
3. The EU and its Member States will create better-tailored partnerships with a broader range of stakeholders, including civil society, and partner countries at all stages of development.  They will further improve their implementation on the ground by working better together and taking into account their respective comparative advantages.

Europe is a global leader in development, being the world's biggest provider of Official Development Assistance. The new European Consensus on Development was agreed jointly by all European Institutions and all EU Member States in an open and transparent manner, also in consultation with other partners. It is the EU's response to today's global trends and challenges, aligning EU external action to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

The 2030 Agenda was adopted by the international community in September 2015, and includes at its core the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and associated targets, which run to 2030. Along with the other international summits and conferences held in 2015 in Addis Ababa and in Paris, the international community has an ambitious new frame for all countries to work together on shared challenges. For the first time, the SDGs are universally applicable to all countries and the EU is committed to be a frontrunner in implementing them. 

On 22 November 2016, the European Commission proposed its ideas for a strategic approach for achieving sustainable development in Europe and around the world, including a Commission proposal for a new Consensus. Since then the European Parliament, the Council under the Maltese Presidency, and the Commission have engaged in an intensive series of inter-institutional discussions aimed at agreeing to a new collective vision for development policy which responds to the 2030 Agenda and other global challenges. 

Europe is a frontrunner when it comes to sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda, through external and other policies. 

A Joint Statement by the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, the President of the Council of the European Union, Joseph Muscat, the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini.

Joint statement by the President of the Council of the European Union, Joseph Muscat; the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini; the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani and the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker on the adoption of the new European Consensus on Development

With the signature of the new European Consensus on Development, we, the leaders representing the European Union institutions and the Member States, come together to mark a milestone achievement. 

Proud to lead global efforts as the world's largest development actor, we are united in our determination to set ourselves a clear vision and plan of action to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development in its economic, social and environmental dimensions by 2030. 

In 2015, the international community adopted at the United Nations the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This Agenda is a politically transformative, ambitious and universal commitment to end poverty and set the world on a sustainable path to prosperity, peace and social justice. The EU and its Member States are strongly committed to its implementation, within Europe and across the world, and this is why we are now translating this new comprehensive blueprint into our own policies including our development policies. Sustainable development is one of the key elements of our external action, as defined in the Lisbon Treaty and further set out in the Global Strategy for the EU's Foreign and Security Policy. 

The new European Consensus on Development is the cornerstone of our revamped development policy and constitutes an important part of the EU's overall response to the 2030 Agenda. For the first time a shared framework applies to all EU Institutions and Member States, providing a common approach to development policies in the next decades. It will guide our cooperation with all developing countries, bearing in mind the need to design tailor-made approaches that reflect the growing diversity of our partner countries.   

Ending poverty in all its forms remains our primary objective. We will work to reduce inequalities, address vulnerabilities and combat discrimination ensuring that no one is left behind aiming to reach the furthest behind first. We will promote gender equality and social inclusion across our policies, foster opportunities for young people and improve people's well-being everywhere. In implementing the Consensus, we will be guided by and promote our common principles, including democracy, the rule of law, human rights, equality and solidarity, as well as our commitment to a rules-based global order, with multilateralism and the United Nations at its core. Recognising the linkages between sustainable development and climate action, we also reaffirm our strong commitment to implement the Paris Agreement fully and effectively. 

Our new approach to development is based on the 'five Ps' of the 2030Agenda: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnerships. Recognising the interlinkages between the SDGs, we will pay attention to actions that meet multiple goals in a coherent way. We will work across policies and sectors to boost synergies addressing a range of cross-cutting elements to accelerate transformation. Based on the principle of policy coherence for development, development objectives will be fully taken into account across EU policies that are likely to affect developing countries. Policy coherence will be ensured to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs by partner countries. 

Achieving this ambitious vision for Our World, Our Dignity and Our Future will require  multiplying and unifying our efforts.  We will work better together by improving coordination to maximise the impact of the EU and the Member States' actions, and by applying the development effectiveness principles. We will reinforce innovative partnerships with all countries, involving civil society, the private sector, local authorities, international organisations and all relevant stakeholders. The challenges and opportunities of this era are immense, and none of us alone can successfully address them. Our collective action can make a real difference in addressing our common challenges and advancing mutual benefits. 

In line with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, a full range of means of implementation will be mobilised in the spirit of partnership. Action will focus on establishing conducive policy environments to achieve the SDGs, mobilising and making effective use of domestic and international public finance, combating illicit financial flows and involving the private sector through investment, trade, innovation and technology. We also reaffirm all individual and collective Official Development Assistance commitments and will take realistic, verifiable actions towards meeting them. 

This Consensus is a pledge and a call for all of us to join forces for a prosperous, fair, sustainable, safe world and a life of dignity for all. It represents our vision that now needs to be translated into reality.

Together, we will be true to our aims, consistent in our new approach and united in our action.

On 8 June, the Council adopted the decision establishing of the military planning and conduct capability (MPCC) within the EU military staff (EUMS). The terms of reference of the EUMS, which is part of the EEAS, have also been amended and approved.

"The establishment of the MPCC is a very important operational decision to strengthen European defence. It will contribute  to make the non-executive European missions more effective and to improve the training of  soldiers of partner countries, to guarantee peace and security. This is important not just for our partners, but also for the European Union's security", said  the High Representative Federica Mogherini.

The MPCC will assume command of EU non-executive military missions, currently: EU Training Mission (EUTM) Somalia, EUTM République Centrale Africaine (RCA) and EUTM Mali. The MPCC will be the static, out-of-area command and control structure at the military strategic level, responsible for the operational planning and conduct of non-executive missions, including the building up, launching, sustaining and recovery of European Union forces. This will allow the mission staff in the field to concentrate on the specific activities of their mission, with better support provided from Brussels.

The MPCC improves the crisis management structures of the EU. It will work under the political control and strategic guidance of the Political and Security Committee (PSC), which is composed of EU member states' ambassadors and is based in Brussels.

The MPCC will be composed initially of up to 25 staff but will also benefit from the support of other departments of the EUMS.  The Director General of the EU Military Staff will also be the director of the MPCC.  He will exercise command and control over the current three training missions and other possible future non-executive military missions. He will also exercise the responsibilities related to deployment and recovery of the missions as well as overall budgeting, auditing and reporting.

The MPCC will work closely with its existing civilian counterpart, the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) through a joint support coordination cell. This cell will be able to share expertise, knowledge and best practices on issues relevant to both military and civilian missions, as well as capabilities when civilian and military missions are simultaneously deployed in the same area, including  medical support or protective measures.

The decision will be published in the Official Journal of 9 June.

On 6 March 2017, the Council adopted conclusions on progress in implementing the EU Global Strategy in the area of security and defence, endorsing a concept note for the operational planning and conduct of CSDP missions and operation. In its conclusions of 18 May 2017, the Council decided to establish the MPCC, pending a formal legal decision. Today this formal legal decision has been adopted by the Council.

On 14 November 2016, the Council adopted conclusions on implementing the EU global strategy in the area of security and defence. These conclusions set out the level of ambition in the form of the main goals the EU and its member states will aim to achieve in the area of security and defence, with three strategic priorities: responding to external conflicts and crises, building the capacities of partners, and protecting the European Union and its citizens. On 15 December 2016, the European Council reaffirmed the need to improve EU's capacity to react in a faster, more effective and more seamless manner, as part of an EU comprehensive approach.

EUTM Somalia was launched in 2010 and ever since it has contributed to strengthening the Transitional Federal Government and the institutions of Somalia.

EUTM Mali was launched in 2013 to support the rebuilding of the Malian armed forces and to meet their operational needs.

EUTM RCA was launched in 2016 and it supports the Central African Republic government in the implementation of security sector reform in the country.

Place:           European Convention Centre Luxembourg (ECCL)

Chair(s):      Urmas Reinsalu, Estonian minister for Justice, and
                      Andres Anvelt, Estonian minister for Home Affairs,
                      on behalf of the Maltese Presidency of the Council

All times are approximate and subject to change

+/- 08.00
Arrivals - Justice ministers (live streaming)

+/- 08.15
Doorstep by Ambassador Marlene Bonnici

+/- 10.00
Beginning of the meeting (roundtable)
Adoption of the agenda
Adoption of legislative A items

+/- 10.10
Establishment of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) (public session)

+/- 10.55
Digital Agenda: Supply of digital content (public session)

+/- 11.25
Revision of Brussels II a: jurisdiction, recognition and enforcement of decisions in matrimonial matters and the matters of parental responsibility, and on international child abduction (public session)

+/- 12.05
Insolvency: preventive restructuring frameworks, second chance and measures to increase the efficiency of restructuring, insolvency and discharge procedures (public session)

+/- 12.45
Countering money laundering by criminal law (public session)

+/- 13.05
Data protection by Union institutions and bodies: protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and of the free movement of such data (public session)

+/- 13.20
Other business - Information from the Presidency on current legislative proposals (public session)

Approval of the list non-legislative "A" items

Other business - Work programme of the incoming Presidency

+/- 13.45
Working lunch (Hate speech online)

+/- 14.30
Arrivals - Home affairs ministers

+/- 15.30
Joint session of Justice and Home affairs ministers (roundtable)

Criminal Justice in cyberspace
a)  e-evidence
b) encryption
c)  data retention

Protection of children in Migration
a)  Draft Conclusions on the protection of children in Migration
b)  Protection of children in Migration

+/- 18.00
Press conference (live streaming)

+/- 08.30
Arrivals (live streaming)

+/- 09.25
Doorstep by Ambassador Marlene Bonnici 

+/- 10.00
Meeting of the Mixed committee (roundtable)
Adoption of the agenda

Establishment of a European Travel and Information Authorisation System (ETIAS)

Schengen Information System (SIS)

Other business

+/- 11.45
Beginning of the Home affairs Council meeting

Migration

+/- 13.00
Working lunch of ministers for home affairs (Counter-terrorism)

+/- 14.45
Home affairs Council meeting resumes

Return Policy - Implementation of Commission Recommendation on Return

Information Systems and Interoperability

Other business - Work programme of the incoming Presidency

+/- 16.20
Reform of the Common European Asylum System and Resettlement (public session)

+/- 16.50
Establishment of European Travel and Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) (public session)

+/- 16.55
Schengen Information System (SIS) (public session)

+/- 17.00
Other business - Information from the Presidency on current legislative proposals

+/- 17.05
Press conference (live streaming)

On 9 June 2017, the Council agreed a general approach on the proposal for a European travel information and authorisation system (ETIAS). The general approach constitutes the Council's position for negotiations with the European Parliament.

"ETIAS will help improve our security and protect our citizens. It will require all those who do not need a visa to be checked before they travel to the Schengen area. Anyone posing a risk can be prevented from coming."

ETIAS will allow for advance checks and, if necessary, deny travel authorisation to visa-exempt third-country nationals travelling to the Schengen area. It will help improve internal security, prevent illegal immigration, limit public health risks and reduce delays at the borders by identifying persons who may pose a risk in one of these areas before they arrive at the external borders.

The Council position includes the following elements.

The system will apply to visa-exempt third country nationals, as well as those who are exempt from the airport transit visa requirement. They will need to obtain a travel authorisation before their trip, via an online application.

The information submitted in each application will be automatically processed against other EU databases to determine whether there are grounds to refuse a travel authorisation. When no hits or elements requiring further analysis are identified, the travel authorisation will be issued automatically within a short time. This is expected to be the case for the large majority of applications.

If there is a hit or an element requiring analysis, the application will be handled manually by the competent authorities. In this case, the ETIAS central unit will first check that the data recorded in the application file corresponds to the data triggering a hit. When it does or when doubt remains, the application will be processed manually by the ETIAS national unit of the responsible member state. The issuing or refusal of an application which has triggered a hit will take place no later than 96 hours after the application is submitted or, if additional information has been requested, 96 hours after this information has been received.

Before boarding, air carriers, sea carriers and international carriers transporting groups overland by coach will need to check whether third country nationals subject to the travel authorisation requirement are in possession of a valid travel authorisation.

The travel authorisation will not provide an automatic right of entry or stay; it is the border guard who will take the final decision.

A travel authorisation will be valid for three years or until the end of validity of the travel document registered during application, whichever comes first.

On 8 June, the Council adopted its position on the proposed Directive on countering money laundering by criminal law.

The objective of the proposed directive is to: 

• establish minimum rules concerning the definition of criminal offences and sanctions relating to money laundering;
• remove obstacles to cross-border judicial and police cooperation by setting common provisions to improve the investigation of money laundering related offences;
• bring EU rules in line with international obligations, in particular those arising from the Council of Europe Convention on Laundering, Search, Seizure and Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime and on the Financing of Terrorism (Warsaw Convention) and the relevant Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations.

"To conduct terrorist or other criminal activities, one needs money. With these new rules, our objective is to disrupt and effectively cut off the financial sources of criminals. It is a key dimension of the EU fight against terrorism and that is why the Maltese presidency has set a high priority on this file.  We now hope that the European Parliament will be in a position to engage in negotiations with the Council in a timely manner, in the context of the ordinary legislative procedure."

The compromise reached by the Council achieves a balance between the positions expressed by member states whilst respecting the main objectives of the initial proposal.

Discussions at the Council focused in particular on:

• the scope of the definition of a "criminal activity" (Article 2(1)) where the Council compromise reaffirms that all categories of offences defined by the Council of Europe Warsaw Convention are covered as predicate offences, while references to existing EU legislation defining specific offences are also included to ensure that they are considered within the respective category. Furthermore, to address the growing threat of cybercrime, the Council agreed that this category should be also added in the definition of criminal activity.  
• the introduction of a criminalisation obligation for self-laundering (Article 3(3))
• the link with the PIF directive, which provides specific rules for money laundering of property derived from PIF offences (Article  1(2)) where the Council underlines that member states can transpose these rules through a single comprehensive framework on money laundering at national level;

The proposal was tabled by the Commission in December 2016 together with a proposal for a regulation on the mutual recognition of freezing and confiscation orders. Both texts are part of the EU plan to strengthen the fight against terrorist financing and financial crimes. The overall objective is to further disrupt the sources of revenue used by terrorist organisations, as well as to improve the tracing of terrorists through financial movements.

The Council and the Parliament will enter into negotiations on the final text as soon as the latter has decided on its position.