European Union

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EU relations with Armenia are governed by the EU -Armenia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed in 1996 and entered into force in 1999

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General : Officials from nearly 200 countries have been meeting in Paris since late November to negotiate a new climate change agreement for after 2020. This week a delegation of 15 MEPs also takes part in the COP21 conference. Members are participating in background talks with NGOs and delegations from across the world, while the EU commissioner for climate action Miguel Arias Cañete will brief them on the progress of the talks on a daily basis. Live updates from Paris are available on our Storify page.

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

General : Officials from nearly 200 countries have been meeting in Paris since late November to negotiate a new climate change agreement for after 2020. This week a delegation of 15 MEPs also takes part in the COP21 conference. Members are participating in background talks with NGOs and delegations from across the world, while the EU commissioner for climate action Miguel Arias Cañete will brief them on the progress of the talks on a daily basis. Live updates from Paris are available on our Storify page.

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

General : A delegation of 15 MEPs heads to Paris this week as world leaders gather at COP21 to hammer out a global agreement to fight climate change. Back in Brussels members of the civil liberties committee discuss the current situation concerning so-called migrant "hotspots" in Greece and Italy. In addition MEPs meet their counterparts from African, Caribbean and Pacific countries in Brussels, and Parliament's political groups prepare for the final plenary session of the year in Strasbourg next week.

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

General : A delegation of 15 MEPs heads to Paris this week as world leaders gather at COP21 to hammer out a global agreement to fight climate change. Back in Brussels members of the civil liberties committee discuss the current situation concerning so-called migrant "hotspots" in Greece and Italy. In addition MEPs meet their counterparts from African, Caribbean and Pacific countries in Brussels, and Parliament's political groups prepare for the final plenary session of the year in Strasbourg next week.

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

Place
Justus Lipsius building, Brussels 

Chair
Pierre Gramegna, Minister for Finance of Luxembourg 

All times are approximate and subject to change 

+/- 08.00
ESM Board of Directors 

+/- 08.45
Doorstep by Minister Gramegna

+/- 09.00
Ministerial breakfast
Roundtable 

+/- 10.15
Informal session on SRM (bridge financing) 

+/- 10.45
Beginning of ECOFIN Council meeting
Adoption of the agenda
Approval of legislative A items (in public session)

+/- 10.25
Financial transaction tax
Common consolidated corporate tax base
Banking union - European deposit insurance scheme
Any Other Business
Approval of non-legislative A items
Implementation of banking union
Terrorist financing
Business taxation - Code of conduct
Business taxation - Base erosion and profit shifting
Economic governance - 2016 European Semester
Flexibility under the Stability and Growth Pact
EU statistics
EU budget discharge - Court of Auditors report 

14 .00 (At the end of the meeting)
Press conference

The Council appointed Angel Losada Fernandez as the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the Sahel until 28 February 2017.

Mr Losada replaces Mr Michel Dominique Reveyrand - De Menthon, who was appointed on 18 March 2013.

EUSRs promote the EU's policies and interests in troubled regions and countries and support the work the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini. Mr Losada will lead the EU's contribution to regional and international efforts for lasting peace, security and development in the Sahel. He will also coordinate the EU's comprehensive approach to the regional crisis, on the basis of the EU Strategy for Security and Development in the Sahel.

Mr Losada is a senior Spanish diplomat with more than 30 years' experience. He recently served as ambassador of Spain to Nigeria and Kuwait.

General : "Faced with the atrocities committed in certain parts of the world, we must play our part in worldwide solidarity", said Co-President Louis Michel (ALDE, BE) at the opening of the 30th session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) in Brussels on Monday. " ‘Fortress Europe’ is not a solution and is unworthy of the humanist values that Europe defends", he insisted, adding that it must "shoulder its duty of humanity towards refugees fleeing war, violence or dictatorship".

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

General : "Faced with the atrocities committed in certain parts of the world, we must play our part in worldwide solidarity", said Co-President Louis Michel (ALDE, BE) at the opening of the 30th session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) in Brussels on Monday. " ‘Fortress Europe’ is not a solution and is unworthy of the humanist values that Europe defends", he insisted, adding that it must "shoulder its duty of humanity towards refugees fleeing war, violence or dictatorship".

Source : © European Union, 2015 - EP

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EU Ministers of Employment, Social Affairs, Consumer Protection, Health and Equal Opportunities (EPSCO) meet on 7 December 2015 in Brussels to try to reach a general approach on women on company boards directive, and to tackle the integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market. Conclusions on the reduction of alcohol-related harm, personalised medicine, dementia and lessons learned from the Ebola outbreak are also to be adopted.

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I am writing to let you know where we stand on the issue of a UK in/out referendum before we address it at the December European Council.

In November Prime Minister Cameron set out the four areas where he is seeking reforms to address the concerns of the British people over UK membership of the European Union. On this basis, we, in close cooperation with the Commission, held extensive bilateral consultations at Sherpa level with all Member States. We also discussed it with representatives of the European Parliament.

Clearly this is a significant and far-reaching agenda. Consultations have shown that the issues raised by the British Prime Minister are difficult. At the same time there is a strong will on the part of all sides to find solutions that respond to the British request while benefiting the European Union as a whole.

We have been looking at the four baskets mentioned by PM Cameron. Let me briefly set out my assessment of where we are in this respect.

1. On the relations between the euro ins and outs we could search for an agreement around a set of principles that will ensure the possibility for the euro area to develop further and be efficient while avoiding any kind of discrimination vis-à-vis Member States that are not yet, or, in some cases, will not be part of the euro. We are also looking into the possibility of a mechanism that will support these principles by allowing Member States that are not in the euro the opportunity to raise concerns, and have them heard, if they feel that these principles are not being followed, without this turning into a veto right.

2. On competitiveness, there is a very strong determination to promote this objective and to fully use the potential of the internal market in all its components. Everybody agrees on the need to further work on better regulation and on lessening the burdens on business while maintaining high standards. The contribution of trade to growth is also very important in this respect, in particular trade agreements with fast growing parts of the world.

3. The third basket concerns sovereignty. There is wide agreement that the concept of "ever closer union among the peoples" allows for various paths of integration for different countries. Those that want to deepen integration can move ahead, while respecting the wish of those who do not want to deepen any further. There is also a largely shared view on the importance of the role of national parliaments within the Union as well as strong emphasis on the principle of subsidiarity.

4. The fourth basket on social benefits and the free movement of persons is the most delicate and will require a substantive political debate at our December meeting. While we see good prospects for agreeing on ways to fight abuses and possibly on some reforms related to the export of child benefits, there is presently no consensus on the request that people coming to Britain from the EU must live there and contribute for four years before they qualify for in-work benefits or social housing. This is certainly an issue where we need to hear more from the British Prime Minister and an open debate among ourselves before proceeding further.

All in all it is my assessment that so far we have made good progress. We need some more time to sort out the precise drafting on all of these issues, including the exact legal form the final deal will take. We also have to overcome the substantial political differences that we still have on the issue of social benefits and free movement. The December European Council should address all the political dilemmas related to this process. Based on a substantive political discussion we should be able to prepare a concrete proposal to be finally adopted in February.

Let me finally share with you some political remarks. All involved must take their part of responsibility. I will act as an honest broker but all Member States and the institutions must show readiness for compromise for this process to succeed. Our goal is to find solutions that will meet the expectations of the British Prime Minister, while cementing the foundations on which the EU is based. Uncertainty about the future of the UK in the European Union is a destabilizing factor. That is why we must find a way to answer the British concerns as quickly as possible.

In times when geopolitics is back in Europe, we need to be united and strong. This is in our common interest and in the interest of each and every EU Member State. The UK has played a constructive and important role in the development of the European Union and I am sure that it will continue to do so in the future.

The EU-Ukraine Association Council held its second meeting on Monday 7 December 2015 in Brussels.

The Association Council took stock of developments in EU-Ukraine relations since the first Association Council held in December 2014 and welcomed the significant progress realised since. Both sides reaffirmed the significance they attach to the partnership, as well as their continued commitment to deepening the political association and economic integration of Ukraine with the EU on the basis of respect for common values and their effective promotion.

The Association Council welcomed the ratification of the Association Agreement by a large majority of Member States and looked forward to its full entry into force.

Ukraine and the EU will provisionally apply the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) part of the Association Agreement as of 1 January 2016. Ukraine and the EU agreed on the need to ensure full compliance with the commitments undertaken in the context of the DCFTA, including by further enhancing Ukraine's preparatory efforts. The Association Council also took stock of the trilateral talks on DCFTA implementation. The EU and Ukraine reiterated their readiness to continue talks at the ministerial and expert levels by using the flexibilities offered by the DCFTA. They underlined that any solutions found must respect relevant WTO provisions and commitments.

The EU welcomed substantial progress in implementing reforms that have been achieved this year in particular the launch of work of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and new national police, completion of the selection process of the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor, adoption by Verkhovna Rada in the first reading of amendments to the Constitution on decentralisation and adoption of the law "On natural gas market" aimed at bringing the gas sector of Ukraine in compliance with the Third Energy Package.

The EU welcomed the strong political commitment of the Ukrainian authorities to bring  the reform process forward, despite the challenges faced by the country, notably the conflict in eastern Ukraine. 

The Association Council acknowledged the importance of swift and thorough implementation, and enforcement, of new policies and legislative frameworks and of further acceleration of political and economic reforms in the following areas in the short term:

• constitution;
• fight against corruption;
• justice system;
• public administration;
• electoral legislation;
• decentralisation;
• civilian security sector;
• energy;
• public finance management;
• business climate.

 The Association Council recognised that reforms have to be made first and foremost in the interest of Ukrainian people.

The EU reiterated its firm commitment to a political and peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine based on the respect for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, including through the complete implementation by all sides of the Minsk agreements. In this regard, the Association Council endorsed all diplomatic efforts within the Normandy format and the Trilateral Contact Group, and recalled that the duration of EU economic restrictive measures against the Russian Federation is linked to the complete implementation of the Minsk agreements. Furthermore, it expressed concern over the recent increase in the number and gravity of cease-fire violations, and stressed that all hostages and illegally detained persons related to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, including Nadiya Savchenko should be released, in accordance with the Minsk agreements.

The Association Council highlighted the need to continue addressing the humanitarian situation resulting from theconflict and encouraged Ukraine to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid into conflict-affected areas as well as to comprehensively address the rights and longer term needs of Internally Displaced Persons. The EU expressed its willingness to step-up its support to de-mining activities in eastern Ukraine.

The Association Council expressed concern over the deterioration of the human rights situation in the Crimean peninsula, including that of the Crimean Tatar communityand called for the provision of full, free and unrestricted access to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol to international human rights actors. The EU reiterated its demand for the immediate release of Mr Sentsov and Mr Kolchenko and their safe return to Ukraine. The EU recalled that it does not recognise and continues to condemn the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation.

Ukraine and the EU took stock of the progress made in relation to the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and agreed on the need for continued efforts. The EU welcomed the good overall conduct of the local elections held on 25 October 2015, demonstrating progress in the respect for democratic principles. 

The Association Council welcomed the progress made so far by Ukraine towards visa liberalisation. Both sides looked forward to the next progress report on the implementation of the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan, which will be published later this month. 

The Association Council welcomed the first signs of economic stabilization in Ukraine and called for a continued implementation of sound macroeconomic and financial policies.

The Association Council acknowledged the significant financial support of over €7 billion by the EU and European Financial Institutions provided since 2014. Itunderlined that this financial support is helping Ukraine stabilize its economy, reforming it in line with international standards and improving the livelihoods of its citizens over time. 

The Association Council welcomed the adoption on 2December 2015 of a new EU programme in support of decentralisation worth €97 million (€90M from the EU budget, €6M from Germany and €1M from Poland), as well the complementary support under the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace for the restoration of governance and peacebuilding in the eastern part of Ukraine worth €10 million.  

The Association Council also welcomed the signing of the Administrative Arrangement between the European Defence Agency and the Ministry of Defence of Ukraineby the High Representative Federica Mogherini in her capacity as Head of the European Defence Agency and the Minister of Defence of Ukraine Stepan Poltoraktoday.  

Both sides looked forward to putting into practice the enhanced mandate of the EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform (EUAM Ukraine) aiming at better responding to Ukraine's needs in its efforts to reform the country's civilian security sector, taking into account current security challenges. The Association Council also noted the recent extension by two years of the European Commission Border Assistance Mission to the Republic of Moldova and to Ukraine (EUBAM), as well as the agreement signed enhancing the mission's mandate in respect to border and customs related aspects of the Association Agreements and the implementation of the DCFTAs.

As additional demonstration of deepening relations, the Association Council welcomed Ukraine's accession to Creative Europe and progress towards the accession of Ukraine to the EU Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, COSME as well as the shared aim to open negotiations toprovide satellite-based Augmentation Services in Ukraine based on the European satellite Navigation Programme EGNOS. Both sides positively assessed the progress made towards the association of Ukraine to the Euratom Research and Training Programme 2014-2018 complementing the EU Programme on Research and Innovation “Horizon 2020”, which will allow an effective association from 1 January 2016 onwards.

The Association Council welcomed the energy reforms initiated this year, in particular in the gas sector, and underlined the need to finalise the legislative framework on energy regulation and on electricity market. Both sides expressed readiness to continue cooperation on energy efficiency and the modernisation and operation of the Ukrainian gas transportation system and on storages and on securing gas supplies between Ukraine and the EU. Ukraine and the EU looked forward to the launching of the negotiations on a Memorandum of Understanding for a Strategic Energy Partnership.

Recalling the commitment made in the 17th EU-Ukraine Summit and the latest Summit of the Eastern Partnership in Riga to conclude the EU-Ukraine Agreement on Common Aviation Area, as referred to in the Association Agreement, at the earliest possible date in 2015, the EU renewed its commitment to a prompt signature of the Agreement. 

The Association Council welcomed the joint Communication of the High Representative and the Commission on the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) review adopted on 18 November and committed to its implementation stressing the non-confrontational nature of the ENP. It will be the subject of further discussion in 2016, while work will continue on the basis of existing contractual arrangements. Differentiation and enhanced ownership will be the hallmark of the reviewed ENP.

Finally, Ukraine and the EU stressed the importance of effective strategic communication and agreed to close cooperation to this end, including through the newly established EU Strategic Communications Task Force focused on the Eastern Neighbourhood and beyond.

The meeting was chaired by Mr Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Prime Minister of Ukraine. Ukraine was also represented by ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economic Development and Trade, Justice and Defence. The EU was represented by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini and the Commissioner responsible for European NeighbourhoodPolicy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn.