European Council

Place:        Justus Lipsius building, Brussels
Chair:        Mr. Tarmo Tamm, minister of Rural Affairs of the Republic of Estonia

All times are approximate and subject to change

+/- 08.30          
Arrivals         

 +/- 09.00
Doorstep by Minister Tarmo Tamm

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

AGRICULTURE

+/- 10.10
Sustainable use of pesticides (public session)
+/- 11.40
Any other business:
- Outcome of the summit on "Equal quality of products for all" (public session)
+/- 12.00     
Sustainable soil management

+/- 15.00    
Trade-related agricultural issues
+/- 16.30     
Any other business:
- Outcome of the meeting of the Visegrad group on:
   - renewable energey directive
   -  BIOEAST

+/- 17.10     
Press conference with Commissioner Hogan  (live streaming)

On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the European Union commends the work of journalists in uncovering abuses of power, shining a light on corruption and human right violations, and questioning received opinion, often putting themselves at risk of intimidation, violence and death. An independent and free media is the basis of a participatory and pluralist democracy, and a tool to make governments accountable for their actions.

An attack on journalists represents an attack on democracy and pluralistic societies. Information comes to us at a price: journalists are still being persecuted, detained or even killed, not only in situations of armed conflict, but also in peacetime, including in the European Union, as we have sadly witnessed only a few weeks ago. Violence against journalists and media actors not only represents an attack on the victim, but also limits the ability of the public to access information and ideas of all kinds, both online and offline.

The EU will continue to use all appropriate external policy and financial instruments to enhance the quality of journalism, access to public information and freedom of expression. The EU plays a key role in funding the European Centre for Press and Media freedom (ECPMF) and provides targeted protection through Human Rights Defenders programmes.

We condemn killings, acts of violence, intimidation and harassment against journalists and other media actors in the strongest possible terms. We expect State authorities to uphold their international obligations by protecting journalists against intimidation, threats and violence, irrespective of their source, whether governmental, judicial, religious, economic or criminal. Any alleged unlawful killing, ill-treatment, threat or attack against journalists, whether by State or non-State actors, should be promptly investigated in an effective and independent manner, with a view to prosecuting the perpetrators of such crimes and bringing them to justice. Any impunity for these crimes is a blow to democracy and to the fundamental rights such as freedom of expression.

On 27 October, EU ambassadors endorsed a compromise between the Presidency and the European Parliament on improving the EU's instrument for contributing to stability and peace (IcSP).

This agreement introduces a possibility for the EU to extend its assistance by allowing for the financing of measures in support of capacity building for security and development (CBSD) of military actors in partner countries, with the objective of contributing to sustainable development and in particular the achievement of peaceful and inclusive societies. This new measure forms part of an EU-wide strategic framework to support the security sector reform.  It also aligns the objectives of the instrument with the commitments made by the EU towards the UN sustainable development goals and the recently agreed new European consensus on development.

''These improvements recognise that sustainable development depends on addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting peace and stability. From now on, we will be able to provide training, resources and equipment to partners to help them in their efforts to prevent violence and promote stable, peaceful and inclusive societies" said Kaja Tael, permanent representative of Estonia to the EU and president of the permanent representatives committee.

The IcSP was first set up in 2014 as part of the EU's new generation of instruments for financing external action. It is one of the main tools to help prevent and respond to crises in third countries as part of ensuring a secure and stable environment.

Under the new rules agreed today, the EU will be able to assist the security sector and, in exceptional circumstances, support the military in various ways, including through:

• financial support to enhance the competence of the military to carry out development and human security-related tasks such as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of civil infrastructure, mine clearing and civil protection tasks;
• supply of equipment and infrastructure for the military in the areas of IT, transport, communication, water infrastructure and sanitation;
• training, mentoring and advice.

The regulation does not allow EU assistance to be used to finance recurrent military expenditure, the provision of arms and ammunition or lethal equipment or combat training.

The new measures will be financed primarily through the redeployment of existing resources under the general budget of the Union (Heading IV of the multiannual financial framework). They will be allocated €100 million for the period 2018-2020. 

The next step is for the Parliament and the Council to formally adopt the regulation, with a view to its entry into force by the end of the year.

12.00 Meeting with President of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma

The meeting of the European Council will take place on 14 and 15 December 2017 in the Europa building in Brussels. The press centre remains located in the Justus Lipsius building.

Apply on  https://eventaccreditationjour.consilium.europa.eu/

APPLICATION DEADLINE 20 November 2017, 12.00 (noon)

Procedure

• If this is your first registration, please make sure you have a recent ID-size photograph in JPEG format (.jpg) and the number of your passport or identity card ready before starting the online process.
• You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt by email. Please read it carefully as it includes the list of original documents you will be asked to present when collecting your badge. Depending on your profile, the requested documents will include: Passport or ID card, press card and/or an original signed letter in paper copy from your editor-in chief as well as the signed original of your authorisation for security screening (only for media representatives of Belgian nationality or resident in Belgium). The press centre may contact you to request additional information if necessary. No accreditation badge will be issued if you cannot present all required documents.
• Under certain conditions it is possible to organise a group registration/collection of badges for journalists working for the same media. Select group registration at the beginning of the accreditation process and follow the instructions.
• Trainees with media organisations who do not possess a press card are not entitled to request accreditation.

----------------------------

Journalists holding a 6-month badge (31.07.2017 - 31.12.2017) do not need to register

6-month badges can be collected at the accreditation centre of the LEX building during summits. Please ensure that you have all the required documents when collecting your badge.

----------------------------

Collection of badges

Accreditation badges can be collected at the LEX building (145 rue de la Loi, Brussels)

• Wednesday 13 December 9.30 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 18.00
• Thursday 14 December 8.30 - 20.00
• Friday 15 December from 08.00 to the end of the final press conference (max. 22.00)

----------------------------

Practical information on the press centre and the media programme will follow.

For more details on the European Council meeting, see the meeting page

The Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs of Estonia, Bulgaria and Austria, representing the trio of Presidencies of the Council of the EU, together with the European Commission, represented by the European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality and the European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship met on 26-27 October 2017 with their counterparts from six Western Balkan partners at the annual EU-Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home affairs. 

The Ministers underlined the key importance of rule of law, justice and fundamental rights in the EU's relation with the region and of practical cooperation on justice and home affairs and focused on the topics of: justice reform, judicial cooperation, migration and border management, counter-terrorism and radicalisation, as well as fight against firearms trafficking.

The Ministers emphasized the importance of the independence, quality and efficiency of justice systems as the basis of peaceful, democratic societies, underpinning economic growth. They agreed that quality justice systems were crucial to create mutual trust, which is necessary for judicial cooperation and the application of mutual recognition instruments. 

The Ministers welcomed the efforts made by the Western Balkans partners in the area of justice reform and underlined that more would need to be done for the effective implementation of judicial reforms, bringing direct benefits to citizens while being also a fundamental element of the EU accession process. 

The Ministers discussed in particular the issue of accountability and agreed to focus Western Balkans reform efforts on meeting European standards[1] for judges and prosecutors. The Western Balkans partners agreed to work with the Commission to develop a set of key indicators to measure the performance of justice systems by the beginning of 2018. They supported the development of electronic case management systems that would help reduce backlogs of cases and were able to provide random case allocation. 

The Commission reconfirmed its willingness to support the ongoing justice reform processes in the region through political support, expert advice and financial assistance from the Instrument for Pre-Accession. 

The Ministers acknowledged that improving regional judicial cooperation in the Western Balkans was crucial to good neighbourly relations.

The Western Balkan Justice Ministers committed that their authorities would serve mutual legal assistance requests from their neighbours more swiftly in order to jointly and efficiently fight the most severe forms of crime affecting the region. 

With a view to reinforceing the fight against transnational crime, the Ministers and the Commission agreed on the importance for the Western Balkans which have not yet done so, to conclude cooperation agreements with Eurojust as soon as possible. The Justice Ministers of the Western Balkans partners committed to take the necessary measures, in particular on data protection legislation, to move the process further. The Commission recalled the importance of implementing Council of Europe instruments both on judicial cooperation and on substantive criminal law as they provide the main legal basis for smooth cooperation between EU and Western Balkans practitioners. 

On judicial cooperation in civil matters, the Ministers agreed that the instruments of The Hague Conference were crucial to resolve in particular sensitive trans-border family disputes. The Ministers of Western Balkans committed themselves to ratifying the Hague Conference instruments having a direct link with the EU acquis.[2]

The Ministers concurred that ensuring effective border management and fighting migrant smuggling remained top priorities for both the EU and the Western Balkans. The unprecedented scale of migrant smuggling by the criminal networks requires permanent vigilance and an effective partnership between countries and regions directly affected. 

The Ministers recognised the importance of cooperation of Western Balkans partners with Europol and with EU Member States in combatting migrant smuggling. They committed to continuing the cooperation between the Western Balkans´ law enforcement agencies with EU Member States and Europol to dismantle organised crime groups responsible for facilitating this activity. 

The Ministers welcomed regional initiatives designed to improve information and intelligence exchange both at strategic and at law enforcement level. Ministers recognised the important role of the European Migrant Smuggling Centre and the Joint Operational Office against Human Smuggling Networks (JOO) in tackling the migrant smuggling phenomenon, as well as the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Liaison Officer deployed to Belgrade with a regional mandate for increased border management cooperation. 

The Ministers discussed the state of implementation of the visa-free regimes. Taking note of the cases of unfounded asylum applications, the Ministers committed to strengthening their efforts in addressing this phenomenon in order to prevent triggering of the visa suspension mechanism. 

The Ministers acknowledged that terrorism continued to be a common challenge for the European Union and the Western Balkans region and that close cooperation was essential for preventing radicalisation and terrorism. Ministers agreed that the existing formats and networks of cooperation, including through the Radicalisation Awareness Network, should be further strengthened. 

Ministers confirmed that they faced similar challenges in responding to the security threat posed by violent extremism and agreed to work together to address its root-causes and to build resilient and cohesive societies. They further acknowledged that EU Counter Terrorism/Countering Violent Extremism political dialogues with the Western Balkans countries are useful for identifying the priorities and designing concrete action. 

The Ministers welcomed in particular the broadening of the scope of the Western Balkans Counter-Terrorism initiative (WBCTi) to cover also the fight against serious and organised crime and border security. Ministers recognised that this enhanced role of WBCTi facilitates EU´s capacity-building support in the area of internal security and should enable the Western Balkans partners to better detect and tackle security challenges. 

The Ministers committed to strengthening their operational partnership to efficiently and effectively address counter-terrorism and radicalisation, but also transnational organised crime and border security, in line with the new Integrative Internal Security Governance model and in cooperation with the relevant EU agencies. In this context, Ministers called for a swift conclusion of the discussion concerning the practical implementation of the pilot project to deploy Europol Guest Officers to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. 

The Ministers took stock of their continuous efforts to address the firearms trafficking and discussed progress achieved in implementation of the Joint Statement on Enhancing the Fight Against Illicit Trafficking of Firearms and Ammunition in the Western Balkans endorsed at their meeting last year. They committed to continue to carry out joint actions to enhance seizures of firearms, ammunition and explosives, to improve security of firearms and ammunition storage capacities, and to periodic disposals of surplus arms and ammunition, particularly those confiscated from illegal activities. The Ministers also welcomed the EU assistance in providing training on firearms to law enforcement officers. 

The Ministers agreed to continue cooperation on all the issues discussed at the Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial Forum and to have further exchanges at their next meeting.

[1] The European Standards for judicial systems are based on instruments such as the rulings of Council of Europe's Venice Commission. The main issues that they cover are (i) transparent and merit-based recruitment (ii) effective disciplinary rules and codes of ethics (iv) complaint mechanisms that are accessible to the public (v) access to justice including for women, children, the poorest and the most vulnerable (vi) effective legal aid (vii) alternative dispute resolution mechanisms (viii) judicial training practices (ix) Improvements in the day-to-day administration of courts. 

[2] 1996 Convention on Child Protection, 2005 Convention on Choice of Court Agreement, 2007 Convention on Child Support and Family Maintenance and the Protocol on the Law Applicable to Maintenance Obligations.

Today, the EU's Political and Security Committee has appointed Major General Charlie Stickland, a high-ranking military official in the Royal Marines, as new Operation Commander of the Operation Atalanta. He will take up his duties on 7 November 2017.

The European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Operation Atalanta contributes to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. The operation is part of the EU's comprehensive approach for a peaceful, stable and democratic Somalia.

The operation also protects vessels of the World Food Programme and other vulnerable shipping, monitors fishing activities off the coast of Somalia and supports other EU missions and programmes in the region.

After the car bomb attack of 14 October 2017 in Mogadishu, Operation Atalanta, the EU Delegation in Somalia and the EU Training Mission in Somalia, provided support in particular to the United Nations to assist the victims.

The EU's Political and Security Committee is composed of member states' ambassadors based in Brussels.

• CV of Major General Charlie Stickland
• EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta (Website)
• EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta (factsheet)
• Statement by the High Representative on the attacks in Mogadishu, Somalia, 15/10/17

Dear Mr Rutte,

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

I trust that you and your government will continue playing a dynamic and constructive role in the European Union. This is all the more important at a time when we are working hard to implement the Leaders' Agenda that will guide the work of the European Council in the months and years to come.

I look forward to continuing our close and good cooperation in the European Council.

Veel succes!

The Council has told the European Parliament that it cannot accept all of its amendments for the EU's general budget for 2018, voted on 25 October 2017.

This triggers a three-week conciliation process, starting on 31 October. Council and Parliament will have until 20 November to bridge their differences. 

Märt Kivine, deputy finance minister of Estonia, which currently holds the Council presidency, and chief negotiator for the 2018 budget said: "The presidency is looking for structured and constructive discussions while edging towards a reasonable and sustainable budget decision for 2018". 

The two institutions share the same priorities for 2018, namely to boost growth and job creation, strengthen security and address migration. In the Council's view, the main task will be to find an agreement on an adequate level of funding for these priorities. 

In its draft budget for 2018, the Commission proposed setting the total level of commitments at €160.6 billion and payments at €145.4 billion. 

The Council's position, adopted on 4 September, sets total commitments at €158.9 billion and total payments at €144.4 billion. 

The Parliament is asking for total commitments to be increased to €162.6 billion and total payments to €146.7 billion. This is €1.8 billion in commitments above the ceilings set by the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2014-2020. 

The conciliation committee will meet on 6 and 17 November. On the latter date, the Council will meet to provide guidance to the presidency for its talks with the Parliament. If no deal is reached by the end of the conciliation period on 20 November, the Commission will have to present a new draft budget.

The first electronic signing of an EU legislative act took place on Wednesday 25 October in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. EP President Antonio Tajani  and Matti Maasikas, of the Estonian Presidency of the Council, signed electronically the legally-binding texts of the revised regulation on "Security of gas supply", paving the way for its entry into force. 

This ceremony marks the first public step at the EU level of the e-signing process. It shows that the EU institutions are working together to make digital transformation a reality and to offer efficient and secure digital solutions in the public sphere.

It demonstrates the EU's commitment to implementing "eIDAS", the EU-wide regulation which provides for a predictable regulatory environment to enable secure and seamless electronic interactions between businesses, citizens and public authorities.

“I am happy that today we can sign such an important Regulation electronically. Estonia is at the forefront of the digitalization process. We should use the momentum of the Estonian Presidency to promote more digital solutions. The European Parliament in its report on e-government in May this year asked the EU institutions to set an example in the area of e-government. Today we are acting on our own call. This signature is a demonstration on how digital solutions can work in practice.” 

"I am convinced that this is the way we will soon sign all our legal acts, simply because it makes sense. E-signature saves paper, time and money."

The Estonian presidency of the Council, the General Secretariat of the Council and the European Parliament worked together to prepare the pilot solution for the electronic signature of this legislative act. Parliament and the Council Secretariat will continue work on developing the process. In Europe, a qualified e-signature has the same legal validity as a handwritten signature in conducting business, executing procedures or expressing a commitment.

Introductory remarks

As you know I am obsessed by unity. This obsession was with me during the last European Council but in fact it has been with me since the first days of my work in Brussels.

This is why I rejected the idea of removing Greece from the euro zone in 2015. And this is also why I pursued a common position of the EU vis a vis Russia during the conflict in Ukraine. For many months I was building agreement among the 27, in order to give Prime Minister Cameron arguments to stay in the EU, even though this meant that each of the 27 had to make a sacrifice. Unfortunately, this was not enough for the Brits. After Brexit, I worked towards creating unity of the 27 in the negotiations with the United Kingdom. We have shown also during last European Council that no-one can divide the 27 in these negotiations.

Striving for unity is also the main reason for creating the Leaders' Agenda. Last Friday all the leaders agreed that the priority for them is unity among 27. This was voiced in unison. On this most important issue to me, we reached full understanding right from the start. The Leaders' Agenda invalidated a dangerous assumption that together we can only stand still, and that we can only move forward when we divide. It is about reconciling dynamism and unity. About being ambitious and staying together at the same time. This of course does not rule out enhanced cooperation as the last resort, open to all, and in accordance with the Treaties.

My intention is to build on what connects, not on what divides. But it doesn't mean that we shouldn't stand up with courage to the issues that are - or could be - divisive, so that we can find common solutions to them. I will just mention migration, the EMU and Brexit.

When it comes to the migration crisis, I appealed from the very beginning to build Europe's response on what connects us: on the protection of our external borders. I did so often being aware that there are also ideas that put member states in a permanent conflict.

One such question is relocation, precisely speaking: the mandatory quotas. On this issue, consensus is as unlikely today as it was many months ago. But I do see a real chance of full agreement by June on matters like: 

• protecting external borders,
• decisive support for frontline countries, that is Italy, Greece, Spain, Bulgaria,
• strategy vis-à-vis Africa and adequate support for international organisations helping refugees and migrants (UNHCR, IOM and World Food Programme),
• European management over return and readmission policy,
• as well as most of the elements of the Dublin reform.

If on these matters we are really effective, we will be close to a lasting solution to the migration crisis.

As regards EMU reform, following the publication of the Five Presidents' Report, no-one should have any doubts what we need to do. Everything is crystal clear. The problem is member states' conflicting interests. One of the first effects of the Leaders' Agenda is the agreement to find potential solutions in the nearest possible future despite these differences. I will do everything in my power to take the first very concrete steps, by June towards establishing the European Monetary Fund and strengthening the stability of the Banking Union. I still believe that this is possible. In June it will become clear if I am an incurable optimist. But one thing I can promise you today. If we don't reach agreement by June, I will say precisely why it wasn't possible, and who is responsible.

As for the Brexit negotiations, we have managed to build and maintain unity among the 27. But ahead of us is still the toughest stress test. If we fail it, the negotiations will end in our defeat. We must keep our unity regardless of the direction of the talks. The EU will be able to rise to every scenario as long as we are not divided. It is in fact up to London how this will end: with a good deal, no deal or no Brexit. But in each of these scenarios we will protect our common interest only by being together.

We continue to look for the best way towards a Europe that is united, solidary and sovereign. Our quest must be accompanied by a constant and profound reflection on the essence of our community. I would like to say a few words on three of its dimensions.

First of all. We are a territorial community, which means that we have a common territory and common external borders. Our duty is to protect them. The migration crisis has made us aware, with full force, of the need to rebuild effective control of our external borders, while the aggressive behaviour of certain third countries, and the destabilisation around Europe, has made us aware of the need to defend our territory. For this reason we want to launch PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation on defence) by the end of this year. In order to protect our external borders, we must build a model of durable and efficient financing on a bigger scale than ever before. It should become a part of our discussions on the future MFF.

Secondly. We are a cultural community, which doesn't mean that we are better or worse - we are simply different from the outside world. Our openness and tolerance cannot mean walking away from protecting our heritage. We have the right and obligation to care for what distinguishes us from other cultures - not in order to be against someone, but to be ourselves. Without a feeling of superiority, but with a feeling of justified pride. I remember a great hashtag by one of your leaders, which said: I am European and I am proud. This is why the first point on the Leaders' Agenda for our meeting in Gothenburg in November is culture and education.

Thirdly. We are a political community. It is high time we renewed our vows in the name of our political values enshrined in article 2 of the Treaty on the European Union. Let me quote: The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail.

I would like to remind all those in power, all the member states, that by signing the treaty, you have also signed this article. So either you respect it, or you clearly say you reject it, with all the consequences of this fact.

Finally, I would like to refer to an issue it would be hard to avoid being here in Strasbourg, namely the future composition of the European Parliament. For this topic, I have planned a special European Council in February next year. As you know, we must deal with this matter because of Brexit as well as the changing demography. I take all the proposals seriously that have surfaced in this debate, they are all interesting and pro-European ideas. I personally believe that the most natural solution would be to adopt a simple rule: fewer countries, fewer mandates. It is not only pragmatic and logical, but also what is expected by public opinion. Of course, such a solution in no way invalidates the idea of transnational lists. I am aware that this will be our common decision, since the Parliament will be proposing and co-deciding on this matter. This is why I would like you to take such a possibility into account.

When I was here in March this year you may remember that I recalled a proverb: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Today I feel we have a real chance to go together, far and faster. Thank you. 

Concluding remarks

I just would like to clarify a few misunderstandings. The Leaders' Agenda is not an alternative version of the State of the Union address, it is a plan on how to organise the works of the European Council in the next 2 years.

The Leaders' Agenda is not about changing the community method, it is an attempt to speed up decision processes within the framework of binding rules, with respect for the competences of all institutions, which also means the respect for the competencies of the European Council.

According to the Treaty, when it comes to the composition of the European Parliament we must work out a common solution, this house and the European Council. It is not our pleasure or ambition, it is our formal obligation. And I am the last one who would like to violate the Treaty and our rules.

And by the way, the composition of the European Parliament is not going to be the only topic of the extraordinary European Council in February. We will also deal with the MFF. Personally I consider the MFF to be an even more important part of our meeting in February.

As for the Spitzenkandidat. It was not the European Council that was the weak link in 2014. Jean-Claude Juncker was elected with 26 votes against 2 votes in the European Council, while in the Parliament he got 422 votes out of 729 votes, so it is easy to imagine the situation that it will be more difficult for the winning Spitzenkandidat to win sufficient support in the new European Parliament than in the European Council. 

The Council reached an agreement on its position (general approach) on the posting of workers directive. The new proposal revises certain elements of the original 1996 directive. 

The President of the Council, Jevgeni Ossinovski, Minister for Health and Labour of Estonia, stated:“I am happy that the Council agreed its position on such an important and sensitive issue. And I'm especially glad that after long negotiations, there was broad support for our compromise. The final text strikes a delicate balance. On one hand, it is essential to ensure that our workers are treated fairly. People who do the same job at the same place should also have the same working and wage conditions. On the other, we must not create unnecessary obstacles to the free movement of services - for example in the transport sector that is mobile by nature.“ 

The aim of the directive is to facilitate the provision of services across the EU whilst respecting fair competition as well as the rights of workers who are employed in one member state and sent by their employer to work temporarily in another (posted workers). The directive will ensure fair remuneration and a level playing field between posting and local companies in the host country. 

The new directive provides for:

• remuneration of posted workers in accordance with host member state law and practices
• long-term posting of 12 months that can be extended to 6 months (18 months in total) on the basis of a motivated notification by the service provider
• application of universally applicable collective agreements to posted workers across all sectors
• equal treatment of temporary agency workers and local workers
• as regards the transport sector, the provisions of the amending directive will apply from the date of entry into force of the forthcoming sector-specific legislation
• 3 years transposition period plus 1 more year before the application of the directive.

All rules on remuneration which apply to local workers will also have to apply to posted workers. Remuneration will not only include the minimum rates of pay, but also other elements such as bonuses or allowances. 

The Platform against undeclared work will be used to fight fraud and abuses and to improve the exchange of information and administrative cooperation between member states. 

The revision of the 1996 directive was needed in order to adapt the legislation to new economic and labour market conditions, and to codify the case law of the European Court of Justice. This will improve the clarity of EU legislation. 

The revised directive focuses on issues covered by the EU regulatory framework established by the original 1996 directive. The revised posting of workers directive and the enforcement directive therefore complement each other and are mutually reinforcing. 

Posting of workers involved 1.9 million European workers in 2014. Although it represents only 0.7% of total EU employment, the posting of workers supports the cross-border provision of services across the Internal Market, particularly in the construction and some personal and business services sectors. Under existing rules, posting companies need to comply with a core set of employment rights of the host country, including minimum rates of pay. 

With this agreement the Council can start negotiations with the European Parliament.

We would like to warmly congratulate you on winning this Sunday's general elections. Your reconfirmation as Prime Minister gives you a strong mandate to accelerate an ambitious reform agenda and will allow us to further deepen the close personal relationship that we have developed.

We look forward to continuing our successful cooperation with you and to take forward our common agenda for free and fair trade and a rules-based international order. Following the EU-Japan summit held in July this year, we are finalising the negotiations of the Strategic Partnership Agreement and the Economic Partnership Agreement and we trust that very soon we can reap the benefits of these agreements. We should aim to conclude the negotiations by December. As strategic partners we have a responsibility to enhance our bilateral security partnership, as well as to cooperate closely on the manifold shared challenges in our regions, and in particular on the Korean peninsula.

We look forward to meeting you soon and wish you and your government every success for the future. 

Today in Luxembourg, EU Employment and Social Policy ministers agreed unanimously on the text of the Proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and gave the authorisation to sign it on behalf of the member states at the Gothenburg Summit.   

The President of the Council, Jevgeni Ossinovski, Minister for Health and Labour of Estonia, said: “The ministers were unanimous in their support for the Social Pillar. We all recognise that in the face of globalisation, digitalisation and the changing nature of work, our social systems need to change but remain robust. The proclamation summarises what Europe believes in and what makes it unique: a continent of equality, fairness and support for the vulnerable.”   

The Pillar is a political commitment and provides guidance to the member states and the EU institutions; it aims at strengthening the social acquis and delivering more effective rights to citizens. It focuses on employment and social aspects and at making the European social model fit for the challenges of the 21st century. The objective of the Pillar is to contribute to social progress by supporting fair and well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems. 

It sets out 20 principles and rights, divided into three categories:

• equal opportunities and access to the labour market
• dynamic labour markets and fair working conditions
• public support /social protection and inclusion. 

The proclamation covers for instance policy domains such as housing, education, social and health care and employment. 

The European Pillar of Social Rights will be proclaimed jointly by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission. Since there is consensus between the three Institutions on the joint text, the proclamation will be signed by the three institutions during the Summit for fair jobs and growth in Gothenburg on 17 November.

Investigations into the technical incident of 18 October affecting the kitchens of the Europa building are continuing but are not yet complete.

In light of the above, the Secretary General has decided that the Europa building will not re-open next week, unless the cause of the issue is determined and all installations have been inspected, verified and put back into service.

Meetings due to take place in the Europa building, as well as staff with offices there, are being temporarily transferred to the Justus Lipsius building in order to ensure the continuity of Council business. 

Majestades, Premiados, Autoridades, Señoras y Señores

I am happy that thanks to the decision of the Princess of Asturias Foundation, I am receiving tonight the Award for Concord European Union. And at the same time I am very proud that the same award - for Literature - is being received today also by a Pole, a great poet, Adam Zagajewski.

We met forty years ago, even if he doesn't know about it. I was still a student when I read his brilliant poem about censorship, in the time of the Communist dictatorship in Poland. Together with my friends, we printed this poem in our illegal printing house in several hundred copies. With time, Zagajewski became for my generation a symbol of the freedom of speech, of the independence of thought, and of our longing for Europe - not in the geographical sense, but in political, intellectual and axiological ones.

We both participated in the mass “Solidarity” movement, together with millions of our compatriots. We were beaten, thrown to jail, forced to go on exile. But we never gave up on a few simple principles: that violence doesn't solve anything, that dialogue is always better than conflict, that law should be respected by all the actors of the public life, and that harmony is better than chaos.

For all those years we both dreamt about a united Europe, where concord and truth prevail. And today, here in Oviedo, I want to underline that to me concord is a synonym of unity. And today we are in fact receiving the award of Concord, at the same time bearing in mind that there is no genuine concord without the truth.

In many parts of our world, people feel that they are surrounded by lies, manipulation and fake news.

But I deeply believe that truth is invincible. And that this ceremony is also an expression of this invincibility.

In fact one of the most beautiful poems by Adam Zagajewski talks about the truth. Together with my friends we have translated a fragment into Spanish:

El territorio de la verdad es claramente reducido,
estrecho como un sendero al borde de un precipicio.
¿Eres capaz de no salirte de él?
Acaso ya lo has abandonado.

Thank you very much.