European Council

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.

I am happy to see so many of us here in Valletta today to discuss migration between our continents.

I would like to thank Prime Minister Muscat once again for kindly hosting us here in Valletta. I would also like to thank our senior officials for their hard work (until the early hours of this morning) in the preparation of a successful Summit.

As you know this meeting was suggested after the tragedy on 19 April, when hundreds of people lost their lives in the Mediterranean sea. This called on us to increase our efforts to try to stop such things from happening. The European Union took on the heavy responsibility of trying to save as many lives as possible. But this is dealing only with the symptoms. 

The only way we can manage migration is  by working together. Our purpose today is to agree a joint approach and concrete steps so that migration becomes fruitful exchange between our peoples, and not a tragic loss to all. We have a joint responsibility, and we must deliver on it in partnership and solidarity. That is why we are here.

Migration creates both challenges and opportunities and it affects us all - countries of origin, transit and destination. The number of people on the move globally has never been so big. Both Africa and Europe are put under heavy pressure trying to manage the scale and its effects on local communities.

Firstly, one of our biggest responsibilities is to address the root causes of the movements we are seeing. It is our job, as leaders, to ensure that people do not feel the need to risk their lives to achieve their aspirations. Security and opportunity are things that Europe and Africa already work on together. And we will continue to do so.

This means making our extensive development assistance more efficient, more targeted; creating more opportunities for young people to work. It also means stepping up our efforts to prevent and stop conflicts, and to help countries build systems of government that are accountable and open, that reinforce the rule of law, that respect human rights.

Secondly, people's aspirations and needs have to be met first and foremost at home. Legal migration can offer opportunities for some, but not for all. Routes for legal migration to Europe should remain open; mobility between our continents is a driver for growth on both sides.

Thirdly, and this is a crucial area for urgent action, we must do more to prevent the trafficking of human beings and the illegal smuggling of migrants by criminal gangs whose only motive is their own profit.

Fourthly, the EU and African countries have a history of protecting those entitled to international protection. We are ready to step up our support to you to help you deal with the displaced persons within Africa. At the same time, we will continue to offer international protection to those entitled to it.

Last, but definitely not least, proper return and readmission of those not entitled to international protection is essential. This is an international norm, and a responsibility of states to citizens. To keep the doors open for refugees and legal migrants, irregular migrants should be returned effectively and quickly. Voluntary return is always preferable. But when it is not possible, non-voluntary return is a pre-requisite for a well-managed migration policy. And once returned, we must all work together to reintegrate these people and provide them with the means to meet their aspirations.

Europe is taking its responsibility - saving lives, welcoming refugees and those entitled to international protection, offering more organised routes for legal migration, and dismantling criminal organisations.

We need our African partners to help us better address our common challenges. We have no choice but to be partners in this.

One of the strengths of our partnership is that we can have open and honest conversations about even difficult subjects.  We have these within the EU all the time.  Migration is a sensitive political topic within and amongst the EU Member States, as I am sure it is among African states too.  But we have to discuss it to find the right way forward for all of us. 

I look forward to our open and honest discussions. And more than that, I hope we will take the necessary action to forge our future cooperation. We have to turn our principles into action. Thank you.    

The School Fruit and Vegetables Scheme and the School Milk Scheme are currently separate programmes under which EU aid is allocated to member states. In January 2014, the Commission presented two proposals merging the schemes and amending the new Single Common Market Organisation (single CMO) regulation under the reformed Common agricultural policy (CAP)  and the regulation fixing certain aids and refunds. 

Following the examination of the proposal in the Council, on 12 October 2015 the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA) granted the Presidency a mandate to enter the first trilogue with the European Parliament on this proposal. The first trilogue took place on 20 October. The main issue at the time was the legal basis of the proposal, on which the mandate prepared for the 2nd trilogue shows some opening.

At the end of the 2nd trilogue on 11 November, while recalling its attachment to reach a positive conclusion of this issue, the Presidency deems that it is appropriate to wait before setting the date of the next trilogue. It considers that further informal contacts in the meantime will allow to clarify some elements discussed and will facilitate those negotiations to resume efficiently as soon as possible.

Getting the green light for placing novel foods on the EU market will become faster and cheaper while the high level of protection of human health will be preserved. That's the main purpose of a draft regulation that the Council's Permanent Representatives Committee approved on 11 November 2015. The draft regulation was voted by the Parliament on 28 October 2015. Novel foods are foods not consumed in the EU to a significant degree before May 1997. They include for instance foods to which a new production process is applied. 

"The compromise approved today is a needed step towards faster innovation in the novel foods market while guaranteeing high levels of consumer protection for the European citizens", said Lydia Mutsch, member of the Luxembourg government and President of the Council. 

Under the new rules the authorisation procedure for a novel food is expected to take on average around 18 months compared to three years under the current rules. The draft regulation also helps to reduce administrative burdens by switching to an EU-level procedure and providing for generic authorisations. This means that once authorised and added to the EU list a novel food may be placed on the market by any food business operator. This avoids the re-submission of new applications by other companies for the same novel food and should benefit in particular SMEs. Under the current rules, novel foods are authorised at national level and valid only for the applicant.

The new rules will also facilitate the access to the EU market for traditional foods from third countries having a history of safe food use. For these foods an applicant must demonstrate that they have been safely consumed by a significant part of a third country's population for at least 25 years. 

The scope of the novel food rules explicitly covers food containing engineered nanomaterials. The Commission is mandated to adapt the definition of engineered nanomaterials to technical progress or the definitions agreed at international level. 

The new regulation provides also clarity that insects are covered and are hence subject to an authorisation procedure. 

Food from animal clones will remain subject to the novel food rules. Commission proposals establishing specific rules on cloning are currently discussed in the Council and the European Parliament. 

The Council is expected to formally adopt the new regulation on 16 November before it is published in the Official Journal of the EU. It will enter into force 20 days after its publication and will be applicable two years later. 

The novel foods authorised under the current rules in the EU include for instance "rapeseed oil high in unsaponifiable matter", "rye bread with added phytosterols/phytostanols", "milk type products and yoghurt type products with added phytosterol esters", "coagulated potato proteins and hydrolysates thereof" and "phospholipids from egg yolk", "chias seeds" and "baobab extracts".

It is a pleasure to be here in this newly built parliament, a fresh and solid expression of a proud democracy. In fact, it is the first national parliament that I have addressed as President of the European Council. Thank you again for the invitation.  

Malta has always been at the crossroads of European history. This was true in the Great Siege of 1565 and also during the pivotal defence of this nation in World War II. Today, it is again true - although in quite a different way - in this new age of great migrations. And that is why Valletta is a particularly fitting place for African and European leaders to meet this week to begin really managing the disruptive and dynamic migration phenomenon through a rekindled partnership.  

I want to first of all thank Prime Minister Muscat. Following the tragic mass drownings at sea last April, he immediately offered to host what I hope will be an historic conference of African and European leaders this week. The Maltese authorities have been tireless, professional and highly effective in working with us on the preparations. Thank you for your hospitality and selflessness. We are in your debt.  

I also want to thank Malta for its assistance in tackling the refugee crisis whether it is supporting the work of the European Asylum Support Office here in Valletta, contributing to the hotspots in Greece and Italy or participating in the rescue missions across the Mediterranean. As a direct result of our collective actions, thousands of people were saved at sea this year who would otherwise have been lost. EU governments are reviewing over a million asylum applications between them, an all-time record number that would test any developed democracy. European leaders have helped to end donor fatigue to the World Food Programme and UN agencies to ensure that the basic needs of refugees in and around Syria are met.   

Nevertheless, there is still much more to do and we are under incredible pressure of events. Implementation of the actions the European Union has agreed at five summits this year devoted to tackling migration issues needs to be speeded up. This is why European leaders will also meet separately on Thursday to review where we are with our internal European efforts and in our contacts with Turkey.

The single most significant global development in the last century is that humanity has increased four times over, including in Africa. According to UN projections, the African population is set to double over the next 35 years, and then keep growing at this rate. With the enlargement of the Schengen area in 2007, Europe has only recently regained a freedom to travel internally that has not existed since the outbreak of the First World War. We have seen recently how this newly regained freedom remains fragile in many respects. These realities - alongside the deteriorating security situation in many Middle Eastern and African countries - are testing Europe's internal solidarity today. Facing them will challenge and change the European Union as fundamentally as any treaty amendment, national election, or monetary crisis.

With our African partners, we have a shared challenge which is much more profound than a refugee crisis. It is long-term, structural, deeply rooted in the economic situation of Africa where even economic growth does not entail immediate job creation but rather triggers social inequalities and increased urbanisation. This is intimately connected to the growing instability that can be observed in the Sahel, or in the Horn of Africa. Such complexity calls for a genuine solidarity between the two sides and a recognition that security and sustainable prosperity are the birth-right of Africans and Europeans, alike and equally.

This week, Africa and Europe are not inventing a new political framework for migration and development. We have it already, most recently reaffirmed at our last EU-Africa Summit in Brussels. Rather, we are setting out a very concrete roadmap to put some meat on the principles both sides agree on. Whether it be on visa facilitation, making the most of remittances for development or fighting smugglers together, this summit is about action, concrete and operational action. Fresh political energy will be injected by over 60 African and European leaders in attendance.

While acting together in this field, Europe must be inspired by respect for Africa's sovereignty, as well as a great empathy and common concern for the continent's pressing concerns. Economy, stability and security as well as governance and the rule of law are the three key challenges. There are many ways in which we are going to be more active and smarter in how we tackle them in partnership. One is a new Emergency Fund for Africa with seed funding of €1.8 billion. On top of our existing development aid to Africa, this new fund will help us - working together - to offer the peoples of Africa a better future at a time when young Africans today often only have a choice between unemployment or radicalisation. This is also why Europe will double the places available to African students and researchers via our Erasmus+ and Marie Skłodowska-Curie programmes.

Our African partners can help at a time of intense migratory pressure by working with us to put in place by the end of 2016 at the latest an administrative infrastructure that can be a model for others on how to manage migration better. This includes making much more progress on poverty reduction and conflict prevention. It also includes the issue of taking back in an efficient manner those who do not yet qualify for a visa, or those who do not require international protection. African officers based in our countries could help us to identify and document their nationals in Europe who may have destroyed their passports to avoid returning home when asked. But the European involvement will not end there: we will help African governments to re-integrate their own nationals and offer them meaningful socio-economic opportunities, including by funding training and educational programmes and creating new revenue streams for struggling communities. We will provide administrative help and more resources to assist African countries to deal with the huge migrations happening within Africa itself.

For over a decade, Malta has warned of the need for a more coherent European approach on migration. In 2005, the appearance of just a few hundred boat people was considered a very serious phenomenon. This year, according to the latest statistics, 1.2 million people have entered the Union irregularly, mainly by sea. But, through breakthrough initiatives like this week's summit, we hope to be in a much better place one year from now. Leaders will hopefully be able to work out a range of priority actions this week for how we get there, and get there quickly.  We want to create a more stable environment for legal migration.

But as I have underlined for many weeks in all my public appearances, and will continue to do so, like Scipio about Carthage: The precondition for conducting our own European migration policy is restoring effective control over our external borders.  

Migration will continue to be a politically destructive issue until true partnership is found between ourselves and others outside Europe, where each country, including our African partners, takes responsibility for its own borders and citizens.  

Equally, European countries have to take co-responsibility for the needs and aspirations of sending and transit countries so that we have real operational partnership on the ground, not just in the language of carefully crafted diplomatic texts. This is our mission here in Valletta. We have not come to make strangers of each other, but to become much closer and better neighbours.   

I want to thank Malta, its prime minister and its people, for everything you have done so far to help. Thank you.

On 10 November 2015, the Council adopted its position at first reading on the reform of the European trade mark system.

The reform of the current system will improve the conditions for businesses to innovate and to benefit from more effective trade mark protection against counterfeits, including fake goods in transit through the EU's territory.

The new legal framework is also aimed at making trade mark registration systems throughout the European Union more accessible and efficient for businesses in terms of lower costs and complexity, increased speed, greater predictability and legal certainty.

The Dutch delegation abstained from voting and the UK delegation voted against the adoption of the draft regulation. The Commission issued a statement.

The European Parliament is expected to vote in second reading at a plenary session before the end of the year, thus approving the Council's position at first reading without amendments and ending the legislative process.

Afterwards, the legal texts will be published in the Official Journal of the EU.

The Council adopted the following conclusions: 

1. REAFFIRMS that the EU and its Member States are committed to scaling up the mobilisation of climate finance in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency of implementation, in order to contribute their share of the developed countries' goal to jointly mobilise USD 100bn per year by 2020 from a wide variety of sources, public and private, bilateral and multilateral, including alternative sources of finance. STRESSES the need for fair burden sharing amongst developed countries.  

2. HIGHLIGHTS the contribution of EUR 14.5bn[1] in climate finance from the EU and its Member States for the year 2014, an increase compared to 2013. UNDERLINES that the EU and its Member States support both activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and activities that enable adaptation to the consequences of climate change.  HIGHLIGHTS that the EU and some EU Member States have announced scaled up amounts of public climate finance foreseen in the coming years thereby also increasing predictability.   

3. WELCOMES the report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with the support of the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), at the initiative of the French and Peruvian COP presidencies. WELCOMES the report's preliminary estimates of approximately USD 62bn in 2014 and USD 52bn in 2013 of public and private climate finance mobilised by developed countries, which indicates that substantial progress is being made.  Yet further efforts are needed    and developed countries need to continue to work together towards further scaling-up climate finance to fulfil the 2020 goal. 

4. WELCOMES the important climate finance contributions by some emerging economies and a number of developing countries and REITERATES its call for emerging economies and other countries in a position to do so to contribute to financing adaptation and mitigation of climate change in line with their respective capabilities, circumstances and responsibilities. WELCOMES the recent commitments made by most multilateral development banks to strengthen the integration of climate mitigation and resilience considerations throughout their portfolios including their commitments to scale up their climate related investments. 

5. RECOGNISES that climate finance will be an important part of the 2015 Agreement as a means to reaching the agreed goal of limiting the global average temperature increase to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, achieving transformational change to climate resilient, low GHG emission, sustainable economies and supporting adaptation to deliver climate resilient sustainable development. PROPOSES provisions on climate finance in the Agreement that are dynamic, outcome-oriented and enable Parties to adapt their approaches to all relevant aspects, in particular future needs and changing economic, fiscal and environmental realities, ensuring that all Parties take action in accordance with their evolving capabilities and responsibilities. STRESSES that such a process should be collective by including all Parties and comprehensive by including all sources and all types of efforts that contribute to the mobilisation of climate finance and the transformation of investment flows supporting the overall objectives of the Paris Agreement. The process should encourage the effective and efficient use of public funds, include periodic reviews and should lead to a more predictable, collectively scaled up mobilisation of climate finance and progression of efforts, while it should not entail automatic public climate finance commitments. This dynamic process should build on the existing processes, institutional arrangements and experiences gained under the Convention with a view to promoting confidence, effective implementation and transparency. 

6. REITERATES that public climate finance will continue to play an important role in the post 2020 period and CONFIRMS that the EU and its Member States will continue to provide public climate finance for mitigation and adaptation action in developing countries including a particular focus on support to the poorest, most vulnerable and those with the least ability to mobilize other resources. UNDERLINES that it should be used in the most cost-effective and efficient way in order to deliver the greatest possible impact whether through mitigation, adaptation or capacity building. 

7. RECOGNISES the private sector as a key source for climate finance and other relevant investment flows and EMPHASIZES that the 2015 Agreement should send a strong signal to the private sector to reorient financial flows to low-carbon, climate resilient investments. ACKNOWLEDGES that private sector finance is complementary to, but not a substitute for public sector finance, where public finance is needed. UNDERSCORES that one role of public finance together with public policy measures is to  reorient and mobilise private finance, for example via carbon pricing, financial instruments such as Green Bonds and public-private partnerships. NOTES that the EU and its Member States have in place and will continue to develop a broad set of instruments to mobilise private sector finance for international climate actions including mobilised local private sector finance. 

8. RESTATES that scaling up climate finance is an iterative process which goes hand in hand with national governments creating enabling environments via domestic development plans, climate strategies, policies, instruments and mechanisms and conducive regulatory frameworks which should contribute to the facilitation of private sector action. HIGHLIGHTS the need for increasing climate-resilient and low-GHG emission sustainable investments including by phasing down high carbon investments. 

9. UNDERLINES that carbon pricing is one of the key components of an enabling environment and can be achieved through a variety of tools, including regulation, emission trading and taxes. In this context, SUPPORTS carbon pricing initiatives as well as initiatives promoting the phasing out of environmentally and economically harmful subsidies.

10. CONFIRMS the EU and its Member States' commitment to report on climate finance in a transparent manner via the UNFCCC reporting process. SUPPORTS strengthened transparency and acceleration of the work towards a robust, common internationally agreed framework for measuring, reporting and verification (MRV) of climate finance flows. WELCOMES the joint statement and methodology on tracking mobilised private climate finance presented by donor countries on 5-6 September 2015. LOOKS FORWARD to the continued improvement of methodologies for reporting over time.  APPRECIATES the joint methodologies developed by the Multilateral Development Banks and the International Development Finance Club for reporting climate finance, the work of the OECD Research Collaborative on tracking private climate finance and the OECD Development Assistance Committee work stream on the Rio markers review. PROPOSES that the 2015 Paris outcome should include provisions for transparency on a broad range of flows (including those between developing countries) and on specific efforts that contribute to mobilising climate finance, developing enabling environments and mainstreaming. 

11. HIGHLIGHTS the importance of supporting adaptation to help make developing countries' development strategies and livelihoods increasingly climate-resilient. UNDERLINES the importance of a balance between adaptation and mitigation finance in line with countries' own priorities and objectives, and HIGHLIGHTS that the EU and its Member States collectively are making, and will continue to make efforts to channel a substantial share of public climate finance towards adaptation, especially by addressing the needs of the poorest and particularly vulnerable developing countries.  

12. STRESSES the importance of support for capacity building for mitigation and adaptation planning and efficient implementation. Further STRESSES the need for developing a pipeline of attractive projects and programs in order to crowd in financial resources and maximise effectiveness. HIGHLIGHTS the EU and Member States' continued support for capacity building for developing countries in need, including in the field of technology cooperation, in the context of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS), Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) and national adaptation planning processes, including where appropriate, National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). 

13. WELCOMES the operationalisation of the Green Climate Fund, including the decisions to aim for a 50:50 balance between mitigation and adaption over time, and the first approval of projects and programmes. HIGHLIGHTS that a substantial share of the funds committed (46 per cent) and made available comes from EU Member States. UNDERLINES the importance of all countries finalising their contribution agreements. WELCOMES contributions from developing countries to the Green Climate Fund and URGES all countries that are in a position to do so to contribute. PROPOSES that the financial mechanism of the Convention should serve as the financial mechanism of the new Agreement. 

14. WELCOMES the outcome of the Addis Ababa Conference, which strengthens the framework to finance sustainable low-carbon and climate resilient development in the universal 2030 Agenda, and clearly confirms that climate finance is an integral part of sustainable development. NOTES the EU and its Member States' determination to meet their commitment for the provision of Official Development Assistance; EMPHASISES that climate objectives and standards will continue to be important for the EU and its Member States in their Official Development Assistance by mainstreaming these objectives into development planning while focusing on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable countries.

15. WELCOMES the adoption of the "Transforming Our World: 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" and its comprehensive and ambitious set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including the goals of taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts and the goal to strengthen all means of implementation (financial and non-financial, national, international, public and private) and revitalise the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development. 

 [1]  This figure includes climate finance sources from public budgets and other development financial institutions. The EU and its Member States contributed EUR 9.5bn in climate finance in 2013. The EU and its Member States have collectively scaled up their bilateral and multilateral climate finance from 2013 to 2014. The 2014 figure also includes climate finance from the EIB of EUR 2.1bn and a more complete set of figures based on OECD data on imputed multilateral contributions. 

Directive 2003/48/EC, which since 2005 has allowed tax administrations better access to information on private savers, was repealed by the Council on 10 November 2015.

Repeal of the directive follows a strengthening of measures to prevent tax evasion. A significant overlap had developed with other legislation in this field, and the repeal eliminates that overlap.

Directive 2003/48/EC required the automatic exchange of information between member states on private savings income. This enabled interest payments made in one member state to residents of other member states to be taxed in accordance with the laws of the state of tax residence. The directive was last amended in March 2014 to reflect changes to savings products and developments in investor behaviour since it came into force in 2005.

In December 2014, the Council adopted directive 2014/107/EU amending provisions on the mandatory automatic exchange of information between tax administrations. It extended the scope of that exchange to include interest, dividends and other types of income. Directive 2014/107/EU will enter into force on 1 January 2016.

Directive 2014/107/EU is generally broader in scope than directive 2003/48/EC. It provides that in cases of overlap of scope, directive 2014/107/EU is to prevail.

Directive 2014/107/EU implements a single global standard developed by the OECD for the automatic exchange of information. The OECD standard was endorsed by G20 finance ministers in September 2014. EU agreements with Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino and Switzerland, initially based on directive 2003/48/EC, are currently being revised to be aligned with directive 2014/107/EU and the new global standard.

Repeal of directive 2003/48/EC is part of a tax transparency package presented by the Commission in March 2015.

The repeal was enacted by a directive adopted by the Council, which also provides for transitional measures. These concern in particular a derogation granted to Austria under directive 2014/107/EU, allowing it to apply that directive one year later than other member states.

The repeal directive was adopted at a meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council, without discussion.

On 5 October 2015, the Council adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1781[1].

The Council Decision extends existing measures for one person until 6 March 2016 and updates the statement of reasons relating to this person.

The Candidate Countries Montenegro* and Albania, and the EFTA countries Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this 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 6.10.2015 in the Official Journal of the European Union no. L 259, p.23. 

Montenegro and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

On 1 October 2015, the Council adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1764[1]. The Council Decision allows certain operations concerning specific pyrotechnics referred to in the Common Military List of the European Union necessary for European space programmes. Prior authorisation must be obtained for any of these operations from the relevant competent authority.

The Candidate Countries Montenegro* and Albania*, and the EFTA countries Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this 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 2.10.2015 in the Official Journal of the European Union no. L 257, p. 42.

 * Montenegro and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

On 1 October 2015, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2015/1763[1].

The Decision imposes a travel ban and asset freeze against persons undermining democracy or obstructing the search for a political solution to the crisis in Burundi, in particular through acts of violence, repression or incitement to violence, including acts that constitute serious human rights violations or abuses.

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 Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and  Armenia align themselves with this 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 2.10.2015 in the Official Journal of the European Union no. L 257, p. 37.

 * The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

The Council extended the mandate of the European Union Special Representatives (EUSRs) in Afghanistan, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and for the Horn of Africa until 28 February 2017.

The mandate of the following EUSRs are extended:

- Mr Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin, EUSR in Afghanistan since 1 September 2013,

- Mr Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, EUSR in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1 March 2015 and

- Mr Alexander Rondos, EUSR for the Horn of Africa since 1 January 2012.

EUSRs promote the EU's policies and interests in troubled regions and countries and play an active role in efforts to consolidate peace, stability and the rule of law. The first EUSRs were appointed in 1996. Currently, nine EUSRs support the work the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini.

The Council: 

1. RECALLS its Conclusions of 19 June 2015 on a Capital Markets Union[1] encouraging the Commission to elaborate a comprehensive, targeted and ambitious action plan for building a Capital Markets Union (CMU) as a lever for more jobs, growth and investment; 

2. WELCOMES the adoption by the Commission of the Action Plan on Building a Capital Markets Union[2] with a step-by-step approach based on a thorough analysis and the Commission's presentation of a first package of more concrete proposals and initiatives[3]; and STRESSES the importance of preserving momentum also in the long-term with a concrete and ambitious agenda for further on-going action; 

3. RECALLS that the CMU is an important pillar of the Commission Investment Plan to promote jobs and growth in Europe by continuing the three pronged approach (growth-friendly fiscal consolidation, structural reforms, investment) as well as by removing unjustified barriers to cross-border investment and diversifying the sources of funding, thus supporting notably the financing of infrastructure and SMEs; 

4. UNDERLINES the relevance of the CMU as a project of shared importance for EU-28, and as a priority for completing the Economic and Monetary Union[4], WELCOMES the opportunity that it presents for all Member States, including those with less developed capital markets to tap into deeper European financial markets and STRESSES the principles of subsidiarity, proportionality as well as preservation of financial stability and investor protection to be respected in all related initiatives; 

5. RECALLS that well-functioning cross-border capital markets benefit the smooth transmission of monetary policy and facilitate more private risk-sharing, thus contributing to making the EU-28, including the euro area, more resilient to shocks; 

6. SUPPORTS accordingly the following priority areas, including those identified by the Commission:

• increasing the variety of financing sources available for all businesses, in particular SMEs and small mid caps, from smaller or larger financial markets, including high-growth potential and innovative SMEs, and building on successful solutions for connecting them to a wider basis of prospective investors. This should be achieved by using a balanced approach based amongst others on market-led initiatives and self-regulation of the market where appropriate and possible, as well as legislative initiatives where unjustified barriers warrant an intervention from the legislator; and, especially by advancing the work streams in areas such as: the Prospectus Directive, Venture Capital, Crowdfunding, Private Placements, Mini Bonds, SME growth markets and SME credit information;
• ensuring an appropriate regulatory environment for long-term, sustainable investment and financing of Europe's infrastructure, including steps to attract private capital in order to realise the targets of the Investment Plan for Europe, and to assess and support financial market developments that contribute to environmental sustainability;
• increasing investment and choices for retail and institutional investors within a framework of adequate investor protection, beginning with the publication of a Green Paper focused on retail financial services and insurance in the last quarter of 2015, as well as through exploratory work on the potential merits of a European framework for long-term individual savings schemes such as third pillar personal pensions;
• enhancing the capacity of banks to lend, in particular to SMEs, notably through establishing an appropriate framework to revive simple, transparent and standardised securitisation, exploratory work on the potential merits of a European framework for covered bonds, building on national regimes that work well, by addressing the issue of Non-Performing Loans, and by ensuring a proportionate treatment for credit institutions, notably smaller ones, consistent with the single market;
• assessing the coherence, consistency and the cumulative impact of the financial reforms  on the financing of the real economy; and,
• examining and dismantling unjustified cross-border barriers to the development of capital markets for all 28 Member States, including where appropriate in the area of clearing and settlement and other market infrastructures, and also finding (through appropriate tax working groups) pragmatic solutions to long-standing tax obstacles such as double taxation linked to current withholding tax arrangements, while duly considering the implications on financial stability and national legal regimes;

7. CALLS for a swift adoption of the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down common rules on securitisation and creating a framework for simple, transparent, and standardised securitisation and amending Directives 2009/65/EC, 2009/138/EC, 2011/61/EU and Regulations (EC) No 1060/2009 and (EU) No 648/2012 and of the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms, with the aim of reviving securitisation markets, thereby increasing the capacity of banks to lend and allowing for channelling funds efficiently from non-banks to the real economy‎ and preserving financial stability, whilst decreasing overreliance on external ratings; and, maintaining an adequate risk sensitivity;

8. LOOKS FORWARD to the Commission's proposal to revise the Prospectus Directive to make it easier and cheaper for firms to raise funding on public markets by eliminating overly burdensome requirements while  improving investor protection, especially through the focus on relevant, comprehensible information;

9. STRESSES the importance of preserving financial stability objectives of financial legislation,  consumer and investor protection and the single market, including through the single rulebook, while taking good note of the Commission's intention to review this body of law to ensure coherence, internal consistency and proportionality, accordingly LOOKS FORWARD to the outcome of the Commission's Call for evidence on the EU regulatory framework for financial services; and, SUPPORTS the maintenance of a stable regulatory environment in the EU. 

10. INVITES the Commission, in the context of the relevant sectoral reviews, to assess the impact of third-country regimes, including equivalence and mutual recognition, in current regulations on the structure of European capital markets, the competitiveness of the European financial industry as well as effective access to third-country markets; 

11.    ENCOURAGES the Commission to consult, without delay, the Member States with a view to identifying  business insolvency law-related barriers to the development of a single market for capital, as referred to in the Action Plan; WELCOMES the Commission's intention to submit, on the basis of those consultations and having due regard to the complexity of the involved subject matters and the resulting need for taking a balanced approach, a proposal aiming to ensure, in full respect of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, that the main business insolvency-related obstacles identified are tackled, drawing on best practices and well-performing national frameworks; specifically, NOTES the possible need to establish, where necessary, a reasonable timeframe for completing insolvency proceedings and increasing transparency on the possible outcomes of insolvency procedures across the EU and improving access to early restructuring possibilities subject to further analysis; 

12. INVITES the Commission to present the outcome and possible follow-up of its study on the cross-border issues in the area of directors' liability and disqualifications as soon as possible;

13. NOTES THAT analysis by the Commission of possible barriers in other relevant areas, such as for instance securities law, may be needed before taking actions in these  areas to further facilitate cross-border investing; 

14. EMPHASIZES the Commission's conclusion that the next steps towards Capital Markets Union can be taken based on the existing mandates of the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs); RECOGNISES the need for the ESAs to work on strengthening supervisory convergence, where appropriate through peer-review procedures and, if necessary, enhanced coordination, identifying where a more collective approach can improve the functioning of the single market for capital, including involving initiatives by national competent authorities; and STRESSES the need for all national authorities to implement EU financial rules fully and consistently in order to ensure the highest levels of conduct and integrity across the EU capital market; 

15. NOTES the importance of the Commission's plan to further analyse, in a White Paper, by mid-2016, the governance and financing of the ESAs, with due account of their European role; 

16. ACKNOWLEDGES the need to review the EU framework for preserving financial stability to cater for potential risks beyond the banking sector; 

17. REAFFIRMS the commitment of Member States to the long-term vision of a genuine Capital Markets Union, the objective of a higher level of financial integration and stronger capital market financing together with enhanced bank financing, thus leading to a more balanced financing structure between equity and debt of EU businesses and further cross-border private risk-sharing, and to the effective implementation of agreed CMU actions at national level; and, in this spirit, LOOKS FORWARD TO working with the Commission to develop a roadmap to identify existing barriers to the free movement of capital and ways to remove the most damaging and unjustified ones; and to discuss the proposal of the Commission  to address the debt-equity bias in taxation within the appropriate fora; and INVITES the Commission to continue the public debate on the ability of the EU financial industry to contribute to a successful CMU; 

18. ENCOURAGES the Commission and Member States to focus on addressing the issue of the  financial literacy of future investors and other market agents, which is important for the overall and balanced success of the CMU project; 

19. WELCOMES the Commission's intention to develop a strategy for providing technical assistance to Member States where needed to reinforce specific capacities of national capital markets; 

20. INVITES the Commission to report, at least every six months to the Council through the Financial Services Committee and the Economic Financial Committee, providing an evidence-based assessment of the progress made in the build-up of the Capital Markets Union including on the basis of key indicators and evidence.

 [1]  Doc. 10148/15 
 [2] Doc. 12263/15
 [3] Commission Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down common rules on securitisation and creating a framework for simple, transparent, and standardised securitisation and amending Directives 2009/65/EC, 2009/138/EC, 2011/61/EU and Regulations (EC) No 1060/2009 and (EU) No 648/2012; Commission Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms; Consultation Document on covered bonds, Consultation on venture capital and social entrepreneurship funds, Call for evidence on EU regulatory framework for financial services. 
 [4]  Completing Europe's Economic and Monetary Union: Report by the 5 Presidents. 

Good evening and welcome to the Eurogroup press conference.
First of all we discussed the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD) and specifically the setting up of the Single Resolution Board (SRB). Ms Elke König was with us and informed us on all the preparations they are doing to have the SRB up and running on the 1 January 2016. A lot of work has to be done - the organisation has to be put up, rules and regulations have to be designed etc., so we were very impressed by the work she has done so far and hope to welcome her in the Eurogroup on a more regular basis. There were two issues that she draw to our attention:

1. Setting up of the national credit lines. That will also be on the agenda of tomorrows Economic and Financial Affairs Council;
2. Timely ratification of the Intergovernmental Agreement and transposition of the BRRD by all the Member States.

I am happy to inform you that the Dutch Senate will vote on the last part of legislation tomorrow (10 November 2015) so knock on wood. Then we will have our work done, and all that in preparation for 1 January 2016, of course.

The second issue on our agenda was Greece. We were informed by the Commission, the ECB and the IMF on the state of play, and by the ESM. A lot of progress and work has been done in terms of programme implementation, further development and it has been a very cooperative process. This has been emphasised by all sides. So that was very good news.

We've also taken stock of the ongoing recapitalisation exercise with Greek banks. There too a lot of work has been done and the size of the recapitalisation is smaller than expected earlier, and actually the speed of the process is also going quite smoothly so far. The next thing to do is to have all the financial sector measures in place before the completion of the recapitalisation process. Our Greek colleague Efkleidis Tsakalotos gave his commitment to get that done. There are open issues which you may have heard about which have to do with nonperforming loans, and more specifically household insolvency. So more work needs to be done to get an agreement also on those issues. Implementation needs to be finished over the course of the coming week. All of that is necessary to finalise the process of the recapitalisation. As you remember €10 billion has already been put in a segregated account in the ESM, which is ready if needed and when needed for the recapitalisation process, but of course the agreed conditions need to be met.

So there are two key issues - one is about the governance of the banks, and the other key issue still to be resolved is about household insolvency. So those conditions are to be met in the coming days. We have mandated the Euro Working Group to reconvene at the latest at the beginning of the next week to take stock of the compliance report from the institutions. Hopefully the whole first set will be implemented, but also some of the key issues regarding the governance of the banks will be put in place. And then at the beginning of the next week the EWG can assess that and come to a positive conclusion, which will then be followed by an ESM Board of Governance meeting because they in the end have to take the decisions to make available the €10 billion, or less if less is needed at that point. So that's the process that we've outlined for the coming days and we are all committed to get that done in time. 

Let me quickly mention a couple of other issues on our agenda. We were informed, on the basis of the autumn forecast, of the ongoing economic recovery in the euro area. The recovery will continue despite some global economic issues which we are all aware off. There was great consensus that at the same time we need to use this period and the benign circumstances to push forward structural reforms to get higher potential growth in the euro area. 

On the future of the monetary union, we had an initial exchange of views on the follow-up to the 5 Presidents' report. In October the Commission presented its first proposals on economic governance and today we had a first round of debate on that, and specifically on external representation. Not much I can say about that. It was a first round, and on some other issues like the Fiscal Board and the Competitiveness Authorities. The debate on those governance issues will be on the Ecofin agenda tomorrow, so we'll pick up on that from there. 

These were the main highlights from me.

The Council, in full cooperation with the Commission, having in mind the necessity to safeguard the functioning of the Schengen area and to reduce migratory pressures, agreed the following measures to implement fully the orientations already agreed by the European Council and the Council in compliance with EU acquis. It decided:

1.             to encourage Member States and relevant third countries to intensify ongoing efforts to substantially increase reception capacities, for which the Council welcomes rapid identification by the Commission of additional financial support for affected countries and for the UNHCR;

2.             that the establishment of hotspots in Italy and Greece will be intensified, with support of the Member States, the Commission, Frontex and EASO, so that all of these function by end of November 2015 as previously agreed;

3.             that all participating Member States will speed up the relocation process, notably by communicating their capacities for first relocations and by nominating as appropriate relocation liaison officers to Italy and Greece, preferably by 16 November 2015. In parallel, Italy and Greece will substantially accelerate the preparatory steps necessary for relocation. The Council and the Commission support Italy and Greece in their decisions to register migrants before further handling their case on the mainland, in particular with Eurodac machines provided by Member States. Member States endeavour to fill by 16 November 2015 the remaining gaps in the calls for contribution from Frontex and EASO, which will simplify the profiles required and the appointing procedures;

4.             that Member States, with the full support of the Commission and Frontex, will substantially improve the return rate. Member States should also provide return experts for the pool of European Return Liaison Officers for rapid deployment;

5.             that Member States, to overcome the potential lack of cooperation of migrants as they arrive into the European Union and while fully respecting the fundamental rights and the principle of non-refoulement, will make use of possibilities provided by the EU acquis, such as (1) asylum procedures at borders or transit zones; (2) accelerated procedures; (3) non-admissibility of subsequent asylum applications by the individuals concerned; (4) coercive measures, including, as a last resort, detention for a maximum period necessary for the completion of underlying procedures. In addition to existing guidelines on systematic fingerprinting, the Commission is invited to issue, in cooperation with EASO and Frontex, further practical guidance on the consequences of the registering obligations in the light of the Dublin rules, the relocation decisions and the international readmission obligations.

Furthermore, the Council agrees to explore the concept of processing centres in countries where the hotspot approach has not been implemented, supported by the Commission and relevant EU agencies, in order to organise access to international protection and/or for the purpose of return;

6.             to fully support the Commission in pursuing contingency planning of humanitarian assistance for the Western Balkans, in light of the approaching winter. The Union civil protection mechanism should be used to the maximum possible extent. The Council encourages Member States to provide further assistance through this mechanism;

7.             as regards controls for entry and exit at external borders, to assist the Member States concerned in respecting their legal obligation to perform adequate controls, to manage and to regain controls of the external borders and increase coordination of actions relating to border management. This will involve a range of supporting measures by Frontex, gradually extending, as necessary, to the deployment of Rapid Border Intervention Teams (RABITs) in accordance with EU rules;

8.             to support the upscaling by 1 December 2015 of the Poseidon Sea Joint Operation in Greece within the current operational plan;

9.             to conduct at the December Justice and Home Affairs Council, on the basis of the 8th bi-annual reporting by the Commission, a thorough debate on the functioning of the Schengen area (1 May 2015 - 31 October 2015) and on the lessons learned from temporary reintroductions of controls at internal borders;

10.         to invite Europol to accelerate the establishment of the European Migrant Smuggling Centre (EMSC) to strengthen its capacity to support Member States in better preventing and fighting against migrant smuggling. The EMSC will encompass the Joint Operational Team (JOT) Mare initiative and further extend Europol actions, including with a focus on the Western Balkans area, in close cooperation with all relevant EU agencies, and in particular Frontex and Eurojust. The swift and effective deployment of officers at the hotspots on key migratory routes should be a component of this approach;

11.         to invite Member States, in coordination with the Commission, to set up by 1 December 2015 a network of single operational contact points on migrant smuggling, as set out in the EU Action Plan against Migrant Smuggling 2015-2020, while stepping up their efforts to intensify investigation and prosecution of migrant smugglers and traffickers;

12.         to continue examining pending legislative proposals on a crisis relocation mechanism and on safe countries of origin as already planned, as well as on other priority actions such as on the adaptation of the Dublin system and on the gradual establishment of an integrated management system for external borders;

13.         to invite the Commission and the High Representative to press for practical results on return and readmission in their bilateral dialogues, notably during the upcoming high-level meetings with Afghanistan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tunisia and Turkey. By its next meeting on 3-4 December, the Council expects a first progress report on these dialogues. This will allow to exchange views on the appropriate incentive packages to be used vis-à-vis third countries;

14.         that the first European Migration Liaison Officers (EMLOs) should be deployed as a matter of priority to Ethiopia, Niger, Pakistan and Serbia by the end of January 2016;

15.         to reiterate the importance of Member States' resettlement activities to address the migration crisis, noting progress on this so far including at EU level. The Council agrees that further efforts should be made to enhance resettlement opportunities with an emphasis on certain priority third countries. It invites the Commission to continue its work on resettlement as a matter of priority;

16.         in order to secure concrete steps on border control, on the prevention of irregular migration and on the fight against trafficking and smuggling of migrants, to support accelerating the fulfilment of the visa liberalisation roadmap with Turkey towards all participating Member States and the full implementation of the readmission agreement, in the context of the enhanced cooperation foreseen in the action plan;

17.         to define, as a matter of urgency, a common information strategy addressed to asylum seekers, migrants, smugglers and traffickers aiming at (1) discouraging migrants to embark on perilous journey and to have recourse to smugglers, (2) explaining how EU rules on the management of external borders and international protection operate, including resettlement, relocation and return, (3) disseminating counter-narratives to the ones being used by the traffickers and smugglers of migrants, (4) informing about criminal prosecutions against traffickers and smugglers and (5) informing about return operations. As part of an information strategy geared at reducing pull factors, it should be clearly explained that migrants must register in their first Member State of arrival; that, under EU law, asylum seekers have no right to choose the Member State responsible for examining their application; and that migrants without a need of protection will be swiftly returned. Furthermore, a clear message should be passed that migrants cannot refuse to cooperate with the relevant national authorities. Henceforth, all necessary measures will be taken by Member States to prevent, deter and draw the consequences of such movements and non-cooperation. The Commission will pull together in the coming days a dedicated team from all relevant institutional actors to deliver on these objectives and will inform about the implementation at the Council meeting on 3-4 December 2015; 

18.             to support the Presidency's decision to upgrade the activation of the Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) from information-sharing to full activation mode including by providing information to feed the ISAA process, by contributing to the identification of operational gaps and by supporting communication activities, thereby improving political coordination and decision-making process at EU level. In this framework, on the basis of the needs and gaps identified in the ISAA reports, roundtables will be convened regularly for the management of the migration crisis, bringing together appropriate expertise in order to allow a timely policy coordination and response at EU level, in particular on the implementation of interlinked measures on borders, reception capacities, hotspots and returns, on financial and human resources pledges and on operational and logistical priorities.

The Council (Competitiveness) took stock of the serious challenges faced currently by the European Steel industry. 

The EU steel sector suffers from major global overcapacity in production, which pushes down prices and encourages trade distorting behaviour from competing regions. High energy costs are eroding margins. And the resulting closure of steel plants is costing thousands of jobs. 

The Council agreed on the gravity of the situation as well as on the need to take concrete actions that will help ensure the long-term viability of a modern European steel sector. 

The Council also considered that these measures should be part of a comprehensive approach aiming at creating competitive framework conditions for EU industry as a whole, including through a predictable and consistent regulatory environment as well as measures to stimulate innovation, since many of the issues faced by the steel sector are shared by other energy intensive industries. 

Taking into account the results of the Council discussion, the Presidency considers that the following concrete actions should be taken as a matter of priority: 

• To intensify or launch discussions involving all important steel producers in the context of the OECD Steel Committee and through the Commission's bilateral steel dialogues with third countries like China, Russia, Belarus, Turkey and India.
• To make full and timely use of the full range of EU trade policy instruments to ensure a global level playing field and to address restrictive measures in third countries in particular as regards the steel sector.
• To take a constructive approach when it comes to the modernisation of Trade Defense Instruments that further streamline and expedite their operation, increase transparency, predictability, effectiveness and enforcement.
• To further improve access for the EU steel industry to third markets, including through public procurement, through bilateral and multilateral negotiations and implementation.
• To make full use of the Investment Plan for Europe to upgrade and modernise the steel sector through use of the European Investment Advisory Hub and the European Fund for Strategic Investments.
• To make best use of the possibilities given under the revised State Aid rules to support Energy Intensive Industries in R&D&I, training, environment, employment and ETS costs.
• To improve the competitiveness of sectors most at risk of carbon leakage, including the steel industry, by considering, as part of the reform of the European emissions trading system (“EU ETS”):
  - a more focused mechanism for free allocation of allowances, for example through a tiered approach;
  - elements to minimise the need for a cross-sectoral correction factor by the end of ETS phase IV, while creating the right incentives for industrial innovation and enhancing the possibility to increase production levels, in line with the conclusions of the October 2014 European Council.
• To support the swift implementation of the European Energy Union to ensure access to secure, affordable and climate-friendly energy.
• To fully exploit the possibilities under the forthcoming Communication on the Circular Economy.
• To make best use of the available EU instruments and funding, such as the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund and the European Social Fund, for upskilling workers and facilitate their re-integration into the labour market in case of mass redundancies in any industrial sector, including the steel industry.

To follow up on this extraordinary meeting of the Competitiveness Council, it has been agreed to call for a special High Level stakeholders' conference, involving the social partners, to review the current situation and consider policy actions, in the context of the ongoing work of the High Level Group on Energy Intensive Industries.

The implementation of the 2013 European Steel Action Plan should be assessed in the context of that meeting.

First of all, allow me to express cautious optimism, and I have to underline of course the word cautious. Tonight leaders took important decisions that will help secure the Union's external borders. 

We welcomed the agreement of an EU-Turkey joint action plan to tackle the current migratory crisis. Our intensified meetings with Turkish leaders here in Brussels,  Ankara, and in New York in the last couple of weeks, were devoted to one goal: stemming the migratory flows that go via Turkey to the EU. The action plan is a major step in this direction. Still, as I made clear from the very start, an agreement with Turkey makes sense only if it effectively contains the flow of refugees. Here let me thank Jean-Claude and the Commission for the great work in negotiating the action plan, it was really a demanding and difficult issue and all of us were very impressed by the effectiveness and impressive pace.

Second, we agreed to work on an integrated border management system that will go beyond the Frontex mandate. In  the coming months, the agency will be developed into a more operational body. Our aim is to give Frontex the right to return irregular migrants on its own initiative, and to make it more proactive in protecting the external borders. In the meantime, Member States will be ready to send hundreds more border guards to Frontex and EASO to secure the hotspot areas in Greece and Italy.

Progress on  genuine border security is in my opinion, a very important achievement of tonight. Not because I have advocated the need to protect the EU's borders, but because it is our first obligation to protect the European community, and to guarantee public order. We have made a step in this direction.

Third, we also discussed broader challenges in order to be ready for a new influx of refugees next year. We had a debate on the future of the Dublin regulation, on the EU border guard system and on the specific role of hotspots. These are all divisive issues and the goal today was to  have a first serious exchange of views on them. If we are not able to find humanitarian and efficient solutions, then others will find solutions which are inhumane, nationalistic and for sure not European.

And finally on Britain: I briefed leaders on the preparatory discussions between my officials and the UK over the last months. We welcomed Prime Minister Cameron's commitment to set out the UK's specific concerns in writing by early November. Thank you

This morning, we had useful discussions with the social partners on their role in stepping up employment and growth in Europe. The recovery is under way, but Europe continues to pay the social costs of the crisis. The political damage, I have in mind the rise of populism for example, is also growing. Our exchange highlighted that we need to work on the social dimension of the Economic and Monetary Union. The Five Presidents' Report has given us ideas on how to do this.

The Social Summit also discussed the refugee crisis, including the challenge of receiving and integrating refugees coming to Europe with no prospect of being able to return home in the medium term. The social partners have a huge role to play here. And finally, we also discussed the possible impact the migration influx may have on the European labour market and our economy.

Let me now turn to the European Council. We agreed in September that our priority should be strengthening the EU´s external borders, as well as increasing our support for the countries in the neighbourhood and the refugees there. And today we will build on that.

First, I expect leaders to agree a set of conclusions that will make full use of Frontex now and develop it into a more operational body, including the right to initiate and conduct returns, and be pro-active when it comes to protecting external borders.

Second, in the context of Valetta Summit with the African countries, Turkey and the wider Middle East region, we will discuss what the "more for more" principle should mean in practice. The aim of all these talks will be an effective return and readmission policy, prevention of illegal migration, and creating legal migration channels.

But at the same time we must turn words into deeds when it comes to financial assistance to the region. National pledges to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, to the World Food Programme that helps provide food to the displaced people in the region, and to the EU trust funds for the countries of origin and transit have not been fulfilled. We can and must do much better here. This is a point I will make tonight.

Third, we will address the very complex situation in the region. Our talks with Turkey are ongoing. Libya is still volatile. And the situation in Syria is deteriorating. All this may lead to a new massive exodus of refugees. It is our obligation to be prepared for all possible scenarios. We must ask ourselves if the decisions we are going to take are sufficient to contain a new migratory wave.

Finally, leaders need to start discussing, together, some of the big challenges in the medium and long term. On the future of the Dublin system, which is now in force. On the specific role of hotspots in light of different opinions regarding their character and purpose. And on the strengthening of our external borders, including a possible EU border and coast guard system. We will not find a solution today but we need to start a serious discussion.

I also want to add how impressed I was by what was said during the tripartite social summit about the problem of refugees. That this problem, this challenge, can be transformed into an opportunity. And that it is crucial here to combine realism with decency, pragmatism with solidarity. Our partners showed an approach towards refugees without any prejudice, without ideological orthodoxies, help-oriented and full of common sense. For me this is a source of cautious optimism, and I thank you for your support in this context. Thank you.

The EU welcomes the signing of a Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) between the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Ethnic Armed Organisations. We congratulate the parties on their determination to conclude a challenging negotiation process. After decades of armed conflict and civilian suffering, this day marks a significant milestone on Myanmar/Burma's road to peace, security and prosperity. 

Compromises were made by all parties, demonstrating strong political will to address long-standing grievances through dialogue and co-operation rather than conflict and violence. 

The signing of the NCA is essential to establish a just and lasting peace in Myanmar/Burma. It allows for the start of a comprehensive, inclusive and credible political dialogue which will be the next step towards national reconciliation, respect for the rights of persons belonging to minorities and equitable development for all. 

The EU notes that not all ethnic armed organisations have signed the NCA today. It is important that ongoing dialogue with the groups that have not signed is prioritised in order to continue to build trust. We welcome the inclusion of these groups, as observers, in the next phase of the process. 

As a long-standing partner and active supporter of Myanmar/Burma's peace process, the EU is honoured to be one of the parties invited to sign the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement as an international witness. The EU and its Member States will continue to closely follow the peace process. We remain committed to further supporting it.