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Statement on what the outcome was of the General Affairs and External Relations Council held on 21st February; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.
Statement on what the outcome was of the General Affairs and External Relations Council held on 21st February; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Jim Hood
(Labour)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 February 2005
For answer on
3 March 2005
Answered on
3 March 2005
Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs and
External Relations Council held on 21 February; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its
voting record; and if he will make a statement. [218156]
Mr. MacShane: The information is as follows:
Outcome of the 21 February 2005 General Affairs and External Relations Council
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, John Grant (UK Permanent Representative to the EU) and I represented the UK at the
General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Brussels on 21 February 2005.
Conclusions were agreed on the Middle East, Iraq, Western Balkans, Ukraine and Sudan.
General Affairs Session
Preparations for the European Council--22/23 March, Brussels
The presidency introduced the draft agenda for the March European Council. The European Council will discuss the mid-term review of
the Lisbon agenda, reform of the Stability and Growth Pact, sustainable development and international issues. The next meeting of
the GAERC on 16 March will or prepare discussions in detail.
Future financing 2007-13
The Council had an exchange of views on competitiveness for growth and employment (spending on Lisbon-related objectives). The
Government argued that the budget needed to be determined according to rigorous prioritisation and clear EU value added. The
Government also argued, along with other supporters of an overall 1 per cent. GNI budget package, that the proposed budget (a
threefold increase) was far too high. All member states endorsed research and development as a general priority but with different
emphases on where EU value-added lay. Most member states expressed deep scepticism about the proposed Growth Adjustment Fund. The
next meeting of the GAERC on 16 March will have a broader discussion of progress in the overall future financing negotiation.
External Relations Session
MEPP
The Council discussed the recent political developments in the MEPP, including the outcomes from the Sharm al-Sheik meeting and the
Israeli Government's formal decision to implement the disengagement plan, which includes withdrawal of settlements from Gaza and
part of the West Bank. The UK thanked the presidency, High Representative Solana, Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner and member states for
their support for the 1 March London Meeting and explained the aim of the meeting was to assist the Palestinian leadership in
building the institutions for a viable state. The focus would be on economic, governance and security institutions. The Council also
discussed the importance of implementing UNSCR 1559 and condemned the attack which killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic
Hariri.
Iraq
The Council discussed strengthening the EU's relations with Iraq following last month's successful elections and agreed a package of
measures to that end. These include an integrated ESDP Rule of Law Mission (EUJUST LEX) with a liaison office in Baghdad, continued
assistance with the elections process, provision of constitutional experts, intensified activity on capacity building in Iraqi
Ministries particularly in the trade and energy sectors, and a commitment to an EU Troika visit to Iraq and a Joint Political
Declaration to frame future co-operation, as soon as the Iraqi Transitional Government is in place and political developments allow.
There was also discussion on the effective co-ordination of international reconstruction assistance to the Iraqi administration
based on a French proposal. The UK welcomed the French proposal and thanked member states and the Commission for their constructive
approach. There was much the EU could now do to help nurture Iraq's new government and the continuing political process.
Western Balkans
The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative, Soren Jessen-Petersen, joined Ministers for a discussion on Kosovo. The Council
offered Mr. Petersen its support for his work to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1244. It noted that the Review of UN-
endorsed Standards would take place in mid-2005. If positive, this Review would pave the way for a process to determine Kosovo's
final status. The Council expressed hope that the Provisional Institutions of Self Government would continue implementation of
Standards to allow a positive assessment. The Council encouraged Belgrade to engage constructively on Kosovo. It reaffirmed that the
future of the Western Balkans--including Kosovo--was within the European Union; the EU would therefore have an important future role
to play. The Council emphasised that Kosovo's future must be consistent with the principles of multi-ethnic democracy. The UK
supported this assessment of the road ahead, agreeing that the UN would remain in the lead in Kosovo but that the EU would also have
an important role to play.
The Council also discussed Croatia and adopted Conclusions which set out clearly that Croatia must co- operate fully with the
International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia if accession negotiations are to open on 17 March.
Transatlantic relations
Ministers briefly discussed the EU meeting with President Bush on 22 February with the presidency stressing the need for
strict discipline on both the length and substance of interventions at the 22 February meeting. Ukraine
After a brief discussion, the Council agreed Conclusions based on the 10 point package presented to the GAERC on 31 January
by Commissioner Ferrero- Waldner. The package consists of 10 concrete steps to strengthen co-operation between the EU and Ukraine
beyond the European Neighbourhood Action Plan which was also launched and endorsed by the EU- Ukraine Co-operation Council in the
margins of the GAERC on 21 February.
Revision of Cotonou
The Council discussed revisions to the text of the Cotonou Agreement (which governs EU relations with the African Caribbean and
Pacific (ACP) states) and the accompanying financial package to succeed the ninth European Development Fund (EDF) in preparation for
the EU/ACP ministerial meeting on 23 February 2005. Commissioner Michel briefed the Council of the latest state of play on
negotiations of the text with the ACP. Differences between the two sides were now small and he was confident that agreement could be
reached on 23 February. Agreement was also reached on the financial package with the retention of language on a performance
review on which decisions about financing beyond the minimum agreed sum would be based. The flexibility in the language on the
sunset clause setting 2007 as the final date for commitments of funds under the current EDF was also retained. Both are good
outcomes for the UK.
Sudan
The Council agreed Conclusions which call upon the Government of Sudan and the National Democratic Alliance to sign the full Cairo
Agreement as soon as possible, note the Council's concerns about violations of the ceasefire and it's readiness to support measures
agreed in the UN Security Council, and welcome the International Commission of Inquiry report on Darfur.
AOB--Great Lakes
Belgian Foreign Minister De Gucht briefed the Council on his recent visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He had two
concerns. First, further problems could arise if no solution was found to the training of a unified army. Belgium had trained one
unified brigade, and was helping with a second. But EU funding was required to support this. He hoped that a solution could be found
by the time of the next GAERC. Second, election plans for the DRC were unrealistic. If a referendum on the constitution was held in
July, as planned, elections could not take place until 2006. One solution would be to hold elections in July and for both houses of
the provisional parliament to vote on a new constitution immediately thereafter. The presidency suggested that EU Africa Directors
meet soon to discuss the two issues raised.
AOB--Belarus
Lithuania called for the EU to do more to support democratisation, human rights and the independent media in Belarus. Lithuania
informed the Council they would host a workshop in Vilnius on 18 March.
AOB--Mercosur
Spain stressed the importance of the EU's strategic relationship with the Mercosur countries. The presidency said they would
strengthen work with a view to the EU/ Mercosur meeting in May.
Subjects
Democracy; Elections; Human rights; International assistance; EU enlargement; Iraq; EU action; EU budget; EU economic policy; Peacekeeping operations; Voting behaviour; Balkans; Croatia; Sudan; Kosovo; Middle East; Ukraine; Peace negotiations; EU external relations; EU aid; Mercosur; Democratic Republic of the Congo; ACP countries; Belarus; EU General Affairs and External Relations Council
Date
3 March 2005
Reference
218156; 431 c1382-4W;431 c1376-8W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the outcome was of the General Affairs and External Relations Council held on 2nd to 3rd November; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the outcome was of the General Affairs and External Relations Council held on 2nd to 3rd November; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Jim Hood
(Labour)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
3 November 2004
For answer on
9 November 2004
Answered on
9 November 2004
Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs and
External Relations Council held on 2-3 November; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its
voting record; and if he will make a statement. [196923]
Mr. MacShane: The answer is as follows:
Outcome of the 2 November 2004 General Affairs and External Relations Council
I represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Brussels on 2 November in the absence
of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary. John Grant (UK's permanent representative to the EU) accompanied me. This was a short
half-day GAERC, which dealt primarily with the preparation of the European Council held on 5 November 2004.
Conclusions were agreed on Iraq and Sudan.
General Affairs Session
Preparations For The European Council (5 November 2004)
The Council examined draft conclusions prepared by the Presidency for the European Council. These were finalised prior to the GAERC
by officials. The Presidency outlined the main items that the European Council was due to discuss. These were: Economic
issues--Presentation by Mr. Wim Kok, chairman of a high-level group advising the Commission on the preparation of the mid-term
review of the economic reform strategy laid down at Lisbon in March 2000. Justice and home affairs--Adoption of a new multi-annual
agenda for the EU's area of freedom, security and justice. Communicating Europe--The European Council would examine how better to
communicate to the public on the EU's work and its relevance to people's daily lives. EU enlargement--The President of the
Commission would present a number of policy documents regarding Bulgaria. Romania. Croatia and Turkey's applications to join the EU.
External relations--Conclusions were expected on Iran. Iraq, the Middle East and Sudan. The Conclusions agreed at the GAERC on Iraq
and Sudan were forwarded to the Council and attached to a Council Declaration. Draft conclusions for Iran and the Middle East were
not discussed at the GAERC. These were discussed in the run-up to the European Council.
The European Council would also meet for the first time with Mr. Josep Borrell, the new President of the European Parliament.
External Relations Session
Preparation Of The Eu-Russia Summit
The Council was briefed by the Presidency, the Commission and High Representative Javier Solana on preparation of the EU-Russia
Summit to be held in The Hague on 11 November.
The summit, the fourteenth to be held under the EU- Russia Partnership and Co-operation Agreement, is due to address the building of
four "common spaces" for the EU and Russia, namely the common economic space, the common space of freedom, security and justice, the
common space of external security and the common space of research and education. International and regional issues, such as the
Middle East (including Iran and Iraq), terrorism. Moldova and the South Caucasus, are also likely to be discussed. The Presidency
noted that the four "spaces" were part of a single package. AOB--Somalia
On the agenda at Italian request, the Council held a brief exchange of views on the situation in Somalia following the election of
Mr. Abdullahi Yusuf as President on 10 October and the expected formation of a transitional government. The Presidency
reiterated support for the peace process in Somalia and emphasised the EU's willingness to contribute to the country's stabilisation
and reconstruction, notably through support for African Union initiatives.
AOB--African Great Lakes Region
The Council was briefed by the Belgian Foreign Minister on efforts to bring peace and security to the African Great Lakes region,
with particular focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the light of his recent visit in the region.
AOB--Guinea Bissau
The Council was briefed by the Portuguese Foreign Minister on recent developments in Guinea-Bissau following unrest on
6 October and on efforts led by the international community, including Portuguese- speaking States, with a view to
contributing to a stabilisation of the situation.
AOB--Belarus
At the suggestion of the Polish delegation, the Council briefly discussed EU policy with regard to Belarus in the light of
irregularities in the parliamentary elections and referendum on 17 October and attacks on opposition leaders and media
representatives at a political demonstration in Minsk on 19 October. It will discuss the matter in greater detail at its
meeting on 22 November.
Subjects
Applications; Bulgaria; Africa; EU enlargement; Iraq; EU action; EU economic policy; EU justice and home affairs; Romania; Croatia; Turkey; Sudan; Iran; Middle East; EU external relations; Somalia; Belarus; Guinea-Bissau; EU General Affairs and External Relations Council
Date
9 November 2004
Reference
426 c631-3W;426 c632-4W; 196923
House
House of Commons
Statement on what the outcome was of the General Affairs and External Relations Council held on 12th to 13th July; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.
Statement on what the outcome was of the General Affairs and External Relations Council held on 12th to 13th July; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Jim Hood
(Labour)
Answered by
Denis MacShane
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 July 2004
For answer on
20 July 2004
Answered on
20 July 2004
Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs and
External Relations Council held on 12 to 13 July; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its
voting record; and if he will make a statement. [184432]
Mr. MacShane: The information is as follows:
Outcome of the 12 July 2004 General Affairs and External Relations Council
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in
Brussels on 12 July.
Conclusions were agreed on Afghanistan, Western Balkans, Sudan, Iraq and Asia-Europe.
General Affairs Session
Presidency Work Programme
The Presidency presented its work programme for the second half of 2004. Five priorities are identified in the work programme:
Making a success of enlargement; Strengthening the European economy and reducing the administrative burden; The area of freedom,
security and justice; The Union's future financial and budgetary structure: Agenda 2007; The EU's role in the world: an effective,
coherent and committed external policy.
Constitutional Treaty
The Council decided that signature of the EU's Constitutional Treaty will take place in Rome on 29 October.
Progress of Work in Other Council Configurations
The Council took note of a progress report from the Presidency on work under way in the Council's other configurations (the Justice
and Home Affairs Council, the Trade Council, Economic and Financial Affairs Council, the Transport and Communications Council and
the Agriculture and Fisheries Council.)
Relations With Ukraine
The Council took note of the Presidency's work plan regarding implementation of the EU's Common Strategy on Ukraine.
The Commission is expected to submit a formal proposal for an action plan to the Council in September 2004. This should lead to a
comprehensive plan, which at the same time identifies clearly a limited number of key priorities and offers real incentives for
further reform.
The current Common Strategy on Ukraine expires in December 2004.
Visas--Russia
The Council decided to authorise the Commission to begin negotiations with the Russian Federation on facilitation of the issuance of
short-stay visas to EU and Russian citizens.
United Nations
The Council approved a paper on the European Union's priorities for the 59th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The
emphasis of these priorities is to uphold and develop international law, and to effective multilateralism.
External Relations Session
WTO/DOHA Development Agenda
The Council took note of the presentation made by Commissioner Lamy on the current state of the negotiations. The Council underlined
the importance of reaching a satisfactory agreement at the WTO General Council at the end of July on the negotiating frameworks for
agriculture, non-agricultural market access, the Singapore Issues, and development. The Council agreed to hold a special session of
the Council in Brussels, which is foreseen for the 26 July 2004, with a view to establishing an EU position.
Iraq
The Council met the Iraqi Foreign Minister, Mr. Zebari, who indicated the areas in which he hoped the EU would be able to make a
visible contribution to the political, economic and social reconstruction of his country. The Council welcomed this opportunity to
discuss the future of Iraq with Mr. Zebari, and looked forward to deepening political engagement with Iraq. The Council warmly
welcomed the restoration of sovereignty to the Iraqi Interim Government that took place on 28 June. It reaffirmed its support
for the people of Iraq and the fully sovereign Iraqi Interim Government. Conclusions were agreed.
Middle East Peace Process
The Council examined the situation in relation with the Middle East Peace Process following in particular the Advisory Opinion
rendered by the International Court of Justice on 9 July concerning "Legal consequences of the construction of a wall in the
occupied Palestinian Territory".
Asia-Europe
The Council discussed the way ahead on preparations for the ASEM Summit and adopted conclusions.
Sudan
The Council expressed grave concern at the situation in Darfur and continued to emphasise the importance of humanitarian access,
human rights and security. The Council called upon member states and other actors of the international community to substantially
increase their support to the humanitarian relief effort under way. The Council welcomed the active involvement of the international
community. The Council welcomed the efforts to address this issue at the UN Security Council. Conclusions were agreed.
Western Balkans
Serbia and Montenegro: The Council welcomed the outcome of the recent presidential elections in Serbia. It encouraged all democratic
forces to work together in order to accelerate political and economic reforms, to fulfil all international obligations, including
full co- operation with ICTY.
Serbia and Montenegro/Kosovo: The Council confirmed that the new Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Kosovo, Mr.
Soren Jessen- Petersen, will have the full support of the European Union.
Bosnia and Herzegovina/ICTY: The Council strongly supported the measures announced on 30 June by EUSR and High Representative
Paddy Ashdown to help ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina co-operates fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former
Yugoslavia (ICTY).
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: The Council expressed its gratitude to the outgoing EU Special Representative, Mr. Soren
Jessen-Petersen, for his vital contribution to the consolidation of peace and stability in the former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia. It appointed ambassador Michael Sahlin as his successor, who will take up the position of EUSR on 1 August 2004.
Conclusions were agreed.
Afghanistan
The Council welcomed the decision announced by the Joint Electoral Monitoring Body (JEMB) to hold presidential elections in
Afghanistan on 9 October 2004. These elections are a key requirement under the Bonn Agreement of December 2001 and represent
a new milestone in the process of constructing a democratic, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. Conclusions were agreed.
European Security and Defence Policy
EU military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Council adopted a Joint Action on the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This follows the decision by
NATO to conclude its successful SFOR-operation and the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of Resolution 1551. Major
General A. David Leakey (UK) was appointed EU Force Commander.
European Union Special Representative in BiH
The Council adopted a Joint Action revising the mandate of the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) in Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Paddy Ashdown.
European Defence Agency
The Council formally adopted a Joint Action establishing an Agency in the field of defence capabilities development, research,
acquisition and armaments--to be known as the European Defence Agency.
Subjects
Constitutions; EU enlargement; Iraq; EU common foreign and security policy; Economic situation; EU action; International law; Visas; Balkans; Afghanistan; Russia; Sudan; Kosovo; Middle East; Ukraine; Peace negotiations; EU external relations; North Macedonia; Serbia and Montenegro; European Defence Agency; EU General Affairs and External Relations Council
Date
20 July 2004
Reference
184432; 424 c172-5W;424 c173-5W
House
House of Commons