Results of the General Affairs and External Relations Council
Javier Solana, Bernard Kouchner, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Olli Rehn
© Conseil de l'Union européenne
- from: 08.12.2008
- to: 09.12.2008
- In: Brussels
Discussions were first devoted to preparing the conclusions of the European Council on 11 and 12 December, and to the four main objectives which will be on the meeting agenda of the Heads of State and Government, regarding:
- the Lisbon Treaty, and the definition of a roadmap which takes into account Ireland's concerns and the constraints of the European calendar;
- the response to the economic and financial crisis, the effective link-up of the Commission's and Member States' recovery plans, and the use of all available European economic and social instruments;
- environmental matters, in particular the fight against climate change, with the adoption of directives that should allow the European Union to fulfil its objectives to cut greenhouse gas emissions while accounting for the competitiveness needs of European enterprises
- the relaunch of European security and defence policy, a priority of the French Presidency, with the adoption of essential texts. The ministers approved the update of the European Security Strategy, presented to them by Javier Solana, and the declaration on the reinforcement of military capabilities.
As a specific example of the new security challenges and the increasing role the EU is called upon to play, the Atlanta operation which fights maritime piracy in the Gulf of Aden, was officially launched.
In the area of external relations, particularly on current affairs, a series of important conclusions was adopted:
Following the terrible attacks in Mumbai, the ministers underlined the intrinsic security issues in this region and the necessity for enhanced cooperation between all actors, particularly between India and Pakistan. They indicated, notably, their determination to reinforce cooperation between the EU and Pakistan, insisting both on political dialogue and trade. To this end, meetings should quickly be stepped up and a Summit organised under the Czech Presidency.
The ministers took note of the political progress made towards resolving the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They welcomed the pursuit of dialogue between Kinshasa and Kigali and the discussions which should open on the same day in Nairobi between representatives of the Congolese government and the CNDP (National Congress for the Defence of the People). They recalled nevertheless the gravity of the humanitarian situation.
An in-depth discussion has been launched to reply to the request addressed by the UN Secretary General to the European Union, on the sending of an interim European military force responsible for supporting the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), pending the arrival of 3 000 additional soldiers authorised by the Security Council. On the basis of this discussion, they charged the General Secretariat of the Council and the Commission to rapidly provide elements for a technical, humanitarian and political response.
In the context of the ongoing, political impasse in Zimbabwe, the continuing degradation of the economic situation, and the seriousness of the sanitary situation, the Council broadened the sanctions in force, sanctions which remain specific and do not affect aid, such as humanitarian aid; the ministers entrusted the Presidency with reinforcing the sanctions depending on how the situation develops. It also requested the World Health Organisation to take into account the sanitary emergency posed by the cholera epidemic to determine whether it justified accrued action.
An in-depth debate took place on the situation in the Middle East, a week before the meeting of the Quartet, to take place in New York on 15 December, and on the strengthening of EU relations with its Mediterranean partners. The ministers approved the principle of reinforcing relations between the EU and Israel, particularly regarding political dialogue, and insisted that this deepening of relations encourage the Israeli authorities to do more to improve living conditions on the ground (the immediate freezing of settlement activities, opening of points of passage into Gaza, reducing the traffic restrictions that are strangling the economy and hampering the everyday lives of Palestinians), and contribute to advancing the peace process.
The foreign affairs ministers of the 27 also took stock of the EU's enlargement process strategy and the Western Balkans: they recalled the prospect of the accession of the Western Balkans and underlined that progress in Croatia should both be a motivating factor and an example for the region. The countries concerned should continue moving ahead with the necessary economic and political reforms. They saluted the deployment of the EULEX civil mission throughout Kosovo, which will begin in its initial operational capacity on 9 December 2008 and pave the way to reconfiguring the international presence in Kosovo.
Ministers addressed a message of support to Turkey: encouragement to adopt the way of political reform, as the Turk government has committed to do, and encouragement also to work in favour of good-neighbourly relations and comply with its obligations with regard to Cyprus. The Council also saluted Turkey's significant and constructive contribution in the South Caucasus and the Middle-East, and stands resolutely beside Turkey in the fight against terrorism.
- Updated: 30.12.2008
