European Union

The European Union and its Member States deeply regret the decision of the Venezuelan authorities to go ahead with the election of a Constituent Assembly on 30 July. 

The election of the Constituent Assembly has durably worsened the crisis in Venezuela. It risks undermining other legitimate institutions foreseen by the Constitution such as the National Assembly. The circumstances under which the election took place raise further doubts about the ability of the Constituent Assembly to effectively represent all components of the Venezuelan population. To all those who oppose serious negotiations, it has given an excuse to further drive conflict and use power unchecked. In addition, the legal attributions of the Constituent Assembly are unclear. 

The European Union and its Member States therefore cannot recognise the Constituent Assembly as they have concerns over its effective representativeness and legitimacy and call on the government of President Nicolas Maduro to take urgent measures to rectify the course of events. In particular, the effective installation of the Constituent Assembly should be suspended and the attributions of all institutions foreseen by the Constitution should be explicitly recognised. 

Further confidence-building measures, such as the release of all jailed political opponents, are also needed. In this respect, the EU and its Member States are deeply concerned by the news that Leopoldo López and Antonio Ledezma have been taken away from house arrest and ask for clarifications about their whereabouts. 

By taking this stand, the European Union and its Member States solemnly appeal to all those in Venezuela who have the democratic mandate to govern, to legislate and to administer law: they all need to exercise their respective responsibilities and negotiate a way forward. Negotiation, to be successful, needs compromise, and guarantees. It also needs the full respect for the constitutional rights and mandates of all legitimate State institutions, especially of the National Assembly, but also the Supreme Court and the Attorney General. 

The European Union and its Member States also welcome and encourage the offers of countries in the region and other international actors to accompany and facilitate such negotiations. They are ready to actively support all efforts towards this objective. 

In this context, they recall the four points identified in the 2016 dialogue and reiterated in the letter from Vatican Secretary of State Parolin, i.e. (i) an electoral calendar; (ii) opening of a humanitarian channel (iii) liberation of imprisoned opponents; and (iv) respect for the National Assembly. 

They call on all parties to refrain from violence, including through unidentified groups of armed civilians, and ask the authorities to ensure full respect for all human rights. 

The European Union stands ready to assist on all issues which could alleviate the everyday situation of the Venezuelan people. 

The European Union and its Member States are ready to gradually step up their response in case democratic principles are further undermined and the Venezuelan Constitution is not respected. 

On 28 June 2017, the Council adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/1148[1]. The Council Decision extends the existing restrictive measures until 31 January 2018.

The Candidate Countries Montenegro* and Albania*, and the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine align themselves with this Council 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 29.06.2017 in the Official Journal of the European Union no. L166, p. 35.

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

DRAFT REPORT Annual report on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Michael Gahler

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and amending Regulations (EU) No 515/2014, (EU) 2016/399, (EU) 2016/794 and (EU) 2016/1624
Committee on Foreign Affairs
David McAllister

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

Report on arms export: implementation of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP
Opinion on shrinking civil society space in developing countries - 2016/2324(INI)
Opinion on European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) - 2016/0357(COD)
Report on EU political relations with Latin America - 2017/2027(INI)
Report on establishing an instrument contributing to stability and peace - 2016/0207(COD)
Opinion on the use of the Schengen Information System for the return of illegally staying third-country nationals – 2016/0407(COD))
Opinion on the establishment, operation and use of the Schengen Information System (SIS) in the field of border checks – 2016/0408(COD))
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

On 19 June 2017, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2017/1087 [1]. 

The Council Decision extends the restrictive measures until 23 June 2018. 

The Candidate Countries Montenegro* and Albania*, and the EFTA country Norway, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and Georgia align themselves with this Declaration. 

They will ensure that their national policies conform to this Council Decision. 

The European Union takes note of this commitment and welcomes it.

 [1] Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/1087 of 19 June 2017 concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of  Crimea and Sevastopol (OJ L 156, 20.6.2017, p. 24). 

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

OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment, operation and use of the Schengen Information System (SIS) in the field of border checks, amending Regulation (EU) No 515/2014 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1987/2006
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Hilde Vautmans

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the use of the Schengen Information System for the return of illegally staying third-country nationals
Committee on Foreign Affairs
Hilde Vautmans

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced plans to set up hotspots in Libya as early as this summer, before retracting the statement just a few hours later. The security situation in the country precludes such a move, the Elysée announced, adding that feasibility studies would be carried out for Libya's border region with Niger and Chad. Europe's commentators weigh up the pros and cons of Macron's initiative.

One country after another is making moves to ensure that diesel and petrol engines become a thing of the past: Paris, Madrid, Athens and Helsinki plan to ban their production by 2025, with London following suit in 2040. In Germany the cartel scandal that has hit the automotive industry has added fuel to the debate. But commentators see bans as the wrong approach for various reasons.

The US Senate has followed the lead of the House of Representatives and approved by a large majority new sanctions against Russia. The corresponding legislation will now be presented to US President Donald Trump for signing. The EU Commission has threatened to react with countermeasures if Trump signs the measure into law. Europe's commentators view the developments with concern.