European Union

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague is to release its ruling on the border dispute between Croatia and Slovenia next week. The Slovenian government has announced that it will abide by the ruling. Croatia, however, says it doesn't feel obliged to observe it. Zagreb would offend not just Slovenia if it doesn't, commentators warn.

Just under a year after the British voted to leave the EU the Brexit negotiations have begun in Brussels. Weakened after the general elections, the British government will be more open to a softer and more humane Brexit, commentators believe, putting their trust in the negotiators' bargaining skills.

The power struggle in Romania has entered a new round. The leadership of the ruling Social Democrats (PSD) under Liviu Dragnea submitted a no-confidence vote against its own head of government, Sorin Grindeanu. The vote is scheduled for this Wednesday. The Romanian press warns of the consequences of this bitter contest for power within the party.

The Premio Princesa de Asturias de la Concordia Award granted to the European Union is a significant recognition in a year marked by the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome.

Six decades ago, the founding fathers of the EU sowed the seeds of a united Europe in the ashes of a devastating war. Since then, the path we have followed has helped us develop a union of peoples, allowing Europeans to embark upon a project of peace, democracy and prosperity.

Thirty years ago, Spain joined this European adventure enthusiastically and with a constructive spirit. Today, it has become one of the main protagonists of the European project.

On behalf of the European Union, we accept this prestigious award and we express our appreciation for the recognition and great honour bestowed upon the EU by Spain.

Press contacts:

For the European Council
Preben AAMANN (+32 2 281 20 60; +32 476 85 05 43)

For the European Parliament
Jaume DUCH GUILLOT (+32 2 284 30 00; +32 496 59 94 76)

For the European Commission
Margaritis SCHINAS (+ 32 2 296 05 24; +32 496 58 38 26)
Mina ANDREEVA (+32 2 299 13 82; +32 498 99 13 82)

 

More information on the Princess of Asturias Foundation website

"The European Union has achieved the longest period of peace in modern Europe, contributing to introducing and disseminating values such as freedom, human rights and solidarity to the world. These values of the European Union project hope for the future, in times of uncertainty, offering an example of progress and well-being."

On 21 June 2017, the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a proposal for a revised directive concerning the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The agreement will have to be confirmed by the EU ambassadors (Coreper) during their meeting scheduled this Friday, 23 June.

The new directive revises the scope of the Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2). It includes amendments aimed at establishing equal treatment of products covered by the Directive, proposes to exclude a particular product: pipe organs; and specifically, addresses concerns arising from the "open-scope" product group. 

"We have reached a deal with the European Parliament to reduce hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. With this new legislation, we are improving the prevention and management of  waste and encouraging the reuse and recycling of those products and materials in the EU. The Maltese presidency is determined to move the EU forward towards a more circular economy."

José Herrera, Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change

The main purpose of the amended text is to address a number of problems which were identified in the evaluation carried out by the Commission in relation to the scope of the Directive. Specifically, it will ensure the possibility of secondary market operations (e.g. reselling, second-hand market) for electrical and electronic equipment that were newly covered by RoHS 2 and the use of spare parts for such equipment if they are put on the market before 22 July 2019.

Both the Council and the European Parliament are in favour of the approach followed by the Commission not to widen the scope of this revision and leave, as scheduled, the general review of the Directive for 2021. In the agreed text, the Commission is required to carry out this general review of RoHS2 by 22 July 2021. 

In relation to applications for the renewal of an exemption warranted under the directive, the Commission will also have to inform applicants on the expected timing of the decision-making process.   

Next steps 

Once the deal is approved by the Council's Permanent Representatives Committee the new directive has to be formally adopted by the Council and the European Parliament. 

The legislative act will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. 

Background

The Commission submitted a proposal for a new directive amending Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS 2) on 26 January 2017. The Council adopted its negotiating mandate on 14 June. On the same day, the European Parliament gave its authorisation to start negotiations immediately.

RoHS 1 and 2 have introduced measures to limit the presence of these harmful substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The existing Directive RoHS2 broadened the scope significantly as it now applies to all electrical and electronic equipment (EEE)  placed on the EU market.

Martinez Silva
Area of Freedom, Security and Justice
A national of a non-EU country holding a single work permit in a Member State enjoys, as a general rule, the social security benefits provided for nationals of that State

W and Others
Approximation of laws
Where there is a lack of scientific consensus, the proof of the defect of the vaccine and of a causal link between the defect and the damage suffered may be made out by serious, specific and consistent evidence

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Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

Length of video : 67'
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Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

All Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) activities of the European Union, including military missions and operations, are dependent on effective command and control, on assured information and functioning, as well as on uncontested communication and information systems.

They rely on the availability of free and secure access to the internet or – using the newer and broader term – to ‘cyberspace’. But cyberspace is becoming a new battlefield. Cyber-attacks are daily business, and part of foreign affairs as well as CSDP operations and missions.

Anonymously, without attribution, and below the threshold of armed conflict, adversaries are using the cyber domain to accomplish their political, economic and military objectives in emerging ‘hybrid’ scenarios. The means vary from sharing disinformation in social media and influencing public opinion and electoral behaviour to more severe, destabilising operations: cyber-attacks targeted at energy, transport or banking systems, and even direct cyber operations on the EU’s CSDP networks.

Although there is no evidence yet being specifically targeted, operations and missions are facing growing cyber-threats.

“Cyberspace is becoming a new battlefield”

In 2014 – in the follow-up to the publication of the EU Cyber Security Strategy – the European External Action Service developed a framework policy to improve Europe’s resilience against cyber threats in CSDP activities and develop capabilities for cyber-security and defence implementation.

Recently, the Global Strategy for the EU’s Foreign and Security Policy designated cyber-security and defence as a priority. These high-level documents form a valuable foundation for the implementation of cyber-security and defence in CSDP activities.

For the three most recent EU military missions, an appropriate consideration of cyber-defence aspects was achieved in planning; resilience and protection of command, control and communication information have been implemented successfully.

The missions also identified four lessons for the future:

• Human risk mitigation: The most important aspect of resilience is to prepare the people involved, as the most common ‘cyber-vulnerability’ is the human element. This essentially requires a change in culture and behaviour in handling and working with information and communication technologies, which can be achieved through constant education and by regular cyber-awareness training.
• Early planning: To ensure effective cyber-security and -defence during conduct, it is essential to consider cyber aspects as early as possible during the planning phase.
• Sharing Cyber Intelligence information: Cyber aspects must be included in and seen as part of the overall threat evaluation for the planned operations or missions. Any planning and conduct of cyber-defence has to be supported by continuous cyber-intelligence information. This information is to be provided by the EU’s strategic intelligence structures, underpinned by intensified information-sharing between member states and other partners.
• Increased awareness: Importantly, commanders and their staff must be able to understand detailed cyber-related information. They have to know about the relevance of the cyber domain in today’s conflicts ‒ to be accepted and used as the fifth operational domain equal to land, air, sea and space ‒ and the impact of cyber operations.

In view of the above-mentioned challenges and reflecting the lessons learnt, the EU Military Staff (EUMS) developed a new ‘EU Concept for Cyber Defence for Military Operations and Missions’ in 2016. The aim was to describe the process of an assured and effective consideration of cyber aspects in (military) planning and give means to implement cyber-defence measures in operations and missions, addressing cyber-specific organisational and procedural aspects as well as requirements for member states’ provision of cyber-capabilities for CSDP activities.

The Cyber Defence Concept also defined follow-up activities to implement cyber-defence in CSDP activities. A major task is building up resilience, mainly through education, training and exercises, and the streamlining of the EU’s cyber-defence education and training landscape.

“A key enabler is cooperation with civilian and military partners”

Supported by the EUMS and the member states, the EU Military Training Working Group (EUMTG), the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) and the European Defence Agency (EDA) are working hand-in-hand on new initiatives for the design, development, conduct and evaluation of training activities and exercises, from awareness training to courses for high-level decision-makers.

A key enabler for this work is cooperation with civilian and military partners. While cyber-expertise from industry and academia is linked into the processes mainly by the EDA and the ESDC, the EUMS interacts closely with NATO on military aspects of cyber-defence. The implementation plan of the EU-NATO Joint Declaration, adopted by the European Council in December 2016, gives a huge impetus also to the common use and development of training and exercises by the two organisations.

The success of cyber-defence in security operations and missions remains dependent on a well-balanced combination of state-of-the-art technology, well-functioning structures and procedures, as well as educated, cyber-aware and competent staff.

But, more than ever, this success has to be enabled by agreements on cooperation and sharing of information on cyber incidents, both with external partners, such as NATO, and internally, across member states and EU institutions.

With likely organisational changes and the integration of civil and military elements in crisis management and response, there is a clear need for an integrated approach to counter cyber- (and hybrid) threats for a stronger stance and more resilience across all military and civilian security and defence activities.

IMAGE CREDIT: CC/Flickr – West Point – The U.S. Military Academy

The post Cyber-defence needs to be implemented in EU’s military activities appeared first on Europe’s World.

European Ceremony of Honour for Dr. Helmut Kohl on 1 July 2017

To honour the legacy of Dr. Helmut Kohl, Honorary Citizen of Europe, the three European institutions are co-organising a European Ceremony of Honour on 1 July in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

This will be followed by a ceremonial event in the cathedral in Speyer (Germany).

Further information will follow soon.

Press contacts:

For the European Council
Preben AAMANN (+32 2 281 20 60; +32 476 85 05 43)

For the European Parliament
Jaume DUCH GUILLOT (+32 2 284 30 00; +32 496 59 94 76)

For the European Commission
Margaritis SCHINAS (+ 32 2 296 05 24; +32 496 58 38 26)
Mina ANDREEVA (+32 2 299 13 82; +32 498 99 13 82)

Cérémonie d'hommage européen en mémoire d'Helmut Kohl, le 1er juillet 2017

Afin d'honorer la mémoire d'Helmut Kohl, citoyen d'honneur de l'Europe, les trois institutions européennes organisent une cérémonie d'hommage européen le 1er juillet, au Parlement européen, à Strasbourg.

Elle sera suivie par un événement solennel à la cathédrale de Speyer (Spire, Allemagne).

Des informations complémentaires suivront dès que possible. 

Personnes de contact pour la presse:

Pour le Conseil européen
Preben AAMANN (+32 2 281 20 60; +32 476 85 05 43)

Pour le Parlement européen
Jaume DUCH GUILLOT (+32 2 284 30 00; +32 496 59 94 76)

Pour la Commission européenne
Margaritis SCHINAS (+ 32 2 296 05 24; +32 496 58 38 26)
Mina ANDREEVA (+32 2 299 13 82; +32 498 99 13 82)

Europäischer Trauerakt für Dr. Helmut Kohl am 1. Juli 2017

Zu Ehren des Vermächtnisses des europäischen Ehrenbürgers, Dr. Helmut Kohl, richten die drei europäischen Institutionen am 1. Juli im Europäischen Parlament in Straßburg einen europäischen Trauerakt aus.

Daran schließt sich eine Trauerfeier im Dom zu Speyer (Deutschland) an.

Weitere Informationen folgen in Kürze.

Kontakt für die Medien:

Für den Europäischen Rat
Preben AAMANN (+32 2 281 20 60; +32 476 85 05 43)

Für das Europäische Parlament
Jaume DUCH GUILLOT (+32 2 284 30 00; +32 496 59 94 76)

Für die Europäische Kommission
Margaritis SCHINAS (+ 32 2 296 05 24; +32 496 58 38 26)
Mina ANDREEVA (+32 2 299 13 82; +32 498 99 13 82)

https://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu/uploads/council-images/thumbs/uploads/council-images/remote/http_7e18a1c646f5450b9d6d-a75424f262e53e74f9539145894f4378.r8.cf3.rackcdn.com/kenya_thumb_169_1383581479_1383574154_129_97shar_c1.jpg

Today, the European Union remains a steady and significant supporter of Kenya’s economic and social development, and a major partner in the country’s integration into the global marketplace. The entry into force of the Cotonou Agreement on April 1st 2003 provides a framework for the continuation of this partnership.

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1.             The EU-Montenegro Stabilisation and Association Council (SA Council) held its eighth meeting on 20 June 2017. This meeting was chaired by Mr Aleksandar Andrija PEJOVIĆ, Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro. Ms Helena DALLI, Minister of European Affairs and Equality of Malta, led the European Union delegation (on behalf of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini). Mr Christian DANIELSSON, Director General for Enlargement Negotiations and European Neighbourhood Policy, represented the European Commission.

2.             The SA Council meeting provided a timely opportunity to review Montenegro's progress in its preparations for accession and to consider priorities for further work within the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

3.             In the context of the accession negotiations, the SA Council welcomed the opening of a number of negotiating chapters since its last meeting. It also looked forward to the opening of another two chapters, namely chapter 1 (Free movement of goods) and chapter 22 (Regional policy and coordination of structural instruments), as well as to the provisional closure of chapter 30 (External relations) at the subsequent Accession Conference. The SA Council encouraged Montenegro to continue its work on meeting all benchmarks and to continue focusing on the fundamentals of the accession process: rule of law, economic governance and public administration reform. It welcomed the inclusion of civil society representatives in preparations for EU accession and of related reforms, and encouraged Montenegro to continue improving consultation mechanisms with civil society.

4.             Concerning the Copenhagen political criteria, the SA Council took note of the parliamentary elections held in Montenegro on 16 October 2016 which were conducted under a substantially revised legal framework and, in general, in a more participatory and transparent manner. Given the ongoing boycott of parliamentary work by the opposition, the SA Council encouraged all relevant actors to return the political debate to the democratic institutions, notably to Parliament, where it belongs. The SA Council took note of the investigations and ongoing legal proceedings regarding the events on and around election day.

5.             The SA Council welcomed the continued implementation by Montenegro of the action plans for chapters 23 and 24. It recalled that it remained essential for the overall pace of the negotiating process that the entire rule of law system delivers more concrete results and a strengthened and sustainable track record, in particular in the fight against corruption and organised crime, including effective investigations, prosecutions and final convictions. In this regard, the SA Council took positive note of the significant progress achieved in legislative reform and institution-building and acknowledged progress in establishing an initial track record in the repression of high-level corruption and some forms of organised crime. The SA Council noted that track records remained limited in some areas of prevention of corruption, seizure and confiscation of criminal assets, human trafficking and money laundering. This also applied to violence against journalists.

6.             With further regard to the political criteria, the SA Council recalled the importance of media freedom and encouraged the authorities to step up their efforts in creating an environment conducive to investigative journalism and media freedom in general.

7.             With regard to public administration, the SA Council welcomed the adoption of the 2016-2020 public administration reform strategy and encouraged the timely implementation of its action plan. The SA Council reiterated the importance of addressing remaining capacity issues in Montenegro's public service, with a view to the future effective implementation and enforcement of the acquis.

8.             The SA Council commended Montenegro for its continued commitment to regional cooperation and its constructive role in maintaining regional stability. It welcomed the active participation in numerous regional initiatives in South Eastern Europe and the good neighbourly and bilateral relations it entertains with other enlargement countries and EU member states. The SA Council welcomed the continuity of meetings in the format of joint committees established under the bilateral agreements in accordance with the SAA.

9.             The SA Council strongly commended Montenegro for its consistent cooperation with the EU on foreign policy issues, in particular its full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy.

10.         The SA Council took note of Montenegro's recent completion of a major step towards further Euro-Atlantic integration, as recognition of the country's reform efforts, especially in the area of rule of law.

11.         Concerning the economic criteria, the SA Council welcomed the submission by Montenegro of its third economic reform programme in January 2017. The SA Council invited Montenegro to ensure a close and timely follow-up to the policy guidance provided in the joint conclusions of the economic and financial dialogue between the EU and the Western Balkans and Turkey adopted on 23 May 2017. The SA Council encouraged Montenegro to make further efforts to ensure fiscal sustainability, to control public debt, to improve the business environment and to diversify the economy. The SA Council noted that the draft medium term fiscal consolidation package, presented in early June, would address the issue more comprehensively and now needed to be approved and implemented, in order to achieve fiscal sustainability.

12.         The SA Council examined the state of bilateral relations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA). It welcomed Montenegro's positive track record in implementing its obligations under the SAA, including its trade-related provisions, since its entry into force on 1 May 2010, while encouraging Montenegro to strengthen its efforts to fully comply with the provisions on state aid.

13.         The SA Council also held an exchange of views on developments in the Western Balkans.

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP