European Union

On 14 November 2016, the Council adopted a mandate for the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to negotiate, on behalf of the EU and its member states, a comprehensive agreement with the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The new agreement should replace the 1996 partnership and cooperation agreement and should better take account of the shared objectives and challenges the EU and Azerbaijan face today.  It will follow the principles endorsed in the 2015 review of the European neighbourhood policy and offer a renewed basis for political dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan.

1.         Recalling the July 2015 Council conclusions and the joint statement agreed by the HRVP and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif at their April meeting, the European Union expresses its will to develop further its relations with Iran, in a manner fully consistent with the JCPOA.

2.         The European Union reiterates its resolute commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which is a multilateral endeavour by the E3/EU+3 and Iran. It welcomes that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is being implemented by all sides. It notes that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued four reports since Implementation Day verifying Iran's nuclear related commitments. It underlines the need for Iran to continue to cooperate fully and in a timely manner with the IAEA and it supports the Agency work in monitoring Iran's implementation of the deal. It encourages Iran to ratify the additional protocol to its safeguards agreement. The European Union reiterates the need for continued full and effective implementation of the JCPOA throughout the lifetime of the agreement. The European Union confirms its support to the High Representative in her role as Coordinator of the Joint Commission.

3.         The European Union is committed to support the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA including by the lifting of nuclear related economic and financial sanctions and engaging with the private sector and economic operators, especially banks, to promote growth in trade and investment. In particular, extensive guidance has been provided on the lifting of sanctions to ensure the new regulatory framework is clear. The Council will continue to reach out to all relevant parties on this issue.

4.         The European Union welcomes and looks forward to the continued issuing of export licenses by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control for the transfer of commercial passenger aircraft and related parts and services to Iran. The sale of a significant number of aircraft to Iran's airlines  will be an important signal for the successful implementation of the JCPOA. The aircraft's exclusively civil aviation end-use will enhance the people's mobility and contribute to a safer commercial aviation environment.

5.         The upholding of commitments by all sides is a necessary condition to continue rebuilding trust and allow for continued, steady and gradual improvement in relations between the European Union, its Member States and Iran as stated by the July 2015 Foreign Affairs Council.

6.         The Council reiterates its support to the development of EU-Iran relations in areas of common interest such as political dialogue, human rights, economic cooperation, trade and investment, agriculture, transport, energy and climate change, civil nuclear cooperation, environment, civil protection, science, research and innovation, education, including through university exchanges, culture, drugs, migration, regional and humanitarian issues as outlined in the Joint statement agreed by the HRVP and the Iranian Foreign Minister in their April meeting. The Council supports a coordinated EU strategy of gradual engagement with Iran that is comprehensive in scope, cooperative where there is mutual interest, critical when there are differences and constructive in practice. As part of that the Council fully supports the prompt opening of an EU Delegation in Iran as a  key step to deliver the broad cooperation agenda.

7.         The Council welcomes the expansion of the EU's economic relationship with Iran as a result of the implementation of the JCPOA and reaffirms its support for Iran's WTO accession as a way to promote market related reforms and achieve reintegration into the global economy and the rules based trading system. For Iran to fully benefit from the lifting of sanctions, including the full reengagement of European banks and businesses, it is important that it addresses obstacles related to economic and fiscal policy, business environment and rule of law. The Council welcomes Iran's adoption of, and high-level political commitment to, a Financial Action Task Force Action Plan to address its strategic anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism deficiencies, and its decision to seek technical assistance and urges its timely and swift implementation. The EU and its Member States are open to cooperate with Iran in these areas, including providing technical assistance for the implementation of the FATF action plan, and consider the use of export credits to facilitate trade, project financing, and investment in Iran. The Council welcomes the prospect of extending the third country lending mandate of the European Investment Bank (EIB) to Iran.

8.         The Council notes the Iranian President's pledge to improve human rights in the country. However it remains concerned with the human rights situation, in particular the frequent use of death penalty including against juvenile and drug offenders. The EU opposes the use of the death penalty in all circumstances. The Council underlines the need to ensure equal rights of women, and persons belonging to all minorities, including ethnic and religious minorities, respecting freedom of expression, assembly and association and implementing the treaties to which Iran is a party as well as acceding to those conventions to which it is not yet a state party. It also calls on Iran to cooperate with and grant access to the UN special rapporteur. The EU aims at addressing these issues in a constructive manner, including through a dialogue on human rights, which would further identify areas of cooperation in this field.

9.         The Council expresses its concern with the growing tensions in the region and supports ways to promote a more constructive regional environment. Iran plays an important regional role and it is of utmost importance that it takes tangible and constructive steps that would help make an improved regional situation a reality. The EU emphasises its balanced approach to the region and urges all countries in the region to work towards de-escalation of tensions and avoiding actions which feed violence, sectarianism and polarisation. In this sense the Council expresses its concern with the regional military build-up, including Iran's missile programme and calls upon Iran to refrain from activities which may deepen mistrust, such as ballistic missile tests, which are inconsistent with UNSCR 2231, and the statements associated with these.

10.       The EU reiterates its conclusions on Syria of 17 October 2016t and calls urgently for an end to the excessive and disproportionate attacks by the Syrian regime and its allies, both deliberate and indiscriminate, against civilian populations, humanitarian and healthcare personnel and civilian and humanitarian infrastructures. Therefore the Council urges Iran to use its influence on the Syrian regime to end the violence against civilian populations, humanitarian personnel and civilian and humanitarian infrastructures, enable full unhindered country-wide humanitarian access and engage constructively in a negotiated political process. The Council also encourages Iran to fully contribute to laying the ground for the resumption of an inclusive and Syrian led political process under UN auspices. The Council welcomes the outreach of the High Representative in this respect and invites her to continue this work with key actors in the region in support of the efforts of the UNSE Staffan de Mistura.

The Council discussed current multilateral and bilateral relations with the six Eastern Partnership countries - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Ministers had an exchange of views on the implementation of the Partnership and possible deliverables to be achieved in 2017, notably with a view to the next Eastern Partnership Summit in November 2017 in Brussels.

The Council adopted conclusions on the Eastern Partnership.

Monday 14 November 2016
13.00 Meeting with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (Berlaymont)

Wednesday 16 November 2016
10.00 Meeting with Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat (photo opportunity)

will take place on Monday 28 November, 15:00-18:30 in Brussels.

Organisations or interest groups who wish to apply foraccess to the European Parliament will find the relevant information below.

Further information
watch the meeting live
Access rights for interest group representatives
Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

https://tvnewsroom.consilium.europa.eu/uploads/council-images/thumbs/uploads/council-images/remote/http_7e18a1c646f5450b9d6d-a75424f262e53e74f9539145894f4378.r8.cf3.rackcdn.com/05a3bff4-a9d9-11e6-8dab-bc764e092fac_133.91_thumb_169_1479066216_1479066216_129_97shar_c1.jpg

Upon invitation of Federica MOGHERINI, EU HR for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, an informal meeting of the European Union's Foreign Ministers takes place in Brussels on Sunday evening, 13 November 2016.

Download this video here.

General : Drones are used for many things, from filming and taking photos to inspecting gas pipelines and spraying crops. But these small unmanned aircraft could also pose a risk to airplanes and be used to invade people’s privacy. On Thursday 10 November the transport committee approved changes to EU aviation safety rules that would also include basic safety measures for drones. Find out more about drones in our infographic.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

General : Drones are used for many things, from filming and taking photos to inspecting gas pipelines and spraying crops. But these small unmanned aircraft could also pose a risk to airplanes and be used to invade people’s privacy. On Thursday 10 November the transport committee approved changes to EU aviation safety rules that would also include basic safety measures for drones. Find out more about drones in our infographic.

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

Place:        Justus Lipsius building, Brussels
Chair:        Gabriela Matečná, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development of Slovakia

All times are approximate and subject to change

Monday 14 November - Fisheries and other issues

+/- 09.50
Doorstep by Minister Gabriela Matečná

+/- 10.00
Beginning of the meeting (Roundtable TV/Photo opportunity)
Adoption of the agenda
Adoption of legislative A items (public session)
Adoption of non-legislative A items

+/- 10.15
Deep-sea fishing opportunities

+/- 11.20
Any other business:
- Meeting of EU forest directors
- Animal welfare during transport
- EU animal welfare platform
- Conference on African swine fever
- Conference on lumpy skin disease

+/- 14.30
Any other business:
- Use of geographical indications on foods
- Endocrine disruptors
- Anti microbial resistance

+/- 16.00
Multiannual plan for demersal species in the North Sea (public session)

+/- 17.15
Any other business:
- Implementation of the landing obligation and the issue of fisheries choke
- Completion of EMFF action plans

+/- 18.20
Deep-sea final compromise

+/- 19.50
Press conference with Commissioner Vella (live streaming)

Tuesday 15 November - Agriculture

+/- 09.50
Doorstep by Minister Gabriela Matečná

+/- 10.00
Beginning of the meeting (Roundtable TV/Photo opportunity)
Report of the agricultural markets task force

+/- 11.30
Study on the impact of free trade agreements on agriculture
Any other business:
- Mercosur

+/- 13.00
Working lunch on the CAP post 2020

+/- 15.00
Research and Innovation in agriculture
Any other business:
- Meeting of the extended Visegrad group

+/- 17.00
Any other business:
- Organic production (public session)
- Meeting of the EU directors for wildlife management hunting

+/- 17.40
Press conference with Commissioner Hogan (live streaming)

Place:        Justus Lipsius building, Brussels
Chair(s):    Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

All times are approximate and subject to change

Before the Council (Sunday evening): Informal meeting on the way forward in the EU-US relations following the US elections
Media advisory on the informal meeting of EU Foreign ministers, (EEAS building)

Monday 14 november

from 08.30
Arrivals (live streaming)

+/- 09.15 (tbc)
Doorstep by High Representative Federica Mogherini

+/- 09.30
Beginning of Foreign Affairs Council meeting (Roundtable)
Adoption of the agenda
Approval of A Items

Turkey

Eastern Partnership

13.00
Working lunch - Southern Neighbourhood

+/- 14.00
Arrivals of Defence ministers

+/- 15.00
Joint meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers (Roundtable)

EU global strategy: Implementation plan on security and defence

+/- 18.00
Press conference (live streaming)

Tuesday 15 november

from 07.30
Arrivals

+/- 08.30
EDA Steering Board meeting (Roundtable)

+/- 10.00
Beginning of the Foreign Affairs Council - Defence  (Roundtable)

EU-NATO Cooperation

CSDP Operations

+/- 13.15
Press conference (live streaming)

Committee and political group meetings, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

A twelve-strong delegation of MEPs will take part in UN (COP22) climate talks (COP22) in Marrakesh from Monday to Friday. Following the European Parliament’s ratification and the entry into force of the 2015 Paris agreement, these will focus on how to finance and share the efforts needed to keep climate warming well below 2 degrees compared to pre-industrial levels.
Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

A twelve-strong delegation of MEPs will take part in UN (COP22) climate talks (COP22) in Marrakesh from Monday to Friday. Following the European Parliament’s ratification and the entry into force of the 2015 Paris agreement, these will focus on how to finance and share the efforts needed to keep climate warming well below 2 degrees compared to pre-industrial levels.
Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

By Richard Milne

In these times of severe political turbulence, it can be tempting to look for relief in a Nordic region long renowned for its stability. But even those peaceful northern European states are not living up to their reputation.

Read more

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2016 - EP

Vereniging Openbare Bibliotheken
Freedom of establishment
The lending of an electronic book (e-book) may, under certain conditions, be treated in the same way as the lending of a traditional book

Zentrale zur Bekämpfung unlauteren Wettbewerbs Frankfurt am Main
Approximation of laws
According to Advocate General Szpunar, the cost of a call to an after-sales telephone number must not exceed the cost of a standard call