European Council

Let me welcome Prime Minister Kvirikashvili to Brussels today.

And today is not just any day. It is a very special day for both the European Union and Georgia, as your visit coincides with the entry into force of the visa-free regime between the European Union and Georgia.

It has been a long journey, but one that has brought us closer together. A journey, I believe, that also has helped to reform and develop Georgia itself. 

Georgia has done a great job and achieved much! Today is a historic day for all of us but especially the Georgian people who from now on will be able to travel freely to the Schengen area. It is an important step to building an even closer EU-Georgia relationship.

In our meeting, I praised Georgia for its ambition and dedication to implement the Association Agreement (AA).

We expect intensified growth in Georgia's trade with the European Union, which today accounts for a quarter of your country's  overall trade. The EU will continue to assist Georgia in making increasingly better use of the Association Agreement in order for citizens to enjoy its full benefits.

I also paid tribute to the government's strong engagement within the Eastern Partnership and its concrete contributions to exploring new areas of collaboration ahead of the Summit this autumn.

I was glad to hear about the government's commitment to media pluralism in Georgia, particularly in light of developments around the Rustavi 2 TV channel case. The EU attaches great importance to media pluralism and looks forward to seeing concrete steps taken to ensure it.

I also expressed to the Prime Minister my concerns about the latest developments regarding the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, in particular the closure of two crossing points along the Administrative Boundary Line with Abkhazia on 6 March.

I note, in this context, that while the European Union is opening its borders to Georgia, you have a neighbour that assists in creating new borders to limit your freedom, even inside your sovereign country.

I reaffirmed to the Prime Minister the EU's firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and our strong commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Georgia, including through our co-chairmanship of the Geneva International Discussions and the EU Monitoring Mission. Continued efforts to engage with Abkhazia and South Ossetia remain crucial to achieving long-term solutions to these conflicts. 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, HAVING REGARD to the Communications from the Commission on "Stronger and Smarter Information Systems for Borders and Security"[1], "Enhancing security in a world of mobility: improved information exchange in the fight against terrorism and stronger external borders "[2], and "Action plan to strengthen the European response to travel document fraud"[3],

1. RECOGNISES the crucial importance of secured travel and identity documents to tackle the phenomenon of travel document fraud;
2. UNDERLINES that breeder, identity and travel document security is a key factor for enhancing internal security, fighting against terrorism and organised crime, and improving border management; and RECALLS the need to accelerate the implementation of the exchange of certificates for the checking of fingerprints through the Single Points of Contact (SPOC) and the authenticity of the chip data using Master Lists;
3. STRESSES the importance of the work carried out by the Committee created by Article 6 of Regulation (EC) N°1683/95 on a uniform format for visas and that it is best placed to discuss standards of a technical nature;
4. UNDERLINES the importance of security standards for relevant residence, identity and travel documents; and RECOMMENDS that breeder documents should have minimum security standards to prevent falsification when used as evidence of identity;
5. WELCOMES the ongoing exchange of best practices, including through workshops and expert meetings hosted by the European Commission, Frontex or eu-LISA, on secure biometrics enrolment (fingerprints or facial images) and the security of issuing processes for breeder, identity and travel documents;
6. RECALLS the work done by international organisations such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in the framework of evidence of identity and rendering breeder documents more secure;
7. NOTES that FADO (False and Authentic Documents Online) currently contains about 3,000 specimens of genuine documents and anonymised examples of false documents describing the forgery techniques used, as well as about 2,000 national false document alerts;
8. RECOGNISES that FADO having been set up by the Council Joint Action of 3 December 1998[4], its management is somewhat outdated and a centralised management at Commission level would be more appropriate; NOTES the ideas put forward in this context by Frontex and eu-LISA at the informal Strategic Committee on Immigration, Frontiers and Asylum (SCIFA) in Malta on 16 February 2017 regarding the future management of FADO;
9. CONSIDERS that FADO, having a key role to play in detecting document and related identity fraud, is not entirely fit for purpose anymore; also CONSIDERS that synergies could be exploited in this regard using FADO User Group's experience, Frontex's expertise in the area of document fraud and the work this agency has already been carrying out in this field, and eu-LISA's competence in hosting security-related IT systems;
10. UNDERLINES that a major overhaul of FADO through a change of its legal basis is required in order to continue meeting the requirements of Justice and Home Affairs policies and the challenges ahead in this field, as also highlighted by the EU Counter Terrorism Coordinator[5], while ensuring the continuity of the system;
11. CONSIDERS it would be highly beneficial that Member States upload information on a mandatory basis in FADO; therefore, INVITES the European Commission to take the necessary actions, including a legislative proposal establishing FADO on a more solid basis, while ensuring its continuity and development;
12. CONSIDERS in particular that in the light of the recent challenges faced by the European Union in terms of illegal migration and security, improving the use of FADO is a priority;
13. ENCOURAGES the Commission and the European External Action Service, in collaboration with the Member States, to use the current cooperation with third countries, including in the context of the Migration Partnership Framework, the Joint Valletta Action Plan and the visa dialogues, to improve the security of breeder, identity and travel documents at international level as a matter of priority; STRESSES that such cooperation constitutes a good opportunity to improve the security of documents and further develop population registries in priority third countries; TAKES NOTE of the bilateral cooperation between the Member States and third countries in this regard;
14. CALLS UPON the Commission and the Council preparatory structures to ensure appropriate follow-up of the implementation of the Action plan to strengthen the European response to travel document fraud.

[1] COM(2016) 205 final.
[2] Doc. 12307/16.
[3] Doc. 15502/16. 
[4] Council Joint Action 98/700/JHA.
[5] Doc. 14260/16: "Implementation of the counter-terrorism agenda set by the European Council".

I was born exactly 60 years ago, so I am the same age as the European Community. For this reason, please allow me for a more personal reflection today. As you know, sometimes the place of birth is even more important than the date of birth. In my case, it is the city of Gdańsk, persistently built for hundreds of years by Poles and Germans, by the Dutch, by Jews, by Scots and the French. In 1945, incidentally also in the month of March, within a few days Hitler and Stalin destroyed my hometown. It was burnt to the ground.

I was 8 years old when the Community established a single council and a single commission through the Merger Treaty; the road I then took to school every day still led through the ruins of the burnt city. For me, the Second World War is not an abstraction.

In 1980, a year after the first elections to the European Parliament, in my Gdańsk, the Solidarity movement, Solidarność, was born. I was there at the time, in the Gdańsk shipyard, among the workers, together with Lech Wałęsa, who had the courage to shout out the truth about our dreams in the face of the communist regime. They were simple dreams: about human dignity, about freedom and democracy. At that time we all looked to the West, towards a free and unifying Europe, instinctively feeling that this was the very future we were dreaming about. And although tanks and troops were sent against us, those dreams lived on.

When in 1987 the Single European Act (the beginning of the Single Market) entered into force, we in Poland were preparing ourselves for the final battle. Solidarność won, and soon after, the Berlin Wall also fell: the road to Europe opened up for us. And some 20 years later, already as Polish Prime Minister, I was opening the most modern stadium in Europe, of course in my hometown of Gdańsk. The city, that was then completely rebuilt and beautiful as never before. My country had already been in the European Union for 8 years.

I am recalling this brief course in history today only to make everybody aware that for millions of people, and today those millions will be demonstrating in the streets of our capitals, in Rome, in Warsaw, even London, the European Union is not about slogans, it is not about procedures, it is not about regulations. Our Union is a guarantee that freedom, dignity, democracy and independence are no longer only our dreams, but our everyday reality.

I lived behind the Iron Curtain for more than half of my life, where it was forbidden to even dream about those values. Yes, back then, that really was a two-speed Europe. And that is why today I have the right to loudly repeat this simple truth: that nothing in our life is granted forever - that to build a free world requires time, great effort and sacrifice. This is why it was achieved in so few places on Earth. And yet we made it. To destroy such a world is very easy. It only takes a short moment. As it happened once, with my Gdańsk.

Today in Rome we are renewing the unique alliance of free nations that was initiated 60 years ago by our great predecessors. At that time they did not discuss multiple speeds, they did not devise exits, but despite all the tragic circumstances of the recent history, they placed all their faith in the unity of Europe. They had the courage of Columbus to enter unchartered waters, to discover the New World.

And so tell me: why should we lose our trust in the purpose of unity today? Is it only because it has become our reality? Or because we have become bored or tired of it?

Europe as a political entity will either be united, or will not be at all. Only a united Europe can be a sovereign Europe in relation to the rest of the world. And only a sovereign Europe guarantees independence for its nations, guarantees freedom for its citizens. The unity of Europe is not a bureaucratic model. It is a set of common values and democratic standards. Today it is not enough to call for unity and to protest against multiple speeds. It is much more important that we all respect our common rules such as human rights and civil liberties, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, checks and balances, and the rule of law. This is the true foundation of our unity.

The Union after Rome should be, more than before, a Union of the same principles, a Union of external sovereignty, a Union of political unity. Prove today that you are the leaders of Europe, that you care for this great legacy we inherited from the heroes of European integration 60 years ago. Thank you

On 3 March 2017, the Council adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/381 [1]. The Council Decision extends the existing restrictive measures until 6 March 2018. The measures in question are an assets freeze and a prohibition from making funds available regarding 15 individuals considered as responsible for the misappropriation of Ukrainian State funds before 2014. 

The Candidate Countries Montenegro* and Albania*, the EFTA countries Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova 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 04.03.2017 in the Official Journal of the European Union no. L58, p. 34. 
* Montenegro and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

Today, President Jean-Claude Juncker will speak on behalf  of the EU Institutions.

But let me just say  a few words. First of all, I would like to thank you very warmly, you, I mean social partners, for our great cooperation. And let me also compliment you on your engagement and efficiency. In my life I have been a trade union activist, for many years illegal, pursued by the Communist Secret Services, a businessman, of course, legal, an ordinary construction worker for 8 years, a civil servant,  and a journalist.

This time has taught me that dialogue is always better than monologue, cooperation better than confrontation, and of course respect better than disrespect. This is why I attach such great importance to our meetings and common initiatives. And this is also why I really understand all parties of the Social partnership. And I hope that the years ahead will be even better than now

Friday 24 March 2017
Rome
15.30 Extraordinary meeting between the European Social Partners and the European institutions
18.00 Audience of Presidents of EU institutions and EU heads of state or government with the Holy Father Pope Francis
19.30 Bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Estonia, Jüri Ratas

Saturday 25 March 2017
Rome - 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties
09.00 Welcome of the EU heads of state or government together with Prime Minister of Italy Paolo Gentiloni and Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat
10.00 Celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties
11.50 Family photo
12.00 Joint press conference with European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Prime Minister of Italy Paolo Gentiloni, Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat
13.00 Lunch hosted by the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella

Monday 27 March
11.00 Meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

Tuesday 28 March 2017
13.00 Meeting with President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker
16.00 Meeting with Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili (press statements ± 16.30)

Wednesday 29 March 2017
17.30 Meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Pavel Filip

Thursday 30 March 2017
Malta
EPP Enlarged summit
09.30 Bilateral meeting with Boyko Borissov
10.30 Bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenković
10.45 Bilateral meeting with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko
12.30 Speech at the summit

Friday 31 March 2017
Malta
09.15 Bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat (press conference ± 09.45)

Place:
Europa building, Brussels 

Chairs:
Carmelo Abela, Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, and
Owen Bonnici, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government of Malta

All times are approximate and subject to change  

Home Affairs issues (27 March)

+/- 08.30
Arrivals (live streaming)

+/- 09.00 
Doorstep by Minister Carmelo Abela

+/- 10.00
Meeting of the Mixed Committe (roundtable)
Information Technology (IT) measures related to border management
European Border and Coast Guard: Implementation
Any other business

+/- 10.45
Beginning of the Home Affairs meeting
Adoption of the agenda
Adoption of non-legislative A items

+/- 10.55
Return policy - enhancing effectiveness

+/- 13.00
Working lunch (Migration policy) 
 
+/- 14.45
Radicalisation Awareness Network

+/- 15.00
Migration policy 

+/- 16.15
European Border and Coast Guard

+/- 16.20
Any other business:
- EU Internet Forum
- Data retention
- Conference "Managing Migration Challenges Together", Vienna, 8 February 2017

+/- 16.40
Reform of the Common European Asylum System and Resettlement  (live streaming)
Information Technology (IT) measures related to border management  (live streaming)
Any other business

+/- 17.15
Press conference in JL press room (live streaming)

Justice issues (28 March) 

+/- 08.00
Arrivals

+/- 09.00
Doorstep by Minister Owen Bonnici

+/- 09.30
Informal ministerial meeting on the European Public Prosecutor's Office (roundtable)

+/- 10.30
Beginning of the Justice Council
Data retention 

+/- 10.45
Criminal Justice in cyberspace 

+/- 11.45
Foreign Terrorist Fighter returnees
Any other business

+/- 12.50
Combatting financial crime and terrorist financing  (live streaming)

+/- 13.00
Supply of digital content (live streaming) 
Any other business

+/- 13.15
Working lunch (protection of whistleblowers) 

+/- 14.45
Press conference in JL press room (live streaming)

Declaration of the leaders of 27 member states and of the European Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission

We, the Leaders of 27 Member States and of EU institutions, take pride in the achievements of the European Union: the construction of European unity is a bold, far-sighted endeavour. Sixty years ago, recovering from the tragedy of two world wars, we decided to bond together and rebuild our continent from its ashes. We have built a unique Union with common institutions and strong values, a community of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, a major economic power with unparalleled levels of social protection and welfare. 

European unity started as the dream of a few, it became the hope of the many. Then Europe became one again. Today, we are united and stronger: hundreds of millions of people across Europe benefit from living in an enlarged Union that has overcome the old divides. 

The European Union is facing unprecedented challenges, both global and domestic: regional conflicts, terrorism, growing migratory pressures, protectionism and social and economic inequalities. Together, we are determined to address the challenges of a rapidly changing world and to offer to our citizens both security and new opportunities. 

We will make the European Union stronger and more resilient, through even greater unity and solidarity amongst us and the respect of common rules. Unity is both a necessity and our free choice. Taken individually, we would be side-lined by global dynamics. Standing together is our best chance to influence them, and to defend our common interests and values. We will act together, at different paces and intensity where necessary, while moving in the same direction, as we have done in the past, in line with the Treaties and keeping the door open to those who want to join later. Our Union is undivided and indivisible. 

In the ten years to come we want a Union that is safe and secure, prosperous, competitive, sustainable and socially responsible, and with the will and capacity of playing a key role in the world and of shaping globalisation. We want a Union where citizens have new opportunities for cultural and social development and economic growth. We want a Union which remains open to those European countries that respect our values and are committed to promoting them. 

In these times of change, and aware of the concerns of our citizens, we commit to the Rome Agenda, and pledge to work towards: 

1. A safe and secure Europe: a Union where all citizens feel safe and can move freely, where our external borders are secured, with an efficient, responsible and sustainable migration policy, respecting international norms; a Europe determined to fight terrorism and organised crime.
2. A prosperous and sustainable Europe: a Union which creates growth and jobs; a Union where a strong, connected and developing Single Market, embracing technological transformation, and a stable and further strengthened single currency open avenues for growth, cohesion, competitiveness, innovation and exchange, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises; a Union promoting sustained and sustainable growth, through investment, structural reforms and working towards completing the Economic and Monetary Union; a Union where economies converge; a Union where energy is secure and affordable and the environment clean and safe.
3. A social Europe: a Union which, based on sustainable growth, promotes economic and social progress as well as cohesion and convergence, while upholding the integrity of the internal market; a Union taking into account the diversity of national systems and the key role of social partners; a Union which promotes equality between women and men as well as rights and equal opportunities for all; a Union which fights unemployment, discrimination, social exclusion and poverty; a Union where young people receive the best education and training and can study and find jobs across the continent; a Union which preserves our cultural heritage and promotes cultural diversity.
4. A stronger Europe on the global scene: a Union further developing existing partnerships, building new ones and promoting stability and prosperity in its immediate neighbourhood to the east and south, but also in the Middle East and across Africa and globally; a Union ready to take more responsibilities and to assist in creating a more competitive and integrated defence industry; a Union committed to strengthening its common security and defence, also in cooperation and complementarity with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, taking into account national circumstances and legal commitments; a Union engaged in the United Nations and standing for a rules-based multilateral system, proud of its values and protective of its people, promoting free and fair trade and a positive global climate policy.

We will pursue these objectives, firm in the belief that Europe's future lies in our own hands and that the European Union is the best instrument to achieve our objectives. We pledge to listen and respond to the concerns expressed by our citizens and will engage with our national parliaments. We will work together at the level that makes a real difference, be it the European Union, national, regional, or local, and in a spirit of trust and loyal cooperation, both among Members States and between them and the EU institutions, in line with the principle of subsidiarity. We will allow for the necessary room for manoeuvre at the various levels to strengthen Europe's innovation and growth potential. We want the Union to be big on big issues and small on small ones. We will promote a democratic, effective and transparent decision-making process and better delivery. 

We as Leaders, working together within the European Council and among our institutions, will ensure that today's agenda is implemented, so as to become tomorrow's reality. We have united for the better. Europe is our common future.

 

Special European Council (article 50) will take place on 29 April 2017 in the Europa building in Brussels. The press centre remains located in the Justus Lipsius building. 

 Application deadline: 03 April, 12.00
Procedure

• If this is your first registration, please make sure you have a recent ID-size photograph in JPEG format (.jpg) and the number of your passport or identity card ready before starting the online process.
• You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt by email. Please read it carefully as it includes the list of original documents you will be asked to provide when collecting your badge. Depending on your profile, the requested document will include: Passport or ID card, press card and/or a letter from your editor-in chief (original letter is mandatory for those who attend European Council for the first time) as well as the signed original of your authorisation for security screening (only for media representatives of Belgian nationality or resident in Belgium). The press centre may contact you to request additional information if necessary. No accreditation badge will be issued if you cannot provide all required documents.
• Under certain conditions it is possible to organise a group registration/collection of badges for journalists working for the same media. Select group registration at the beginning of the accreditation process and follow the instructions.
• Trainees with media organisations who do not possess a press card are not entitled to request accreditation

Journalists holding a 6-month badge (01.01.2017 - 30.06.2017) do not need to register

6-month badges can be collected at the accreditation centre of the LEX building during summits. Please ensure that you have all the required documents when collecting your badge.

Collection of badges

Accreditation badges must be collected in person from the LEX building (145 rue de la Loi, Brussels)  

• Thursday 27 April - 9.30 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 18.00
• Friday 28 April - 8.30 - 20.00 
• Saturday 29 April - from 08.00 to the end of the final press conference (max. 22.00)
  
  

Practical information on the press centre and the media programme will follow.

For more details on the Special European Council (article 50), see the meeting page.

The Council reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on a regulation setting a framework for energy efficiency labelling. This agreement will have to be confirmed by the member states Permanent Representatives (Coreper).

The proposed regulation will replace the current legislation (Directive 2010/30/EU) retaining its main principles but further clarifying, strengthening and extending its scope.

The Energy labelling framework allows customers to be more aware of the energy efficiency and energy consumption of household appliances (such as dishwashers, televisions, fridges, etc.), which will help them to reduce their energy costs. This will also contribute to the moderation of energy demand and the achievement of the Union's 2020 and 2030 energy efficiency targets .

The regulation establishes deadlines to replace the current A+, A++, A+++ classes with an A to G scale. It also sets out a procedure for rescaling the labels based on technological development. Thus, the excessive use of higher efficiency classes is avoided in the long term, providing also incentives for innovation and pushing less efficient products out of the market.

The proposal also contains clearer rules on promotional campaigns, national incentives to promote higher classes of efficiency and aims to improve enforcement mechanisms and transparency towards customers by creating a database of products covered by energy labelling requirements.

Main elements of the agreement

Following three trilogues in July, September and October 2016 and a series of technical meetings, provisional agreement was reached on scope, definitions, market surveillance and harmonised standards.  At the fourth trilogue on 21 March 2017, political agreement was also reached on:

Rescaling 

Fixed deadlines are established for the first rescaling of all labelled products, according to three product categories:

6 years as general deadline, combined with 18 additional months aiming for the appearance of the label in shops;
15 months for the "white" products (dishwashers, fridges, washing machines), combined with 12 additional months aiming for the appearance of the label in shops and 9 years for heaters and boilers with a sunset clause of 12 years.

Once all A+ labels have disappeared from the market, further rescaling will be triggered by a surplus in the top classes, namely 30 % in class A or 50% in class A+B. At the time of rescaling the top two classes are to be left empty, aiming for a 10 year validity period of the label.

Product database

It will operate from January 2019 and it will enable market surveillance authorities of member states to enforce labelling requirements, and make sure that efficiency calculations behind the label correspond to those declared by manufacturers. The public database will focus on user friendliness and practical purposes. The compliance part of the database is delineated in order to safeguard the confidentiality and security of sensitive commercial data of manufacturers

Delegated acts

They will be the main instrument for the rescaling procedure but implementing acts have been decided for the database and the safeguard procedure.

Minister Konrad Mizzi said: "We very much welcome this agreement. These new rules on energy labelling will help consumers to make energy savings more easily when they buy electric household appliances. This will contribute to reduced energy demand, one of the goals of the Energy Union strategy."
Next steps

Following approval by the Coreper, the Chairman of Coreper will then send a letter to the Chairperson of the European Parliament's ITRE Committee.

That letter will indicate that, if the Parliament adopts at its plenary session the compromise text as approved by the Coreper, the Council will adopt the text in first reading without amendments. 

Background

The proposal on energy efficiency labelling is part of the Commission's wider Energy Union Strategy.

The conclusions of the European Council of October 2014 set an indicative target of at least 27% increase in energy efficiency at Union level in 2030. This target will be reviewed by 2020 with a view to reaching an Union level of 30%.

 The Commission presented its proposal on 15 July 2015. The TTE (Energy) Council adopted a general approach on the proposal on 26 November 2015.

The European Parliament voted its negotiating mandate on 6 July 2016.

Dear Prime Minister, dear Shinzō, I am very pleased to welcome you today in Brussels. Your visit gives us an opportunity to push ahead and deepen our bilateral relations, as well as to coordinate before the G7 summit in May in Sicily.

Both our friendship and strategic partnership have produced sustained and deep mutual benefits for many decades, and will continue to do so. We remain united by our common values of liberal democracy and the rule of law as the core principles of the rules-based international order. As two of the four main economies in the world, Japan and the European Union are tied deeply together by our mutual commitment to maintain an open, free and fair global trading system.

These values are the foundations of our political systems. They unite us and also make us stronger internationally, especially during the difficult times we live in.

It is from this perspective that today we will review progress in our bilateral relations and provide a clear political direction to our negotiators on the EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement. Let me assure you that the European Union is fully committed to concluding the negotiations for both agreements very soon and together, Prime Minister, I'm sure that we will achieve these two highly ambitious deals. They will strengthen our political and economic strategic partnership.

Regarding our priorities for the upcoming G7 Summit, I believe there is a very large degree of convergence between the EU and Japan. We share a common interest in preserving G7 unity in strengthening the rules-based international order to address common challenges - from the economy and trade to climate change, migration, security and terrorism; from the East and South China Seas, North Korea, to the conflicts in Syria and the wider Middle East, to Ukraine.

March is a special month of renewal as we celebrate the spring equinox and prepare to mark the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome this very Saturday. And as we continue to make plans for a prosperous and peaceful future, we also pause to commemorate the tragic events of Fukushima in March 2011 and the Brussels terrorist attacks of March last year. Let me convey the European Union's solidarity and appreciation for the resilience of the people of Japan and the European Union. As in the words of a Japanese proverb: “Nana korobi ya oki”. Or in English: 'Fall down seven times, get up eight'.

Lastly, in view of what was announced in London yesterday, I would like to inform you that I will call a European Council on Saturday 29th April to adopt the Guidelines for the Brexit talks. As you all know, I personally wish the UK hadn't chosen to leave the EU, but the majority of British voters decided otherwise. Therefore, we must do everything we can to make the process of divorce the least painful for the EU. Our main priority for the negotiations must be to create as much certainty and clarity as possible for all citizens, companies and Member States that will be negatively affected by Brexit, as well as our important partners and friends around the world, like Japan.

Dear Prime Minister, dear Shinzō, once again a warm welcome to Brussels. Thank you very much.

Place:       Europa building, Brussels
Chair:       Mr Louis Grech, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs of Malta

All times are approximate and subject to change

+/- 08.30
Arrivals

+/- 08.45
Doorstep by Deputy Prime Minister Grech

+/- 10.00
Beginning of Council meeting (Roundtable)
Adoption of legislative A items (public session)
Adoption of non-legislative A items

Preparation of the European Council of 9-10 March 2017
European Semester
Implementation of the better law-making agreement

+/- 12.30
Press conference (live streaming)
Main press room, Justus Lipsius building

Introduction 

1.           In accordance with the 15 December 2016 European Council Conclusions and guidance contained therein, the Council has reviewed progress in the implementation of its conclusions of 17 October and 14 November 2016. It welcomes the initial advances made, as set out below, in fulfilling through a comprehensive set of actions the EU's level of ambition derived from the EU Global Strategy in the area of security and defence. It calls for further work and guidance and agrees to revert to these matters in May, ahead of the June European Council. 

2.           The Council recalls that this should contribute to enhancing the Union's ability to act as a security provider and to enhance the Common Security and Defence Policy, as well as its global strategic role and its capacity to act autonomously when and where necessary and with partners wherever possible. 

3.           The Council welcomes the ongoing work on the implementation of the European Defence Action Plan by the Commission, in close cooperation with the Member States. It also welcomes the Commission's intention, included in its Communication dated 30 November 2016, to present further proposals in the first semester of 2017 for the establishment of a European Defence Fund including a window on the joint development of capabilities to be commonly agreed by the Member States, and a research window (whose first step is the launch of the Preparatory Action for defence-related research) to be examined under the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The Council recalls the invitation made by the European Council in December 2016 to the European Investment Bank to examine steps with a view to supporting investments in defence research and development activities.

The Council also reiterates, in line with its Conclusions of 14 November 2016, the need to enhance the effectiveness of CSDP and the development and maintenance of Member States' capabilities, supported by a more integrated, sustainable, innovative and competitive European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), which also contributes to jobs, growth and innovation across the EU and can enhance Europe's strategic autonomy, strengthening its ability to act with partners. The Council recalls that these efforts should be inclusive, with equal opportunities for defence industry in the EU, balanced and in full compliance with EU law. 

4.           The Council furthermore welcomes the swift action in follow-up to the Council conclusions of 6 December 2016 implementing all areas of the Joint Declaration signed in Warsaw by the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. In this regard, it calls for further work, in full respect of the principles of inclusiveness, reciprocity and the autonomy of the EU's decision-making processes, and to report back on progress in June 2017.  

Improving CSDP crisis management structures 

5.           Today, the Council approves the Concept Note on the operational planning and conduct capabilities for CSDP missions and operations. Further to the December European Council Conclusions and in line with its Conclusions of November 2016, this Note contains measures to improve the EU's capacity to react in a faster, more effective and more seamless manner, building on existing structures and in view of enhancing civilian-military synergies, as part of the EU's Comprehensive Approach. On this basis, the Council agrees in particular: 

• To establish, as a short term objective, a Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) within the EU Military Staff in Brussels which will be responsible at the strategic level for the operational planning and conduct of non-executive military missions, working under the political control and strategic guidance of the Political and Security Committee. The newly created MPCC will work in parallel and in a coordinated way with the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC).
• That the Director General of the EU Military Staff will be the Director of the MPCC and in that capacity will assume the functions of missions' commander for non-executive military missions, including the three EU Training Missions deployed in the Central African Republic, Mali and Somalia, in line with the agreed Terms of Reference.  
• To invite the High Representative to propose consolidated terms of reference of the EU Military Staff, as well as to propose a Council Decision reflecting the above arrangements and amending the Council Decisions of the CSDP missions concerned. 
• To bring together civilian and military expertise in key mission support areas within a Joint Support Coordination Cell at the Brussels level, in order to work on a daily basis to further strengthen and enable effective civilian/military coordination and cooperation in the operational planning and conduct of CSDP civilian and non-executive military missions. This would further contribute to the full implementation of the EU's Comprehensive Approach, while respecting the respective civilian and military chains of command and the distinct sources of financing. 
• To review the establishment of the MPCC and the Joint Support Coordination Cell one year after becoming fully operational, but no later than by the end of 2018, based on a report by the High Representative. This review should be prepared in full consultation with the Member States and would not prejudge any political decisions to be taken.  

The Council also agrees to proposals on strategic foresight and oversight contained in the Concept Note and requests the High Representative, in cooperation with the Commission as appropriate, to proceed with their implementation. 

Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) 

6.           To strengthen Europe's security and defence in today's challenging geopolitical environment, the Council agrees on the need to continue work on an inclusive Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) based on a modular approach. It should be open to all Member States who are willing to make the necessary binding commitments and meet the criteria, based on articles 42.6 and 46 and Protocol 10 of the Treaty. The Council recognises that PESCO could significantly contribute to fulfilling the EU's Level of Ambition including with a view to the most demanding missions and that it could facilitate the development of Member States' defence capabilities and strengthen European defence cooperation, while making full use of the Treaties. It notes that any capabilities developed through PESCO will remain owned and operated by Member States. It recalls that Member States have a single set of forces that they can use in other frameworks. Underlining the responsibility and competence of the Member States in the area of defence, it stresses that PESCO should help generate new collaborative efforts, cooperation and projects. 

7.           To this end, the Council invites the Member States, supported by the EEAS and the European Defence Agency (EDA), to continue working in order to further consider and develop: 

• An agreement on a shared understanding of the common commitments, goals and criteria on the basis of the relevant provisions of the Treaty, as well as the governance model. 
• The possible projects and initiatives that Member States are willing to pursue through PESCO including in a modular way and while making use of ongoing projects and making new commitments in the area of defence investment, with a view to tackling recognised shortfalls and addressing EU and Member States' priorities in the field of capabilities; improving the deployability and operational availability of their armed forces; and increasing their interoperability by pooling and sharing existing capabilities. 

This work would feed into the preparation of the notification to the Council and the High Representative and of the Council Decision establishing PESCO. 

8.           While noting that they are standalone initiatives, the Council underlines the need to reflect on the possible links between PESCO and the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD). The Council recognises that more work is needed to explore the potential link to the Commission's proposals to establish a European Defence Fund, including on how PESCO projects and initiatives could benefit from its mechanisms, which will be subject to further decisions to be taken on the setting up and final structure of the fund. 

9.           The Council agrees to revert in May 2017 in order to provide further political guidance on the possible decision-making. 

Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) 

10.        The Council welcomes the work launched to develop the principles and scope of a Member States-driven CARD to deepen cooperation in defence, including by fostering capability development addressing shortfalls, and ensure more optimal use, including coherence, of defence spending plans. It stresses the importance to develop through CARD a more structured way to deliver the key capabilities needed in Europe, based on greater transparency, political visibility and commitment from Member States, while avoiding any unnecessary additional administrative effort by Member States and EU institutions. The Council stresses the need to ensure coherence between the CARD and the NATO Defence Planning Process where requirements overlap while recognising the different nature of the two organisations and their respective responsibilities. The Council stresses that CARD, as an overarching tool, needs to build on and make best use of existing processes and tools and should draw as much as possible on available information generated through them. 

11.        The Council highlights that CARD would be implemented on a voluntary basis and in full respect of Member States' prerogatives and commitments in defence, including, where it applies, in collective defence, and their defence planning processes, and taking into account external threats and security challenges across the EU. 

 The Council stresses the importance of bringing greater transparency and political visibility to the European capability landscape. In this regard, it underlines that CARD should provide an overarching assessment on capability-related issues contributing to political guidance by the Council. The Council therefore underlines that CARD should help Member States deliver on critical capabilities notably on the basis of the capability priorities agreed through the EU's Capability Development Plan. It should also provide Member States with a forum for coordinating and discussing their national defence planning - including in terms of defence spending plans, taking into account the commitments made by the European Council in December 2016 - in a more structured way that builds on the voluntary measures set out in the Policy Framework for Systematic and Long-Term Defence Cooperation. While noting that they are standalone initiatives, the work on CARD should be undertaken in coherence with the implementation of the European Defence Action Plan. 

12.        The Council welcomes the idea of regular and dedicated meetings of Defence Ministers', initially every two years, and more frequently if so decided. The EDA should play a key role in CARD to provide the overarching objective assessment and supporting analysis in the form of a written report to Defence Ministers, while making full use of existing tools and acting also as CARD secretariat. 

13.        The Council agrees to the parameters of CARD set out above and invites the High Representative/Head of the Agency, in close cooperation with Member States, to develop more detailed proposals on the scope, methods and content of CARD by June, notably in terms of interaction with Member States, with a view to preparing the establishment of CARD by the end of 2017. The first full CARD should be implemented based notably on the revised Capability Development Plan priorities as well as other existing processes and tools as of 2018. 

Developing Civilian Capabilities 

14.        The Council underlines the importance of taking work forward swiftly on developing civilian capabilities. It agrees on the need to enhance responsiveness in order to ensure more effective, rapid and flexible deployment of civilian CSDP missions, which play an important role as a pillar of the EU's Comprehensive Approach. In this context, the Council notes ongoing discussions, including on a standing capacity, pre-configured specialised teams of experts and contingents of police and/or other professional categories, and revisiting the Civilian Response Team (CRT) mechanism. It requests the High Representative and, where relevant, the Commission, working together with Member States, to present concrete proposals to enhance responsiveness in view of their approval ahead of the June European Council. It also agrees on the need to further review the Feira priority areas of civilian CSDP missions. The Council underlines the importance of strengthened EU-UN synergies, compatibility and interoperability also in this field. It will revert to these issues in May. 

Implementation in various other areas 

15.        As an important contribution to allow the EU to provide capacity building in an effective, responsible and seamless way, the Council looks forward to the swift finalisation of legislative work on the proposal to amend the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace. The Council recalls its Conclusions of November 2016 about the need to fully cover all requirements to further support partner countries in preventing and managing crises on their own, including those in the context of non-executive CSDP missions. In this context, it calls to continue the ongoing preparatory work to identify the needs in the area of Capacity Building in support of Security and Development (CBSD). The Council reiterates the flexible geographical scope of CBSD and calls to identify and develop new projects. The Council further recalls its proposal to work on a dedicated instrument for providing capacity building. The Council will revert to CBSD in May 2017. 

16.        The Council welcomes the first reflections and looks forward to further work on strengthening the relevance, usability and deployability of the EU's Rapid Response toolbox including the EU Battlegroups - particularly to reinforce their modularity, their preparation and their effective financing. As part of this, further consideration should be given to the particular modalities and common costs and other financial provisions for rapid response operations in general and the EU Battlegroups in particular. 

The Council will revert to the issue in May based on consolidated proposals to be presented by the High Representative in close consultation with the Member States. Regarding their financial aspects, these proposals could contribute to the comprehensive review of the Athena mechanism foreseen by the end of 2017 and to be discussed in the relevant framework. 

17.        The Council reiterates the importance of working with its partners, in particular the UN, NATO, OSCE, African Union, League of Arab States and ASEAN, as well as strategic partners and other partner countries, within our neighbourhood and more globally, with due respect to the institutional framework and decision-making autonomy of the EU, and the principle of inclusiveness. In this regard, the Council recalls the need to take CSDP partnerships forward and invites the High Representative to present options before May 2017 for a more strategic approach to CSDP partners as set out in the November 2016 Council Conclusions. 

18.        The Council welcomes the review and organisational steps taken to promote an increased EU civil-military intelligence-based situational awareness to inform strategic foresight. It supports further steps to be taken in view of a future increase of staff, logistics and infrastructure, if deemed necessary, and will revert to the issue in June. 

19.        The Council, recalling the need for a timely implementation of the review of the Capability Development Plan by spring 2018, welcomes that the EDA is developing proposals on the improvement of the EU Capability Development process. In this regard, it also welcomes the ongoing work on the revision of the Requirements Catalogue. The work being taken forward by Member States within EDA on capability priorities, overarching R&T priorities and Key Strategic Activities will help to guide future investments and inform the implementation of the European Defence Action Plan. The Council further recalls the need for the expeditious implementation of actions taken forward within the EDA related to critical enablers and security of supply based on Member States' political commitments and programme/sector specific agreements. 

On 6 March the Council adopted conclusions setting out the progress achieved in implementing the EU global strategy in the area of security and defence. The conclusions assess what has been done to implement  the various lines of action agreed by the European Council on 15 December 2016. They form the basis of a report for the European Council of 9 and 10 March 2017. 

"EU foreign and defence ministers meeting jointly today all gave a very clear message: we are progressing steadily towards strengthened defence cooperation and we will continue to do more. This is about protecting our citizens. The European Union has unique tools to help Europeans to take more responsibility for their own security, and to do more effectively.  This is what we are doing with our work in security and defence."

 Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

The Council also approved a concept note on the operational planning and conduct capabilities for CSDP missions and operations, which contains measures to improve the EU's capacity to react in a faster, more effective and more seamless manner, building on existing structures and in view of enhancing civilian-military synergies, as part of the EU's comprehensive approach. 

These measures include the establishment of a military planning and conduct capability (MPCC), within the existing EU Military Staff of the European External Action Service, for the planning and conduct of non-executive military missions. The Director General of the EU Military Staff will be the Director of the MPCC and in that capacity will assume command of non-executive military CSDP missions (currently, the EU military training missions in Somalia, in Central Africa and in Mali). This will allow the mission commanders in the field to concentrate on the specific activities of their mission, with better support provided from Brussels. 

The MPCC will work under the political control and strategic guidance of the Political and Security Committee (PSC), which is composed of EU member states' ambassadors and is based in Brussels. The MPCC will work closely with its existing civilian counterpart, the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) through a joint support coordination cell. This cell will be able to share expertise, knowledge and best practices on issues relevant to  both military and civilian missions, as well as capabilities when civilian and military missions are simultaneously deployed in the same area, including  medical support or protective measures. 

On 6 March 2017, the Council adopted a decision on the signing of an agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Chile on trade in organic products. 

Thanks to the agreement, the EU and Chile will soon recognise the equivalence of their respective rules and control systems as regards organic production. In practice, this means that organic food that is produced in the EU and covered by the agreement will be able to be marketed in Chile without further controls. The same will apply to a number of Chilean organic products in the EU. 

The agreement will also provide for a system of co-operation, exchange of information and dispute settlement in organic trade. 

The organic sector is growing steadily and rapidly and is a great resource for European agriculture and the wider economy. This agreement with Chile will give a boost to EU organic production and exports, and so help generate growth and create jobs. The Council warmly welcomes it.

Roderick Galdes, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal rights

This agreement with Chile aims at encouraging trade in organic products, thus contributing to the development of the organic sector in the EU. It also aims at improving protection for the respective organic logos, and enhancing regulatory cooperation between the EU and Chile on issues related to organic production. 

It will apply to EU organic products such as: unprocessed plant products, live animals or unprocessed animal products (including honey), aquaculture products and seaweeds, processed agricultural products for use as food (including wine), processed agricultural products for use as feed, vegetative propagating material and seeds for cultivation. 

On the other hand, the EU will recognise as equivalent the following products from Chile: unprocessed plant products, honey, processed agricultural products for use as food (including wine), vegetative propagating material and seeds for cultivation. 

The agreement with Chile is the first of the "new generation" agreements in trade in organic products and the first bilateral recognition with a Latin American country. 

Next steps 

On 6 March 2017 the Council adopted a decision on the signing of the EU-Chile agreement, and approved another decision on its actual conclusion.

The Council will now forward the draft decision on the conclusion of the agreement to the European Parliament for its consent, after which the Council will still have to formally adopt it.

The agreement will enter into force three months following the final notification of the completion of the necessary internal procedures by each contacting party.

The Council adopted EU Guidelines for the promotion and protection of the rights of the child. This 2017 version is a revision of the 2007 EU guidelines.   

The guidelines recall international standards on the rights of the child and provide comprehensive guidance as well as  concrete ways  to promote effectively  and protect the rights of the child. With these guidelines, the EU reaffirms its commitment to the comprehensive protection and promotion of the rights of the child in its external human rights policy. 

The Council adopted conclusions on EU climate and energy diplomacy as part of the implementation of the EU Global Strategy. The objective is to strengthen synergies and links between the relevant elements of EU climate diplomacy and energy diplomacy and to establish priorities for 2017. 

EU climate diplomacy focuses on the implementation of the Paris Agreement and climate security. EU energy diplomacy focuses on energy security and diversification. Energy and climate are closely linked: over 2/3 of greenhouse-gas emissions come from energy. Keeping the temperature rise well below 2°C depends on everyone making progress in global energy transition. 

As part of strengthening synergies between EU climate and energy diplomacies, the Council conclusions establish a number of actions, and set overall priorities for 2017.  

Place:    Europa building, Brussels
Chair:    Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy 

All times are approximate and subject to change

+/- 07.30    
Arrivals (live streaming) VIP entrance, Europa building 

+/- 07.45 (ttbc)
Doorstep by High Representative Federica Mogherini
VIP entrance, Europa building 

+/- 08.00     
Informal breakfast meeting of defence ministers 

+/- 10.00    
Joint meeting of Foreign Affairs/Defence Ministers (Roundtable)
Adoption of the agenda
Approval of non-legislative A items

Security and Defence - implementation of the EU Global Strategy 

+/- 12.30    
Working lunch with Foreign Minister of Egypt Sameh Hassan Shoukry 

+/- 14.30     Beginning of meeting (Roundtable)

Western Balkans
Migration
Middle East peace process
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Any other business      

 +/- 18.30     Press conference by Federica Mogherini (live streaming)
Main press room, Justus Lipsius building 

On 03 March 2017, the Council extended until 6 March 2018  the asset freezes against 15 people identified as responsible for the misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds or for the abuse of office causing a loss to Ukrainian public funds, following the annual review of the restrictive measures. One person was removed from the list.

The measures had initially been introduced in March 2014 and were extended in March 2015 and in March 2016.

The legal acts will be published in the Official Journal on 4 March 2017.

On behalf of the European Union, we would like to warmly congratulate you on your re-appointment as director-general of the World Trade Organization.

Trade is one of the most powerful drivers of growth, supporting millions of jobs and contributing to prosperity worldwide. The EU is strongly committed to an open and rules-based multilateral trading system, which is embodied in the WTO. As such, the EU remains a staunch supporter  of effective multilateralism in international affairs and will do its utmost to support you in your second mandate.

We wish you every success and look forward to working closely with you.