European Council

Place:
Europa building, Brussels

Chairs:
Mr Evarist Bartolo, Minister for education and employment
Ms Helena Dalli, Minister for social dialogue, consumer affairs and civil liberties, and
Mr Michael Farrugia, Minister for the family and social solidarity of Malta

All times are approximate and subject to change

+/- 09.15
Doorstep by Minister Farrugia

+/- 10.00
Beginning of Council meeting (Roundtable)
Adoption of the agenda
Adoption of non-legislative A Items

+/- 10.30
Coordination of social security systems (public session)

+/- 12.30
Enhancing the skills of women and men in the EU labour market (public session)

Other business (public session)1
-  Current legislative proposal -  Posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services (public session)
-  Safer and healthier work for all - Modernisation of the EU occupational safety and health legislation and policy

+/- 13.00
Working lunch on "Safer and healthier work for all - modernisation of the EU occupational, safety and health legislation and policy"

+/- 13.30
Press conference (Minister Farrugia, Justus Lipsius building press room - live streaming)

+/- 15.00  
(Roundtable)
European Semester 2017 (public session)
a)    Implementation of the country-specific recommendations: Enhancing labour market access and reducing divergences across the EU
b)    Priorities for action in the areas of employment and social policies: Political guidance in 2017
c)    2017 Country reports

+/- 16.30
Tripartite Social Summit (public session)

Other business
-  Investing in Europe's youth (public session)1
-  2017 work Programmes of the Employment Committee (EMCO) and Social Protection Committee (SPC) (public session)1
-  UNECE International Conference "A sustainable society for all ages: Realising the potential of living longer" (Lisbon, 21-22 September 2017) (public session)1
-  Key findings of the study of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) on "Economic benefits of gender equality in the EU"

+/- 17.00
Press conference (Ministers Dalli and Bartolo, Justus Lipsius building press room - live streaming)

 1   To be decided by qualified majority at the beginning of the meeting.

On 2 March 2017, the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) agreed on a negotiating mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament on a proposal for an entry-exit system. This system will register entry, exit and refusal of entry information of third country nationals crossing the external borders of the Schengen area.

The entry-exit system will help:

• reduce border check delays and improve the quality of border checks by automatically calculating the authorised stay of each traveller
• ensure systematic and reliable identification of overstayers and those who no longer fulfil the conditions for entry
• strengthen internal security and the fight against terrorism by allowing law enforcement authorities access to a travel history records

"Bringing our border controls up to date will help us manage the increasing flow of travellers. It is also a basic tool for managing migration better, in particular cases of overstay, as well as for improving our response to the current terrorist threat."

Coreper also agreed on a mandate for negotiations on a regulation amending the Schengen borders code in view of the entry-exit system.

On the basis of these mandates, the Maltese Presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament.

The Council's position envisages several important elements, including the following.

The entry-exit system will apply to third country nationals, both those requiring a visa and those visa-exempt, admitted for a short stay of 90 days in any 180 day period. It will register their entry, exit and refusal of entry.

It will also store information on their identity and travel documents as well as biometric data (four fingerprints and the facial image).

The draft regulation also provides for interoperability between the entry exit system and the visa information system (VIS) for those third country nationals who require a visa to cross the EU external border. Checking information against the VIS will ensure rapidity and efficiency at the border checks.

The entry-exit system consists of a central database, where the information is stored, connected to national uniform interfaces.

Data related to third country nationals will be kept for a period of five years for border management purposes.

The information stored in the entry-exit system will be accessible to border authorities, visa authorities and the authorities within the member states competent to check if a third country national fulfils the conditions of entry or stay.

Data in the entry-exit system will also be available to the designated law enforcement authorities and Europol, to prevent, detect and investigate terrorist offences or other serious crimes, according to conditions as set out in the Council position.

Any access and processing of the information contained in the entry-exit system should be proportionate and necessary for the performance of tasks of the competent authorities.

The proposed regulation is a revised version of a legislative package presented by the Commission in February 2013. After the co-legislators voiced technical, financial and operation concerns on certain aspects of the 2013 package, the Commission carried out a technical study, followed by a pilot project entrusted to eu-LISA, the EU agency for the operational management of large scale IT systems. On the basis of the results of this preparatory phase, the Commission presented a revised proposal on 6 April 2016.

On 2 March 2017, EU ambassadors confirmed, on behalf of the Council, the informal agreement reached on 28 February 2017 between the Maltese Presidency and the European Parliament on visa liberalisation for Ukrainians. 

The agreement provides for visa-free travel for Ukrainian citizens when travelling to the EU for a period of stay of 90 days in any 180-day period. 

We have demonstrated our strong commitment to visa-free travel for Ukrainian citizens, now that Ukraine has met the necessary conditions for a visa free regime. The reform of the suspension mechanism adopted on 27 February enabled us to finalise this agreement.

Now that the agreement has been confirmed by EU ambassadors, on behalf of the Council, the regulation will be submitted to the European Parliament for a vote at first reading, and subsequently to the Council for adoption.

In December 2015 the Commission found that Ukraine had met all the benchmarks of the visa liberalisation plan and was therefore ready for the exemption of the visa requirement. On 20 April 2016 the Commission published the proposal for visa liberalisation for holders of Ukrainian passports. 

Once the new visa regime for Ukraine is formally adopted, it will  move the country from Annex I of Regulation 539/2001 (countries whose nationals need a visa to enter the Schengen area) to Annex II of the same regulation (visa free countries). 

In the context of the current migratory and security situation in the European Union, and taking into account its proposals on visa liberalisation for Georgia, Ukraine, Turkey and Kosovo, the Commission decided in May 2016 to present a proposal for a regulation revising the current suspension mechanism. The revised suspension mechanism allows, in specific circumstances, for the suspension of the visa waiver for the nationals of a specific country. 

In its negotiating position on visa liberalisation for Ukrainian citizens, agreed on 17 November 2016, Coreper took the view that the instrument should not enter into force before the entry into force of the revised suspension mechanism. The Council adopted the regulation on the suspension mechanism on 27 February 2017.

Ireland and the United Kingdom will not be subject to the application of these measures, in accordance with the protocols annexed to the EU treaties. The visa regime of these member states remains subject to their national legislation.

Place:
Europa building, Brussels

Chair:
Roderick Galdes, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights

All times are approximate and subject to change

+/- 08.00
Arrivals
VIP entrance, Europa building 

+/- 08.45
Doorstep by Roderick Galdes 

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

+/- 10.10
Multi-annual plan for small pelagic species in the Adriatic Sea (live streaming)

+/- 11.10
Any other business
- Our Oceans 2017
- Animal welfare platform
- Lumpy skin disease
- Dual quality of foodstuffs

+/- 12.45
Lunch break

+/- 14.15
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2020 (Roundtable TV/Photo opportunity)

+/- 16.30
Any other business
- Better functioning of the food supply chain
- G20 agriculture ministers' conference
- EU Solidarity Corps
- Market difficulties in the Polish fruit sector
- Voluntary coupled support
- Forum on EU rice sector

+/- 18.05
Press conference in Justus Lipsius building (live streaming)

1.             In accordance with its conclusions of 16 December 2014, the Council has assessed the overall state of EU relations with the Swiss Confederation. The Council will reassess the state of these relations, as well as those with the other Western European countries that are not members of the EU, by the end of 2018, as appropriate.

2.             The EU and Switzerland are key economic partners and our societies are highly interwoven. In this regard, good and reliable mutual relations are to the benefit of both sides. The Council takes note of the letter of 27 July 2016, by which Switzerland informs the EU that its application for EU membership should be considered withdrawn. In this regard, the Council welcomes the confirmation by the Swiss Federal Council of its firm commitment to preserve and further strengthen its cooperation with the EU and encourages the development of that cooperation, including on key foreign policy issues.

3.             The Council considers that the free movement of persons is a fundamental pillar of EU policy and that the internal market and its four freedoms are indivisible. The Council paid close attention to the legislative process in Switzerland which took place following the result of the popular initiative 'Against Mass Immigration' of 9 February 2014. The resultant text adopted on 16 December 2016 by the Swiss Federal Assembly can be implemented in a manner compatible with the rights of EU citizens under the Free Movement of Persons Agreement (FMPA) if the necessary implementing ordinance clarifies outstanding open issues, such as the right to information as regards vacancies, and the procedure for the adoption of further measures, in particular with a view to guaranteeing respect for frontier workers' rights. The Council is encouraged by Switzerland's readiness to discuss any such matters that could arise within the context of the EU-Swiss Joint Committee as set up by the said Agreement.

4.             The Council welcomes the extension of the FMPA to Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia, providing their citizens with unrestricted free movement rights in Switzerland. With regard to Croatia, the Council acknowledges that Switzerland fulfilled its commitments on 16 December 2016 and deposited the instrument of ratification. However, the Council notes that the delayed ratification of Protocol III by Switzerland postponed the start of the transitional periods applied to Croatian nationals. This should be addressed in the new implementing legislation on the free movement of persons and reviewed regularly. The Council welcomes the resulting full association of Switzerland to the Horizon 2020 programme and the prospects of continuing negotiations on its participation in the Erasmus programme.

5.             The Council takes note of the reconfirmation by Switzerland of its attachment to the sectoral approach. However, the Council recalls that a precondition for further developing the sectoral approach remains the establishment of a common institutional framework for existing and future agreements through which Switzerland participates in the EU's Single Market, in order to ensure homogeneity and legal certainty for citizens and businesses. The Council stresses the common understanding between the EU and Switzerland about the need to finalise the negotiations on the institutional framework agreement as soon as possible. Its conclusion will allow the EU-Swiss comprehensive partnership to develop to its full potential.

6.             Switzerland is the EU's third largest economic partner and the EU is Switzerland's main trading partner. While today the bilateral trade relationship generally works smoothly to the benefit of both partners, there are a number of restrictions on access to the Swiss market for operators from the EU, notably in the agri-food and services sectors. These restrictions need to be addressed in order to remedy asymmetries in bilateral economic relations. The Council is concerned by an inconsistent application of certain agreements and the introduction by Switzerland of subsequent legislative measures and practices, at federal or cantonal level, that are incompatible with those agreements, in particular the FMPA. The Council calls upon Switzerland to abrogate such flanking measures and to refrain from adopting new measures incompatible with the Agreement.

7.             The Council takes note of the adoption of a new legal basis for the financial contribution of Switzerland on 30 September 2016. This financial contribution is intended to reduce economic and social disparities in the EU and should be proportionate to the substantial benefits Switzerland draws from its participation in the Single Market. The Council encourages Switzerland to engage in the necessary discussions with the EU with a view to agreeing on the renewal of the financial contribution as soon as possible.

8.             The Council welcomes the ratification and timely entry into force from the agreed date of 1 January 2017 of the Amending Protocol signed on 27 May 2015, to the Agreement between the European Community and Switzerland, providing for measures equivalent to those laid down in Council Directive 2003/48/EC on taxation of savings income in the form of interest payments.

9.             The Council takes note of the negative outcome on 12 February 2017, of the vote on the Swiss legislation aiming to replace with a new set of measures certain preferential tax regimes and practices that constitute harmful tax competition. The Council stresses the need for fair tax competition and strongly encourages Switzerland to adhere to its international commitments and look for alternative solutions to effectively and swiftly remove the five tax regimes concerned, in line with the 2014 Joint Statement between EU Member States and Switzerland on company tax issues. The Council will continue to follow the matter closely.

10.         The Council welcomes the significant progress made by Switzerland in the construction of the new rail link through the Alps (NRLA), in accordance with Article 34 of the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on the Carriage of Goods and Passengers by Rail and Road. The opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel (the longest railway tunnel in the world) on 1 June 2016 is a major milestone that will further contribute to the development of efficient and environmentally sustainable transport in Europe.

11.         Switzerland is a close partner in the area of justice and home affairs, especially in relation to applying the Schengen acquis. In the context of the unprecedented migratory flows to Europe, the Council acknowledges Switzerland's contribution, as well as its constructive and positive cooperation, notably in the context of the implementing of the European Agenda on Migration.

12.         The Council appreciates the continued cooperation between the EU and Switzerland in the area of CFSP, in particular the positive participation of Switzerland in CSDP missions and its close cooperation in the areas of humanitarian aid and civil protection, and looks forward to enhancing the existing cooperation. The Council welcomes the recent conclusion of two agreements on the participation of Switzerland in the EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine and in the EU CSDP mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali). Furthermore, the Council notes Switzerland's voluntary alignment to restrictive measures of the EU on a case-by-case basis. The Council encourages Switzerland to remain close and consistent in the application of the restrictive measures including preventing their circumvention. The Council invites Switzerland to maintain and further improve its alignment with the EU's restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, and in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.

On 28 February the Council agreed its negotiating position (general approach) for the review of the emission trading system (ETS). The ETS is one of the main tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The review will contribute to the EU's goal of cutting its emissions by at least 40% by 2030, as committed under the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Now that the Council has agreed its position, negotiations with the European Parliament can start with the aim of reaching an agreement on the final text.

"This is important for us, for our planet and for future generations. The Paris Agreement was a landmark achievement, but we need to put words into action. A better functioning ETS will reduce emissions further. The EU is delivering on its promises, because it cares about a better future for all."

The emissions trading system, launched in 2005, works by putting a limit on the total of emissions from high-emitting industry sectors and power plants. Within this limit, which is reduced each year, companies can buy and sell emission allowances. Each allowance gives them the right to emit one tonne of CO2, the main greenhouse gas, or the equivalent of another greenhouse gas. This helps create incentives for companies to cut their emissions in a cost-effective way.

Although auctioning is the default method for allocating emission allowances to companies, some sectors of industry receive a share of allowances for free. Free allocation is carried out on the basis of performance benchmarks, which reward best practice in low-emission production.

The European Council, in its conclusions of October 2014, established the main elements of the review of the EU ETS. Based on these agreed guidelines, the Commission presented its proposal for a directive in July 2015.

As the proposal is subject to an ordinary legislative procedure, it needs to be discussed by the Council and the European Parliament to agree on a final text. The European Parliament voted its amendments in plenary on 15 February 2017. Now the Council has agreed on a general approach, negotiations can start.

I am pleased to welcome President Sargsyan to Brussels today.

Armenia whose independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity we support is an important partner for the European Union.

I am very pleased to announce today the conclusion of negotiations on the new EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement.

This new agreement will broaden the scope of our relations, taking into account the new global, political and economic interests we share and challenges we want to face together.

We are looking forward to stronger cooperation in sectors such as energy, transport and the environment, for new opportunities in trade and investments, and for increased mobility for the benefit of our citizens.

We have discussed today our shared values including our commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, which underpin the new agreement and our future cooperation.

The EU is already the first trade partner of Armenia, its first international donor and strongest supporter to reforms. We intend to expand these relations further in the coming years and have encouraged Armenia to continue reforms across a range of issues, including economic development, the business environment, the judiciary, human rights, the fight against corruption and measures to ensure free and fair elections.

We also discussed the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The status quo is unsustainable. The conflict needs an early political settlement in accordance with international law. It does not have a military solution. The EU continues to fully support the mediation efforts and proposals of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.

Mr President, thank you very much for coming to Brussels for your visit, for all your efforts and for our cooperation.

The Maltese Presidency and European Parliament representatives reached a provisional agreement on extending the EU's funding to the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG).

Nearly €14 million will be allocated for the period 2017 to 2020 to ensure the operational continuity of the EFRAG. The EU's contribution to EFRAG's budget accounts for around 60%.

Christian Cardona, Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Business of Malta, said: "Adequate funding will allow the EFRAG to carry out its mission effectively. EFRAG is now well equipped to continue advising the European Commission on international financial reporting standards in the interest of the European project. Independence and transparency are essential for strengthening the single market of financial services and capital". 

EFRAG's mission is to develop and promote European views in the field of financial reporting. It also tries to ensure that these views are duly taken into account within the International Accounting Standards Board, which is the independent body responsible for developing International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). 

In 2009, the EU launched a programme to support activities in the field of financial services, financial reporting and auditing. The beneficiaries of the programme are the IFRS Foundation, the EFRAG and the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB). 

The programme was extended under regulation 258/14 for the period 2014 to 2020 for the IFRS Foundation and the PIOB only. 

Concerning EFRAG, the Council and the Parliament decided to wait until a number of reforms in the EFRAG governance were completed. The governance reform of EFRAG to strengthen the EU's contribution to the development of international accounting standards was implemented on 31 October 2014.

Today's provisional agreement has still to be confirmed by the Council and the European Parliament in the coming weeks. Once confirmed, the total allocation from the EU budget to EFRAG will amount to €23 million for the period 2014 to 2020, which matches the Commission initial estimate.

The fifth meeting of the Accession Conference with Serbia at ministerial level was held today in Brussels to open negotiations on chapter 20 - Enterprise and industrial policy, and to open and provisionally close chapter 26 - Education and culture. 

The European Union delegation was led by Mr Louis Grech, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto of the Republic of Malta, on behalf of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The European Commission was represented by Mr Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations. The Serbian delegation was led by Ms Jadranka Joksimović, Minister without portfolio responsible for European integration. 

Following today's Conference, Serbia will have opened 8 chapters out of a total of 35 negotiation chapters of which 2 chapters have already been provisionally closed. Further Accession Conferences will be planned, as appropriate, in order to take the process forward. The accession negotiations were launched in January 2014. 

Regarding the chapters on the agenda, the Union has closely examined Serbia's present state of preparations. 

On the understanding that Serbia has to continue to make progress in the alignment with and implementation of the acquis in Chapter 20 - Enterprise and industrial policy, the EU noted that there is one benchmark that needs to be met for provisional closure of this chapter. The benchmark is as follows: 

• Serbia puts in place and starts to implement a comprehensive industrial strategy, supported by a system of evaluation indicators and benchmarks as suggested by EU policies relevant to industry.

Regarding negotiations on chapter 26 - Education and culture, the EU considered that, exceptionally, benchmarks for the provisional closure of this chapter were not required, given the general good level of Serbia's state of preparedness in the area of Education and culture, and the limited scope and particular nature of acquis obligations in this chapter. The EU therefore noted that, at this stage, this chapter does not require further negotiations.

For both chapters on the agenda, monitoring of progress in the alignment with and implementation of the acquis will continue throughout the negotiations. The EU underlined that it would devote particular attention to monitoring all specific issues mentioned in its common positions. The EU will, if necessary, return to these chapters at an appropriate moment.

On 27 February 2017, the Council adopted a regulation on visa liberalisation for Georgians travelling to the EU for a period of stay of 90 days in any 180-day period.

"This agreement will bring the people of Georgia and the EU closer together and will strengthen tourism and business ties. It follows the completion of the necessary reforms by Georgia, addressing document security, border management, migration and asylum. In addition, the recent adaptation of the suspension mechanism has made this agreement possible." 

The Council and the European Parliament now need to sign the adopted regulation. The text will then be published in the EU Official Journal and will enter into force 20 days later, at the same time as the new visa waiver suspension mechanism.

The regulation formally amends regulation 539/2001, moving Georgia from Annex I (countries whose nationals need a visa to enter the Schengen area) to Annex II (visa free countries). Georgian citizens with a biometric passport travelling to the EU for up to 90 days for business, tourist or family purposes will no longer need a visa.

These measures will not apply to Ireland and the United Kingdom, in accordance with the protocols annexed to the EU treaties. The visa regime of these member states remains subject to their national legislation.

On 27 February 2017, the Council adopted a regulation to revise the suspension mechanism which can be applied to all existing visa liberalisation agreements.

"Visa liberalisation brings great advantages to the EU and third countries. At the same time, the EU must be able to respond effectively in cases where the rules are not being respected. The revision of the suspension mechanism adopted today makes it easier to tackle abuse of the system."

The objective of the revised regulation is to strengthen the suspension mechanism. It does this by making it easier for member states to notify circumstances which might lead to a suspension, by enabling the Commission to trigger the mechanism on its own initiative, and by tasking the Commission to send annual reports to the European Parliament and Council on the extent to which visa-exempt third countries continue to meet the necessary criteria.

The possible grounds for suspension have been extended, and include a decrease in cooperation on readmission, a substantial increase in the refusal rate of readmission applications, including for third-country nationals in transit, and a substantial increase in the risk to public policy or the internal security of the member states.

The use of the mechanism will also be facilitated by shortening reference periods and deadlines in order to allow for a faster procedure. In particular, the reference period for comparing the circumstances leading to the suspension with the situation during the previous year or before visa liberalisation is shortened from six to two months.

The suspension can be triggered by a notification of a member state or by the Commission. If a simple majority of member states notify, the Commission will have to adopt an implementing decision temporarily suspending the exemption from the visa requirement for certain categories of nationals of the third country concerned for a period of 9 months. During this period, the Commission shall establish an enhanced dialogue with the third country concerned to remedy the circumstances in question.

If the circumstances persist, the Commission shall adopt (at the latest two months prior to the expiry of the 9 months) a delegated act temporarily suspending the visa waiver for a further period of 18 months, for all the nationals of the third country concerned. Before the end of the period of validity of the delegated act, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council. This report may be accompanied by a legislative proposal to transfer the reference to the third country concerned from Annex II (visa free countries) to Annex I (countries whose nationals need a visa to enter the Schengen area).

A monitoring mechanism has been introduced with the purpose of ensuring that third countries which have been granted visa exemption following a visa liberalisation dialogue continue to fulfil the criteria which were the basis for granting visa free status.

Ireland and the United Kingdom will not be subject to the application of these measures, in accordance with the protocols annexed to the EU treaties. The visa regime of these member states remains subject to their national legislation.

The Council and the European Parliament now need to sign the adopted regulation. The signed text will be published in the EU Official Journal and will enter into force 20 days later.

On 27 February 2017, the Council decided to prolong the restrictive measures against Belarus for one year, until 28 February 2018. These measures include an arms embargo and an asset freeze and a travel ban against four people listed in connection with the unresolved disappearances of two opposition politicians, one businessman and one journalist in 1999 and in 2000. The Council also introduced an exemption to the restrictive measures to allow export of biathlon equipment to Belarus, which will remain subject to prior authorisation by national competent authorities on a case by case basis.

Tangible steps taken by Belarus to respect universal fundamental freedoms, rule of law and human rights will remain key for the shaping of the EU's future policy towards Belarus, as stated in Council conclusions of 15 February 2016.

The restrictive measures against Belarus were first introduced in 2004 in response to the disappearance of the four persons referred to above The Council later adopted further restrictive measures against those involved in the violation of international electoral standards and international human rights law, as well as in the crackdown on civil society and democratic opposition.  The arms embargo was introduced in 2011. On 15 February 2016, the Council decided to lift the restrictive measures against 170 individuals and three companies, while maintaining the arms embargo and the sanctions against the four persons. This decision was taken while acknowledging the steps taken by Belarus that have contributed to improving EU-Belarus relations.

Monday 27 February 2017
12.30 Meeting with President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan (press statements ± 14.40)
19.00 Meeting with President Emma Marcegaglia and Director General Markus Beyrer of BusinessEurope

Tuesday 28 February 2017
17.15 Meeting with General Secretary Luca Visentini of European Trade Union (ETUC)

Wednesday 1 March 2017
11.30 Meeting with President Katherina Reiche of European Centre of Employers and Enterprises providing Public Services (CEEP)

Thursday 2 March 2017
11.00 Meeting with Taoiseach Enda Kenny

On 27 February 2017, the Council adopted legal acts imposing further restrictive measures against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).  These legal acts transpose the additional restrictive measures imposed by United Nations Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 2321 adopted on 30 November 2016. 

The measures include restrictions on transactions in coal, iron and iron ore from the DPRK, and a ban on imports of copper, nickel, silver, zinc as well as statues from the DPRK. The measures also include a ban on export of new helicopters and vessels to the DPRK, the tightening of existing restrictions in the transport sector as well as in the financial sector, like a prohibition for a DPRK diplomatic mission and for a DPRK diplomat to have more than one bank account in the EU and restrictions on the use of real estate property by the DPRK in the EU. 

The legal acts also provide for member states to take further measures to prevent specialised teaching or training of DPRK nationals in disciplines which would contribute to the DPRK's nuclear or ballistic-missile programmes; as well as to suspend scientific and technical cooperation involving persons or groups officially sponsored by or representing the DPRK except for medical exchanges. 

Like existing sanctions, these restrictive measures are designed in such a way as to avoid adverse humanitarian consequences for the country's civilian population. They therefore include exemptions for livelihood and humanitarian purposes, where appropriate.

The UNSCR also added 11 persons and 10 entities to the list of those subject to asset freeze as well as travel restrictions for persons. This addition was transposed into EU law by a Council decision adopted on 8 December 2016.

EU restrictive measures against North Korea were introduced on 22 December 2006. The existing measures implement all UNSC resolutions adopted in response to the DPRK's nuclear tests and launches using ballistic missile technology and include additional EU autonomous measures. They target North Korea's nuclear weapons and nuclear programmes, other weapon of mass destruction and ballistic missile programmes. The measures include prohibitions on the export and import of arms, goods, services and technology that could contribute to these programmes. 

On 27 February 2017, the Council adopted conclusions on EU priorities at United Nations human rights fora in 2017.

The conclusions reaffirm the EU's strong commitment to the United Nations human rights system. The EU will remain actively engaged at the UN Human Rights Council and the Third Committee of the General Assembly to defend and promote the universality, indivisibility, interdependence and interrelatedness of human rights. The EU will continue to draw the attention of these fora to human rights violations and abuses worldwide, and to the need for accountability and efforts to fight impunity. It will also seek to highlight positive experiences where action was taken to prevent or remedy human rights violations and abuses.

These Council conclusions are adopted on a yearly basis. They set out the main lines of action for the EU at UN human rights fora in the coming months.

Place:        Europa building, Brussels
Chair(s):    Dr Jose A. Herrera, Minister for sustainable development, the environment and climate change of Malta

All times are approximate and subject to change

+/- 08.00
Doorstep by Minister Herrera

+/- 09.00
Beginning of Council meeting (Roundtable)
Adoption of the agenda
Adoption of non-legislative A Items

+/- 09.10
Review of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) (public session)

Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Greening the European Semester and the environmental implementation review (EIR)

+/- 13.45
Working lunch on EU Environmental Implementation Review (EIR)

+/- 15.15
Review of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) (public session)

Other business
-      Emissions Trading System (ETS) - Aviation (public session)
-      Low-emission mobility
-      Paris Agreement: International developments
-      EU action plan for the circular economy
-      Natura 2000 in the European solidarity corps
-      Luxembourg circular economy hotspot (Luxembourg, 20-22 June 2017)
-      Environmental concerns regarding Belarus nuclear power plant
-      Scientific Conference on "Sustainable development and climate changes in the light of the encyclical letter of Holy Father Francis, entitled Laudato Sí" (Warsaw, 15 October 2016)
-      Environmental liability and mining waste

+/- 17.30
Press conference (Justus Lipsius building press room - live streaming)

Place:        Europa building, Brussels
Chairs:      Konrad Mizzi, Maltese Minister

All times are approximate and subject to change

+/- 08.45
Doorstep by Minister Mizzi

+/- 09.30
Beginning of Council meeting (roundtable)
Adoption of the agenda
Adoption of non-legislative A items
Adoption of legislative A items (public session)

+/- 09.50
State of the Energy Union

+/- 10.35
Clean energy package (public session)

+/- 14.30
Any other business:
a)  Current legislative proposals (public session)
     i)   Security of gas supply
     ii)  Energy labelling
b)  European Nuclear Energy Forum
c)  Ocean Energy Forum

+/- 15.45
Press conference (live streaming)
Press room, Justus Lipsius building

The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk received the letters of credentials of the following Ambassadors:

H.E. Mr Jasem Mohamed A.A. ALBUDAIWI, Head of the Mission of the State of Kuwait to the European Union
H.E. Mr Dato' HASNUDIN BIN HAMZAH, Ambassador, Head of the Mission of Malaysia to the European Union
H.E. Mr KIM Hyoung-zhin, Ambassador, Head of the Mission of the Republic of Korea to the European Union
H.E. Mr Colin Michael CONNELLY,  Ambassador, Head of the Mission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the European Union

The Council presidency, the European Central Bank and the European Commission met with European social partners on 21 February 2017 to discuss current economic conditions and the economic outlook, and the role of the fiscal stance in supporting growth.

In his opening statement, Edward Scicluna, minister for finance of Malta and president of the Council said:

"Economic activity in the EU is still moderate but improving.  However, the recovery is still characterized by uneven economic growth and significant differences in the state of public finances across the member states. This state of affairs raises the question of what role should fiscal policy play in supporting economic growth. Within this context, there is the need to find the right balance between the stabilization function and the sustainability aspect of fiscal policy."

Commission vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said:

"The economic recovery in Europe continues for the fifth consecutive year. All EU member states are back to economic growth. In these uncertain times, however, it is important that European economies stay competitive and are able to adapt to changing circumstances. We need to continue our structural reform effort. We also need to make growth inclusive, ensuring that the recovery is felt by all, especially by most vulnerable members of society. Several countries with high deficit and debt levels should continue bringing them down to make their economies more resilient to domestic and external economic shocks. Several member states need to address persistent pockets of weakness in their banking sector, including a high level of non-performing loans."

European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) general secretary Luca Visentini commented:

"The ETUC welcomes the Commission calling for expansionary fiscal policies. With the current low demand, low inflation and high unemployment, a fiscal stimulus is the right way to go. But the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact prevent member states from engaging in expansionary fiscal policies. The ETUC calls for a revision of the Stability and Growth Pact and improved economic governance, allowing our economies to recover and pave the way for sustainable growth. The ETUC calls for an increase in public investment and a pay rise for all workers across Europe, to increase domestic demand, growth and job creation. This would be the right policy for the EU to pursue."

Speaking on behalf of the Confederation of European Business, BusinessEurope, director general Markus J. Beyrer commented:

"It is clear that the EU economy has picked up momentum in recent months, with businesses having been responsible for the majority of the 3 million new jobs created in the EU in the last 12 months. But growth continues to be supported by a number of temporary factors. Our concern is that EU member states are doing too little to take advantage of the favourable economic conditions. Countries need to step up their reform effort to improve underlying growth prospects and increase the resilience of the EU economy in an uncertain global political environment."

For the CEEP, the European Centre of Employers and Enterprises providing Public Services, general secretaryValeria Ronzitti said:

"CEEP welcomes the proposal from the European Commission for defining a euro area fiscal stance. We see the recent EC communication as a call to responsibility for the member states, a call to start considering the euro zone as a whole and not just as the sum of its individual components. However, the Stability and Growth Pact alone cannot oblige countries with fiscal room for manoeuvre to make use of it. Hence this very good first step from the EC needs to be reinforced in the EMU's completion process. Indeed, there is enough evidence by now that when member states go for efficient investments in public infrastructures then they show a path for the whole EU and not just for themselves. This is a way with the means to fight the aftermath of the crisis while looking straight into the future of our European economy."

Speaking on behalf of Europe's SMEs, new European Association of Craft, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (UEAPME) secretary general Veronique Willems said:

"Currently SMEs benefit from internal demand driven growth, but we also see that this dynamic is fading-out. Therefore, Europe has to strengthen its efforts to increase public investments and attract more private investments. This requires fiscal policies supporting future growth and the implementation of all pillars from the investment plan."

On the debate about the fiscal stance of the euro area, Ms Willems stated: "We do not see that targeting a specific fiscal stance is the most important policy aim, priority should be given to the quality of spending, if future growth and employment is the aim".

For the future Estonian Presidency (July to December 2017), minister for finance Sven Sester remarked:

"The Stability and Growth Pact continues to be the cornerstone for the euro area co-ordination of EU fiscal policy and we have already stretched the interpretation limits of flexibility. In the context of the recovery taking hold and output gaps closing, we don't really see the need for more fiscal stimulus. Still high and elevated debt levels in many countries must be tackled in a sustainable way and the current low interest environment is giving its impetus for achieving this goal.  Therefore, growth-friendly fiscal policy should follow with a balanced policy mix. In this regard, structural reforms, investments and the quality of public finances should be prioritized."

For the future Bulgarian Presidency (January to June 2018), deputy minister for finance Marinela Petrova remarked:

"The European project has been undergoing both economic and political challenges that have been also marked by a degree of uncertainty over the future growth prospects. In the current macroeconomic situation with very low inflation and zero interest rates, public investments tend to be more efficient both for the surplus countries, which have fiscal space, and for the countries which examine the impact of these effects. For the small open economies, however, fiscal stability has to be the main policy goal as far as the fiscal multipliers tend to be of a less significance there. On the other hand, long term economic growth and sound fiscal policy go hand in hand. Hence, the approach of solving the policy dilemma for expansionary or contractionary fiscal policy should consider primarily the need to ensure the long term sustainability of public finance."

Good afternoon everyone and sorry to surprise you with such a short Eurogroup. I guess half of your colleagues are out somewhere because they didn't expect us back already. 

I have a couple of sentences on the euro area economy, but I will let commissioner Pierre Moscovici say more on the basis of the winter forecast. 

We discussed the ease of doing business in the euro area. We had an interesting discussion where several colleagues told us what they were doing to improve the business climate in their countries - cutting red tape etc. - and this is all in our work stream on the investment climate and investments in the eurozone. We will continue work on that and come back to it in April. 

On the euro area economy, the recovery is clearly on track. There are lots of risks, downward risks also looming outside Europe and outside the euro area. Yet we are entering the fourth consecutive year of economic recovery and the recovery is gradually becoming stronger; real GDP grew steadily at 1.7% last year. 

Lots of positive signs coming from different euro area members states; the rate of unemployment is going down in most countries. I'll stop there and let the commissioner say more about that. 

Let me come quickly to the topic that probably interests you most today which is Greece. 

We have intensified talks in the last week, week and a half, with the institutions and the Greek government, to find enough common ground for the institutions to go back to Athens. The outcome of today is that they will go back to Athens in a very short time. They will work with the Greek authorities on the additional package of structural reforms; looking at the tax system, the pensions system, also labour market regulation. There will be a change in the policy mix, moving away from austerity and putting more emphasis on deep reforms, which has also been a key element for the IMF. So that is I think a good step and we have to realize that there is no agreement, there is no political agreement at this point, as that would be too early. It is a very positive and good step that the institutions have enough confidence and a common agreement to go back to Athens. 

A lot of work still needs to be done. I already mentioned the kind of reforms that it's about. In any country the combination of these topics would be difficult, so we will allow the institutions and the Greek government to do that work on the ground in more technical detail. 

And they will return to the Eurogroup if and when there is a staff level agreement and then we will have a final political discussion on the latest stages of the programme, on how to move forward. 

So, very happy with that outcome for today. Broad support, institutions willing and ready to go, and we hope to come back to you as soon as possible. 

On that element of time, because I know you will be asking about that, there is no liquidity issue in the short run for Greece. But I think we all feel a sense of urgency because of the key issue of confidence. If you want economic growth in Greece to continue and to start picking up, confidence is a key factor. That confidence has been returning in the last year and needs to strengthen, and we don't want to jeopardize that. So that would be a strong motivator to do the work as soon as possible.

I'll stop here and I'm sure you'll have lots of questions. Thanks, and lets listen to the commissioner.