eunbil · GT0N1372 · 2006-06-13 00:00:00 — [Council equally welcomes the positive outcome of discussions between Parliament, the Council and the Commission on the comitology reform, which will provide for a horizontal and satisfying solution. The newly agreed provisions will enhance scrutiny by the legislator with regard to the Commission"s implementing powers in areas subject to co-decision, thus improving the comitology procedures.] Progress has been made since its last meeting in all fields of Better Regulation and all institutions and Member States are urged to implement their respective commitments as set out in the 2003 Inter-Institutional Agreement on Better Lawmaking. Council calls on the Member States to take initiatives at national level, including through their national reform programmes, in order to reduce administrative burdens on enterprises. It invites the Commission to report on the progress made at national and Community levels by early 2007. should draw conclusions on further steps to be taken. Priority should be given to reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, which pose a significant barrier to a more innovative and knowledge-intensive economy and are particularly detrimental to SMEs. In this context and as a first step, Council looks forward to ambitious, measurable reduction targets in selected areas to be set by early 2007, in time for the . the further embedding of the use of global integrated impact assessments in decision-making in the work of all institutions as a crucial element in the policy-making process; the implementation of the Commission"s programme to simplify existing legislation. It looks forward to receiving a Commission report on implementation in the second half of 2006 and requests that relevant Council formations give priority to specific simplification proposals. It also stresses the importance of extending the simplification programme to all relevant branches of economy; the successful conclusion of the Commission"s 2005 screening exercise and invites the Commission to continue to screen pending proposals. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE (a) p.m. (b) Enlargement Council takes note of the initial discussions on enlargement held at the informal Foreign Ministers meeting in on 11 and in Klosterneuburg on 27 / 28 2006. It agreed to continue and deepen this general discussion during the second half of 2006. Enlargement has proved a historic opportunity contributing to ensure peace, security, stability, democracy, the rule of law as well as growth and prosperity in Union as a whole. Enlargement is equally helping the EU to become a more competitive and dynamic economy and be better prepared to meet the challenges of a globalised and changing world. Council welcomes in this context the Commissions report on the economic success of the Unions historic fifth enlargement, which will be completed with the accession of and . It is the Unions common objective to welcome and in January 2007 as members of the Union if they are ready. On the basis of the Commissions Monitoring Report of 2006 Council confirms this position. While commending both countries for the reform efforts undertaken lately, Council calls on and to rigorously step up their efforts to tackle decisively and without delay the remaining issues of concern as mentioned in the commissions 2006 report. Council remains convinced that, with the necessary political will, both countries can overcome the deficits stated to reach the envisaged date of accession on 1 January 2007. It therefore welcomes the intention of the Commission to present its next monitoring reports by early October at the latest. It encourages Member States to complete the ratification of the on time. General questions of future enlargement With regard to enlargement Council emphasized that every effort should be made to protect the cohesion and the effectiveness of the Union. It will be important to ensure in future that the Union is able to function politically, financially and institutionally as it enlarges, and to further deepen Europes common project. Therefore Council will, at its meeting in , have a debate on all aspects of further enlargements, including the Unions capacity to absorb new members and further ways of improving the quality of the enlargement process. It recalls in this connection that the pace of enlargement must take the Unions absorption capacity into account. The Commission is invited to provide a special report covering all relevant aspects pertaining to the criterion of the Unions absorption capacity, at the same time as it presents its annual progress reports on enlargement and the pre-accession process. This analysis should also cover the issue of present and future perception of enlargement by public opinion within the Union and should take into account the need to explain the enlargement process adequately to the public within the Union. Council reviewed progress made in the acquis screening and welcomes the start of substantive accession negotiations with . is expected to share the values, objectives and the legal order set out in the treaties. The Union is committed to support in its efforts to comply with the Unions standards and membership obligations, including the criteria. Council recalls, in line with previous conclusions, that the current negotiations are based on each countrys own merits and that their pace will depend on each countrys progress in preparing for accession measured against the requirements set out in the Negotiating Framework. This includes the fulfilment of obligations under the Association Agreement and under its Additional Protocol, full implementation of which will be evaluated in 2006 as agreed in the Declaration of Union and its Member States of , as well as the implementation of the revised Accession Partnership. Council calls on to intensify the reform process and to implement it fully and effectively, so as to ensure its irreversibility and sustainability as well as to progress towards the complete fulfilment of the political criteria. Council reviewed progress made in the acquis screening and welcomes the start of substantive accession negotiations with . is expected to share the values, objectives and the legal order set out in the treaties. The Union is committed to support in its efforts to comply with the Unions standards and membership obligations, including the criteria. Council recalls, in line with previous conclusions, that the current negotiations are based on each countrys own merits and that their pace will depend on each countrys progress in preparing for accession measured against the requirements set out in the Negotiating Framework. This includes the fulfilment of obligations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement as well as the implementation of the Accession Partnership. Council encourages to continue its reform efforts and to achieve sustainable progress towards the fulfilment of EU standards. (c) Western Council reconfirmed perspective of the Western as set out in the Stabilisation and Association Process, the Agenda and the 2006. In this respect, Council confirmed that the future of the Western lies in Union. Each countrys progress towards Union will continue to depend on individual merits in meeting the conditions and requirements set forth in the criteria and in the Stabilisation and Association Process, including full cooperation with the ICTY. All Western countries have in the last year made significant steps along their road towards the EU, with EU membership as ultimate goal in conformity with the Agenda. welcomed the initial progress made in the implementation of the "The Western on the Road to the EU: consolidation stability and raising prosperity". Union will continue assisting the Western countries through practical measures to make perspective more tangible and is looking forward to concrete results in the near future notably in areas such as regional free trade and visa facilitation in line with the common approach. requests the Commission and to put forward proposals for a joint EU budget - finance facility for the Western . Council reiterates the importance it attaches to Neighbourhood Policy as a means to strengthen cooperation with its neighbours and expand prosperity, stability and security beyond the borders of Union. Neighbourhood Policy seeks to support the political and economic reforms of neighbouring countries on the basis of partnership and on shared values. The Union is determined to strengthen and further develop its Neighbourhood Policy, thus offering an increasingly close relationship and substantial support, as neighbouring countries fulfil their commitments to reform. Council attaches great importance to a fruitful co-operation between Union and them to overcome the remaining difficulties in the ongoing negotiations on a memorandum of understanding. It expresses its appreciation to Prime Minister for his report on the future relations between and Union, which deserves further consideration. Council adopted declarations on the Western (), (), (), the Middle East Peace Process (), () and (). Council endorses the Presidency report on ESDP (doc. XXX), which comprises the mandate for the incoming Presidency. AN OVERALL POLICY ON TRANSPARENCY With a view to further increase openness, transparency and accountability, Council agrees on the following measures aiming at a stronger involvement of citizens in the work of the Union: deliberations on legislative acts to be adopted by co-decision shall be open to the public as shall the votes and the explanation of votes by Council Members. or Coreper may decide in individual cases that a given deliberation should not be open to the public. "s first deliberations on legislative acts other than those adopted by co-decision, which given their importance are presented orally by the Commission in a Council session, shall be open to the public. The Presidency may decide in individual cases that the Council"s subsequent deliberations on a particular act shall be open to the public, unless the Council or Coreper decide otherwise. shall regularly hold public debates on important issues affecting the interests of the Union and its citizens. Such debates will be held further to a decision by the Council or Coreper, acting by qualified majority. Implementation of this commitment shall start during the incoming Presidency, which would submit proposals for such public debates taking into account the importance of the matter and its interest to citizens. The General and "s deliberations on the 18 month programme shall be public, as shall other Council formations" deliberations on their priorities. The Commission"s presentation of its five year programme, of its annual work programme and of its annual policy strategy, as well as the ensuing debate, shall be public. All public deliberations shall be broadcasted in all languages through video-streaming and there shall be an obligation for a recorded version to remain available for at least a month on the Council"s internet site. The incoming Presidency is invited, together with the General of the Council, to develop new means of giving more publicity to public deliberations, in particular through the Council"s web site and list, an easily accessible and constantly updated list of forthcoming debates, appropriate background material, as well as direct communication to target audiences. They will work closely together to provide the media and citizens with an open, rapid and technically advanced communication service. The General of the Council shall inform the public in advance of the dates and approximate time on which public debates will take place and shall take all practical measures to ensure proper implementation of the rules of transparency. Draft Declaration on the Western Council reaffirmed its full support for the agenda set out at the Summit in 2003 and for the Stabilisation and Association Process. A peaceful and prosperous fully integrated into the family of European nations is very important for the stability in the region. Council, therefore, recalls that Union is willing to resume negotiations with on a Stabilization and Association Agreement as soon as full cooperation of with the ICTY is achieved. The Union maintains its support to the ongoing talks about the future status of Kosovo led by UN . It calls on all parties to engage constructively in the status process and recalls the crucial importance of moving forward on the implementation of standards in Kosovo. In close consultation with key international actors, Union stands ready to enhance its role in Kosovo following a status determination, in particular in the areas of , rule of law and the economy. Union and its Member States have already agreed to develop their relations with as a sovereign, independent State. Council calls on both and to pursue a direct and constructive dialogue on their future relations. Union will continue to assist Bosnia and in ensuring stability and progress on key reforms. It urges the Bosnian authorities to ensure real and tangible progress in the implementation of reform in order to maintain momentum in the Stabilisation and Association Process. Council underlines the importance of proceeding with constitutional reform. Council calls on all parties in the former Yugoslav Republic of to ensure that the parliamentary elections on 5 are conducted in line with international standards. Council welcomes the signature of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with and calls on to push ahead with its reform agenda. Council strongly encourages regional cooperation including through the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP). It welcomes the initiative for a regional free-trade area launched in on , as well as the signing of the agreement on a with the countries of the region on 9 , and progress made in the ratification process of the for South-East Europe. Union will continue to back its policies for the Western with commensurate financial assistance, particularly through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance to be introduced next year. Council is conscious that the question of visa facilitation is particularly important for the people of the countries of the region. Union therefore hopes to adopt negotiation mandates for visa facilitation and readmission agreements in the course of this year, in line with the common approach to the development of the EU policy on visa facilitation agreed in , so that negotiations can be concluded as soon as possible, ideally in 2007. Council underlines the importance of the understandings reached among the EU High Representative, the Foreign Ministers of , , the , and , and the in on 1 2006. These understandings offer the chance for a negotiated agreement with based on a cooperative approach. Council gives its full support to the balanced approach incorporated in the understandings. Council welcomes the contact between the EU High Representative supported by representatives of , , and the and Iranian authorities in on 6 , and the constructive atmosphere in which this took place. Council urges to respond positively to this far-reaching initiative. Council welcomes the formation of the new Iraqi national unity government on 20 , now completed with the appointment of Ministers of Defence, Interior and . This is a major and important step continuing the transformation of into a democratic country. Union reiterates its strong condemnation of terrorist acts and deplores the continuing campaign of violence against the Iraqi people and their constitutionally elected government. It calls on all Iraqi citizens to avoid sectarian strife and refrain from using violence, prolonging the suffering of the Iraqi people. Union stands ready to renew its engagement with the new Iraqi government and Iraqi citizens in their efforts to bring peace, stability and prosperity to an independent and sovereign . Council welcomes the new government"s programme for its commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting national unity and reconciliation, protecting and developing "s resources and using them for the benefit of all the Iraqi people. Union looks forward to rapid and early political dialogue with the new government. Council welcomes the and the joint letter from SG/HR and Commissioner . Council looks forward to pursuing enhanced engagement with the new government at all relevant levels. For example, it is the EU"s intention to support in the following areas: Endorse a model of democratic government that overcomes divisions, e.g. through support to national reconciliation and the constitutional review process in close cooperation with the UN. In this context, Council welcomed the United Nations Multi-Party Dialogue on the Iraqi bill of rights in from 6 to 8 . Contribute towards the rule of law and a culture of respect for human rights, e.g. through Community assistance in these areas. In this context, Council notes the agreement to extend the Integrated Rule of for , EUJUST , for another 18 months after the expiration of the current mandate in response to Iraqi needs and requests. Support national and regional authorities in improving the delivery of basic services and in promoting job creation. Support Iraqs economic recovery and prosperity, e.g. by launching the negotiations of a Trade and Cooperation Agreement and by commencing a technical dialogue on energy. Promote the development of an effective and transparent administrative framework. Stepping up its presence in through the imminent appointment of the Head of Commission Delegation in . Council encourages enhanced international engagement and underlines the EU"s willingness to continue supporting the UN"s role in . Draft Declaration on the Middle East Peace Process Union remains committed to working within the Quartet towards the goal of a just, viable and lasting solution based on existing agreements, the relevant UNSC resolutions and the principles laid down in the Roadmap. In view of the urgent need to re-launch the process towards a negotiated two-state solution which would bring peace to both the Israeli and the Palestinian people, Council calls for an early engagement between the Israeli Prime Minister and the President of the Palestinian Authority, who was elected on a platform of peace. It reiterates its expectations from both parties to respect existing agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap. As set out by the Quartet, the Hamas-led Palestinian Government needs to meet and implement the three principles of non-violence, recognition of right to exist and acceptance of existing agreements and obligations. Council remains concerned by the security situation in and the . It calls on all parties to exercise restraint and calls on the Palestinian Authority to take action to improve security and prevent terrorist attacks on . Council welcomes the efforts by the main Palestinian political forces to engage in a national dialogue aimed primarily at putting an end to inter-Palestinian confrontation and establishing law and order. It calls on the Palestinian government to cooperate with the President of the Palestinian Authority to achieve this, including through the disarmament of groups engaged in violence and terror. Council calls on to desist from any action that threatens the viability of an agreed two-state solution and from acts that are contrary to international law. Of particular concern are settlement activities, the construction of the barrier on Palestinian land and activities in and around East as well as in the . Union will not recognize any change to the pre-1967 borders other than those agreed to by both sides. Council urges to resume transfers of withheld Palestinian tax and customs revenues which are essential in averting a crisis in the Palestinian territories. Council stresses the need for a coordinated international response to the deterioration of the humanitarian, economic and financial situation in the Strip. Council endorses the proposal for a temporary international mechanism to channel assistance directly to the Palestinian people, which has been drawn up by the Commission following consultations within the EU as well as with Quartet members, major donors, international financial institutions and partners in the region. Council appreciates the Commissions work so far and requests it to continue urgently establishing the mechanism, in conjunction with key international partners and the PA Presidents Office. Council agrees that, in order to achieve an immediate impact, the mechanism will focus on essential supplies and running costs for social services and health, supply of utilities including fuel, and social allowances. Other donors, including states, are invited to provide funding and to consider early and substantial contributions. The Community stands ready to contribute a substantial amount to the international mechanism. It furthermore underlines the importance of freedom of movement and urges both parties to take concrete steps to implement their obligations under the Agreement on Movement and Access, in order to alleviate the worsening situation in the Strip. Council reiterates the importance of preserving and pursuing the democratic functioning of the institutions of the Palestinian Authority whose continuity is crucial for a future independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state based on the rule of law. Union remains committed to contribute to the African efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, with a view to making the African continent stable and prosperous, laying emphasis on the principles of partnership, responsibility and ownership, good governance, rule of law and respect for human rights. In this context, it reiterates the importance of enhanced Political Dialogue, including holding a second Summit in as soon as possible. The EU is implementing the Strategy adopted in as the comprehensive framework of its activities, and will continue its efforts to transform the EU Strategy for into a Joint Strategy. The strategy puts particular emphasis on the EU"s engagement for peace and security in , as a basis for lasting development, as well as regional and economic integration and development assistance provided to the African partner countries. In this context, the EU welcomes the decision taken by the EU and the ACP partners at on 2 regarding the Financial Protocol for 10th EDF (, covering 2008-2013) and has decided on a short-term replenishment of the funds available under the African Peace Facility and to continue this instrument in the period 2008 to 2010. The EU reiterates furthermore its support to the Economic Partnership Agreements as instruments for development, aiming at enhanced regional economic integration and contributing to reducing poverty in the ACP countries. In addition, the EU stresses the importance of current and future initiatives to put in place an partnership on migration and development. The EU also recalls the importance of the conclusion of ambitious action plans, in the framework of Neighbourhood Policy, with its partners. In , the EU will work for the full and rapid implementation of the Peace Agreement (DPA) as a precondition for lasting peace and security in and an end to the suffering of millions of people in . The EU continues to be deeply concerned by the situation of human rights in and calls upon the government in to end impunity by bringing the perpetrators to for crimes committed in and to stop the violence against internally displaced persons, especially sexual violence against women and girls. Together with other partners in the international community, the EU will continue to provide support to the African Union Mission in (), taking into account the new tasks arising from the DPA, and the need to ensure a smooth transition to a UN led operation in .