European Council

The Stabilisation and Association Council (SA Council) between Albania and the European Union held its seventh meeting on 18 May 2015. The meeting was chaired by Mr Edgars Rinkēvičs, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, on behalf of High Representative / Vice President Federica Mogherini. The Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Mr Johannes Hahn, represented the European Commission. The Albanian delegation was led by Mr Ditmir Bushati, Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

This being the first SA Council following the European Council decision of 27 June 2014 to grant Albania the status of EU candidate country, the SA Council welcomed this very important milestone in the process of EU integration of Albania. This entails a strengthening of EU-Albania relations. 

The SA Council noted that the Commission 2014 Progress Report on Albania concluded that the country made further progress towards meeting the political criteria for membership, since the country adopted key judicial and public administration reform measures and took further steps in the fight against corruption and organised crime, as well as on human rights matters. 

The SA Council noted the conclusions of the General Affairs Council of 16 December 2014, which recognised Albania's commitment in the fight against organised crime, with intensified law enforcement activities resulting notably in increased amount of drug seizures, as well as in advancing judicial reform. The SA Council reiterated that the opening of accession negotiations will be considered by the European Council, in line with established practice, once the Commission has assessed that Albania has achieved the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria. Albania expressed the hope that the decision to open the accession negotiations will be made through a credible and predictable process, on the basis of the country's progress in the fulfilment of the five key priorities. The EU noted that some challenges still lie ahead. It underlined that Albania needs to intensify its reforms efforts, particularly in relation to the five Key Priorities, notably in the rule of law areas. The EU also encouraged Albania to consolidate achievements of the reforms already undertaken and to deliver a sustained implementation. 

The SA Council recalled that the EU remains fully committed to the EU integration of Albania and will continue to support the country in this process. The EU welcomed the engagement of the Albanian authorities to pursue the domestic reform agenda, as confirmed in the framework of High Level Dialogue meetings. 

The SA Council noted that constructive and inclusive political dialogue in parliament between the ruling majority and the opposition is essential for sustainability of European integration related reforms. In this context, the EU welcomed the 24 December 2014 cross-party political agreement and called on all Albanian stakeholders to ensure its responsible implementation. The SA Council also welcomed the establishment of the National Council of European Integration, chaired by the opposition, as an important instrument for an all-inclusive approach to EU-related reforms. However, the EU noted with concern persisting political tensions amongst political actors. 

The EU underlined the importance of ensuring that upcoming local elections are conducted in line with the relevant standards. The election administration bodies need to discharge their duties in an independent way and a thorough application of the relevant legislative framework must be ensured. The EU recalled that these elections provide an additional opportunity for Albania to demonstrate commitment to implement the December political agreement as regards addressing the issue of persons with criminal records in public office. 

The SA Council noted that the reform of the public administration remains a key priority for Albania and is also one of the fundamental pillars of the EU Enlargement process. The ability to take on the EU acquis is largely dependent on a de-politicised and efficient public administration. The EU welcomed the steps taken by Albania so far to implement the new Civil Service Law, but cautioned against any amendments to this law that could undermine the long-term perspective and commitment of Albania to develop a professional, merit-based and depoliticised civil service. The EU also welcomed the recent adoption of the Public Administration Reform Strategy for 2015-2020 and the new Code of Administrative Procedures, and called for their implementation. 

The SA Council noted that the reform of the judicial system remains a key challenge. The independence, impartiality, transparency, efficiency and accountability of the judicial system are central elements in the assessment of the political criteria for EU accession and key to ensure respect for the rule of law and progress in the fight against corruption and organised crime. The EU underlined the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive judicial reform process and encouraged Albania to continue its engagement with civil society and the European Commission for Democracy through Law - the Venice Commission - of the Council of Europe. 

The SA Council noted that the fight against corruption remains a key priority for Albania. The EU welcomed Albania's commitment to strengthen efforts to prevent and fight against corruption. The legislative framework and the policy coordination and monitoring have been strengthened, including through adoption of the anti-corruption strategy and action plan. The EU underlined the importance of the action plan's effective implementation, as well as its monitoring. The EU acknowledged the launch of an online web-portal where citizens can lodge complaints and denounce corruption cases, and it stressed the importance of the proper handling and follow-up of the cases. Establishing a solid track record of proactive investigations, prosecutions and convictions of corruption cases at all levels remains a key endeavour. 

The SA Council noted that the fight against organised crime remains a key priority for Albania. It noted some positive trends in a number of areas with an intensification of law enforcement activities, and called for these efforts to be stepped up in order to build up a solid and credible track record in dismantling organised crime networks and fighting against any form of criminal activities at all levels. The legal framework in place needs to be fully implemented, and obstacles to effective investigations must be removed, including through adopting amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code.  

The EU reiterated its commitment to the short-term visa free travel regime for Albanian citizens and noted the efforts of the Albanian authorities to ensure respect of the conditions attached to visa liberalisation. The EU noted however that manifestly unfounded asylum applications continued to be lodged by an increasing number of Albanian citizens to EU Member States and Schengen associated countries. The EU calls on Albanian authorities to implement both short- and long-term measures aimed at countering this negative phenomenon, including by following up to the last set of recommendations issued by the European Commission in the framework of the Post-Visa Liberalisation Monitoring Mechanism. 

The EU noted that Albania made efforts to strengthen the protection of fundamental rights, notably by improving the relevant legislative framework, and stressed the need of effective implementation. The EU called for further efforts, particularly by further strengthening the protection of persons belonging to minorities. In this specific policy area, adoption of a comprehensive legislative framework, in line with the relevant European and international standards, still remains an important achievement to be secured. 

The EU welcomed that Albania made some further progress towards becoming a functioning market economy. The EU noted that the Albanian economy continued to grow and that Albania maintained macroeconomic stability; however, the country still faces significant challenges. In line with Joint Conclusions of the Economic and Financial Dialogue between the EU, the Western Balkans and Turkey, Albania is invited to put further efforts of placing public finances on a sustainable footing, while preserving fiscal space for urgently needed growth-enhancing public investments. 

In the field of financial cooperation, the EU noted a satisfactory record in the implementation of most assistance projects. Progress was overall made on overcoming a number of outstanding difficulties. Yet, in some cases, problems related to timely allocation of sufficient appropriations from the Albanian state budget for operating expenses and maintenance still persist. The EU welcomed the full engagement of the Albanian authorities in preparing IPA II, in particular the good cooperation in the consultations for finalising the next period's strategic approach and in the preparation of the sector planning documents for IPA 2015. 

The SA Council welcomed the continued active participation of Albania in regional initiatives and structures in South Eastern Europe and its good neighbourly relations and constructive regional stance. In this context, the EU commended the Albanian Chairmanship in Office for the work and efforts invested so far in further strengthening the SEECP. It invited Albania to remain committed to a positive engagement in the region, including through the conclusion of bilateral conventions, and to further promoting regional cooperation. The EU reiterated that good neighbourly relations and regional stability are essential elements of the Stabilisation and Association process and cautioned  against  any  statements with  implications for good  neighbourly  relations. 

The SA Council welcomed the 100% alignment of Albania to CFSP declarations and Council decisions. 

The EU-Turkey Association Council held its 53rd meeting on Monday, 18 May 2015, in Brussels.

The meeting was chaired by Mr Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Turkey. He was accompanied by Mr. Volkan Bozkir, Minister for EU Affairs and Chief Negotiator. Mr. Edgars Rinkēvičs , Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia, led the EU delegation (on behalf of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini). Mr Johannes Hahn, Commissioner responsible for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, represented the European Commission. 

The meeting provided a timely opportunity to review EU-Turkey relations and exchange views on a range of issues. It reaffirmed the significance the EU attaches to its relations with Turkey, as a candidate country and a key partner for the EU. 

The EU commended the considerable efforts made by Turkey in hosting around 2 million refugees fleeing the violence in Syria and Iraq. In this context, the EU underlined that the very serious developments in the region, in particular in Syria and Iraq, render it crucial that dialogue and cooperation on foreign policy issues is increased. 

The EU proposed to develop closer cooperation against ISIL/Da'esh and its funding networks and to stem the flow of foreign fighters. 

The active counter-terrorism dialogue between the EU and Turkey was welcomed along with the exchange of best practice on the prevention of radicalisation and recruitment to terrorism. The EU also confirmed its intention to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation and underlined the importance of developing police and judicial cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

Referring to the key issue of illegal migration, the EU reiterated its commitment to step up cooperation with Turkey on preventing illegal migration flows, as also expressed by the European Council on 23 April 2015. The EU also expressed concern about the significant increase in irregular crossings at the sea borders with neighbouring EU Member States. The EU recognised that border cooperation across the land border with Greece and Bulgaria had improved and expressed appreciation of the dialogue developed between the Turkish authorities and the authorities of Greece and Italy in addressing irregular migration across the sea. The EU encouraged Turkey to develop such dialogue into a fully-fledged cooperation with a view to prevent illegal migratory flows in the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean and to fight against smuggling of migrants and trafficking in human beings. The EU also reiterated its expectations of full and effective implementation by Turkey of the EU-Turkey readmission agreement. 

With regard to the EU's relations with Turkey, the EU welcomed the renewed commitment of the Turkish government to EU accession. The EU underlined that active and credible accession negotiations which respect the EU's commitments and established conditionality, along with all other dimensions of the EU-Turkey relations, will enable EU-Turkey relations to achieve their full potential.

In this respect, the EU expressed  its clear position as regards the Additional Protocol of the Association Agreement. Full and  non-discriminatory implementation towards all EU Member States is an obligation and as such must be honoured. This implementation could provide a significant boost to the negotiation process. 

As emphasised by the Negotiating Framework, the EU expressed its expectations for Turkey to actively support the negotiations aimed at a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the Union is founded. Turkey's commitment and contribution in concrete terms to such a comprehensive settlement remains crucial. Under the current circumstances, the EU considers it more important than ever to ensure a positive climate with a view to the resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive Cyprus' settlement. The resumption on settlement talks on 15 May 2015 was welcomed by the EU. As stated in its conclusions of March 2014, the European Council has expressed its readiness to play its part in supporting the negotiations.

Regarding the domestic situation in Turkey, the EU extended its strongest political support to the renewed efforts towards a peaceful settlement of the Kurdish issue and encouraged further engagement by all parties to move the process forward. 

Concerning the ongoing reforms, the EU welcomed the continued implementation of reforms adopted in previous years, and in particular measures announced in the September 2013 democratisation package.  The EU, however, expressed concern with undue interference by the executive in the judiciary, frequent changes to key legislation without due consultation of stakeholders, and restrictions on access to information. Reforms should provide for adequate checks and balances fully guaranteeing freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. Reforms, including on a new constitution, should be prepared in line with European standards, so as to meet fully the Copenhagen criteria.

Concerning economic cooperation, the EU recalled the strong economic links between Turkey and the EU and the need to develop a high level economic dialogue. Progress under chapter 17 - economic and monetary policy would in due course further support such dialogue and encourage alignment with the acquis.

Finally, the Association Council reviewed the state of relations under the Association Agreement and the Customs Union. In this context, the EU reiterated its commitment to engaging constructively with Turkey to maximise the potential of the Customs Union and to resolve outstanding disputes.

MONDAY 18 MAY

Place:        Justus Lipsius building, Brussels

Chair:        Mārīte Seile, Minister for Education and Science

All times are approximate and subject to change

Education

+/- 08.00     Arrivals

+/- 08.05     Doorstep by Minister Seile

+/- 08.45     Meeting between representatives of European youth organisations and youth ministers

+/- 10.00     Beginning of Council meeting

                     Adoption of the agenda

                     Approval of legislative A items (in public session)

                     Approval of non-legislative A items

+/- 10.30     European cooperation in education and training (ET 2020) and preparation of the 2015 Joint Report (in public session)

+/- 12.45     Role of early childhood education and primary education

+/- 13.00     Working lunch - Accessibility of Education          

+/- 14.30     Press conference

Youth

+/- 15.00     Beginning of Council meeting

 +/- 15.10     Cross-sectorial policy cooperation

 +/- 15.20     Youth work

 +/- 15.40     Young people political participation in the democratic life of Europe (in public session)

TUESDAY 19 MAY

Place:        Justus Lipsius building, Brussels

 Chair:        Dace Melbārde, Minister for Culture

                    Mārīte Seile, Minister for Education and Science

 All times are approximate and subject to change

Audiovisual and culture

+/- 09.00     Arrivals

 +/- 09.00     Doorstep by Minister Melbārde

 +/- 10.00     Beginning of Council meeting

 +/- 10.10     European audiovisual policy (in public session)

 +/- 11.50     Cultural and creative cross-overs

 +/- 12.00     European Capital of Culture for the year 2019

 +/- 13.00     Working lunch - Meeting between sport ministers and representatives of the sport movement

+/- 14.40     Press conference

Sport

+/- 15.00     Beginning of Council meeting

+/- 15.10     Role of grassroots sport

+/- 15.25      Promote physical activity (in particular among young people) (in public session)

Place:        Justus Lipsius building, Brussels

Chair:        Edgars Rinkēvičs, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia  

All times are approximate and subject to change

+/- 07.30    Arrivals

+/- 08.50    Doorstep by Minister Rinkēvičs

 +/- 09.00   Beginning of Council meeting

 +/- 09.05    (poss) Approval of legislative A items (in public session)

                    (poss) Approval of non-legislative A items

                    Follow-up to the Special meeting of the European Council (23 April 2015)      

                    Preparation of the European Council on 25-26 June 2015

                    4 Presidents report on the EMU

+/- 11.30    Press conference

Wednesday 13 May 2015
Aachen, Germany
Participation in the ceremony for the award of the Charlemagne Prize to the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz

Thursday 14 May 2015
Aachen, Germany
Participation in the ceremony for the award of the Charlemagne Prize to the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz
10.20 Bilateral meeting with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko

Friday 15 May 2015
Gdansk, Poland
17.00 Participation in the conference "Europe with a view for the future"

Thursday 21 May 2015
Riga
Eastern Partnership summit
20:00 Informal working dinner

Friday 22 May 2015
Riga
Eastern Partnership summit
09.00 Official welcome
09.45 Family photo
10.00 Plenary session
13.45 Press conference

I would first like to thank sincerely Chairman Linden, Mayor Philipp and the citizens of Aachen. It is an honour to be here this evening. Aachen is, of course, a symbol of European unity. But it is also the home region of the person in whose name we gather this evening, Martin Schulz.

Dear Martin, I am delighted for you. Tomorrow, you will be a Karlspreisträger. Their ranks include kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, popes… and Poles. Like you, all have dedicated their lives to the unity of Europe. You are not the first President of the European Parliament to receive the Karlspreis. But your personal contribution to parliamentary democracy in Europe ensures that you will not be the last. After the European elections last year, the body to which you have dedicated over 20 years entered an important new stage of its history.

Martin, I have witnessed at first hand your ferocious work-rate, your total commitment and your tireless efforts as the most vocal spokesperson for democracy in Europe today. When I report to the Parliament after each European Council, I watch with admiration as you steer, with impressive authority, great European debates involving hundreds of parliamentarians from 28 countries. Perhaps I am being too influenced by the sonata we have just heard. But it seems to me that you are like the much-feared conductor of a great democratic orchestra. Everybody who knows you knows that you are impossible to deny. You will never give up and never give in in the fight for the things you believe in, and for that, I warmly salute you.

This year, we go from Schuman to Charlemagne, as we celebrated the beginnings of European integration on May 9th and now award this prestigious honour a few days later on the feast of the Ascension. The Schuman Declaration and the birth of the Coal and Steel Community were the start of Europe's ascension out of the grim cycle of violence and vengeance that haunts its history. I was powerfully reminded of that last weekend in my hometown of Gdansk, when I attended a ceremony to mark the end of the Second World War on Westerplatte, the very place where the War started.

Today - in the first major city liberated from Nazi rule by Western forces - we sit side-by-side as the closest partners, allies and friends. But seventy years ago, our peoples faced each other on the battlefields, and just 25 years ago, they were divided from each other by an Iron Curtain. Our responsibility remains never to forget the catastrophe that happened in Europe, still within living memory: the bitter fruit of economic depression, militant nationalism, racial hatred and totalitarianism. Its' legacy is with us still.

Martin, I know you feel that responsibility heavily. It is one reason for your uncompromising belief in the primacy of democracy and the rights of the individual. Part of the beauty of European integration is that you are in fact the 9th German to receive this prize. An award, in the words of its founder, Dr Kurt Pfeiffer, dedicated to the "voluntary union of the European peoples without constraint, so that in their newfound strength they may defend the highest earthly goods - freedom, humanity and peace."

You were there too, in 2012, when - alongside my colleague Herman (here today) and the President of the European Commission - the Union received the Nobel Peace Prize. It was the ultimate recognition of the unique contribution of European integration as a project for peace and a milestone on a journey not yet complete.

Our duty to remember the past puts the challenges of the present into perspective. Let us not forget the lessons of the 1930s, which W.H. Auden called "a low dishonest decade". Then, political leaders allowed an economic malaise to linger too long. They tolerated the violation of sovereign borders in the name of peace. They dismissed the rise of extremists on the right and left as temporary phenomena.

Every generation has to struggle for Europe. The first post-war generation had to rebuild and reconcile the Western half of the continent. The second had to re-unite the West with its vast Eastern hinterland, crushed under the boot of totalitarianism for half a century. What is then the challenge for the third generation of European unity? Nothing less than to deliver on the promise of Europe with a ruthless determination. To live its values and defend them from enemies inside and on the outside. To avoid the trap of political hypocrisy. To build a roof to protect the house of the European project.

In practice, this means action in several areas, none of which will be a surprise. First, it means doing whatever is necessary now to create a dynamic European economy that brings prosperity to its citizens on a lasting basis. That cannot be done without a satisfactory resolution of the Greek question, pro-investment policies and wide-ranging fiscal and labour market reforms. Ultimately, we must create a genuine Economic and Monetary Union, based on democratic consent, that allows Europe to be both competitive and caring.

Second, it means being aware that our credibility as a global actor was never more at stake than at the present time. To the east, there is a doubt whether Europeans have the courage to stand up to intimidation. We must leave people in no doubt. More broadly, there are those in the world that wonder whether the European Union - an economic giant - is truly aware that it can only shape the global order by having secure access to energy and also the open markets of its allies. When I consider the potential of a new transatlantic trade treaty to secure our prosperity and way of life for a generation, I am amazed that no-one is demonstrating in the streets in favour of the deal. The failure of TTIP would be a blow to Europe's standing in the world. We can either shape global prosperity in the Atlantic or have it decided for us in the Pacific.

Martin, I know that your favourite novel is The Leopard by Giuseppe di Lampedusa, whose most famous quotation is "Everything needs to change so everything can stay the same." I could not agree more. On all the issues I have just mentioned, we need to continue delivering change just to keep the status quo. This moment in the European Union's development is not a dress rehearsal. Citizens will not wait forever as mainstream politics fails to deliver prosperity and security. We must do what needs to be done, now, with a strong sense of purpose, or Europe goes backwards. it is as simple as that.

Sadly, the name Lampedusa evokes not just a beautiful novel of a bygone age, but now also the human tragedy unfolding every day in the Mediterranean. It is the third great challenge facing Europe, and unfortunately the one likely to remain with us the longest. We face a difficult summer ahead. In the coming months, we must respond to the crisis as humanely and responsibly as possible. It is a desperately difficult task and one in which we cannot hope to succeed fully without the assistance from the other side of the sea. No country can ignore responsibility if it can help prevent more deaths.

Let me turn aside for a moment to a related issue which absolutely affects the future of the European Union. Britain's European debate is an essential factor in almost everything we will discuss here this evening and tomorrow, whether it has to do with economics or geo-politics. History dictates that whenever Britain and the continent are estranged, the result is very bad for both. No reasonable person wishes for a Europe or a European Union devoid of British influence. We must work together to build a Union that properly serves its 500 million citizens.

It is my dearest hope that many other British names will join Winston Churchill, Roy Jenkins, Edward Heath and Tony Blair as recipients of the prize which Martin will receive tomorrow. King Alfred the Great was a uniting European monarch every bit as much as Charlemagne, his inspiration and model.

In his Spirit of the Laws, Montesquieu observed that every democratic system, if it is to function well, needs a clear separation of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary. The European Union is no exception to this. But the European Parliament is exceptional: the world's only supranational, multi-lingual legislator, in conjunction with the Council. Since the passage of the Lisbon treaty, it has matured into perhaps the most remarkable expression of parliamentary power in the world, as anyone who has witnessed the process of co-decision can attest. If - as Spinoza said - the law is the mathematics of freedom, the European Parliament has expanded the freedoms of ordinary Europeans, using its own special calculus.

As you well know Martin, Günter Grass sadly died last month after a remarkable, sometimes controversial, life. He was your compatriot and fellow socialist, and also a Kasubian from Gdańsk, just like me. I was fortunate to have met him several times in my and his city. Grass famously said the job of the citizen is to keep one's mouth open, not shut. In this context, Günter Grass must surely have been very proud of you! I think we can confidently say that the European Parliament has been a great global citizen, often acting as the Union's conscience and remaining unapologetic about giving voice to its highest ideals. As its' most eloquent and fearless spokesperson, you can be proud of that, Martin - as I am sure your fellow parliamentarians are of you as their champion this evening.

However, let me insert one word of caution here. Despite all your efforts, we have to accept that the rise of the directly-elected Parliament has not coincided with a comparable increase in support for Europe across the continent. Populism is by no means a European, or Eurozone phenomenon; it is a political reality all over the world. But in our own backyard, just constructing and empowering institutions is no answer in itself. To maintain consent, institutions must deliver. Those that deliver just words become footnotes of history.

Dear Martin,
I find it hard to believe that it is now five years ago since I sat where you now sit and that I return this evening as President of the European Council. I can only wish you and Mrs Schulz the same joy that my wife and I experienced then. You truly both deserve it.

Dear Martin,
We represent two different political camps. You the democratic left, and me, the moderate right. But we have understood each other in the long years of our friendship, better than believers in the same ideas maybe because life is more important than ideology, and indeed our life stories have so much in common. You matured politically as a Socialist; I was thrown in jail by the Polish Communists. But my intuition tells me, that if you were a Pole, you would have shared the same prison cell with me.

We both know what the daily hard work is all about; when you sold books, I worked for many years as a construction worker. Yes, we have both been well-educated by life.

Your wife comes from today's Polish town of Szprotawa (Sprottau), while my parents grew up in Freistadt Danzig, that is why we both know that the friendship between Poles and Germans is one of the keys to a free and secure Europe. And, last but not least, we both dreamed about the same, completely apolitical career, the career of a professional football player: you played for your beloved Rhenania 05, Würselen, while I played for Lechia Gdańsk. If not for our injuries and some deficiencies in the football technique we could have played against each other in the World Cup in Spain in 1982. Without you on the team, the Germans only won the silver medal, when Poland without me on the field, just got the bronze. Now, de facto, we are playing in the same club, and tomorrow, you will join the golden medallists.

Martin, welcome to our golden team.

Martin, herzlich Willkommen in unserer goldenen Mannschaft.
 

On 19 May 2015, the EU Military Committee will meet at the level of Chiefs of Defence (CHODs).  

On this occasion CHODs will host Mr. Hervé Ladsous, Under Secretary General of the UN - Head of Department of Peacekeeping Operations, and Lieutenant General Viktor Muzhenko, Chief of Defence of Ukraine.  

They will discuss recent developments regarding current and planned EU military missions and operations.  

For the first time, CHODs from partner nations engaged in EU military operations and missions have been invited to discuss with the 28 EU CHODs. Thus, CHODs from Canada, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia and Switzerland will express their view as well as their experience and recommendations.  

The 28 EU CHODs will also have an exchange of views with Colonel General Viktor Muzhenko, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on the current situation in the country.

The CHODs will also focus attention on the deliverables for the next European Council of June and the foreseen follow-up work.

On this International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, the EU stands together with LGBTI people all around the world in the struggle to end discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. All human beings are equal in dignity and all are entitled to enjoy their rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Over the past years in some parts of the world LGBTI persons have made substantial progress towards obtaining equal rights. Yet in many places they continue to suffer discrimination and violence on account of their sexual orientation and gender identity. In several countries, same sex sexual relations between consenting adults are still criminalised and carry sentences of imprisonment or even the death penalty.

We will continue to make the case for the respect of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of sexual orientation and gender identity, in line with the EU's Guidelines on the rights of LGBTI persons. Through dialogues with third countries, our work in multilateral fora, public statements, and through our support to civil society, the EU will continue to advocate measures to combat discrimination and violence against LGBTI persons, and to actively promote their rights.

The member states permanent representatives endorsed the informal agreement reached between Council and European Parliament representatives on the decision concerning the establishment and operation of a market stability reserve (MSR) at their meeting on 13 May 2015.

The consolidated text presented today will be reviewed by the Lawyer-Linguists and then formally adopted by the Council at one of its forthcoming meetings.

The decision, which introduces measures to tackle structural supply-demand imbalances in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) caused by a surplus of emission allowances accumulating since 2009, is an important step in the fight against climate change and paves the way for the wider review of the EU ETS.

"I am pleased that the agreement is reached and COREPER approved it today" said Kaspars Gerhards, Latvian Minister for Environment, "It was a priority for the Latvian Presidency to establish the Market Stability Reserve in order to improve the operation of the carbon market in the EU. This is certainly a success."

In 2013 the emission allowances surplus reached approximately 2,1 billion allowances - which was partly due to the economic crisis and has significantly weakened the carbon price. Furthermore, the structural surplus is expected to remain in the system up to and beyond 2020.

The decision proposes therefore to automatically withdraw from the market a percentage of EU  ETS allowances that will be placed into a reserve if the total number of allowances exceeded a certain threshold. In the opposite case, allowances will be returned to the market.

• a market stability reserve will be established in 2018 and will be operational from 1 January 2019
• "backloaded" allowances (the 900 million allowances whose auctioning was postposed from the years 2014-2016 until 2019-2020) will be placed in the market reserve
• unallocated allowances will be transferred directly to the MSR in 2020 and their future usage is to be considered under the wider EU ETS review
• temporary exemption of the "10% solidarity component" of allowances from the scope of the MSR until the end of 2025
• the EU ETS review is to consider the possible use of a limited number of allowances before 2021 to supplement existing resources to promote CCS, renewables and low-carbon industrial innovation projects
• the EU ETS and MSR reviews to take into account carbon leakage and competitiveness aspects, as well employment and GDP related issues.

The aim of the EU ETS is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an economically efficient manner.

The EU ETS is based on the so-called "cap-and-trade" approach: each year the EU establishes a limit (cap) for overall emissions from power plants, energy-intensive industry and commercial airlines covered by the system.

Within this limit, companies can buy and sell emission allowances as needed. Each allowance gives the holder the right to emit one tonne of CO2, the main greenhouse gas, or the equivalent amount of another greenhouse gas.

From 2013 to 2020, the cap is reduced annually by 1.74% and from 2021 onwards by 2.2%, reflecting the EU's new 2030 target for greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Altogether the EU ETS covers around 45% of total greenhouse gas emissions from the 28 EU countries.

The Commission submitted its proposal on a market stability reserve to the Council in January 2014, alongside its communication on "A policy framework for climate and energy in the period from 2020 to 2030".

In its October 2014 conclusions, the European Council agreed on the 2030 climate and energy policy framework for the European Union and endorsed a binding EU target of an at least 40% domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. 

As regards the EU ETS, the European Council stated that a well-functioning, reformed Emissions Trading System with an instrument to stabilise the market will be the main European instrument to achieve this target and gave a number of further orientations, including on free allocation and the continuation of existing measures after 2020 to prevent the risk of carbon leakage.

A compromise text for a new directive to increase protection of seafarers' labour rights was confirmed by the Council's Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper). The Coreper approved the agreement reached by the Presidency with the European Parliament in a trilogue on 6 May 2015.

The new piece of legislation gives seafarers the same rights with regard to information and consultation as those enjoyed by workers on shore while taking into account the particular nature of the shipping sector. It is based on a joint position reached by the social partners in the maritime sector.  

Apart from ensuring a level playing field in the maritime sector, the directive aims at increasing the quality of maritime jobs. The goal is to reverse the current decline in the number of young Europeans entering certain maritime professions and to retain skilled workers in the profession.  

It also intends to remedy the current legal situation which gives rise to unequal treatment of the same category of workers by different member states. Currently this differs depending on whether or not they apply the exemptions and derogations allowed by the current legislation. Most member states have made little or no use of the exclusions.  

The European Parliament's Employment Committee is expected to confirm the text during its meeting on 28 May 2015. Following lawyer-linguist revision, the text could be voted by the European Parliament's Plenary in July 2015 and signed by the two institutions in September. 

The Council has agreed to reinforce the civilian mission EUCAP Sahel Niger as part of the actions of the European Union to prevent irregular migration.

The EU will offer the Nigerien authorities support in preventing irregular immigration and combatting associated crimes. This would include advice on a related strategy and training to the Nigerien security services. EUCAP Sahel Niger would also have an outpost in Agadez, a major trafficking hub on the road to Libya.

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Commission Vice-President Federica Mogherini said: "Today the EU confirms that it is taking up its responsibilities, in partnership with key countries and in a comprehensive way. Two weeks after the European Council's request to increase our support to partner countries to prevent irregular migration flows, we have agreed on reinforcing our presence in Niger: 90% of migrants from Western Africa travel through Niger. Only by working jointly with countries of origin and transit, with the African Union and the UN, we will succeed to tackle the root causes of the emergency while disrupting criminal organisations and helping migrants to escape from them".  

Niger is in a critical geographical location for migration flows to Europe: 90% of migrants from Western Africa travel through Niger on their way to Libya. Half of the migrants arriving irregularly in Italy in 2014 came through Libya, according to the EU's border management agency Frontex.  

EUCAP Sahel Niger already provides advice and training to support the Nigerien authorities in strengthening their capacities to combat terrorism and organised crime. The mission works to promote the interoperability of Nigerien security forces, to develop criminal investigation capacities, to facilitate coordination in the fight against terrorism and organised crime as well as to improve the sustainability of the security forces. EUCAP is embedded in the EU regional strategy for security and development in the Sahel.  

Around 50 international experts from 12 EU member states currently work in the mission, which is based in Niamey. Since May 2014, Filip de Ceuninck from Belgium has been Head of Mission.  

The decision was taken in the Council's Political and Security Committee.

Another round of constructive discussions on new EU rules for novel foods took place between the Latvian presidency and representatives of the European Parliament and the Commission on 12 May 2015. Despite certain convergence on some elements further work is required to reach an agreement. The presidency will brief the Council's Committee of Permanent Representatives on 13 May to reflect on the next steps. Novel foods are foods not consumed in the EU to a significant degree before May 1997. They include for instance foods to which a new production process is applied.  

The rules under discussion are aimed at making the authorisation process of novel foods faster and cheaper while preserving the high level of protection of human health. The draft new rules are also expected to facilitate the access to the EU market for traditional foods from third countries having a history of safe food use.  

Two of the most challenging elements of the discussions that remain to be addressed are the reference to cloning and the choice of the type of secondary decisions to authorise novel foods.  

The novel foods authorised under the current rules in the EU include for instance "rapeseed oil high in unsaponifiable matter", "rye bread with added phytosterols/phytostanols", "milk type products and yoghurt type products with added phytosterol esters", "coagulated potato proteins and hydrolysates thereof" and "phospholipids from egg yolk".

Today I was pleased to welcome the President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili on his first official visit to Brussels.

Georgia is a close partner of the European Union. With the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga just around the corner our meeting was well-timed. I assured President Margvelashvili that the Riga Summit will reaffirm the European Union's strong commitment to the Eastern Partnership and the objective of developing strengthened, closer, and differentiated relations between the EU and its sovereign, independent Eastern partner states.

I also praised the President for the significant progress his country has made so far with regard to meeting the requirements for visa free travel to the EU. The remaining steps are clearly identified and we agreed to redouble our efforts to successfully finalise the process as soon as feasible. We will continue working towards our common goal: visa free travel to the EU for all of Georgia's citizens.

The smooth implementation of the Association Agreement with its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area is another priority. Since the provisional application started on 1 September 2014 Georgia's exports to the EU have grown by around 18% compared to the same period in the previous year. We will continue building on this progress. The Association Agreement is boosting our relationship and will help to unlock its full potential.

For the Georgian government the time is now ripe to drive forward necessary reforms while maintaining a close dialogue with the citizens to ensure long-term public support for the process. We share the objective to fully transform Georgia into a modern state and an effective economy with opportunities for all of its citizens.

Last and by no means least, I stressed again the European Union's unwavering support to Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders as well as our strong commitment to conflict resolution in the context of the Geneva International Discussions and through the presence of the EU Monitoring Mission. Thank you. And now Mr. President, Giorgi, the floor is yours.

Representatives of the EU Member States, the Western Balkans and Turkey, the Commission and the European Central Bank, as well as representatives of the central banks of the Western Balkans and Turkey met for the annual economic policy dialogue[1][2]. Participants welcomed the submission of the 2015 Economic Reform Programmes (ERPs) of the Western Balkans and Turkey. For the Western Balkans, these programmes consist of two distinct parts: Part I outlines the medium-term macroeconomic and fiscal framework as well as concrete macro-structural reforms to support the policy framework and are thus an enhanced version of the previous Pre-Accession Economic Programmes submitted by candidate countries. Part II, as a new element, covers structural reforms of a sectoral nature (such as transport, energy, education, etc.) to enhance competitiveness and long-term growth. Turkey was only asked to submit Part I. The programmes cover the period from 2015-2017.

Participants took note of the Conclusions of the General Affairs Council on 16 December 2014 in which the Council welcomed the Commission's proposal to strengthen the dialogue on economic governance with the Western Balkans and Turkey, including through the preparation of ERPs, to better reflect the European Semester process at EU level. Participants recalled the commitment to set out targeted policy guidance to support efforts towards meeting the Copenhagen economic criteria.

As regards statistics, Participants underline the importance of reliable and up-to-date data and therefore welcome the 2015 Progress Report on the Action Plan on Economic, Monetary and Financial Statistics in the Western Balkans and Turkey. They were comforted that all the Western Balkans and Turkey made progress in fulfilling the Action Plan requirements, but noted that additional efforts in some statistical areas are still needed to achieve a full compliance with the Action Plan requirements.

[1]           The conclusions of this dialogue are without prejudice to EU Member States' positions on the status of Kosovo.
[2]           Montenegro, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania and Turkey are candidate countries for EU accession.

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

All times are approximate and subject to change

+/- ttbc        Doorstep by High Representative Mogherini
+/- 09.30     European Defence Agency Steering Board
+/- 11.00     Beginning of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting
                     Meeting of EU Defence ministers
                     Adoption of the agenda
                     Adoption of A Items
                     Military operations under the Common Security and Defence Policy
+/- 12.15     Working lunch of Foreign and Defence ministers-  Security challenges in the EU's neighbourhood
+/- 13.15     Joint meeting of Foreign and Defence ministers
                     Preparations for the June European Council
                     Migration - follow-up to the Special European Council of 23 April
                     Strategic review
+/- 17.00     Press conference
                     Meeting of EU Foreign ministers
                     Middle East peace process
                     Other items  

In the margins of the Council:

+/- 08.00                      EU-Turkey Association Council (TV/photo opportunity)
+/- 09.05                      Press conference

after the Council        EU-Uzbekistan Cooperation Council (TV/photo opportunity)

The Council adopted the following conclusions:  

1. The economic and financial crisis has put a significant burden on public finances and has led to rising deficits and debt levels. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of public finances is therefore particularly important at the current juncture. The Council STRESSES the need for appropriate growth friendly fiscal consolidation and for further implementation of structural reforms in order to enhance the sustainability of public finances.
2. Against this background, the Council ENDORSES the 2015 Ageing Report: economic and budgetary projections for the 28 EU Member States and Norway (2013-2060) prepared by the Economic Policy Committee (Ageing Working Group) and the Commission (DG ECFIN) on the basis of commonly agreed methodologies and assumptions. In line with previous editions, the projections in the 2015 Ageing Report cover public expenditures on pensions, health care, long-term care, education and unemployment benefits.
3. The Council HIGHLIGHTS the main findings of the 2015 Ageing Report:  
   - Over the whole period 2013-2060, average annual GDP growth in the EU is projected to be 1.4%, unchanged compared to the 2012 Ageing Report. However, there are significant differences in the growth potential across Member States.
   - Total age-related public expenditures are projected to increase by 1.4 p.p. of GDP between 2013 and 2060 in the EU, to reach 27% in 2060, with large differences across countries. Excluding unemployment benefits (strictly-age-related expenditure), an increase of 1.8 p.p. of GDP between 2013 and 2060 is projected in the EU, to reach 26.3% in 2060.
   - Taking into account possible more adverse macroeconomic assumptions, such as the TFP risk scenario, strictly ageing-related public expenditures could increase by 2.1 p.p. of GDP between 2013 and 2060. As a result of recent reforms and more benign demographic developments projected for the EU as a whole in EUROPOP2013, the projected increase in the total age-related expenditure over 2013-60 is now significantly lower than projected in 2012 (3.3 pp. of GDP).
   - After a projected increase up to 2040, also related to the baby boom generation reaching the retirement age, public pension expenditure is projected to return close to its 2013 level by 2060 (11.3 % of GDP for the EU). The diversity across Member States is very large, depending on the degree and timing of population ageing, the specific features of national pension systems and, notably, countries' progress with structural reforms. In most countries, recent pension reforms have had a visible positive impact by containing public expenditure dynamics. Pension reforms have also contributed to an increase in the effective retirement age and thus labour input. The scale of reforms in some Member States is however still insufficient to curb the increase in public pension expenditure.
   - Public expenditure on health care and long-term care is projected to increase by 2 p.p. of GDP between 2013 and 2060 in the EU in the AWG reference scenario with considerable differences across countries, reaching 10.6 % of GDP in 2060, which is mainly due to demographic developments. Taking into account possible future developments in non-demographic cost drivers in health care and long-term care spending, as foreseen in the AWG risk scenario, the projected increase in care-related spending could even reach 4 p.p. of GDP between 2013 and 2060.
4. In light of the updated age-related expenditure projections and the current economic situation, the Council, while welcoming recent reforms in many Member States, REAFFIRMS that there is a need to continue appropriate policy action in the EU in all age-related areas, notably pension, health and long-term care reforms while taking into account country specificities, and to avoid measures resulting in the reversal of sustainability enhancing reforms already undertaken. This entails a prompt implementation of the Country Specific Recommendations issued under the European Semester and of the three-pronged strategy for addressing the economic and budgetary consequences of ageing, i.e. by reducing government debt, raising employment rates and productivity, and reforming pension, health care and long-term care systems.
5. The Council HIGHLIGHTS specifically that further steps still need to be taken by Member States, though to varying degrees, to raise the effective retirement age, including by avoiding early exit from the labour market and by linking the retirement age or pension benefits to life expectancy. Moreover, the Council, recalling its Conclusions of 7 December 2010, INVITES Member States to balance the need to provide universal health care and long-term care, meet an increasing demand related to an ageing population, as well as growing patient expectations due to technological development in the coming decades with the need to reduce high public debt levels. This highlights the need to assess the performance of health and long term care systems and implement sound and necessary reforms in order to achieve a more efficient use of public resources as well as the provision of high quality health and long term care.
6. The Council INVITES the Commission to factor these findings related to ageing challenges and other relevant information including updated estimates of nearer-term potential GDP growth[1] into its analysis and surveillance under the European Semester, and to take account of its implications in all relevant fields of economic policy coordination in the EU.
7. The Council INVITES the Commission to undertake its regular in-depth overall assessment of the sustainability of public finances by the end of 2015 using this set of comprehensive and comparable updated projections. The Economic Policy Committee should on the basis of the assessment report back to the Council.
8. The Council INVITES the Economic Policy Committee to update, on the basis of new population projections to be provided by Eurostat, in close cooperation with the National Statistical Institutes (NSIs), its analysis of the economic and budgetary implications of population ageing by the autumn of 2018. Moreover, the Council INVITES Eurostat to systematically provide annual updates of their population projections, in particular as regards migration flows, to be used over the short to medium term forecast horizon.

[1]           On April 1st 2015 the EPC endorsed a revised approach to projecting population growth for the purposes of potential GDP estimation for Ireland, Latvia and Lithuania. 

The Council (ECOFIN):  

1. WELCOMES the publication of the Commission's single integrated country reports analysing the economic policies for each of the Member States and the euro area, including the in-depth reviews (IDRs) in the context of the Macroeconomic Imbalances Procedure (MIP), as well as the accompanying Communication summarising the main results of the IDRs.
2. CONSIDERS that this way of streamlining of the European Semester has proven to be a useful first step to better examine and discuss the economic policies of Member States, thus allowing for improved transparency and feedback on the Commission's analysis. For the future, further enhancing ownership, as well as multilateral surveillance, aimed at strengthening the process will be needed.
3. CONSIDERS that the IDRs are structured in an appropriate way and present a thorough analysis of the imbalances in each of the Member States under review, taking country-specific circumstances and qualitative information into account. Relevant analytical tools are also applied in view of the specific challenges of each economy. I - IN-DEPTH REVIEWS
4. AGREES that 16 of the examined Member States which are identified in Alert Mechanism Report 2015 (Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Finland, Sweden and the UK) are experiencing macroeconomic imbalances of various natures and magnitudes. CONSIDERS that enhanced transparency on the criteria for the categorisation of macroeconomic imbalances as well as greater stability and predictability of the procedure itself would be welcome. AGREES that, since last year, the imbalances in Slovenia should no longer be considered as excessive, although high corporate leverage and persistent financial sector fragilities continue to warrant specific monitoring. This is based on the fact that decisive policy actions have been taken on the restructuring of the banking system. Furthermore, improved export performance and growth conditions have reduced risks compared to last year, in particular those linked to the external sustainability.
5. AGREES with the view of the Commission that excessive imbalances exist in 5 Member States (Bulgaria, France, Croatia, Italy, and Portugal), and the Commission's intention to consider in May the policy measures of France and Croatia, taking into account the level of ambition of the National Reform Programme and other commitments presented by that date, and to decide whether further steps are needed under the corrective arm of the MIP.
6. UNDERLINES the need for policy action and strong commitment to structural reforms in all Member States, in particular when they face macroeconomic imbalances, especially if affecting the smooth functioning of EMU. Imbalances should be addressed in a durable manner, reducing risks, facilitating the rebalancing of the EU economies and creating conditions for sustainable growth and jobs; and INVITES the Commission to come forward with well-focused and consistent recommendations to the Member States addressing macroeconomic imbalances in the context of the European Semester.
7. WELCOMES the Commission's plans with regard to specific monitoring of the recommendations by the Council to the Member States with excessive imbalances (Bulgaria France, Croatia, Italy and Portugal). Specific monitoring will also apply to a number of euro area Member States with imbalances requiring decisive policy action (Ireland, Spain and Slovenia), and INVITES the Commission to outline the concrete timing and content of such monitoring. In line with established practice, the monitoring for Ireland, Spain and Portugal will rely on post programme surveillance to avoid duplication.
8. RECOGNISES that a number of macro-economic imbalances are being corrected, but UNDERLINES that there are still sizeable risks in certain Member States. In particular, large external liabilities make debtor countries vulnerable, and improvements in current account are not always sufficient to diminish the stock of external debt. Although losses in price competitiveness compared to pre-crisis levels have been partly corrected in a number of debtor countries, strengthening export growth through further structural efforts remains a priority in order to achieve a sustainable and growth-friendly rebalancing. At the same time, current account surpluses remain high in some Member States: these reflect to some extent weak domestic demand, which can be  partially linked to low levels of private and public sector investment. In addition, UNDERLINES that high levels of private and government debt remain an important challenge in some countries, also in the context of low inflation and moderate growth rates. Structural reforms are needed to enhance the growth potential and to tackle high unenemployment, in particular among the youth and long-term unemployed. II - IMPLEMENTATION OF COUNTRY SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS
9. WELCOMES the overall progress made in addressing the 2014-15 Country Specific and the euro area Recommendations. TAKES note that reform implementation has been uneven over policy areas and across countries and AGREES that reform implementation needs to be stepped up to  address the individual policy challenges confronting each Member States and to ensure swift and sustainable economic recovery.
10. RECOGNISES that further structural reforms in the services, product and labour markets and responsible fiscal policies are needed in all Member States to strengthen and sustain the economic recovery, correct harmful imbalances, achieve fiscal sustainability, improve the conditions for investment and reinforce the single market, unleashing the growth potential of Member States' economies.
11. LOOKS FORWARD to the Commission's publication of the 2015-16 Country Specific Recommendations in mid-May to ensure the necessary in-depth multilateral discussions before their adoption by the Ecofin council. INVITES the Commission to take into account the discussion on Country Reports as well as the National Reform Programmes when drafting the country-specific recommendations 2015.
12. STRESSES that country-specific recommendations should focus on areas of macroeconomic significance where there is an urgent need for action, in order to give these issues more visibility in the Member State's national political debate. At the same time, common challenges for the euro area and the EU as a whole will continue to be identified and monitored. CONSIDERS it important to continue to ensure a sound and transparent analytical basis for the CSRs, safeguarding equal treatment through consistency over time and across countries.