European Union

Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission held meetings today, in Brussels, with Professor Yoon Je Cho, the Special Envoy of President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea. 

The decision of President Moon to send a special envoy to the European Union is an indication of the strength of the Strategic Partnership between the European Union and the Republic of Korea. President Tusk had earlier today spoken with President Moon, with both sides agreeing to work together to consolidate the Strategic Partnership and to meet at the G20 Summit in Hamburg in July.  

The exchanges with the Special Envoy focused on the Korean Peninsula and other regional and global matters of common interest. President Tusk and the High Representative/Vice-President conveyed that the EU will remain a strong partner in promoting peace, security and an open, rules-based trading system.  

President Tusk and High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini stressed that the European Union is ready to increase its work, in full coordination with the Republic of Korea and the international community, to de-escalate tensions and peacefully denuclearise the Korean Peninsula. The EU will also continue its work to promote respect for human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and to ensure that the current sanctions regimes regarding North Korea are effectively implemented by the international community. The European Union is implementing all the restrictive measures imposed by the UN Security Council and its additional autonomous restrictive measures on the DPRK are the most stringent the European Union has on any third country. The European Union calls upon North Korea to engage in a credible and meaningful dialogue with the international community and is ready to support such dialogue. The High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini also discussed with Professor Yoon Je Cho the experience the EU has on the nuclear-non-proliferation agenda, that is at the full disposal of the international community.

President Tusk and the High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini both expressed their readiness to work closely with President Moon and the new Korean government.

Delegations

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

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EU Finance Ministers of the eurozone meet on 22 May 2017 in Brussels to discuss Greece's economic adjustment programme and to review the economic situation and outlook in the euro area. The Eurogroup is also being briefed on the post-programme surveillance mission to Spain.

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The Council, in an EU27 format, is authorising the opening of Brexit negotiations, nominating the Commission as the EU negotiator and adopting negotiating directives.

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EU Ministers of Education, Culture, Youth, Sport and Communication meet in Brussels on 22-23 May 2017 to  adopt a recommendation on the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning and a resolution on the European Union Work Plan for Sport (2017-2020).

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The Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) celebrates its 50th birthday on 8 August 2017. It should be a joyous occasion, were it not for the profound uncertainties brought about by the election of Donald Trump as 45th President of the United States. Trump, through his ‘Twitter diplomacy’, his outbursts and his appointments of ‘hawks’ to defence and trade positions in his cabinet, has signalled major changes in US foreign policy. His threat to slap tariffs on Chinese goods and launch a trade war would have disastrous consequences for the region.

As ASEAN gears up for its golden jubilee it is crucial to reflect on the challenges, to manage future risks and prepare for uncertainties. A united and cohesive ASEAN is vital if it is to help its member states navigate its way through the choppy waters and storms ahead, and to survive for another 50 years.

ASEAN was founded in 1967 at the height of Cold War tensions, and with regional disputes still fresh in memory, particularly the ‘Konfrontasi’ unleashed by Indonesia in 1963 against its smaller neighbours, Singapore and Malaysia.  Against this background ASEAN’s original aim was modest: to keep peace in the region through respect for each other’s sovereignty and adherence to the principle of non-intervention. ASEAN was to be a forum, a tool for member states to manage common threats of communist insurgencies while balancing internal sensitivities and conflict.

The Association has come a long way since then. It has had its fair share of ups and downs, of trials and tribulations. But what is remarkable is that despite initial scepticism about its feasibility and continued doubts about its relevance, ASEAN has been able to reinvent itself and confound its critics to survive for half a century.

ASEAN began as an organisation to manage the insecurities and the legacies of conflicts in South-East Asia, and to build confidence among its founding members. So it has prioritised form over substance, focusing on process rather than outcome in its initial years to maintain a modicum of order and civility.

“ASEAN has been consistent in rejecting the EU as a model”

Norms and practices such as ASEAN’s principle of non-interference and its consensual approach to decision-making, its lack of formal institutions and legal framework, have led scholars and policy-makers to criticise the Association. This was particularly the case for those who held the European Union as the ‘gold standard’ of regional integration. Yet ASEAN has survived for 50 years and been recognised as a key expression of regional cooperative activities in South-East Asia. Its norms and practices have also extended to other broader regional frameworks such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), setting the stage for what is referred to as ‘ASEAN centrality’. Through this ‘centrality’, ASEAN has played a key role in managing major power relationships in the Asia-Pacific.

Although it is tempting to draw comparisons with the EU, ASEAN has been consistent in rejecting the EU as a model. But in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis, and facing serious economic competition from China and India, it has begun a process of pursuing deeper regional economic cooperation. It has started to adopt some euro-jargon and speak of creating an ASEAN Economic Community with an emphasis on institution-building and formal rule-making. This has resulted in the adoption of the ASEAN Charter, which was signed in 2007, marking 40 years of ASEAN cooperation. Another significant milestone of ASEAN’s deepening cooperation was achieved at the end of 2015, with the launch of the ASEAN Community.

Despite all these achievements there are concerns about the ability of ASEAN and its member states to meet future challenges as it embarks on its next phase of regional integration and community-building under the ‘ASEAN 2025: Forging Ahead Together’ agenda.

2017 promises to be a year fraught with uncertainties:  populism, nationalism, Brexit and Trump all have serious implications for the region. But ASEAN’s unity has already been breached and its centrality already questioned as China aggressively asserts its claims in the South China Sea – part of increasing geopolitical competition with the US. Four out of ten ASEAN members are claimant states in the South China Sea disputes and tensions have been rising over competing claims. These claims have, sadly, accentuated intra-ASEAN differences. Combined with China’s divide-and-rule strategy, it meant that for the first time in ASEAN’s history a joint communiqué was not issued after a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in 2012.

“ASEAN’s original aim was modest: to keep peace through respect for each other’s sovereignty and adherence to the principle of non-intervention”

The election of Rodrigo Duterte as President of the Philippines in May 2016, and his changing rhetoric towards the US and China, had unexpectedly scaled down the tensions between China and Philippines over South China Sea. The Philippines takes over the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2017 and is hopeful that progress on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea could help ASEAN-China relations.

China may be prepared to strengthen ties with ASEAN as it faces an unpredictable Trump. The President has threatened China with trade tariffs; called China a currency manipulator; and tweeted that even the long-standing ‘One China’ policy is up for negotiation. Trump’s withdrawal of the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement shifted the spotlight to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a proposed deal that would bring about greater economic integration between the ten ASEAN member states, China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. ASEAN needs to retake the initiative in the economics arena by deepening its own ASEAN Economic Community, and provide the necessary leadership to advance negotiations within the RCEP.

While ASEAN’s original role was to manage security dilemmas and to provide some margin for manoeuvre and autonomy in a region of contesting major powers, in the coming years ASEAN’s efforts will focus on economic issues: helping to keep the global economy open; pushing back against anti-globalisation sentiments; combating anti-trade sentiment. The successful conclusion of the RCEP will provide some cheer to those fighting rising protectionist forces.

The increased tension and rivalry between the US and China, and the potential for a real clash between these two, will challenge ASEAN’s centrality. But the very risks and the enormous harm that would be inflicted on all of us should there be a conflict between these two giants should energise ASEAN to stay united and engaged with them, and help them to bring about a grand bargain. The EU should welcome this and work closely with ASEAN to bring about continued peace and stability in the region.

IMAGE CREDIT: CC/Flickr – EEAS

The post Will troubled waters spoil ASEAN’s celebrations? appeared first on Europe’s World.

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Special Envoy of the Republic of Korea, Cho Yoon-je, meets with Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on 19 May 2017, in Brussels.

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Place:        Justus Lipsius building, Brussels
Chair:        Edward Scicluna, Minister for Finance of Malta

All times are approximate and subject to change.

from 07.00
Arrivals (live streaming)

+/- 07.45 (time to be confirmed)
Doorstep by Minister Scicluna

08.00
Annual EIB governors meeting  (Roundtable)

10.00
Beginning of the Council meeting
Adoption of the agenda
Adoption of legislative A items (public session)

Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (public session)

Common Corporate Tax Base (public session)

Any other business
-   Current financial services legislative proposals (public session)

Approval of non-legislative A items

Movement of capital:
-   2016 EFC Report on the movement of capital and the freedom of payments
-   Report from the Commission - accelerating the Capitals Markets Union: Addressing national barriers to capital flows

European Semester 2017
- Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure (MIP)

Follow-up to the G20 Meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors on 20-21 April 2017 and of the IMF and World Bank Spring meetings on 21-23 April 2017 in Washington

At the end of the meeting
Press conference (live streaming)

*           *           *

In the margins of the Council:

22 May - Eurogroup meeting

15.00
Roundtable

At the end of the meeting
Press conference

23 May

08.00
Annual EIB governors meeting (Roundtable)

09.00
Ministerial breakfast

14.00
Economic and Financial Dialogue between the EU and the Western Balkans and Turkey  (Roundtable)

Plenary sessions : From a debate on Brexit negotiations to refugee relocation and the situation in Hungary: read our overview of this week's plenary session.

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

Plenary sessions : From a debate on Brexit negotiations to refugee relocation and the situation in Hungary: read our overview of this week's plenary session.

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

While the initial shock and disbelief that surrounded Brexit have receded for the people of Ireland, uncertainty and anxiety have only increased. Nine months after the referendum, we are no wiser about the future status of the border or the Common Travel Area between the two countries.

Initial hopes that the United Kingdom would opt for a Norwegian-style arrangement have been dashed, and there are very real fears that a ‘hard’ Brexit will have dire consequences for both territories on the island. We feel rather like an innocent child caught in the crossfire of an increasingly messy and bitter divorce; we did nothing to cause the breakup but will undoubtedly suffer the most.  Facts and details are in very short supply, but speculation is rampant and in Dublin there is talk of little else.

There is a widespread perception that neither the UK nor the European Union fully appreciates the impact that Brexit will have on the economic and political landscape of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.  Indeed, Westminster’s lack of attention to the border issue is seen as reflective of the Leave campaign’s very England-centric attitude, as well as Westminster’s own general indifference to the plight of the regions.

The peace process, economic prosperity and the viability of the agricultural sector in Northern Ireland are all seriously threatened by this secession. The Republic remains firmly committed to EU membership but worries that its voice will not be heard in the negotiations, as it is but one (small) member in a collective of 27. And while there may be opportunities to be exploited in terms of foreign direct investment (especially in the financial and technology sectors), the general belief is that the economic consequences of our second-largest export partner leaving the single market will be negative.  The potential loss of the UK ‘landbridge’ for the import of goods from mainland Europe will also serve to raise prices.

Finally, one of the great ironies of the referendum outcome, which was initiated by the officially-titled Conservative and Unionist Party and supported by the Democratic Unionist Party in the North, is that the issue of Irish reunification is now firmly back on the agenda. And for nationalist parties, who all supported the Remain campaign, this has been an unexpected boon.

IMAGE CREDIT: Christobolo/Bigstock

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On 19 May 2017, the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) agreed on a negotiating mandate to start negotiations with the European Parliament on all four legislative proposals on waste, which are part of the Circular economy package submitted by the Commission on 3 December 2015. 

The four legislative proposals introduce additional measures to reduce waste generation, control waste management, boost recycling and cut resource use. They aim at bringing benefits to our economy, environment and health.  

These new proposals amend six waste related legislation as follows: 

• Waste framework directive
• Packaging waste directive
• Landfill directive
• Directive on electrical and electronic waste, on end-of-life vehicles; and on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators

Today's Council mandate is the result of intensive work and discussions on all four proposals during three Council Presidencies (NL, SK and MT). The Maltese Presidency has now obtained support to initiate talks with the European Parliament with a view to a possible first reading agreement. A first trilogue meeting is scheduled on 30 May.

Negotiations are expected to focus on a number of outstanding elements, including the definitions, the setting of binding targets and their calculation rules, end-of-waste criteria, extended producer responsibility schemes and waste prevention. 

Background 

The European Commission presented a new revised circular economy package on 3 December 2015. It consists of four waste legislative proposals and an Action Plan in the form of a Commission Communication. 

The action plan was discussed during the Competitiveness Council on 29 February 2016 and the Environment Council on 4 March 2016. Taking into account both discussions from an economic and environmental perspective, and following further discussions in the working group, the Council adopted conclusions on the plan in the Environment Council of 20 June 2016. 

The Council has been intensively discussing the legislative proposals since the revised package was submitted with the aim of reaching a balanced compromise text.

At its plenary session last 14 March 2017, the European Parliament voted on a mandate to open negotiations with the Council. 

The Council supports the promotion of responsible supply chains in the textile and clothing sector. It adopted conclusions recognising the potential of this sector as a driver of development and emancipation, but also acknowledging the economic, social and environmental challenges posed by the garment value chains. Deadly accidents such as the collapse of the factory in Rana Plaza in Bangladesh in 2013 underline the importance of preventing human rights violations and of promoting corporate social responsibility in the garment sector.

The Council adopted conclusions regarding information on the EU's official development assistance (ODA), analysing trends with regard to its commitments and delivery in 2016. The ODA is a major source of finance for least developed countries and fragile states which particularly lack the domestic capacity to raise finance from other sources. Last year, ODA reached €75 billion. This constitutes an 11% increase compared to 2015.

Poverty, conflict, fragility and forced displacement are deeply interlinked and must be addressed in a coherent and comprehensive way. In this context, the Council adopted conclusions recognising the connections between sustainable development, humanitarian action and peace and security. In particular, the conclusions stress the need to coordinate humanitarian and development actions so as to address the root causes of vulnerability, fragility and conflict while simultaneously meeting humanitarian needs and strengthening resilience.

On 19 May, the Council adopted a new European consensus on development. This joint statement by the three institutions (Parliament, Council and Commission) sets out a new framework for development cooperation for the EU and its member states.

"The new European consensus for development makes the EU even stronger to tackle today's challenges and promote sustainable development and eradication of poverty all over the world. Investing in  sustainable development is investing in our common security and prosperity", said Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative for foreign affairs and security policy.

"Today's agreement confirms the commitment of all member states to work together on a shared agenda and priorities for the EU's cooperation with all developing countries over the years to come. We are proud that the Maltese Presidency has succeeded in securing a consensus", added George Vella, Maltese Minister for foreign affairs.

The consensus is important given the crucial role of the EU in the area of development cooperation. The EU remains the world's largest development aid donor, providing more than half of assistance worldwide. The overarching goal is the eradication of poverty, by promoting good governance, human and economic development and tackling universal issues such as fighting hunger and preserving the world's natural resources.

The European consensus for development is the EU's response to the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development. It sets out the main principles which will guide the approach of the EU and the member states to cooperation with developing countries over the next 15 years, as well as a strategy for reaching the sustainable development goals (SDGs). In line with the global strategy on the EU's foreign and security policy, the consensus will also help achieve the priorities of the EU's external policy.

The consensus is intended to respond to current global challenges which have a demographic, economic, social and environmental impact. Strengthening the resilience of states, societies and individuals is central to this approach. It seeks to bring about sustainable development and to accelerate transformation by placing an emphasis on cross-cutting elements of development policy such as gender equality, youth, investment and trade, sustainable energy and climate action, good governance, democracy, rule of law and human rights, and migration and mobility.

The consensus recommends increased coordination and coherence between the EU and its member states. In order to  achieve more effective results and make a greater impact, it proposes a tailored and differentiated approach when working with partners to promote joint programming and implementation, with the full involvement of civil society and other actors. It highlights the importance of development effectiveness, transparency, mutual accountability and ownership by all partners involved, as well as ensuring that all means are used to deliver on the SDGs.

Next steps

The European Parliament is expected to endorse the consensus on 31 May.

The joint statement will be officially signed by the President of the European Parliament, the Prime Minister of Malta, on behalf of the Council and member states, the President of the European Commission, and the High Representative, at the European Development Days on 7 June. It will then replace the current European consensus on development which was adopted in 2006.

AMENDMENTS 200 - 397 - Draft report Report on the 2016 Commission Report on Turkey
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

The European Parliament Office in London held a panel debate earlier this month to a full house on the impact of Brexit on freedom of movement, one of the fundamental four freedoms of the EU.

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

AMENDMENTS 11 - 109 - Draft report the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 230/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an instrument contributing to stability and peace
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP