Verslag van bijeenkomst Raad voor Algemene Zaken (en)
COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
PROVISIONAL VERSION
PRESSE 346 PR CO 46
PRESS RELEASE
3184th Council meeting
General Affairs
Brussels, 24 July 2012
President Mr Andreas MAVROYIANNIS
Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus
PROVISIONAL VERSION 24.VII.2012
CONTTS1
PARTICIPANTS................................................................................................................................5
ITEMS DEBATED
Ml I.TIANNU AL FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK...............................................................................7
PRESIDCY PROGRAMME..........................................................................................................9
EUROPEAN COUNCIL....................................................................................................................10
OTHER BUSINESS..........................................................................................................................11
Decentralised agencies.......................................................................................................................11
Romania.............................................................................................................................................11
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
BUDGETS
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-Council position on the 2013 EU draft budget......................................................................................................12
GERAL AFFAIRS
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-Rate of contribution to the pension scheme for EU officials.................................................................................12
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-Assistance to the Turkish Cypriot community......................................................................................................13
ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
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-Derogation from the VAT directive for Denmark - Private use of light goods vehicles.......................................13
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-Manipulation of statistics used for budgetary surveillance....................................................................................13
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-External auditor of the Bank of Slovenia..............................................................................................................13
1 • Where declarations, conclusions or resolutions have been formally adopted by the Council, this is indicated in the heading for the item concerned and the text is placed between quotation marks
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•Documents for which references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site (http://www.consilium.europa.eu)
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•Acts adopted with statements for the Council minutes which may be released to the public are indicated by an asterisk; these statements are available on the Council's Internet site or may be obtained from the Press Office
PROVISIONAL VERSION 24.VII.2012
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
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-EU agency for large-scale information systems - Participation of EFTA countries..............................................14
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-Schengen Information System...............................................................................................................................14
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-"Priim Decisions" (*) - Automated data exchange with Hungary.........................................................................14
TRADE
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-Agreements with Russia - Raw materials, services and vehicle parts...................................................................15
INTERNAL MARKET
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-Motor vehicles - Lane departure and emergency braking systems........................................................................15
FISHERIES
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-Fishing opportunities - Protection of the giant manta ray......................................................................................16
EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA
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-Emission Trading Scheme.....................................................................................................................................16
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-Pesticide residues..................................................................................................................................................16
APPOINTMTS
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-Economic and Social Committee..........................................................................................................................17
TRANSPARCY
Transparency - public access to documents...........................................................................................................17
PROVISIONAL VERSION
24.VII.2012
PARTICIPANTS
Belgium:
Mr Didier REYNDERS
Bulgaria:
Mr Dimiter TZANTCHEV
Czech Republic:
Mr Karei SCHWARZBERG
Denmark:
Mr Nicolai WAMM Germany:
Mr Michael G. LINK Estonia:
Mr Urmas PAET Ireland:
Ms Lucinda CREIGHTON
Greece:
Mr Dimitrios KOURKOULAS Spain:
Mr Inigo MÉNDEZ DE VIGO Y MONTOJO France:
Mr Bernard CAZEUVE
Italy:
Mr Enzo MOAVERO MILANESI Cyprus:
Mr Andreas MAVROYIANNIS Ms Rea YIORDAMLIS
Latvia:
Mr Andris TEIKMANIS Lithuania:
Mr Audronius AZUBALIS
Luxembourg
Mr Christian BRAUN
Hungary:
Ms Enikö GYÖRY
Malta:
Mr Tonio BORG
Netherlands:
Mr Peter de GOOIJER
Austria:
Mr Wolfgang WALDNER
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign, External Trade and European Affairs
Permanent Representative
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs
Minister for European Affairs
State Minister of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister for Foreign Affairs
Minister of State for European Affairs (Departments of the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs and Trade)
State Secretary for Foreign Affairs
State Secretary for the European Union
Minister Delegate attached to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, with responsibility for European Affairs
Minister responsible for European Affairs
Deputy Minister to the President for European Affairs Director for European Affairs
State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Permanent Representative
State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
Permanent Representative
State Secretary, Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs
PROVISIONAL VERSION
24.VII.2012
Poland:
Mr Piotr SERAFIN Portugal:
Mr Miguel MORAIS LEITAO
Romania:
Mr Leonard ORBAN Slovenia:
Mr Karl Viktor ERJAVEC Slovakia:
Mr Peter JAVORCIK
Finland:
Mr Jan STORE
Sweden:
Ms Birgitta OHLSSON
United Kingdom:
Mr David LIDINGTON
Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
State Secretary attached to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, with responsibility for European Affairs
Minister for European Affairs
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs
State Secretary for Foreign Affairs
Permanent Representative
Minister for EU Affairs
Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Commission:
Mr Maros SEFCOVIC Vice President
Mr Janusz LEWANDOWSKI Member
The Government of the Acceding State was represented as follows: Croatia:
Ms Vesna PUSIC Minister for Foreign and European Affairs
PROVISIONAL VERSION
24.VII.2012
ITEMS DEBATED
MULTIANNUAL FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK
The Council, in public session1, took note of a revised Commission proposal for the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the 2014-2020 period ().
The revision of the proposal takes into account Croatia's accession scheduled for mid-2013, the Commission's spring macroeconomic forecast and new regional and national economic data
The Cyprus presidency informed ministers on the organisation of work during its term of office (). It also informed the Council on bilateral meetings with member states which took place from 10-19 July
Many ministers voiced concerns about the amended MFF proposals:
• Some considered that the increase of the overall expenditure ceiling was inconsistent with the current context of economic crisis and member states' fiscal consolidation efforts, and reiterated their calls for substantial cuts. Several ministers advocated a top-down approach, meaning that the overall expenditure ceiling would be agreed upon ahead of the discussions on the rest of the MFF package. A number of ministers felt that steps needed to be taken to address the issue of "RAL" unused commitments (reste a liquider).
• Other ministers stressed the investment character of the EU budget and highlighted in particular the important contribution that cohesion policy makes in terms of growth and employment. They regretted that as a result of the update, the Commission proposed fewer financial resources for cohesion policy in the current 27 member states. This, they found, was inconsistent with the conclusions of the June European Council which recognised cohesion policy as a major instrument for supporting investments in growth-enhancing measures. In their view, the economic crisis requires "more" and not "less" cohesion
The Cyprus presidency intends to put the MFF on the agenda of each General Affairs Council (GAC) meeting and to continue work through the instrument of the "negotiating box"
Webcast: http://video.consilium.europa.eu/webcast.aspx?ticket=775-979-l 1734
PROVISIONAL VERSION
24.VII.2012
The negotiating box is a paper drafted by the presidency outlining the main elements and options for the MFF negotiations. It is constantly updated as negotiations move forward and is ultimately intended as the basis for an agreement of the European Council. The negotiations are conducted according to the principle that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed
The presidency is committed to continuing close cooperation with the European Parliament in order to facilitate a common understanding leading to the timely adoption of the relevant decisions. Like previous presidencies, the Cyprus presidency will have an exchange of views with representatives of the European Parliament before each GAC and debrief them afterwards
Ministers for European Affairs will continue their work on the MFF and discuss some key elements of the package at an informal meeting in Nicosia on 30 August. Ahead of the meeting of the European Council in October, it will be discussed at the GAC meetings on 24 September and 16 October
The aim is to reach an agreement by the end of this year
Further information on the negotiations may be found on the Council's MFF webpages: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/special-reports/mff
PROVISIONAL VERSION 24.VII.2012 PRESIDCY PROGRAMME
The Council, in public session1, took note of the presentation by the Cyprus presidency of its programme for the duration of its term of office (July to December 2012). It held an exchange of views
The Cyprus presidency intends to concentrate on four priorities:
• a more efficient and sustainable Europe,
• a Europe with a better performing and growth-based economy,
• a Europe more relevant to its citizens, with solidarity and social cohesion,
• Europe in the world, closer to its neighbours
Webcast: http://video.consilium.europa.eu/webcast.aspx?ticket=775-979-l 1734
PROVISIONAL VERSION
24.VII.2012
EUROPEAN COUNCIL
The Council took stock of the follow-up being given to the European Council meeting1 on 28-29 June as concerns implementation of key economic policy decisions
The discussion focused on:
• work on the strengthening of the EU's economic and monetary union;
• the process followed for the European Semester monitoring exercise, in particular the handling of country-specific recommendations on fiscal and economic policies;
• cooperation between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission in implementation of the Compact for Growth and Jobs
EUC
PROVISIONAL VERSION
24.VII.2012
OTHER BUSINESS Decentralised agencies
The Commission stressed the importance of an agreement reached in mid-June by the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council on a common approach concerning decentralised EU agencies
The common approach provides, inter alia, that an objective impact assessment has to be done before the creation of a new agency is decided, and includes criteria for the choice of the seat and headquarters arrangements as well as "sunset" or review clauses enabling decisions to be taken if necessary to merge or close down agencies
Romania
The Council was informed of latest developments with regard to the political situation in Romania
PROVISIONAL VERSION
24.VII.2012
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED BUDGETS
Council position on the 2013 EU draft budget
The Council adopted1 its position on the 2013 EU draft budget, limiting the increase in payments to 2.79% compared to 2012 (/12 REV 1 + ADD 1 + ADD 2 + + ADD 1 + ADD 2 + ADD 3).
The Council's position reconciles the necessity to avoid undue burden on national public finances in times of fiscal consolidation with the need for growth-enhancing measures. It also takes due account of the fact that 2013 is the last year of the current multiannual financial framework (MFF)
The most important increase in payments (+6.71%) is dedicated to heading 1 (sustainable growth), in line with the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth
In absolute figures, the Council's position on the draft budget for 2013 amounts to:
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-EUR 132.70 billion in payments, corresponding to 0.99% of the EU's gross national income (GNI), and
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-EUR 149.78 billion in commitments, leaving a margin of EUR 3.58 billion under the overall ceiling of the current MFF
For details see . GERAL AFFAIRS
Rate of contribution to the pension scheme for EU officials
The Council took note of a letter from the Commission inviting the Council to adopt a Commission proposal for adjusting the rate of contribution to the pension scheme of EU officials (12 ).
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The Dutch, Swedish and UK delegations voted against and the Austrian delegation abstained
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
24.VII.2012
Assistance to the Turkish Cypriot community
The Council adopted conclusions on a special report of the European Court of Auditors entitled "European Union Assistance to the Turkish Cypriot community", set out in document ().
ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
Derogation from the VAT directive for Denmark - Private use of light goods vehicles
The Council adopted a decision authorising Denmark to introduce a measure derogating from directive /EC on value-added taxation (VAT) for the private use of light goods vehicles ().
The measure authorises Denmark to impose a flat rate of DKK 40 per day for the private use of a light goods vehicle registered as being solely for business use
The Council's decision will be valid until 31 December 2014. Manipulation of statistics used for budgetary surveillance
The Council decided, on account of calendar constraints, to extend by a further two months the period for raising objections to a draft Commission decision on investigations and fines related to the manipulation of statistics used for budgetary surveillance in the euro area ().
The draft decision is a delegated act pursuant to article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; the Council and the European Parliament normally have a two-month period for raising objections
External auditor of the Bank of Slovenia
The Council adopted a decision approving the appointment of Deloitte as external auditor of the Bank of Slovenia for the financial years 2012 to 2014 ().
PROVISIONAL VERSION
24.VII.2012
JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS
EU agency for large-scale information systems - Participation of EFTA countries
The Council adopted a decision authorising the opening of negotiations on an arrangement with Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein on modalities for the participation by those countries in the European Agency for the operational management of large-scale information systems in the area of freedom, security and justice ().
Schengen Information System
The Council took note of the outcome of the SIS II second milestone test, which was carried out in May
The aim of the two milestone tests, as laid down in an annex to Council conclusions of June 2009, is to prove the stability, reliability and performance of the central system and the proper functioning of vital core functionalities such as data consistency and reliable message transfer. Germany issued a dissenting opinion
"Priim Decisions" (*) - Automated data exchange with Hungary
The Council adopted the decision on the launch of automated data exchange with regard to DNA and dactyloscopic data in Hungary ( and ).
An evaluation procedure prior to this decision concluded that the general provisions on data protection are fully implemented by Hungary ( and ). The country is henceforth entitled to start receiving and supplying DNA and dactyloscopic data for the purpose of prevention and investigation of criminal offences
(*) Council Decisions /JHA and /JHA
PROVISIONAL VERSION
24.VII.2012
TRADE
Agreements with Russia - Raw materials, services and vehicle parts
The Council adopted a decision approving, on behalf of the EU, the conclusion of an agreement with Russia committing the latter to make its best efforts not to introduce or increase export duties for certain raw materials {).
Under the agreement, if Russia were to consider the introduction or increase of export duties on those raw materials, it would have to consult the European Commission at least two months prior to the implementation of such measures
The Council also adopted decisions approving, on behalf of the EU, the conclusion of agreements with Russia on:
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•the preservation of commitments on trade in services contained in the current EU-Russia partnership and cooperation agreement ():
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•trade in parts and components of motor vehicles ().
INTERNAL MARKET
Motor vehicles - Lane departure and emergency braking systems
The Council adopted a decision approving draft regulations of the United Nations economic commission for Europe (UNECE) on uniform provisions for the approval of vehicles with regard to lane departure warning systems and advanced emergency braking systems
UNECE regulations are intended to remove technical barriers to trade in motor vehicles and to ensure that such vehicles offer a high level of safety and protection
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PROVISIONAL VERSION
24.VII.2012
FISHERIES
Fishing opportunities - Protection of the giant manta ray
The Council adopted amendments to regulations 43/2012 and 44/2012 as regards the protection of the species "giant manta ray" and certain fishing opportunities ().
The amendments modify the two regulations fixing for 2012 fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks by adding the giant manta ray to the relevant articles containing lists of prohibited fisheries. This follows the 10th conference of the parties of the convention of migratory species of wild animals, held in Bergen from 20 to 25 November 2011, where the giant manta ray (Manta birostris) was added to the lists of protected species
EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA
Emission Trading Scheme
The Council approved the position to be taken by the EU within the European Economic Area (EEA) joint committee concerning an amendment to annex 20 (environment) to the EEA agreement
The decision integrates all relevant EU legislation regarding the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) into the EEA agreement ().
Pesticide residues
The Council a pproved the position to be taken by the EU within the European Economic Area (EEA) joint committee concerning an amendment to annex 2 (technical regulations, standards, testing and certification) to the EEA agreement as regards pesticide residues ().
PROVISIONAL VERSION
24.VII.2012
APPOINTMTS
Economic and Social Committee
The Council appointed Mr Pekka RISTELA (Finland) and Mr Vitas MACIULIS (Lithuania), as members of the Economic and Social Committee for the remainder of the current term of office, which runs until 20 September 2015 ( and ).
TRANSPARCY
Transparency - public access to documents
The Council approved:
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-the reply to confirmatory application made by Ms Joanna Hosa (No 15/c/01/12) (); and
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-the reply to the European Ombudsman concerning the complaint made by Mr David Price (/RT), the Swedish delegation voting against. ()
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