Voorlopig verslag van de Raad van Economische en Financiële Zaken (en)

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

PROVISIONAL VERSION

PRESSE 6 PR CO 1

PRESS RELEASE

3215th Council meeting

Economic and Financial Affairs

Brussels, 22 January 2013

President Mr Michael NOONAN

Minister for Finance of Ireland

PROVISIONAL VERSION

22.1.2012

Main results of the Council

The Council adopted a decision authorising 11 member states to proceed with the introduction of a financial transaction tax (FTT) through enhanced cooperation.

The Commission will now make a proposal defining the substance of the enhanced cooperation. Its adoption will require the unanimous agreement of participating member states.

The Council decided to extendfor two years an EU training mission in Somalia, aimed at strengthening the Somali armedforces so that they can take over security responsibilities.

PROVISIONAL VERSION 2212012

CONTTS¹

PARTICIPANTS................................................................................................................................5

ITEMS DEBATED

PRESIDCY WORK PROGRAMME.............................................................................................7

FOLLOW-UP TO THE DECEMBER EUROPEAN COUNCIL........................................................8

EUROPEAN SEMESTER - ANNUAL GROWTH SURVEY...........................................................9

TAX FRAUD.....................................................................................................................................10

FINANCIAL TRANSACTION TAX................................................................................................11

OTHER BUSINESS..........................................................................................................................12

MELTINGS IN THE MARGINS 01 THE COUNCIL....................................................................13

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS

• - 

  Financial assistance to Ireland...............................................................................................................................14
• - 

  VAT derogation - Belgium....................................................................................................................................14
• - 

  VAT derogation - Slovenia...................................................................................................................................14
• - 

  VAT derogation - Latvia.......................................................................................................................................15
• - 

  VAT derogation - Portugal....................................................................................................................................15

GERAI AFFAIRS

• - 

  EU agencies...........................................................................................................................................................15

JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS

• - 

  New psychoactive substances................................................................................................................................16

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

• • 

  Documents for which references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site (http: //www .consilium. europ a. eu)

• • 

  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 2212012 FOREIGN AFFAIRS

• - 

  EU Training Mission in Somalia...........................................................................................................................16

CFSP Budget for 2013 and 2014...........................................................................................................................16

• - 

  Democratic Republic of the Congo - restrictive measures....................................................................................16
• - 

  Republic of Guinea - restrictive measures.............................................................................................................17
• - 

  Libya - restrictive measures...................................................................................................................................17

Relations with CELAC..........................................................................................................................................17

• - 

  Arms trade treaty...................................................................................................................................................17

APPOINTMTS

• - 

  Committee of the Regions.....................................................................................................................................17

DECISIONS TAK BY WRITT PROCEDURE

• - 

  Council rules of procedure - Weighting of votes - Institutional affairs.................................................................18
• - 

  Anti-dumping measures.........................................................................................................................................18

TRANSPARCY

Transparency - public access to documents...........................................................................................................19

PROVISIONAL VERSION

22.1.2012

PARTICIPANTS

Belgium:

Mr Steven VANACKERE

Bulgaria:

Mr Simeon DJANKOV

Czech Republic:

Mr Miroslav KALOUSEK

Denmark:

Ms Margrethe VESTAGER Germany:

Mr Thomas STEFF

Estonia:

Mr Jürgen LIGI

Ireland:

Mr Michael NOONAN Mr Brian HAYES

Greece:

Mr Ioannis STOURNARAS Spain:

Mr Luis DE GUINDOS JURADO France:

Mr Benoit HAMON

Italy:

Mr Vittorio GRILLI Cyprus:

Mr Vassos SHIARLY Latvia:

MrAndris VILKS Lithuania:

MrRimantasSADZIUS

Luxembourg:

Mr Christian BRAUN

Hungary:

Mr Péter GYÖRKÖS Malta:

Ms Mariene BONNICI Netherlands:

Mr Jeroen DIJSSELBLOEM Austria:

Ms Maria FEKTER Poland:

Mr Jacek DOMTNIK

Portugal:

Mr Vitor GASPAR

Romania:

MrClaudiuDOLTU

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Sustainable Development, with responsibility for the Civil Service

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Minister for Finance

Minister for Economic Affairs and the Interior State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance Minister for Finance Minister for Finance

Minister of State with responsibility for Public Service Reform and the OPW (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform)

Minister for Finance

Minister for Economic Affairs and Competitiveness

Minister with responsibility for the Social and Cooperative Economy and Consumer Affairs

Minister for Economic Affairs and Finance

Minister for Finance

Minister for Finance

Minister for Finance

Permanent Representative

Permanent Representative

Permanent Representative

Minister for Finance

Federal Minister for Finance

Deputy State Secretary

Ministro de Estado, Minister for Finance

State Secretary, Ministry of Public Finance

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22.1.2012

Slovenia:

Mr Janez SUSTERSIC Minister for Finance

Slovakia:

Mr Peter KAZIMÉR Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance

Finland:

Ms .Tutta URPILAIN Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Finance

Sweden:

Mr Anders BORG Minister for Finance

United Kingdom:

Mr Greg CLARK Financial Secretary to the Treasury

Commission:

Mr Olli REHN Vice President

Mr Michel BARNIER Member

Mr Algirdas SEMETA Member

Other participants:

Mr Jórg ASMUSS Executive Board Member of the European Central Bank

Mr Werner HO YER President of the European Investment Bank

Mr Thomas WIESER President of the Economic and Financial Committee

Mr Hans VIJLBRIEF President of the Economic Policy Committee

The Government of the Acceding State was represented as follows:

Croatia:

Mr Vladimir DROBNJAK Permanent Representative

PROVISIONAL VERSION

22.1.2012

ITEMS DEBATED

PRESIDCY WORK PROGRAMME

The Council took note of the presentation by the Irish presidency of a work programme on economic and financial matters for the duration of its term of office, which runs from January to July 2013 ()

The Council held an exchange of views

The programme sets out the following objectives:

- Enhanced economic governance and policy coordination: Concluding negotiations with the European Parliament on the "two-pack" (economic governance), and once adopted, working towards the successful implementation of the two instruments. Managing the third European Semester process, and in line with the December European Council, working towards a stronger and more effective economic and monetary union

- Strengthening financial regulation and supervision: Priority will be given to legislation to achieve a banking union, especially proposals on banking supervision, bank resolution and recovery and deposit insurance to protect consumers. The aim is to reach an early agreement with the European Parliament on the single supervisory mechanism and on the capital requirements directive and regulation (CRD4)

- Economic and monetary union: Contributing constructively towards the objective of creating a stronger and more effective EMU that can aid confidence and support economic recovery and employment growth across Europe

- Taxation: Progress on the financial transaction tax, discussions on the common consolidated corporate tax base, the savings directive and associated negotiating mandates with third countries

- External dimension: Representing the EU at the G-20

PROVISIONAL VERSION 22.1.2012

FOLLOW-UP TO THE DECEMBER EUROPEAN COUNCIL

The Council discussed the follow-up to be given to the European Council's meeting on 13 and

14 December, in particular in relation to the further development of economic and monetary union

The Council will return to the issues at its meeting on 5 March

PROVISIONAL VERSION

22.1.2012

EUROPEAN SEMESTER - ANNUAL GROWTH SURVEY

The Council discussed the Commission's annual growth survey, on the basis of an issues note prepared by the presidency {).

It concluded that the five priorities identified in the 2012 survey remain valid for 2013: pursuing differentiated growth-friendly fiscal consolidation; restoring normal lending to the economy; promoting growth and competitiveness; tackling unemployment and the social consequences of the crisis; and modernising public administration

Draft conclusions will be prepared in the light of the Council's discussion, for adoption at its meeting on 12 February

The Commission's annual growth survey outlines five priority areas where action should be taken at both EU and member state level in order to ensure better coordination and more effective policies for putting Europe's economy on a path to sustainable growth ().

The survey is the starting point for the European Semester, which involves simultaneous monitoring of the member states' fiscal policies and structural reforms, in accordance with common rules and time schedules, during a six-month period every year

In March, the European Council will provide guidance on the next step in the European Semester process, namely the preparation by member states of their national reform programmes and stability and convergence programmes

PROVISIONAL VERSION

22.1.2012

TAX FRAUD

The Council heard a presentation by the Commission of a communication proposing an action plan to better combat tax fraud and tax evasion ().

The communication will be examined by technical experts in the Council

The action plan, published in December, proposes 34 short and medium-term measures in the area of both direct and indirect taxation. Together with its action plan, the Commission put forward recommendations on aggressive tax planning () and on good governance in tax matters in third countries ().

The plan comes in response to a call from the European Council, in March 2012, for ways to improve the fight against tax evasion and tax fraud, including in relation to third countries. In November 2012, the Council adopted conclusions on this issue ().

The action plan identifies measures that can be developed, both immediately and in the years to come, in order to deliver concrete results to all member states. It is also intended as a contribution to international debate and assisting the G-20 and the G-8 in ongoing work in the field of taxation

Priority is given to actions already under development and to the full implementation of newly-adopted legislation. It is suggested that future work be guided by the need to reduce costs and the complexity of tax systems, so as to encourage better compliance by taxpayers and to concentrate on achieving objectives

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FINANCIAL TRANSACTION TAX

The Council adopted, by qualified majority¹, a decision authorising 11 member states to proceed with the introduction of a financial transaction tax (FTT) through "enhanced cooperation"

The Commission is now expected to finalise and submit its proposal on the substance of the enhanced cooperation on FTT. The proposal will then be examined by technical experts in the Council. Its adoption will require the unanimous agreement of participating member states

For details, see press release .

The Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Malta and the United Kingdom abstained. ² Requirements for enhanced cooperation are laid down in article 20 of the Treaty on European Union

and articles 326 to 334 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It must be established that the objectives cannot be attained within a reasonable period by the EU as a whole. At least nine member states must participate, and the cooperation must remain open for any others that wish to join

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OTHER BUSINESS

The Council was informed by the presidency on progress made on three key legislative dossiers for which negotiations are ongoing with the European Parliament

• - 

  Bank supervision: Following an agreement in the Council on 13 December, trilogues were held with the parliament on 18 December and on 8, 9 and 16 January
• - 

  Capital requirements directive: Trilogues were held on 10 and 15 January. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for 30 January
• - 

  Economic governance (Two-Pack): The aim is to close the dossier in the coming weeks

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PROVISIONAL VERSION 22 12012

MEETINGS IN THE MARGINS OF THE COUNCIL

The following meetings were held in the margins of the Council:

• - 

  Eurogroup

Ministers of the euro area member states attended a meeting of the Eurogroup on 21 January

• - 

  Breakfast meeting

Ministers held a breakfast meeting to discuss the economic situation

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OTHER ITEMS APPROVED ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS Financial assistance to Ireland

The Council adopted a decision modifying the conditions underpinning financial assistance to Ireland (decision /EU), following a review of implementation by the "troika" (Commission, IMF and European Central Bank)

The decision adjusts the monitoring framework for banks. VAT derogation - Belgium

The Council adopted a decision authorising Belgium, by way of derogation from Article 285 of directive /EC, to exempt from VAT taxable persons whose annual turnover is no higher than EUR 25 000

The decision will apply from 1 January 2013 until the date of entry into force of a directive amending the amounts of the annual turnover ceilings below which taxable persons may qualify for VAT exemption, or until 31 December 2015, whichever is earlier

VAT derogation - Slovenia

The Council adopted a decision authorising Slovenia, by way of derogation from article 287 of directive /EC, to exempt from VAT taxable persons whose annual turnover is no higher than EUR 50 000

The decision will apply from 1 January 2013 until the date of entry into force of a directive amending the amounts of the annual turnover ceilings below which taxable persons may qualify for VAT exemption, or until 31 December 2015, whichever is earlier

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

22.1.2012

VAT derogation - Latvia

The Council adopted a decision authorising Latvia to extend until December 2015 a measure derogating from article 193 of directive /EC for VAT on timber transactions

The measure is aimed at combating tax fraud in the timber market by reversing liability for VAT payments from the supplier to the customer ("reverse charge" principle)

Any request for extension of the measure beyond 2015 has to be submitted to the Commission by 31 March 2015

VAT derogation - Portugal

The Council adopted a decision authorising Portugal to extend until December 2015 a measure derogating from articles 168, 193 and 250 of directive /EC as regards VAT on doorstep sales

The derogation allows for the application of a special optional scheme for doorstep sales firms that fulfil specific conditions, where authorised by the tax authorities

Any request for extension of the measure beyond 2015 has to be submitted to the Commission by 31 March 2015

GERAL AFFAIRS EU agencies

The Council adopted conclusions on the special report of the Court of Justice on the management of conflict of interest in selected EU agencies

The conclusions are set out in .

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

22.1.2012

JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS New psychoactive substances

On the basis of a joint report from Europol and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), the Council called for an assessment of the risks caused by the use, manufacture, and traffic of 5-(2-aminopropyl)indole, the involvement of organised crime and possible consequences of control measures

These measures are in line with Council Decision /JHA 1 on the information exchange, risk assessment and control of new psychoactive substances

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

EU Training Mission in Somalia

The Council refocused the activities of the EU training mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia) and extended it by two years

For details, see press release . CFSP Budget for 2013 and 2014

The Council approved guidelines on the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) budget for 2013 and 2014

For 2013, the CFSP budget amounts to EUR 396 million. Democratic Republic of the Congo - restrictive measures

The Council added two persons and two entities to the list of those subject to restrictive measures against the Democratic Republic of Congo

The measures consist of a travel ban and an asset freeze

l

OJL 127, 20.5.2005

PROVISIONAL VERSION

22.1.2012

Republic of Guinea - restrictive measures

The Council amended EU restrictive measures against the Republic of Guinea

National competent authorities may now authorise, under strict conditions, the export of explosives and related equipment intended for civilian use in mining and infrastructure development, as well as related financial and technical assistance

Libya - restrictive measures

The Council removed one person and one entity from the list of those subject to EU restrictive measures against Libya. It also facilitated the return of misappropriated funds to the Libyan state

Relations with CELAC

With a view to the CELAC-EU and LAC-EU summits in Santiago (Chile) on 26 and 27 January 2013, the Council endorsed a draft "action plan" as the basis for final negotiations

Arms trade treaty

The Council allocated EUR 160 800 to EU efforts aimed at supporting the successful completion of UN negotiations on an arms trade treaty and to support UN member states in building expertise to implement effective arms transfer controls

Two seminars are envisaged for government experts, aimed at facilitating the conclusion of negotiations and the future implementation of the arms trade treaty. The treaty is intended to establish the highest possible common international standards to regulate legal trade in conventional weapons

APPOINTMTS Committee of the Regions

The Council appointed Ms Regina POERSCH (Germany) (), Ms Annemieke TRAAG and Mr A. GJJSBERTS (The Netherlands) (), Ms Helene FRITZON (Sweden) () and Mr Vasco Ilidio ALVES CORDEIRO (Portugal) () as members of the Committee of the Regions for the remainder of the current term of office, which runs until 25 January 2015

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PROVISIONAL VERSION

DECISIONS TAK BY WRITT PROCEDURE

22.1.2012

Council rules of procedure - Weighting of votes - Institutional affairs

On 14 January, the Council amended its rules of procedure by updating a table of populations of the EU member states for 2013 for the purposes of qualified majority decision-making in the Council

().

The Council's rules of procedure provide that when a decision is to be taken by qualified majority, and if a member of the Council so requests, it shall be verified that the member states constituting the qualified majority represent at least 62 % of the total population of the EU

To that end, EU population figures are updated annually in line with figures provided by Eurostat

A qualified majority in the Council is set at 255 votes out of a total of 345 and a majority of the 27 member states

Anti-dumping measures

Tube and pipe fittings of iron or steel from Russia and Turkey

On 17 January, the Council adopted a regulation imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty and collecting definitely the provisional duty imposed on imports of certain tube and pipe fittings of iron or steel originating in Russia and Turkey ().

Open mesh fabrics of glass fibres from Taiwan and Thailand

On 10 January, the Council adopted a regulation extending the definitive anti-dumping duty imposed by regulation on imports of certain open mesh fabrics of glass fibres originating in China to imports consigned from Taiwan and Thailand ().

PROVISIONAL VERSION

22.1.2012

TRANSPARCY

Transparency - public access to documents

The Council approved:

the reply to confirmatory application No 22/c/02/12 made by Mr Johnston,

the Danish, Estonian, Hungarian, Slovenian, Finnish and Swedish voting against

(doc. /12 REV 2)