Foreign Affairs Council, 14-15/11/2016 - Main results
Main results
14 November
Security and defence
Foreign ministers had a joint session with defence ministers on the implementation plan on security and defence under the EU i global strategy. The Council adopted conclusions setting out the level of ambition and the way forward on the future development of EU security and defence policy.
"The implementation plan on security and defence and the conclusions adopted by the Council are the best guarantee to deliver to our citizens and our partners on security and defence. It is Europe at its best: when we do things together, we do them better"
Federica Mogherini i, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Council conclusions on security and defence
Implementation plan on security and defence
Turkey
Ministers restated their concerns at recent developments in Turkey as set out by the High Representative in her declaration on behalf of the EU of 8 November 2016. In their debate, they particularly highlighted worrying renewed considerations in Turkey to introduce a bill to parliament to reinstate the death penalty. They also underlined that Turkey is a key partner of the EU in the areas of the economy, security, migration and foreign policy, in particular with regard to Syria and Iraq. The Council recalled the EU's condemnation of the 15 July coup attempt. While recognizing the need for Turkey to take proportionate action, ministers also recalled that, as a candidate country, Turkey is expected to uphold the highest standards of democracy, including respect for human rights, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and the right of all to a fair trial. EU ministers agreed on the importance of continuing political dialogue with Turkey at all levels.
Southern Neighbourhood
Ministers discussed the Southern Neighbourhood, focusing on Syria. The High Representative informed the Council of her recent outreach efforts with key actors in the region, in line with the European Council mandate and in full support of the efforts of the UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura. The High Representative referred to, in particular, her most recent visits to Iran on 29 October and to Saudi Arabia on 31 October. In its conclusions on Iran, which were adopted without debate, the Council welcomed this outreach and invited the High Representative to continue her work. The Council expressed its concern at the escalation of tensions in the region, and called for a more constructive regional environment, as well as an end to the violence in Syria and support for the resumption of a political process.
The Council also adopted a decision adding 17 ministers and the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria to those subject to sanctions imposed against the Syrian regime over the violent repression of the civilian population.
Syria: Council response to the crisis
Eastern Partnership
The Council discussed the state of current multilateral and bilateral relations with the six Eastern Partnership countries - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Ministers had an exchange of views on the implementation of the Partnership, as well as possible results which could be achieved in 2017, in particular with a view to the next Eastern Partnership Summit in November 2017 in Brussels.
The Council adopted conclusions on the Eastern Partnership.
Read the full text of the conclusions
15 November (defence)
EU-NATO cooperation
The Council had a discussion on EU-NATO cooperation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg i. Ministers of defence took stock of the cooperation between the EU and NATO in the context of the implementation of the EU global strategy on security and defence and of the EU-NATO joint declaration. The High Representative and the NATO Secretary General informed on the ongoing work in this regard, where 40 concrete proposals are being developed in the seven areas identified in the joint declaration for deepening cooperation. The proposals are expected to be presented and adopted at the respective Councils of the two organisations in early December. EU ministers underlined the need for comprehensive EU-NATO coordination and complementarity and the commitment of the EU to a strong transatlantic relationship.
CSDP operations
The Council then discussed the state of play of the CSDP operations, focusing on the situation in Libya and the Mediterranean. The NATO SG was also present for this discussion. In this context, the ongoing cooperation between the EU naval operation to combat smugglers and traffickers in the Central Mediterranean EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia, and NATO Operation Sea Guardian on situation awareness and logistics was of particular relevance.
The High Representative also updated ministers on the two supporting tasks of EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia. The training of 78 embarked Libyan Navy coastguards and Navy and their mentor is ongoing. The operation is also contributing to the implementation of the UN arms embargo on the high seas off the coast of Libya in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution 2292 (2016), conducting already its first boat-inspection in this framework on 14 September 2016, having checked 7 merchant vessels and queried 122 in this framework.
Finding solutions to migratory pressures
EDA Steering board
Before the Council, defence ministers met in the format of the European Defence Agency (EDA) steering board, under the chairmanship of Federica Mogherini as the head of the agency. All member states except Denmark participate. Ministers discussed and approved the agency's 2017 general budget, which for the first time since 2010 is increased, reaching €31 million.
Live streaming, videos and photos
Live streaming of public sessions and press events
Photos and videos from the meeting, Foreign Affairs Council, 14 November 2016
Photos and videos from the meeting, Foreign Affairs Council, 15 November 2016