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Europaudvalget 2003-04
EUU Alm.del Bilag 369
Offentligt

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merne af Folketingets Europaudvalg

stedfortrædere

Journalnummer

400.C.2-0

Kontor

EU-sekr.

12. december 2003

Til underretning for Folketingets Europaudvalg vedlægges Formandskabets konklusioner fra

mødet i Det Europæiske Råd i Bruxelles den 12.-13. december 2003.

PRESIDENCY CONCLUSIONS

SN 400/03

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BRUSSELS EUROPEAN COUNCIL

12 DECEMBER 2003

SN 400/03

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

The European Council met in Brussels on 12 December 2003. The meeting was preceded by an

exposé by the President of the European Parliament, Mr Pat Cox, followed by an exchange of

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views concerning the main items on the agenda.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

European Action for Growth

The European Council endorses the European Action for Growth, on the basis of the reports

presented by the ECOFIN Council, the Commission and the EIB. The Action covers material as

well as immaterial investments in two broad areas: the trans-European network infrastructure

(TENs) including transport, telecommunications and energy, and innovation and R&D including

environmental technology. It is an important step in the implementation of the Union's Lisbon

agenda to improve competitiveness, employment and the enlarged Union's growth potential

through higher investment in both physical and human capital to complement structural reform.

The European Council welcomes the work carried out by the Commission, the EIB and the

relevant formations of the Council on the establishment of a "quick start programme" and on the

identification, according to a strict set of criteria, of a provisional list of projects for immediate

action; these projects will be considered by the EIB and EIF in accordance with the principles set

out in the ECOFIN Council report. If other projects fulfil the same criteria the list may be

complemented, in accordance with the procedure followed for its establishment, in the

framework of the annual reporting cycle to the Spring European Council.

SN 400/033

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

The Action for Growth rests on close collaboration between the Member States, the Council, the

Commission and the EIB. All relevant actors have to play their role in order for the Action to

succeed, in particular by taking the necessary steps to ensure implementation of the "quick-start

programme", so that the EIB and other relevant actors can provide appropriate financing. The

mobilisation of private resources to finance qualifying projects is the cornerstone of the Action

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for Growth. The Action for Growth assumes the part-financing of projects from national budgets,

in particular by optimising the use of existing public resources, a contribution from the EU and

the EIB and enhanced coordination between all relevant sources of financing. The European

Action for Growth will be consistent with the BEPGs, the Stability and Growth Pact, the

Financial Perspective and the agreed framework for the EIB's capital. The European Council

welcomes the political agreement in the Council on the TENs financial regulation providing for a

higher rate of Community co-financing for some specific projects or sections of projects.

The European Council therefore invites:

0 the EIB, in accordance with the ECOFIN Council report, to implement the financial

instruments aiming at leveraging private capital, and to develop Securitisation Trusts and

within the limits of the Bank's Statutes and subject to Eurostat rules work with the Member

States as they seek to mobilise resources by bringing infrastructure assets to markets,

1 Member States to complement the Action for Growth by national measures and programmes

and, together with the Commission, to act rapidly to eliminate technical, legal,

administrative and accounting obstacles to the implementation of PPPs, TENs and

innovation and R&D projects and improve the non-financial framework conditions for

these projects,

SN 400/034

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

2 the Commission, in accordance with the ECOFIN Council report, to redirect expenditure

where appropriate towards growth-enhancing investment in physical and human capital and

knowledge, and, in cooperation with the Member States, to further examine the necessity of

developing a specific Community guarantee instrument for certain post-construction risks

in TEN transport projects, to report on the results of that examination and, if appropriate, to

present a proposal in this regard,

3 the Commission and the EIB, to provide a mid-term evaluation of the Action for Growth by

the end of 2007, on the basis of the following criteria: (i) effects on growth; (ii) impact on

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the internal market and cohesion in the enlarged EU; (iii) mobilisation of private sector

capital, (iv) acceleration of the implementation of TENs and innovation and R&D projects

including environment projects; (v) progress in reducing regulatory barriers; (vi) the impact

on the environment and employment.

Connecting the Internal Market

Transport TENs

The European Council welcomes the Council's political agreement on the new Community

guidelines for the development of the Trans-European Transport Network, based on the work

carried out by the Van Miert Group. These will allow all Member States of the enlarged Europe

to participate fully in the Internal Market.

The priority projects identified by the guidelines are crucial to the strengthening of Internal Market

cohesion, especially in view of the forthcoming enlargement of the European Union and of the

need to remove bottlenecks and/or complete missing links in the circulation of goods (transit)

across natural or other barriers or across borders.

SN 400/035

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

As far as transport TENs in the context of the Action for Growth are concerned, the European

Council takes note with satisfaction of the political agreement by the ECOFIN Council to

increase the upper EU contribution from 10% to 20% for cross-border projects, and emphasises

how the Action for Growth, in the case of transport, is entirely in line with the transport priority

projects proposed by the Commission and approved by the Council on 5 December.

The European Council welcomes the presentation by the Commission of a proposal for a new

Eurovignette Directive. It urges the Council to speed up its work in order to allow agreement on

the Community-wide framework by March 2004 and, subsequently, to find an agreement with the

European Parliament.

Telecommunications

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The European Council invites the Commission to propose in its telecommunications report to the

Spring 2004 European Council concrete actions to be taken by the Member States to improve the

conditions of 3G mobile communications and broadband development in Europe.

Competitiveness

The European Council takes note with interest of progress on defining an integrated horizontal

approach to competitiveness, i.a. through coherence, synergies and complementarities between

policies, and invites the Council to assess further the Commission's communication, in particular

identifying, in cooperation with the Commission, proposals having a significant impact on

competitiveness or creating an excessive burden for certain sectors of industry. In this context

further cost-effective ways of implementing EU decisions in the field of climate change and the

potential cost of inaction should be considered. Conscious of the importance of the industrial

sector for the competitiveness of the European economy and in view of the objectives set by the

Lisbon strategy, the European Council looks forward to receiving the Commission's report on

de-industrialisation in the first half of 2004.

SN 400/036

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

10 The European Council welcomes the important agreement on a general approach on take-over bids,

which is an essential component of the Financial Services Action Plan for the integration of

European financial markets by 2005. The European Council also recalls the need to approve the

Community patent on the basis of the common political approach already reached in March 2003.

It stresses the need to develop broadband telecommunications and for the full and effective

transposition of the new regulatory framework for electronic communications.

11 In view of the forthcoming international meeting in Washington on 19 December 2003 the

European Council welcomes the decisions reached in the Competitiveness Council on the

European candidate site for hosting ITER and supports the efforts to ensure the success of this

candidacy.

Employment

12 The European Council welcomes the report on "Creating more employment in Europe" presented

by the Task Force chaired by Mr. Kok as well as the results of the work of the extraordinary

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Social Summit for Growth and Employment of 11 December on this issue.

13 The Task Force Report underlines the need to accelerate the implementation of the necessary

reforms on employment. Europe has a large gap to bridge to achieve the employment objectives

set at Lisbon. Economic growth is insufficient and unemployment is much too high. This is all

the more urgent in the light of the wider, longer-term challenges Europe faces, such as

globalisation, worldwide economic transformation and the consequences of the ageing society.

14 The European Council stresses that, in accordance with the view of the Task Force, improving the

EU's employment performance in the context of the Employment Strategy depends on meeting

four essential requirements:

4 increasing adaptability of workers and enterprises,

5 attracting more people to the labour market,

6 more and more effective investment in human capital,

7 ensuring effective implementation of reforms through better governance.

SN 400/037

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

15 The European Council underlines that employment will be one of the central aspects of the 2004

Spring European Council. It therefore invites the Commission and Council to consider the Task

Force report in the preparation of the Joint Employment Report.

FREEDOM, SECURITY AND JUSTICE

Managing the Union's common borders

16 The European Council welcomes the political agreement reached by the Council on the main

elements of the Commission proposal for a Council Regulation establishing a European Agency

for the Management of operational cooperation at the common borders. It also invites the JHA

Council to finish examining this important proposal as soon as possible so that it can be adopted

in time to allow the Agency to become operational by 1 January 2005.

17 The European Council also welcomes the adoption of the programme of measures to combat illegal

immigration across the maritime borders, which takes into account the results of the feasibility

study carried out for the Commission on maritime borders. It calls on the JHA Council, in close

cooperation with the Commission and the Member States, to ensure the implementation of the

measures set out in the programme in order for the European Council to evaluate the results.

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18 In the context of enlargement, the European Council welcomes the measures aimed at easing

control procedures at the borders between Member States and acceding States, as well as those

aimed at supporting the latter in their process of alignment with the acquis on external borders.

Controlling migratory flows

19 The European Council welcomes the general approach reached by the Council on the two

Commission proposals for Council Regulations on biometric identifiers in visas and residence

permits and invites the Commission to submit in due time a proposal for the introduction of

biometric identifiers in passports. On the basis of the forthcoming Commission communication, it

invites the Council to take the necessary decisions on the development of the Visa Information

System (VIS) as soon as possible.

SN 400/038

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

20 The European Council calls for more rapid progress in the field of return. Moreover, confirming the

request it made in Thessaloniki, it invites the Commission to present at the beginning of 2004 a

proposal for a financial instrument aimed at supporting a common approach in the area of return

policy.

21 The European Council welcomes the significant progress achieved in the negotiations on the

adoption of the two Council Directives on asylum qualification and procedures. It takes note of

the persisting political obstacles that have been delaying the conclusion of these negotiations. On

the other hand, it reaffirms the importance of developing a common European policy on asylum

and invites the JHA Council to complete its work as soon as possible to ensure that the first phase

of the establishment of a European Asylum system is fully implemented within the deadline set in

Tampere.

22 Finally, the European Council reaffirms the importance of the dialogue with third countries of

origin and transit of migratory flows and underlines the importance of continuing to assist those

countries in their own efforts to stem such migratory flows. This was also emphasised at the

meeting of five Western Mediterranean EU Member/Acceding States and the five countries of

the Maghreb Union held in Tunis on 5 December 2003. It welcomes the interinstitutional

agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council on the Regulation establishing

the new financial instrument relating to cooperation with third countries in the area of asylum and

migration. It also welcomes the adoption by the Council of the mechanism for monitoring and

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evaluating third countries in the area of the fight against illegal migration and invites the

Commission to present the first report on its implementation by the end of 2004 at the latest.

Judicial and Police Cooperation

23 The European Council welcomes further progress achieved by the Council in the area of police

cooperation, taking into special consideration the signature of the Protocol amending the Europol

Convention. On this basis, Europol will assume an increasingly important role in the action

carried out by Member States in fighting organised crime and terrorism.

SN 400/039

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

24 The European Council urges the Council to invite the competent authorities of the Member States

to use more effectively the existing instrument of judicial and police cooperation, including joint

investigation teams. It also welcomes progress in the intensification of police cooperation with

several third countries of strategic importance for the EU as far as the fight against organised

crime is concerned.

25 The European Council also welcomes the political agreement reached by the Council on the

Commission proposal for a Council Framework Decision laying down minimum provisions on

the constituent elements of criminal acts and penalties in the field of drug trafficking. The

European Council welcomes the adoption of the Resolution on the importance of the role of the

family in preventing drug abuse by adolescents, the Resolution on the posting of liaison officers

with particular expertise in drugs to Albania, the Resolution on combating the impact of

psychoactive substances use on road accidents and the Decision concerning control measures and

criminal sanctions in respect of new synthetic drugs.

Interfaith Dialogue

26 The Heads of State or Government were informed of the results of the Conference on Interfaith

Dialogue which took place in Rome on 30 and 31 October 2003 and took note with satisfaction

of the Statement on Interfaith Dialogue and Social Cohesion adopted by Ministers of the Interior.

Conscious of the importance of this issue, they encourage the relevant Ministers to support a

sustained, open and transparent dialogue with the different religions and philosophical

communities as an instrument of peace and social cohesion in Europe and at its borders.

27 The Heads of State or Government reaffirm the EU's firm commitment to oppose any form of

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extremism, intolerance and xenophobia, which undermine peaceful and democratic coexistence,

and their condemnation of any type of violence and terrorism.

28 The Heads of State or Government underline its deep concern at the increase in instances of

anti-semitic intolerance and strongly condemns all manifestations of anti-semitism, including

attacks against religious sites and individuals.

SN 400/0310

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

ENLARGEMENT

29 The European Council welcomes the findings and recommendations of the Commission contained

in its Comprehensive Monitoring Reports, the Strategy Paper and the Regular Reports presented

on 5 November 2003.

New Member States

30 The Union looks forward to welcoming the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania,

Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia as full members of the Union on 1 May 2004.

Integrating the new Member States into the European family will fulfil the aspirations of

European citizens throughout our continent.

31 The European Council invites the new Member States in the run-up to accession to intensify and

complete their final preparations for membership. The European Council endorses the Council

conclusions of 17 November 2003 on monitoring their state of preparedness for EU membership.

In this context, it notes the Commission's determination to take, wherever necessary, all

appropriate measures to safeguard the smooth functioning of all EU policies in the enlarged

Union.

32 The European Council also notes with satisfaction the advanced state of the ongoing process of

ratification of the Accession Treaty and looks forward to its timely completion.

Bulgaria and Romania

33 The European Council underscores the continuity and irreversibility of the ongoing enlargement

process of which Bulgaria and Romania form an integral part. Over the past year, these countries

have significantly brought forward their preparations for membership, which is reflected in the

well-advanced state of their accession negotiations.

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SN 400/0311

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

34 Welcoming Bulgaria and Romania in January 2007 as members of the Union, if they are ready, is

the common objective of the Union of 25. Negotiations will be concluded on the same basis and

principles applied to the ten acceding States. Bulgaria and Romania should continue energetically

their preparations and make further progress on the ground, so that the accession negotiations can

be brought to a successful conclusion in 2004 on the basis of own merits, and the Accession

Treaty can be signed as soon as possible in 2005. The European Council underlines the

determination of the Union to facilitate this time line. To this end, it is crucial for both countries

to bring their administrative and judicial capacity up to the required level.

35 Furthermore, the European Council encourages Bulgaria and Romania to continue on the path of

economic and structural reform in order to take full advantage of the benefits offered by the

accession process. Close monitoring by the Union of the commitments undertaken and of the

effective implementation of the acquis will continue to guide Bulgaria and Romania in their

membership preparations.

36 Regarding the financial framework for Bulgaria and Romania, the Commission is invited to submit

its proposal at the beginning of 2004, so as to enable the Council to give the necessary guidance

for the Commission to present draft Common Positions on the relevant negotiating chapters in

Spring 2004. In this context, the European Council takes note of the Commission's intention to

base its proposal on the principles and methodology developed for the negotiations with the ten

acceding States. The European Council restates its resolve that discussions or agreement on

future policy reforms, or the new financial perspective, will neither impede the pursuit and

conclusion of accession negotiations nor be prejudged by the outcome of those negotiations.

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SN 400/0312

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

Turkey

37 The European Council welcomes the considerable and determined efforts by the Turkish

government to accelerate the pace of reforms, many of which are significant in political and legal

terms. The legislative packages so far adopted, the first important steps taken to ensure effective

implementation, as well as the progress in addressing many priorities under the Copenhagen

political criteria and in the revised Accession Partnership have brought Turkey closer to the

Union. Turkey has also made significant progress in meeting the Copenhagen economic criteria.

However, further sustained efforts are needed, in particular as regards strengthening the

independence and functioning of the judiciary, the overall framework for the exercise of

fundamental freedoms (association, expression and religion), the further alignment of

civil-military relations with European practice, the situation in the Southeast of the country and

cultural rights. Turkey also has to overcome macro-economic imbalances and structural

shortcomings.

38 The European Council underlines the importance of Turkey's expression of political will to settle

the Cyprus problem. In this respect a settlement of the Cyprus problem, based on the principles

set out in section IV. below, would greatly facilitate Turkey's membership aspirations.

39 The European Council encourages Turkey to build on the substantial progress achieved so far in its

preparations for launching accession negotiations and underlines its commitment to working

towards full implementation of the pre-accession strategy with Turkey, including the revised

Accession Partnership, in view of the decision to be taken by the European Council in December

2004 on the basis of the report and recommendations of the Commission.

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SN 400/0313

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

CYPRUS

40 In line with its relevant conclusions, the European Council reiterates its preference for a reunited

Cyprus to join the Union on 1 May 2004, in order to allow all Cypriots to enjoy a secure and

prosperous future and the benefits of EU accession. It considers that there is a good prospect of

reaching a just, viable and functional settlement by 1 May 2004, consistent with the relevant UN

Security Council resolutions. The European Council therefore again urges all parties concerned,

and in particular Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership, to strongly support the UN Secretary

General's efforts and, in this context, calls for an immediate resumption of the talks on the basis

of his proposals. The Union reiterates its willingness to accommodate the terms of a settlement in

line with the principles on which the EU is founded. In this context, the European Council

welcomes the Commission's willingness to offer assistance for a speedy solution within the

framework of the acquis. Following a settlement, the Union is ready to provide financial

assistance for the development of the northern part of Cyprus and the Commission would be

called upon to prepare all necessary steps for lifting the suspension of the acquis, in accordance

with Protocol 10 to the Act of Accession.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS, CFSP, ESDP

External Relations

Western Balkans

41 The European Council takes note of the positive developments since the EU-Western Balkans

Summit in Thessaloniki on 21 June 2003. The future of the Western Balkans lies within the

European Union and the speed of movement ahead lies in the hands of the countries of the

region. The Commission's report on the preparedness of Bosnia and Herzegovina to negotiate a

Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) has been presented and a similar feasibility

report for Serbia and Montenegro is being prepared. The negotiations on an SAA with Albania

continue. The SAAs with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and with Croatia are

under ratification. The Croatian application for EU membership is currently under examination

by the Commission, whose opinion is expected in Spring 2004. Concrete progress has been made

in promoting regional cooperation, particularly in the areas of free trade, energy and

infrastructures.

SN 400/0314

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Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

42 In certain cases, however, the pace of the reform process remains slow. The European Council

therefore calls on the countries of the region to intensify their reform efforts, especially in areas

which are essential for EU integration, in particular public administration, the judicial system and

the fight against organised crime and corruption. It also expects all countries of the region and

parties concerned to cooperate fully with the ICTY. In this respect, the European Council

welcomes the Joint Conclusions of the meetings of Foreign Ministers and of Ministers

responsible for Justice and Home Affairs, held on 9 December and on 28 November 2003 within

the framework of the EU-Western Balkans Forum, and expects the relevant commitments to be

rapidly translated into concrete actions.

43 Recalling its conclusions in Thessaloniki, the European Council reiterates its determination to fully

support the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries. It welcomes progress already

made in enriching the Stabilisation and Association Process with elements drawn from the

enlargement experience: a draft Council regulation for individual European Partnerships during

Spring 2004 is under examination; preparations for the participation of the Western Balkan

countries in Community programmes and agencies are ongoing; twinning is about to be extended

to the entire region; economic dialogue will start in early 2004; political dialogue and

cooperation in CFSP matters have been enhanced.

Euro-Mediterranean Partnership

44 The European Council reaffirms the strategic importance of the Mediterranean for the European

Union, and confirms its resolute determination to reinforce cooperation significantly with the

Mediterranean partners.

45 The European Council notes with satisfaction the successful outcome of the VIth Conference of

Euro-Mediterranean Foreign Ministers recently held in Naples and welcomes the results of the

Euro-Mediterranean Conferences held in Palermo (trade), Venice (agriculture) and Rome

(energy, infrastructures and investment).

SN 400/0315

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

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46 In particular, the European Council emphasises the spirit of cooperation displayed by all

participants at the Naples Conference and notes that following the establishment of the

Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly and the Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the

Dialogue of Cultures, and the reinforcement of the Euro-Mediterranean Facility for

Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership, the Barcelona Process now has more effective

instruments for pursuing its objectives. The achievements of Palermo, Venice, Rome and Naples

open up new avenues for cooperation between the Euro-Mediterranean partners and help to bring

the civil societies in the region closer to the Barcelona Process.

47 In this context the European Council welcomes the ECOFIN Council decision to develop further

the Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP) by reinforcing the

FEMIP within the European Investment Bank. In line with the Barcelona European Council

remit, the decision was taken on the basis of the performance of the FEMIP, which was evaluated

positively, and consultation with Mediterranean partner countries. The European Council invites

the ECOFIN Council to assess the incorporation of an EIB majority-owned subsidiary dedicated

to the Mediterranean partner countries in December 2006, on the basis of an evaluation of the

reinforced Facility's performance, and taking into account the outcome of consultations with the

Barcelona Process partners.

Iraq

48 The European Council reaffirms that the stability of Iraq is a shared interest and reiterates the

Union's commitment to supporting the political as well as the economic reconstruction of the

country, within the framework of the relevant UNSC Resolutions. It stresses that an adequate

security environment and a strong and vital UN role are essential elements for success. The

European Council underlines the need for full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1511.

49 The European Council repeats its wholehearted condemnation of terrorist attacks on Iraqis,

multinational forces, and international organisations and staff, designed to undermine the

political and economic reconstruction processes in Iraq.

SN 400/0316

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

50 The European Council welcomes the agreement establishing a timeline and a programme for an

accelerated transfer of sovereignty to a transitional Iraqi government, and calls on all parties

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involved to keep the political process moving forward in an orderly and peaceful manner. It

stresses the importance of ensuring the widest popular participation in the political and

constitutional process.

51 The European Council recognises and encourages the efforts under way by the Iraqi Governing

Council and its Ministries to assume more direct responsibilities and executive powers,

particularly in the security field.

52 The European Council urges all countries in the region to contribute actively to the stability and

economic reconstruction of Iraq. A free, democratic and prosperous Iraq, whose territorial

integrity is preserved, will be essential for the stability of the region and beyond.

Terrorism

53 The European Council unequivocally condemns all recent terrorist attacks, including in Istanbul,

which killed or injured many people of different nationalities and faiths. The Union reiterates its

solidarity with Turkey and reaffirms its determination to defeat terrorism together with others in

the international community and to provide a common response to this global threat.

SN 400/0317

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

Middle East Peace Process

54 The European Council remains firmly committed to the clear objective of two States, Israel and a

viable and democratic Palestinian State, living side by side in peace and security, in the

framework of a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, as laid out in the Road Map drawn up

by the Quartet. The European Council welcomes the international support for the Road Map, as

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expressed by the unanimous adoption of UNSCR 1515. The European Council therefore calls

again on both parties, Israel and the Palestinian Authority, to immediately and simultaneously

fulfil their obligations and responsibilities under the Road Map. The European Council stresses

the importance of establishing a credible and effective monitoring mechanism including all

members of the Quartet. The European Council also welcomes initiatives from civil societies on

both sides, including the Geneva Peace Initiative, and is ready to further assist in the efforts to

promote rapprochement, confidence building and the search for a lasting peace.

55 The European Council stresses the importance of partnership and mutual understanding, as

demonstrated at the Euromed Conference of Foreign Ministers in Naples on 2 and 3 December

2003, and it welcomes the results of the donors' meeting (Ad Hoc Liaison Committee) that took

place in Rome on 10 December 2003, followed by a meeting of the Quartet Reform Task Force.

56 The European Council urges the Palestinian Authority to concretely demonstrate its determination

in the fight against terrorism and extremist violence. The EU welcomes the Palestinian

Government's efforts to achieve a lasting cease-fire, and the support given by the Egyptian

Government in this respect. It strongly urges all Palestinian movements to effectively support this

approach. It calls on the Palestinian Government under Prime Minister Qorei to reorganise all

security services, and to restore effective control in areas under its responsibility. The reform of

the Palestinian Authority must continue. These efforts deserve to be supported by all.

SN 400/0318

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

57 The EU also urges the Israeli Government to reverse its settlement policy and to dismantle

settlements built after March 2001. This policy, together with the departure of the so-called

security fence in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem from the Green Line, could

prejudge future negotiations and make the two-State solution physically impossible to implement.

In this context, the EU is alarmed by the creation of a closed zone between this "fence" and the

Green Line. The European Council recalls the importance of open and unhindered channels of

communication for all EU interlocutors.

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58 The European Council urges again all sides in the region to immediately implement policies

conducive to dialogue and negotiations and actively to combat any incitement to racial or

religious hatred. It reiterates that the relationship with those who take steps to the contrary will be

inevitably affected by such behaviour.

59 The European Council reiterates that the fight against terrorism in all its forms remains one of the

priorities of the entire international community and that it is the duty of all countries, in particular

of those in the region, to actively cooperate in the fight against terrorism and to abstain from all

support, direct or indirect, to terrorist organisations.

60 The European Council recalls that a comprehensive peace must also include Syria and Lebanon and

the relevance of the Arab Peace Initiative adopted by the Beirut Arab League Summit of 28

March 2002.

Arab world

61 The European Council welcomes the report on relations with the Arab world formulated by the

Secretary-General/High Representative and the Commission as a contribution to the development

of an overall approach. It invites the GAERC, in consultation with the SG/HR and the

Commission, to pursue its work on the basis of a joint report, within the implementation of the

European Security Strategy and taking into account existing policies and programmes, notably

the Barcelona Process and the New Neighbours Initiative. A report is envisaged at the GAERC in

March 2004.

SN 400/0319

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

Transatlantic relations

62 The European Council adopted the Declaration set out at Annex.

63 As regards Canada, the European Council welcomes the progress made on the review of

EU-Canada relations and looks forward to the next EU-Canada Summit's endorsement of a final

report by Ministers. The outcome of this review will lend new depth to a close and valued

relationship.

Russian Federation

64 The European Council took stock of the Union's relations with the Russian Federation and

welcomes the close and effective working relationship established with Russia across a wide

range of policy areas. It reaffirms the Union's determination to build a balanced and reciprocal

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strategic partnership with Russia, based on the values of the rule of law, democracy, human rights

and fundamental freedoms and a free market economy.

65 The European Council reiterates the principal objective of creating, in the medium-long run, four

Common Spaces on the basis of the St. Petersburg Declaration. In this sense the Rome Summit

held on 6 November 2003 marked an important step forward with the adoption of the Common

Economic Space concept and with fundamental decisions that lay the ground for the creation of

the three other Spaces.

66 The European Council therefore invites the Council and the Commission to draw up, in good time

before the next EU-Russia Summit, an assessment report on all aspects of the Union's

relationship with Russia and to propose measures aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership

and respect of the values on which it is based. In this context, and emphasising the opportunities

offered to Russia by the impending enlargement of the European Union, the European Council

stresses that the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which has to be extended to the new

EU Member States by 1 May 2004, will remain the cornerstone of its relations with Russia.

SN 400/0320

Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

67 The European Council welcomes progress made in cooperation within the framework of ESDP, as

evidenced by the Russian participation in the joint EU-NATO crisis management exercise

CME/CMX 03. Practical cooperation in specific situations will be brought forward as

appropriate. In this regard, it highlights the opportunities for the EU and Russia to jointly

promote stability, democracy and prosperity in their common neighbourhood.

68 The European Council welcomes the recent agreement to expand EIB activities in Russia and the

WNIS and invites the Council to assess Russia's inclusion in the general mandate in December

2006.

Ukraine

69 The European Council took note of the report on the implementation of the Common Strategy on

Ukraine and agreed to extend the period of its application by one year.

China

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70 The European Council invites the General Affairs and External Relations Council to re-examine the

question of the embargo on the sale of arms to China.

Latin America and the Caribbean

71 The European Council welcomes with satisfaction the impetus recently given to negotiations for a

EU-Mercosur Association Agreement and calls for this to be finalised as soon as possible.

72 The Council furthermore expresses satisfaction at the conclusion of negotiations for the two

Agreements on Political Dialogue and Cooperation with the Andean Community and Central

American Countries which will be signed in Rome on 15 December 2003.

73 Both these developments and the recently started political dialogue between the EU and the

Organisation of American States are a concrete sign of the attention the EU continues to pay to

Latin and Caribbean America and of its will to strengthen bi-regional relations.

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Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

Africa

74 The European Council reaffirms the importance of the partnership with Africa and welcomes the

strengthening of the EU-Africa dialogue as indicated by the positive and constructive outcome of

the EU-Africa Ministerial Troika in Rome on 10 November 2003.

75 The European Council welcomes the developing partnership between the EU, the UN, the African

Union and sub-regional African organisations in the field of conflict prevention, conflict

management and development, in particular through NEPAD.

76 In this context the European Council recognises the importance of restoring peace and security in

Africa as a pre-requisite for development and welcomes the establishment of a Peace Facility for

the financing of African peace-supporting operations, which will provide a significant boost to

Africans' own ability to bring peace to their continent.

77 The European Council reiterates that the European Union remains committed to supporting the

peace processes in the continent such as in the Great Lakes, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan,

Somalia, Ethiopia-Eritrea. It stresses the need to make use in a coherent and coordinated manner

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of all the instruments available to the EU, inter alia as regards reconstruction, development and

ESDP. It welcomes the growing role played by the African Union and the African sub-regional

organisations (ECOWAS, IGAD, SADC) in this regard as well as in the field of regional

integration and development.

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

78 The European Council remains gravely concerned at the DPRK's nuclear programme, which poses

a serious threat to regional and global security. It urges the DPRK to return to full compliance

with the NPT and completely, verifiably and irreversibly dismantle its nuclear programme.

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Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

79 The recent visit to the DPRK by a European Union Troika delegation demonstrates the

commitment of the Union to actively contribute to a peaceful solution to the current tense

situation. The European Council strongly supports the continuation of the six-party talks with the

aim of finding such a solution. The European Union will continue to follow developments in the

Peninsula closely and review the EU's policy towards the DPRK as appropriate. The European

Council reiterated that enhancing the EU's cooperation with the DPRK will only be possible

when the DPRK fully complies with its international non-proliferation obligations. In this

context, the EU recalls its unequivocal commitment to maintaining the authority and the integrity

of the NPT.

Green Diplomacy

80 The European Council welcomes the definition of the scope of activity and the modus operandi of

the "Green Diplomacy Network" as contained in the conclusions of the ad hoc meeting in Rome

following the conclusions of the Thessaloniki European Council and looks forward to the full

implementation of its tasks. To this end the European Council invites the incoming Presidency to

carry on the work done by the Greek and Italian Presidencies.

Olympic Truce

81 The European Council supports the idea of an Olympic Truce and welcomes the relevant resolution

agreed unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly.

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CFSP/ESDP

Security Strategy

82 The European Council adopted the European security strategy and warmly congratulated SG/HR

Javier Solana for the work accomplished.

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Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 12 December 2003

83 The European security strategy reaffirms our common determination to face our responsibility for

guaranteeing a secure Europe in a better world. It will enable the European Union to better deal

with the threats and global challenges and realise the opportunities facing us. An active, capable

and more coherent European Union would make an impact on a global scale. In doing so, it

would contribute to an effective multilateral system leading to a fairer, safer and more united

world.

84 In order to draw all the consequences of those strategic orientations and to mainstream them into all

relevant European policies, the European Council asked the incoming Presidency and the

SG/HR, in coordination with the Commission, to present, as appropriate, concrete proposals for

the implementation of the European security strategy. Initial work would include effective

multilateralism with the UN at its core, the fight against terrorism, a strategy towards the region

of the Middle East and a comprehensive policy towards Bosnia-Herzegovina.

85 In this context, the European Council adopted the EU strategy against the proliferation of weapons

of mass destruction, which is a crucial element of the security strategy.

ESDP

86 The European Council also endorsed the regular report on ESDP as well as the work programme

for the incoming Presidency. It welcomed the progress achieved in the development of military

and civilian capabilities for crisis management. It expressed satisfaction at the positive conduct of

ESDP operations undertaken so far.

87 The European Council confirmed the EU's readiness for an ESDP-mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina,

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including a military component based on the agreed Berlin Plus arrangements. The European

Council welcomed NATO's readiness to start consultations with the EU.It invited the incoming

Presidency and the SG/HR to take the matter forward in accordance with agreed procedures.

SN 400/0324