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Europaudvalget 2003-04
EUU Alm.del Bilag 399
Offentligt

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 17 December 2003

16177/03

POLGEN 90

NOTE

from :

Subject :

Presidency

Programme of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union

(1 January to 30 June 2004)

Delegations will find attached the programme of the Irish Presidency: "Europeans - working

together".

________________________

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EUROPEANS – WORKING TOGETHER

PROGRAMME OF THE IRISH PRESIDENCY

OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

JANUARY – JUNE 2004

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................. 5

Shaping the Future Union................................................................................................................................6

IGC .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Future Financial Perspectives.................................................................................................................................. 6

Objectives............................................................................................................................................ 6

A successful enlargement and new neighbours ....................................................................................................... 6

Working together for Growth .................................................................................................................................. 7

A Safer Union – Strengthening the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice............................................................ 7

Global Engagement – The European Union and the Wider World ......................................................................... 7

I – A Successful Enlargement and New Neighbours....................................................................... 8

A Day of Welcomes ................................................................................................................................................ 8

Effectively integrating the ten new Member States................................................................................................. 8

Bulgaria and Romania ............................................................................................................................................. 8

Turkey ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Europe without dividing lines.................................................................................................................................. 9

The Western Balkans............................................................................................................................................... 9

The Wider Europe/New Neighbours Initiative........................................................................................................ 9

EU - Russia relations ............................................................................................................................................. 10

II – Working Together for Growth ................................................................................................ 11

The Lisbon Strategy ..................................................................................................................................11

Growth and Investment ............................................................................................................................12

Land and Air Transport ......................................................................................................................................... 12

Maritime Transport................................................................................................................................................ 12

Telecommunications.............................................................................................................................................. 13

Energy ................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Research and Development ................................................................................................................................... 14

Education, training and skills ................................................................................................................................ 14

Competitiveness .........................................................................................................................................14

Completion of the Internal Market ........................................................................................................................ 15

Taxation................................................................................................................................................................. 15

Employment and Social Inclusion............................................................................................................16

Equality ................................................................................................................................................................. 17

Sustainable Development..........................................................................................................................17

Agriculture and Food Safety ....................................................................................................................18

Fisheries......................................................................................................................................................19

Health .........................................................................................................................................................19

Culture and Sport......................................................................................................................................19

III – A Safer Union: Strengthening the Area of Freedom, Justice and Security ....................... 21

Immigration and Asylum..........................................................................................................................21

Asylum .................................................................................................................................................................. 21

Immigration ........................................................................................................................................................... 21

External Borders and Visas ................................................................................................................................... 22

Police Cooperation in Criminal Matters .................................................................................................22

Organised Crime.................................................................................................................................................... 23

Drugs ..................................................................................................................................................................... 23

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Customs Cooperation................................................................................................................................23

Judicial Cooperation in Criminal and Civil Matters .............................................................................23

Criminal Law......................................................................................................................................................... 24

Civil Law............................................................................................................................................................... 24

Schengen.....................................................................................................................................................24

Civil Protection..........................................................................................................................................24

Relations with Third Countries................................................................................................................25

IV – Global Engagement – The European Union and the Wider World ................................... 26

Key areas for the Irish Presidency in external relations........................................................................26

United Nations....................................................................................................................................................... 27

Non-Proliferation and Disarmament ..................................................................................................................... 27

Conflict Prevention................................................................................................................................................ 27

Transatlantic relations ........................................................................................................................................... 28

Africa..................................................................................................................................................................... 28

The Middle East .................................................................................................................................................... 28

Human Rights........................................................................................................................................................ 29

Asia........................................................................................................................................................................ 29

Latin America and the Caribbean .......................................................................................................................... 30

Iran ........................................................................................................................................................................ 30

Iraq ........................................................................................................................................................................ 30

The fight against global terrorism ......................................................................................................................... 31

European Security and Defence Policy....................................................................................................31

Multilateral Trade Policy .........................................................................................................................32

Development...............................................................................................................................................32

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Europeans - Working Together

EUROPEANS – WORKING TOGETHER

Ireland’s Presidency in the first half of 2004 comes both at a time of hope

and challenge for the European Union. Ten new Member States will join the

Union on 1 May 2004. The Irish Presidency is committed to ensuring that

the goodwill and expectation created by the historic ending of the post-war

division of Europe is harnessed and made to work in the interests of the

people of Europe, and of the wider world.

Working together, Europeans can leave behind the divisions of the past and

build a better Europe for all.

In the context of enlargement and of the changing global scene, the Union

needs to become more effective and better able to respond to the expectations

of its citizens and of the international community. The Irish Presidency will

do all it can to take forward work on the new Constitutional Treaty.

The Irish Presidency will work to promote sustainable growth and

employment in an enlarged Union. It will focus on policies which can

provide security and a high quality of life for Europe’s citizens. It will

ensure that the EU engages actively with the wider world on the international

agenda, in accordance with its values and principles.

Ireland is determined to manage its Presidency responsibilities in an

effective, fair and balanced manner in the interests of the European Union as

a whole.

One of the challenges facing the European Union today is the need to keep

its citizens fully informed and engaged in relation to developments which

affect their daily lives in so many ways. The Irish Presidency will work to

foster a closer relationship between the institutions of the European Union

and its citizens. It will conduct business in an open and transparent manner.

Information about the Irish Presidency will be available online on

www.eu2004.ie.

This will be the first Presidency to see the full implementation of the Seville

European Council conclusions on the programming of Council activities

which will help to ensure a coherent and strategic approach to the work of

the Council. The Irish Presidency programme is fully consistent with the

Multiannual Strategic Programme of the Council for 2004-2006 and the

Operational Programme for the Council for 2004 which has been drawn up

jointly by the Irish and Dutch Presidencies.

The Irish Presidency will cooperate closely with the European Parliament

and the Commission in carrying out this programme.

*****

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Europeans - Working Together

Shaping the Future Union

IGC

Since its opening in October 2003 the Intergovernmental Conference has,

building on the outstanding work of the European Convention, made very

considerable progress towards agreement on a new Constitutional Treaty

which would make the Union more effective and better able to meet the

expectations of its people and the demands of the changing and complex

international situation. There is broad consensus on the great majority of

issues. But those on which differences remain are significant.

The Irish Presidency is determined to do all within its power to advance the

work of the IGC. It will in the first instance consult with partners and on that

basis make a report to the Spring European Council, at which point it may be

possible to chart a more precise way forward.

Future Financial Perspectives

The financial and budgetary arrangements underpinning the Union are a

matter of fundamental importance not only for the Union but also for its

citizens. The agreed financial perspectives reflect the Union’s priorities and

goals over a significant period and are the means through which the Union

equips itself to meet the challenges ahead.

The Irish Presidency will initiate discussion in the Council on the future

financing of the Union from 2007 onwards following receipt of the

Commission Communication which is expected early in 2004. Discussions

in the Council will prepare for the subsequent presentation by the

Commission of its entire package of financial and legislative proposals.

Objectives

The Irish Presidency will target its energies and focus work on the following

priority objectives.

A successful enlargement and new neighbours

Making a success of enlargement will be a key priority. This will involve the

successful integration of the new Member States into the workings of the

Union and the extension of the Union’s policies to them. The wider ongoing

enlargement process will also be taken forward actively. The opportunity

offered by enlargement to develop a stable and comprehensive framework

for relations with neighbouring states will be pursued. Our aim is to work

with our neighbours to achieve an extended zone of stability to the east and

south.

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Europeans - Working Together

Working Together for Growth

The Irish Presidency is committed to the goal of a strong and competitive

European economy capable of delivering sustainable growth, quality

employment and social progress to its people. The Spring European Council

will provide the opportunity to give renewed vigour and dynamism to the

Union’s programme for economic, social and environmental renewal.

A Safer Union – Strengthening the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice

The people of the Union wish to live, work and carry on business in a

peaceful, secure and safe environment. Developing the Union as an area of

freedom, security and justice is a core objective of the European Union.

Priority will be given to those measures specified by the Treaty of

Amsterdam and the Tampere European Council as necessary to complete this

objective. Practical cooperation measures directed at strengthening existing

EU cooperation in the fight against drugs and organised crime and combating

illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings will be also be pursued.

Global Engagement – The European Union and the Wider World

Working together, the European Union and its partners can make a major

contribution to the promotion of a fairer, peaceful and more secure world.

To do this, it must become more active, more coherent and more capable. No

single State or group of States can tackle the complex problems of today’s

world. Effective multilateralism remains the best means of improving global

security and extending the benefits of peace, development and respect for

human rights to everyone.

The Irish Presidency will focus on strengthening the Union’s support for the

UN system through support for UN reform and cooperation with the UN on

key peacekeeping and crisis-management tasks. It will also work to build up

the Union’s own capacity for conflict prevention and crisis management.

The Irish Presidency will give renewed emphasis to the Union’s relationship

with Africa.

The transatlantic relationship is uniquely important in meeting the challenges

of today’s world. The Irish Presidency will work to strengthen the EU-US

relationship and other key partnerships on the basis of shared interests and

values.

*****

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Europeans - Working Together

A Successful Enlargement and New Neighbours

A Day of Welcomes

The formal accession to the European Union of ten new Member States on 1

May 2004 will be a defining moment in the history of Europe. The Irish

Presidency looks forward to welcoming the accession states as full members

of the Union and to celebrating together this great moment at a “Day of

Welcomes” to be organised in Dublin and throughout Ireland on that day.

Effectively integrating the ten new Member States

Making a success of enlargement and seizing the opportunities which it

offers will be a key priority for the Presidency. This will be achieved by

integrating the new Member States fully and effectively into the Union. At

the same time, there will be a focus on extending and adapting existing

programmes in all policy areas to the new Member States. The necessary

steps will be taken to integrate them as rapidly as possible into the Lisbon

strategy, Schengen Acquis and the economic policy coordination process.

The accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union on 1 May

2004 provides an historic opportunity for agreement on a comprehensive

settlement in Cyprus on the basis of the proposals submitted by the Secretary

General of the United Nations. The Irish Presidency will fully support the

efforts of the Secretary General and will encourage all parties to re-engage

with imagination and determination in talks on the basis of his proposals with

a view to reaching a settlement which will enable the accession of a united

Cyprus.

The continued effective functioning of the Council in the transitional period

up to 1 May and beyond will be a major focus of attention.

Bulgaria and Romania

The Irish Presidency is determined to advance the Union’s aim of concluding

negotiations in 2004 with Bulgaria and Romania, with a view to their

accession to the Union in January 2007, if they are ready. Agreeing the

financial framework for these countries early in 2004 will greatly assist this

objective.

Turkey

The Irish Presidency will support Turkey’s efforts to fulfil the necessary

criteria with a view to the decision to be taken at the European Council in

December 2004 on the opening of accession negotiations.

Making a

success of

enlargement

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Europeans - Working Together

A Europe without dividing lines

The Western Balkans

Relations with the Western Balkans will remain an important priority for the

EU throughout 2004. The Irish Presidency will build on the progress made

during 2003 in developing the European perspective of the five countries of

the region and will work to ensure the full implementation of the

commitments made in the shared EU-Western Balkans Thessaloniki Agenda.

The Irish Presidency will work closely with the countries of the region

towards the achievement of their objective of eventual integration into EU

structures through progress in the Stabilisation and Association Process and

the fulfilment of agreed and objective criteria. Progress towards European

integration will depend crucially on the efforts of the countries themselves, in

cooperation with the Union.

The Commission Opinion on Croatia’s application for membership of the EU

is expected to be submitted during Ireland’s Presidency. It will form the basis

for a decision on the opening of accession negotiations.

The Wider Europe/New Neighbours Initiative

The Union’s goal is the creation of a zone of security, stability and prosperity

for its people. Through cooperation with our neighbours, we will seek to

extend these conditions to 385 million inhabitants of the countries on the

external land and sea borders of the Union. The Irish Presidency will

continue work on the Wider Europe/New Neighbours Initiative to enhance

relations with the Union’s neighbours to the east and south on the basis of

shared values of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. We

look forward to the adoption of ‘Action Plans’ for a number of our

neighbours at the European Council in June 2004.

Relations with the Union’s neighbours to the south will continue to be

carried forward through the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership with a view to

deepening and extending cooperation in the Mediterranean region. The Irish

Presidency will take forward dialogue between the EU and its Mediterranean

partners in particular through the Euromed Mid-Term Ministerial meeting to

be held in Dublin in May 2004 and through making the Euro-Mediterranean

Foundation for the Dialogue of Cultures and the Euromed Parliamentary

Assembly operational.

Implementing

the Thessaloniki

Agenda

Extending the

zone of peace

and security

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EU-Russia relations

The European Union and Russia have a special strategic relationship. The

Irish Presidency will work to develop closer relations with Russia based on

common values and genuine partnership. Political dialogue on regional and

global issues of concern will be an important aspect of our work. The EU-

Russia Summit is an opportunity to take key issues forward and to set a

course for the future. EU-Russia relations during our Presidency will

embrace a comprehensive agenda including the impact of enlargement, the

extension of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Russia to

cover the new Member States, World Trade Organisation membership,

environmental issues, cooperation in the area of justice and home affairs, on

European Security and Defence Policy issues and dialogue on regional issues

and Chechnya.

The EU-Russia

relationship is of

particular

strategic

importance

*****

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Working Together for Growth

The Lisbon Strategy

A strong, competitive and stable European economy is essential in order to

deliver sustainable growth and a good quality of life for Europe’s citizens.

Working with Member States, the Commission and European Parliament, the

Irish Presidency intends to give renewed impetus at the Spring European

Council to the reform goals set out at Lisbon in order to achieve real progress

in a number of core areas in the coming year.

The priority target areas identified are:

To promote economic growth and structural reform

Investment in physical and human capital as well as research and

development will be encouraged with the objective of supporting a

recovery in growth and the transition to a knowledge-based economy.

Growth oriented economic policies will be pursued, while seeking to

maintain macro-economic stability and proceeding with structural

reform of product, capital and labour markets.

To foster competitiveness

Competitiveness is the key to generating and maintaining growth and

employment. The focus of work will be to ensure that the impact of

new Community policies is assessed appropriately and that the

proposal for a Directive on Services is advanced significantly.

To deliver more and better employment

The Irish Presidency will focus on the implementation of the

employment guidelines for which the Employment Task Force’s

recommendations will be of particular relevance. It will also seek to

promote effective adaptation to change by workers and companies, in

particular through social dialogue, to enhance worker mobility,

primarily through the amendment of Regulation 1408 and to prioritise

life long learning and gender equality in the workplace.

To ensure sustainable growth

The Irish Presidency will work to advance the Environmental

Technologies Action Plan, with the objective of delivering growth

and social progress decoupled from environmental damage.

Sustainable

growth and

increased quality

employment

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Europeans - Working Together

The Union’s ability to deliver on these key objectives is of course

dependent on stimulating balanced economic growth in the years ahead.

The Stability and Growth Pact and Broad Economic Policy Guidelines will

continue to provide the macro-economic underpinning of the Union’s

economies and of the Euro.

Growth and Investment

The Irish Presidency will facilitate and encourage growth-oriented

economic policies to boost the overall performance of the EU economy. It

will seek to support investment in physical and human capital with the aim

of addressing infrastructural deficits, improving access to communication

and knowledge networks and developing a supportive environment for

innovation and lifelong learning. The Irish Presidency will support the

process of implementation of the European Action for Growth by Member

States, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank.

Land and Air Transport

The Irish Presidency will focus in the transport sector on measures aimed at

stimulating growth in an enlarged Union. It will work with the European

Parliament towards adoption of the revised Trans European Networks

proposals, recently agreed within the Council. It will also continue the

work on liberalisation of key sectors such as the rail sector with the

finalisation of the Second Rail Package and the first discussions on the

forthcoming Third Rail Package. Mechanisms to provide incentives for

modal shift away from roads where there are feasible alternatives will be

pursued, in particular through measures to provide for the internalisation of

the external costs of road transport.

Progress will be sought at EU level in the aviation sector, including with the

negotiation of aviation agreements with the US and other third countries.

The momentum towards the development of Europe’s strategic capability in

satellite navigation will be maintained by promoting the Galileo project.

Maritime Transport

The Irish Presidency will focus on measures to reduce the risk of marine

pollution, through the introduction of adequate sanctions for those

responsible for such pollution. It will also work on further measures aimed

at improving maritime safety and security, and increasing the attractiveness

of the seafaring profession, with a view to promoting ‘quality shipping’

within the Union. The EU’s maritime relations with third countries, both at

a bilateral and multilateral level, will also be addressed.

Investment in

infrastructure and

people

Liberalisation of

key sectors

Improving

maritime safety

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Telecommunications

The Irish Presidency will strive to build on and develop existing initiatives to

extend the information society to all. The mid-term review of the eEurope

Action Plan will reflect the opportunities of enlargement. The benefits of

broadband across the European Union will be highlighted. Regarding the

sector as a whole, a follow up assessment of the situation in electronic

communications will be conducted in advance of the Spring European

Council.

Other initiatives which will also be progressed include the ‘Safer Internet

Plus’ Action Plan and the “eContent Plus” programme (facilitating the

development, use and distribution of European digital content on global

networks and promoting linguistic diversity in the Information Society). The

Council will also continue its work on the IDABC (Interoperable Delivery of

Pan-European eGovernment Services to Public Administrations, Businesses

and Citizens) which seeks to identify, support and promote the development

and establishment of pan-European eGovernment Services and the

underlying interoperable telematic networks. The adoption of this Decision is

foreseen during the Irish Presidency. Conferences will also be hosted on the

key issues of e-Government and the theme of content and demand

stimulation in the context of national broadband deployment strategies.

The Irish Presidency will further the proliferation of the information society

at an international level through follow up actions arising in the context of

the World Summit on Information Society.

In view of the conclusion of the

eEurope

plus process and in consideration of

the mid-term review of the

eEurope

2005 Action Plan, the Hungarian

Government, with the support of the Irish Presidency, will host a European

Ministerial meeting on the Information Society in Budapest.

Energy

Securing reliable, efficient and sustainable energy sources is an important

element in the sustainable development of the European economy. The Irish

Presidency will concentrate on the completion and consolidation of the

internal market in energy, in particular with regard to cross-border gas trade.

The continued integration of sustainable development principles into the

energy policies of the Union will also be pursued, notably through measures

aimed at increased efficiency and conservation of energy. The International

Conference for Renewable Energies will be an important and relevant event

in Bonn in June.

Sustainable

energy

Extending the

information

society to all

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Research and Development

The Irish Presidency will prioritise initiatives to advance the creation of a

European Research and Innovation Area and in particular to achieve the

research and development investment target of 3% GDP by 2010. It will

support the further development and implementation of a workable light

open method of coordination in order to achieve these objectives. The Irish

Presidency will also facilitate discussion on excellence in basic research in

Europe and the role of the EU in basic research on the basis of

communications to be proposed by the Commission. It will work to initiate

debate and ensure effective follow-up on the recent White Paper on European

Space Policy.

The Irish Presidency will work towards progressing discussions on the

financing and organisational issues relating to the establishment of the

International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and on the wider

international aspects.

Education, training and skills

The enlarged Union is rich in human capital and the Irish Presidency will

foster measures to ensure the availability of education, training and lifelong

learning which will be required if people are to realise their full potential in

the knowledge society.

Recognising the importance of improved mutual recognition of qualifications

for mobility, the Irish Presidency will particularly focus on the “Europass”

initiative for transparency of qualifications and competencies.

The Council will also prepare its interim implementation report for the

Spring European Council, setting out directions for the future on how best to

pursue the essential educational, skills and training aspects of the Lisbon

programme, and advancing work on the new generation of European

education, training and youth programmes.

Greater

investment in

R&D

Realising

people’s full

potential

Competitiveness

Competitiveness is essential to maintaining and generating growth and

employment across the EU. The Irish Presidency will give priority to those

actions needed to stimulate entrepreneurship and research and development

within the EU so as to give added impetus to the development of new

businesses and economic activity. It will work to develop the integrated

strategy for competitiveness in which context it will also consider the

regulatory impact of major emerging policies. Coherence and synergies

between different policy areas and their impact on competitiveness will be

pursued as part of this strategy.

Integrated

strategy for

competitiveness

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The Irish Presidency will continue work initiated under the Italian Presidency

on the proposal for a Regulation on Chemicals, with a view to achieving an

effective balance between economic, social and environmental

considerations.

Completion of the Internal Market

A strong and well functioning Internal Market is necessary to enhance the

competitiveness of EU business and assist in meeting the Lisbon objectives.

While much has been achieved over the past 10 years in ensuring that

citizens and businesses benefit from the Internal Market, many obstacles

persist. The Irish Presidency will give high priority to making progress on

the Financial Services Action Plan in order to ensure that an integrated

financial services market can become a reality by 2005. It will also progress

discussions on the first legislative proposals emerging from the Corporate

Governance and Auditing Action Plans which are designed to ensure

European business practice and governance operate to the highest

international standards. The Presidency will work to achieve progress in the

area of consumer protection including the proposals on unfair commercial

practices and enforcement cooperation. It will also seek to significantly

advance work on the forthcoming Framework Directive on Services,

regarded as a key measure to complete the Internal Market.

Work will continue on other important initiatives aimed at completing the

Internal Market and improving the competitive environment for business and

consumers, including the final steps necessary for the introduction of the

Community Patent, agreement on recognition of professional qualifications

and the Cross-border Merger Regulation.

A significant legislative programme designed to strengthen and modernise

EU Customs will be pursued. The primary focus will be to make progress on

a proposed regulation amending the Community Customs Code to provide

for an EU wide system of risk–based security oriented controls and an EU-

wide system for accrediting and managing authorised customs operators.

Taxation

The Irish Presidency will aim to resolve outstanding issues in the taxation of

savings area regarding the conclusion of satisfactory arrangements with

certain third countries so as to ensure the application by Member States of

the provisions of the Taxation of Savings Directive. The Presidency will also

work to facilitate the removal of barriers to the operation of business in the

Internal Market, for example, the proposal to amend the Mergers Directive

(Taxation).

In relation to the indirect tax area, the Presidency will prioritise the expected

proposal in the VAT area in relation to the rules on the place of supply of

services.

Financial

Services Action

Plan

Corporate

governance

Consumer

protection

Strengthen and

modernise EU

Customs

Taxation on

savings

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In the area of excise duties, the Irish Presidency will aim to progress the

expected proposal for a stand-alone directive concerning mutual assistance in

this area.

Employment and Social Inclusion

The provision of more and better jobs for the Union’s citizens is an essential

focus for economic development and a major concern for citizens of the

Union everywhere. The Irish Presidency will seek urgent progress in

implementing the European Employment Guidelines and will also build on

the recommendations of the Employment Task Force. The key challenges in

this area, as indicated by the Employment Task Force, will be to promote

greater investment in education, training and innovation, to encourage greater

adaptability and flexibility on the part of workers and companies and remove

disincentives to employment.

The Presidency will seek to promote closer cooperation with the social

partners in facilitating change and, to this end, will convene the Tripartite

Social Summit in advance of the 2004 Spring European Council. It will also

seek to advance work in the area of exposure of workers to risks arising from

physical agents and will address, on the basis of communications from the

Commission, issues in relation to the Working Time Directive and data

protection with regard to employees.

Social protection should be addressed in a manner consistent with the

Union's commitment to social inclusion with particular emphasis on reducing

the risk of poverty and modernising social protection systems. The common

challenge for pension systems in Europe is to ensure both adequacy and

long-term sustainability, particularly in the context of an ageing population.

Work will be progressed on the need to reform national pension systems, in

particular to avoid disincentives for people prolonging their working lives.

The achievement of the target of a 60% employment rate for the

economically active female population could also be beneficial in this regard.

Key initiatives will include :

Finalisation of the reform of Regulations on coordinating social

security systems for workers and others moving throughout the Union

(reform of Regulation 1408/71)

Progress of work in relation to the question of “making work pay”, to

ensure that social protection and employment policies are mutually

supportive

Progress of work in relation to national actions aimed at reducing the

number of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion.

More and better

jobs

Social

partnership

Modernising

social protection

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Equality

Promoting equality and combating discrimination are key to ensuring that

all across the Union can live in dignity and with respect. Legislation and

funding measures for positive action are tools in achieving equality which

will be progressed by the Irish Presidency.

Key issues will include:

Progressing negotiations on the Proposal for a Council Directive

implementing the principle of equal treatment between women

and men in access to and supply of goods and services

Finalising agreement with the European Parliament in relation to

the Daphne II Programme on violence against women and

children and the Community Action Programme supporting

organisations active at European level in the field of equality

between men and women.

Promoting equality

and combating

discrimination

A report by the European Commission on gender equality will also be

presented for the first time to the European Council in March 2004.

Sustainable Development

The Irish Presidency will continue to promote the Union’s progressive

approach to environmental protection and sustainable development

through the advancement of the Union’s internal environmental policy

and legislative programmes, environmental input to the Spring European

Council’s annual review of the Lisbon Strategy and participation by the

Union in wider international environmental fora.

In leading the Environment Council’s input to the Spring European

Council, the Irish Presidency will place an emphasis on growth and social

progress decoupled from environmental damage. It will work to advance

the Environmental Technologies Action Plan. In this context, the place

of innovation and investment in environmental technologies in securing

both economic advantage and environmental gain will be particularly

important.

The Presidency will place a high emphasis on climate policy and

legislation to support implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, and will

also prioritise measures in the areas of waste management, air and water

quality.

Environmental

technologies

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The Irish Presidency will maintain the Union’s leadership in the

promotion of sustainable development at international level, including

through pursuit of the Plan of Implementation arising from the World

Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002.

Agriculture and Food Safety

The overall objective of the Irish Presidency will be to support the

European model of agriculture as defined by the Agriculture Council in

November 1997 and endorsed by the European Council in December

1997. The specific objectives of the Irish Presidency will be to facilitate

the application of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to the new

Member States, to continue the process of simplification of the CAP

initiated by the Mid-term Review decisions of last June and to enhance

food safety standards.

To achieve these objectives the Presidency will aim to work closely with

the new Member States on any procedural or substantive issues that affect

them particularly; to conclude the negotiations on the reform of the

Common Market Organisations for olive oil, cotton, tobacco and hops; to

continue the examination of issues relating to the reform of the sugar

regime; to progress the proposals expected from the Commission on the

policy framework to apply to rural development during the period of the

next financial perspective and to progress, and where appropriate

conclude, legislative proposals in the field of food safety, including the

Hygiene Package, official controls of food and animal feed, hygiene of

animal feed and maximum residue levels for plant protection products.

An additional priority will be to secure agreement on the Commission’s

proposals for strengthening controls on the welfare of animals during

transport. The Presidency will also progress agreement on an Action Plan

for organic farming which is expected from the Commission during the

first half of 2004. In relation to forestry, it will prepare the EU’s position

for the United Nations’ Forum on Forestry in May and will commence

the review of the EU Forest Strategy.

Developments in the WTO’s Doha Development Round will be closely

monitored and the positions to be taken by the EU in other international

fora will be co-ordinated.

The Presidency will ask Ministers to consider, when they meet informally

in May, how the impact of CAP reform on international trade as well as

opportunities arising from existing and future international arrangements

can best be communicated to the EU’s trading partners and, in particular,

developing countries.

New Member States

Further reforms

Food safety

Animal health and

welfare

Organic farming

Forestry

International

developments

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Fisheries

The Irish Presidency, in recognition of the significant contribution of the

fisheries sector to the development of peripheral regions of the European

Union, will focus internal fisheries policy on maximising sustainable

fishing opportunities for the European Union's fishing industry. This will

be achieved by the implementation, in consultation with stakeholders, of

development, conservation and control measures which take full account

of regional socio-economic and environmental policy.

On external policy, the Presidency will seek to conclude new fisheries

agreements with a number of third countries in accordance with the

partnership approach. Advancing the interest of the Community in

Regional Fisheries Organisations with a view to enhancing the role such

organisations play in the sustainable management of international

fisheries will also be a key area for the Irish Presidency.

Sustainable fishing

Health

The Irish Presidency intends to focus on improved public health

protection and added value at European level. It will aim to secure

adoption of key health measures while ensuring that health considerations

are fully reflected in measures covering other areas of EU activity.

Key health-related initiatives and proposals to be advanced will include

those in the areas of pharmaceuticals, traditional medicines, food safety

and medical devices. The Irish Presidency will also coincide with the

introduction of a European Health Insurance Card and will facilitate the

establishment of a European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

Cardiovascular health will be particularly highlighted in the Council and

at a specific conference in Ireland, while conferences will also be held on

e-health and tobacco control. The Irish Presidency will also develop the

work of the High Level Process of Reflection on Patient Mobility and

contribute to the Environment and Health Action Plan. At an

international level, the Presidency will be fully engaged with the review

of World Health Organisation International Health Regulations.

Improved public

health

Culture and Sport

One of the great strengths of the Union is its cultural diversity and this is

an aspect that will be further enhanced with enlargement. The Irish

Presidency recognises the importance of placing culture at the heart of

European integration and is committed to fostering debate on the shape of

future European cultural actions.

Future culture

actions

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Key actions will include commencing discussion of the Commission's

proposals for a post-2006 EU support programme and advancing the review

of the Television without Frontiers Directive.

The EU declared 2004 the "Year of Education through Sport". The Irish

Presidency will host the European launch of the Year in January in Dublin.

It will seek to promote the many aims and objectives of the Year, including

the application of the values conveyed through sport to developing

knowledge and skills and the encouragement of the exchange of best

practice on the role sport can play in education systems in promoting social

inclusion.

*****

Year of Education

through Sport

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III

A Safer Union: Strengthening the Area of Freedom, Justice and

Security

Developing the Union as an area of freedom, security and justice is a core

objective of the EU, which the European Council has placed high on its

political agenda. The Irish Presidency will continue to prioritise this task.

A key focus of the Irish Presidency, building on what has already been

achieved, will be to take forward work on those measures specified by the

Treaty of Amsterdam and the European Council in Tampere for the purpose

of meeting this objective. The Irish Presidency will also prioritise measures

which will build on existing cooperation at EU level directed to the fight

against drugs and organised crime and combating illegal immigration and the

trafficking in human beings. The Irish Presidency will also initiate the

process leading to the development of the post Tampere agenda in the Justice

and Home Affairs sector.

Immigration and Asylum

A common EU asylum and immigration policy is the goal set down in the

Tampere programme in keeping with specific objectives identified in the

Amsterdam Treaty.

Asylum

The Irish Presidency will seek to resolve outstanding issues on the Asylum

Qualifications and Procedures Directives in keeping with the requirements of

the Amsterdam Treaty. It will also take forward work on the proposal

making provision for the continuation of the European Refugee Fund in the

period 2005-2009.

The Irish Presidency proposes to look to new responses to the asylum

question. It will, in accordance with the mandate of the Thessaloniki

European Council, take forward discussion on further reinforcing asylum

procedures in order to make them more efficient as well as on the means of

better managing the entry of persons in need of international protection into

the EU, including protection in the regions in a manner consistent with our

obligations under the Geneva Convention.

Immigration

The Irish Presidency will prioritise actions aimed at combating illegal

immigration while also taking forward measures intended to facilitate the

development of a common approach to legal migration.

Combating

illegal

immigration

New responses to

asylum

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Work on combating illegal immigration will be taken forward on a number

of fronts. Implementation of the comprehensive plan to combat illegal

immigration and trafficking of human beings will be prioritised.

Implementation of the Return Action Programme will likewise continue to

be taken forward as will work on the proposed Council Decision to enable

Community financial support to be provided to that programme. Priority

will be given to the development of a common policy on readmission.

With regard to legal immigration, work will be progressed on the proposed

Directives on the conditions of entry and residence of third country

nationals for the purpose of study, vocational training, and voluntary service

and research in the context of the development of a common immigration

policy.

External Borders and Visas

The European Council has emphasised the need to take forward work on the

development of the Visa Information System (VIS). Priority will

accordingly be given to the relevant Commission proposals. Work will also

be taken forward on the related issue of biometric identifiers for visas and

other purposes.

Work on the Regulation for the establishment of a European Borders

Agency, whose task will include coordinating and supporting the efforts of

the Border Services of Member States in combating illegal immigration,

will be progressed in keeping with the mandate of the December Brussels

European Council.

Police Cooperation in Criminal Matters

The Irish Presidency will press ahead with implementation of the Tampere

programme in the area of police cooperation and crime. The key focus for

this purpose will be continued implementation of the relevant Action Plans

and work programmes including those directed to combating organised

crime, drugs and terrorism as well as other forms of crime which pose a

threat to the security of the citizens of the Union.

Recourse to all the resources available to the Union, including full use of

the possibilities offered by Europol, the European Police College (CEPOL)

and the Police Chiefs Task Force will be encouraged. The Presidency will

also focus on measures directed to facilitating co-operation in connection

with major forthcoming sporting events in Europe - the European Football

Championships and the Olympic Games. Other initiatives will be directed to

the issue of vehicle theft and implementation of the Framework Decision on

Joint Investigation Teams.

Conditions for

legal immigration

European Borders

Agency

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Organised Crime

The Irish Presidency intends to build on the outcome of the Dublin

Conference on Tackling Organised Crime in Partnership held in November

2003 by bringing forward proposals to promote the development of

cooperation between the public and private sectors to combat organised

crime and by taking forward the other recommendations of the Conference.

Drugs

The process of developing a new EU Strategy and Action Plan on Drugs for

the period from 2005 onwards will be launched. A Conference on the EU

Strategy on Drugs - The Way Forward to be held in Dublin in May 2004

will contribute to the development of that new strategy and is being

organised and structured with a view to involving civil society in that

process.

The Irish Presidency will also prioritise measures directed to the problem of

combating the supply of synthetic drugs and focus on the question of drug

related crime.

Customs Cooperation

Customs cooperation also has a key role to play for the purpose of providing

citizens with a high level of security. The Irish Presidency will begin the

implementation of a comprehensive Action Plan for Customs Cooperation

that is currently under preparation in the Council. This programme includes:

measures to improve operational co-operation between EU Customs

administrations; an evaluation of the existing legal instruments in the area of

Customs competencies; and improved information sharing between

Customs services. All these elements are critical components for Customs in

combating serious cross-border crime including drug trafficking, terrorism

and fiscal fraud. Closer cooperation with other law enforcement agencies

involved in protection of the external border will also be given a high

priority.

Judicial Cooperation in Criminal and Civil Matters

The European Council in Tampere endorsed the principle of mutual

recognition as the cornerstone of judicial cooperation in both civil and

criminal matters. The Irish Presidency will take forward work on measures

which remain outstanding under the dedicated action plans adopted for the

purpose of giving effect to this mandate.

Improving

citizens’ rights

Action Plan for

Customs

Cooperation

EU Action Plan to

combat drugs

Combating

organised crime

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Criminal Law

The Irish Presidency will accordingly seek to finalise work on the

Framework Decision on the application of the principle of mutual

recognition to the execution in the European Union of confiscation orders.

Also on the agenda are Framework Decisions on the application of the

double jeopardy principle and on a European Evidence Warrant. With

regard to the approximation of areas of criminal law, work on the

Framework Decision on ship-source pollution will be prioritised.

Civil Law

Work in the area of civil law area directed to giving effect to the principle

of mutual recognition and to facilitating better access to justice will

continue. To this end, the Irish Presidency will prioritise work on the

Council Regulation creating a European Enforcement Order for uncontested

claims in conjunction with the European Parliament with a view to its

finalisation and will seek to take forward discussion on the Directive

dealing with compensation to victims of crime. Work will also be taken

forward on the Regulation on the law applicable to non contractual

obligations and the Regulation to establish a European order for payment

procedure. The Irish Presidency will also work to ensure coherence of

approach in EU action in civil law matters both internally and in external

relations.

Schengen

The Irish Presidency will take forward work on the development of the

Schengen Acquis. In this context the key issue will be the development of

the second generation Schengen Information System.

Civil Protection

The Irish Presidency will take forward the work in the Council on

prevention and intervention in case of natural and technological disasters.

Priority will be given to the examination of, and response to, the

Commission Communications on a Common Approach to EU Disaster

Prevention and on the reinforcement of EU civil protection capacities, due

to be tabled at the beginning of 2004. Work will continue on a successor

programme to the current Community Action Programme, which will

expire on 31 December 2004.

The Irish Presidency will also continue to support the effective

implementation of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear

programme with particular regard to issues arising out of the first Annual

Report submitted to Council in December 2003.

Protection against

natural and

technological

disasters

Schengen

Information

System

Better access to

justice

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Relations with Third Countries

Justice and Home Affairs matters are an increasingly important aspect of EU

relations with third countries. The Irish Presidency will give priority to the

preparation and implementation of detailed work programmes in the area of

external relations on the basis of existing agreements and Action Plans. The

work programme will focus on priorities being established in the context of

the Union’s new neighbours in keeping with the Wider Europe Initiative, the

Western Balkans, Transatlantic relations and the EU-Latin America and

Caribbean Summit.

The Irish Presidency will also coordinate, as appropriate, EU input to the

work of other international bodies such as the United Nations and the

Council of Europe in areas of relevance to the Justice and Home Affairs

sector.

*****

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Global Engagement - The European Union and the

Wider World

The European Union is a global player with responsibilities to the

international community. The Union’s engagement with the wider world is,

fundamentally, based on values - democracy, the rule of law, and respect for

human rights and fundamental freedoms. These values are best expressed

through the Union’s support for an effective multilateral system, its

adherence to the principles of the UN charter and through its commitment to

advancing sustainable economic, social and environmental development

Inspired by these values, the Union needs to be both coherent in its policies

and effective in its actions to play a positive role on the global stage.

This means fully utilising, in a coherent way, all the instruments and

capabilities at its disposal, both the Common Foreign and Security Policy

(CFSP) and the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) and also

trade, humanitarian and development cooperation policies.

Ireland’s Presidency comes at a time when the European Council has adopted

the first European Security Strategy. The Strategy takes a comprehensive

approach to Europe’s security by identifying the key challenges that the

Union must face in order to contribute to creating a fairer and more secure

world.

The Irish Presidency will work quickly to take forward areas requiring action

for the implementation of the Strategy. The European Council has identified

in particular support for effective multilateralism, the fight against terrorism,

strengthening relations with the Middle East region/Arab World and

developing a comprehensive strategy for Bosnia-Herzegovina. The

Presidency will also give renewed impetus to conflict prevention and to

implementing the EU Strategy against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass

Destruction.

Key areas for the Irish Presidency in external relations

As Presidency, our aim is to effectively manage the overall external relations

agenda of the European Union. The Irish Presidency will give particular

attention to a number of key areas in which the values underpinning the

Union can be given practical expression.

It will focus in particular on

effective multilateralism and EU-UN

relations;

promoting conflict prevention;

on the

transatlantic

relationship;

Africa;

on the

Middle East;

and on

human rights.

The Security

Strategy provides

a comprehensive

and holistic

approach to

Europe’s

security

The European

Union engages

with the world on

the basis of its

values

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United Nations

The United Nations is the pivotal actor in the maintenance of global peace

and security and, as Presidency, Ireland is committed to working ever more

closely with the UN.

The EU has an opportunity to shape a positive and progressive position

towards UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s call for reform of the UN

system. Effective multilateralism and UN reform will be an important theme

in the Union’s dialogue with other countries to build support and momentum

for Secretary General Annan’s reform agenda.

The Irish Presidency will also advance EU-UN cooperation in crisis

management. The European Union and the United Nations are natural

partners in carrying out peacekeeping and crisis management. It will work

closely with the UN on implementing the declaration on EU-UN cooperation

in crisis management, which establishes practical means of cooperation to

this end.

Non-Proliferation and Disarmament

A multilateral approach is also key in countering the threat of proliferation of

Weapons of Mass Destruction and in promoting disarmament. This is

reflected in the Union’s ‘Strategy against the Proliferation of Weapons of

Mass Destruction’ which the Irish Presidency has been tasked to carry

forward. The Union’s commitment to multilateralism permeates the

Strategy; support for disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and

fostering the role of the Security Council with regard to Weapons of Mass

Destruction will be central elements of this work.

Conflict Prevention

Conflict Prevention will be an important crosscutting priority for the Irish

Presidency. Conflict prevention is a holistic concept; it covers not only

security factors, but also humanitarian, human rights, political, economic and

social factors.

The Irish Presidency will explore the role of Non Governmental

Organisations and civil society and look at the interface between CFSP

actions and development cooperation activities in preventing conflict. These

issues will be considered at a Conflict Prevention Conference in Dublin in

the Spring. This will feed into a report on the Union’s progress in

implementing the ‘EU Programme for the Prevention of Violent Conflicts’ to

the European Council in June.

Conflict

prevention is a

holistic concept

Promoting

effective

multilateralism is

a key priority for

the European

Union

Proliferation of

Weapons of

Mass

Destruction can

best be dealt with

through effective

multilateral

cooperation

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Transatlantic relations

The transatlantic relationship is a core strategic partnership for the European

Union and will be a central focus of the Irish Presidency. We will work with

the US, and with Canada, on practical cooperation across the broad range of

issues of common interest and concern. On the political side, there will be

close, ongoing cooperation between the EU and the US on critical

international issues, particularly the Middle East Peace Process and Iraq. Co-

operation in the fight against terrorism will be taken forward. EU-US trade

issues will also be advanced and renewed impetus will be given to the

positive economic agenda. The Irish Presidency will seek common ground

with the US and other partners on the world trade agenda post Cancun.

Ireland’s Presidency will see both an EU-US Summit and an EU-Canada

Summit. These Summits will provide an opportunity to re-affirm the vitality

and importance of the relationship that the Union enjoys with the US and

Canada.

Africa

The Irish Presidency will ensure that African issues are high on the EU

agenda and will seek to re-vitalise cooperation with the continent.

There are 291 million people living below the poverty line in sub-Saharan

Africa. An estimated 28 million are infected with HIV/AIDS. Over a dozen

conflict situations exacerbate this humanitarian crisis. The EU must

seriously, coherently and consistently engage with African partners to find

comprehensive solutions to these problems. Our over-riding message as

Presidency will be support for African-led initiatives to tackle the enormous

challenges the continent faces.

A central area of discussion with African partners will be African conflict

prevention, peacemaking and crisis management capacity. Dialogue at

Ministerial level with the African Union and with the Economic Community

of West African States (ECOWAS) will concentrate on these issues. In

particular, the Irish Presidency will focus on the implementation of the Peace

Facility for Africa. It will also seek to support positive regional

developments in Africa, including the peace process in Sudan and in the

Great Lakes region.

The Middle East

The Middle East Peace Process will continue to be ever present on the EU

agenda. The Irish Presidency’s core aim will be to promote the

implementation of the Road Map as the basis for progress towards a just and

lasting two-state solution. Its participation in the ‘Quartet’ will be based on

this principle.

The

implementation

of the Road Map

is the key to

progress in the

Middle East

Peace Process

The transatlantic

relationship is a

core partnership

for the European

Union

A re-vitalised

EU-Africa

relationship must

be based on

support for

African-led

initiatives

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The Irish Presidency will also work closely with our EU partners in

strengthening the EU relationship with the Arab world. The EU recognises

that the Arab world faces challenges which must be constructively addressed

in the interests not only of the region, but of the wider world. The Irish

Presidency will seek to deliver, as mandated by the

European Council, a Strategy for relations with the Middle East region/Arab

World.

Human Rights

Support for human rights is a core value which underpins the European

Union. A specific initiative in this area will be the adoption of EU

Guidelines for support of Human Rights Defenders. The EU Strategy for

Children in Armed Conflict will also be implemented.

Ireland holds the Presidency of the Union during the 60

Session of the UN

Commission on Human Rights. A major aim will be to achieve a fruitful and

effective Session of the CHR. The Irish Presidency will also seek to address

human rights issues in its dialogue with other countries. In particular, Ireland

looks forward to convening sessions of both the EU-China and the EU-Iran

Human Rights Dialogue

*********

Other central issues during the period of the Irish Presidency will include the

EU’s relations with

Asia

and

Latin America and the Caribbean;

the

situation in

Iran

and

Iraq;

the

fight against global terrorism;

and the

continued development of the

European Security and Defence Policy.

Asia

In view of the increasing strategic importance of Asia, a significant element

of the Irish Presidency programme will be the re-vitalisation of EU

engagement with the continent, both bilaterally and on a regional basis. In a

regional context, Ireland intends to host an ASEM Ministerial meeting in

Ireland in April. This meeting will provide an opportunity for EU and Asian

Foreign Ministers to review and re-invigorate the EU-Asia relationship.

In addition, the Irish Presidency will continue EU dialogue and cooperation

with Japan, China, India and Pakistan.

A re-invigorated

ASEM process is

an important

element in

strengthening

EU-Asia

relations

Human rights is

a core value of

the union

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Support for Afghanistan’s transition to a secure and democratic society will

continue throughout 2004. Under the provisions of the Bonn Agreement, the

Afghanistan Transitional Authority, established in June 2002, is to be

replaced by an elected government following elections scheduled to take

place in June 2004. The international meeting on Afghanistan, due to take

place in the Spring, will provide an important opportunity for the European

Union to take stock of reconstruction, development and democratisation in

Afghanistan.

Latin America and Caribbean

The Irish Presidency will advance the Strategic Partnership between the EU

and the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. Dialogue between the

two regions will focus on the full range of political and economic relations,

particularly the promotion of peace, democracy, stability and socio-economic

progress. The EU-LAC Summit in Guadalajara, Mexico, in May will be the

first external Summit in which the 10 new EU Member States will

participate. In all, 58 countries from both regions are expected to attend.

Iran

The situation in Iran will remain high on the EU agenda. Continued

cooperation by Iran with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is

vital. Depending on progress made by Iran in the areas of concern,

negotiations on a Trade and Cooperation Agreement as well as on parallel

agreements on political dialogue and on cooperation in the fight against

terrorism may re-commence.

Iraq

A key aim for the Union in 2004 will be to assist in reconstruction and

economic development in Iraq and to support the early transfer of

sovereignty to the people of Iraq. The EU is committed to a central role for

the UN in this process. The Irish Presidency will work closely with the

‘Advisory Group on Iraq’ established by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan

to help guide the process of stabilising and reconstructing Iraq.

A further important milestone will be a report by the High Representative

and the Commission on a medium-term strategy for EU relations with Iraq.

A progress report will be presented to the Council in March 2004. This will

provide the Union with an opportunity to assess its approach to Iraq in the

light of developments.

Cooperation by

Iran with the

IAEA is vital

The EU-LAC

Strategic

Partnership

Support of the

stabilisation and

reconstruction of

Iraq is of central

importance

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The fight against global terrorism

The Irish Presidency will continue the fight against terrorism through full use

of the Union’s internal and external instruments. It will work with partners

to implement the Union’s ‘Action Plan against Terrorism’ and will ensure

follow-up to the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. The

issue of combating global terrorism will be an important element of EU

dialogue with third countries.

Action Plan

against

Terrorism

European Security and Defence Policy

The capacity of the Union to prevent and to manage conflict situations

outside its borders is a fundamental aspect of coherent and effective

engagement with the wider world. The European Security and Defence

Policy is a key instrument through which the EU can in a practical way

contribute to conflict prevention and crisis management.

The Irish Presidency will work with partners to facilitate further development

of the Union’s capabilities, both civilian and military, under ESDP. The

process of setting new goals in this area, with the horizon of 2010, will be

taken forward. The aim is for the Union to be capable of mounting effective

crisis management operations. 2004 will see the Union becoming

increasingly operational in this regard.

During the Irish Presidency, a number of operations are expected to be

underway. On the civilian side, Police Missions in both Bosnia and FYROM

will be ongoing. Preparation will also begin for the prospective European

Union operation in follow-on to the UN-authorised NATO-led peace

stabilisation mission (SFOR) in Bosnia-Herzegovina. This will be an

important challenge for the Union; SFOR is a significantly larger and more

complex operation than any undertaken to date under ESDP. Civil-military

coordination will be particularly important in this context.

The Irish Presidency will continue to build on the work of previous

Presidencies in the development of military capabilities to carry out crisis

management operations. In this connection, it will work with partners on the

establishment of an intergovernmental agency for defence capabilities

development, as agreed at the Thessaloniki European Council in June 2003.

The development of civilian capabilities will be a particular priority. If the

Union’s operations are to contribute to long-term stability and security, it

needs to look beyond solely military interventions. Moreover, post-conflict

societies need assistance with policing, re-establishing the rule of law and

building civilian administration.

ESDP provides

the Union with

the capacity to

prevent and

manage conflict

outside its

borders

Effective crisis

management

operations are at

the heart of

ESDP

Development of

capabilities, both

civilian and

military, will be a

priority

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Multilateral Trade Policy

The Council will continue to monitor closely developments in relation to

the Doha Development Agenda with a view to resuming substantive

negotiations and reaching agreement on a new WTO round as soon as

practicable. A successful conclusion to the current round of multilateral

trade liberalisation is vital for long term economic growth and development

in the world, as well as for continued confidence in the multilateral system.

The Irish Presidency will focus efforts in the Council on achieving

balanced progress in the negotiations on all issues. A sustained effort has

to be made to strengthen the institutions of the multilateral trade system and

the integration of the developing countries in them.

Multilateral trade

liberalisation is vital for

growth

Development

Poverty and disease in the developing world remain the greatest of all the

challenges facing humankind today. In keeping with its overall external

relations objectives of enhancing effective multilateralism (including the

revitalisation of the Doha Development Agenda), human rights, conflict

prevention and relations between the EU and Africa, the Irish Presidency

will give developing country concerns the highest priority.

The Irish Presidency will pursue with determination the fulfilment of the

Millennium Development Goals with their strong emphasis on poverty

reduction, empowerment of people and sustainable development. The

positive experience of Ireland’s own aid programme with its partnership

approach to development will inform its approach. A particular emphasis

will be placed on the issue of aid effectiveness, including coherence and

complementarity between the Union and the Member States aid

programmes and activities.

In particular, the issue of HIV/AIDS and its economic and social

consequences will be highlighted. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is one of the

most destructive in human history. Its immensely damaging consequences

affect not only families but whole communities and societies, not only in

the developing world. The Irish Presidency will host an international

conference on HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia on 23/24 February

2004 in Dublin.

The European Union has tremendous potential as a strong force for global

development. It provides more than half of public development assistance

worldwide and is the main trading partner for many developing countries.

The Irish Presidency will work with the institutions, the Member States and

partners in the developing world to ensure that this great potential is fully

realised and that the Union continues better to fulfil its responsibilities to

the developing world with which it has so many ties of history and

friendship.

________________________

Poverty reduction

Aid effectiveness

Combating

HIV/AIDS

The EU is a force for

global development

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