PDF to HTML - Convert PDF files to HTML files

Europaudvalget 2007-08 (2. samling)
Det Europæiske Råd 13-14/12-07 Bilag 1
Offentligt

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 26 November 2007

15681/07

LIMITE

POLGEN 124

NOTE

from :

to :

Subject

Presidency

Coreper

European Council (14 December 2007)

– Draft conclusions

The Presidency hereby submits to Coreper draft conclusions to be agreed by the European Council

at its meeting on 14 December 2007.

The text will continue to be updated in the light of the work underway, in particular the outcome of

the forthcoming TTE, JHA, ECOFIN and EPSCO Councils.

15681/07

DQPG

LIMITE EN

PDF to HTML - Convert PDF files to HTML files

The meeting of the European Council was preceded by an exposé by the President of the

European Parliament, Mr Hans-Gert Pöttering, followed by an exchange of views.

The European Council welcomes the agreement reached at the IGC on 18 October 2007 and

the subsequent signing of the Treaty of Lisbon, as well as the proclamation of the Charter of

Fundamental Rights on 12 December 2007. It calls for a swift completion of national

ratification processes with a view to allowing entry into force of the Treaty on

1 January 2009.

The European Council will regularly take stock of progress on necessary preparatory work so

as to ensure the full functioning of the Treaty as soon as it enters into force.

The Lisbon Treaty provides the Union with a stable institutional framework for the

foreseeable future. The Union will be able to fully concentrate on addressing the concrete

challenges ahead, including globalisation and climate change, as clearly underlined at the

19 October informal meeting of Heads of State or Government on the basis of the

Commission's Communication "The European Interest: Succeeding in the age of

globalisation". In this context the European Council adopts a Declaration on Globalisation

(p.m.

annex).

p.m. Reflection Group

FREEDOM, SECURITY AND JUSTICE

The European Council welcomes the

abolition of controls at the borders

of the new

Member States participating in the SISone4ALL project, as from 21 December 2007 for land

and sea borders, and by March 2008 for air borders, thus extending the effective free

movement of persons.

15681/07

DQPG

LIMITE EN

PDF to HTML - Convert PDF files to HTML files

Developing a

comprehensive European migration policy

remains a fundamental priority in

order to meet the challenges and harness the opportunities which migration represents for the

Union in a new era of globalisation.

Cooperation with third countries remains vital for the purpose of well-managed migration

flows. The European Council [p.m.

reference to Commission Interim report]

welcomes the

progress being made in the implementation of the

Global Approach to Migration

with

regard to Africa and the Mediterranean, in particular the EU missions to African and the

Mediterranean countries as well as the progress on the application of this Global Approach to

the Eastern and South-Eastern neighbouring regions. [It endorses the Council's conclusions of

6/7 December 2007 on taking forward the Global Approach to Migration by developing

mobility partnerships and circular migration and welcomes in that connection the decision to

open dialogue with a view to launching pilot mobility partnerships with certain third

countries, such as Cape Verde and Moldova. The Commission is invited to report back on

progress no later than June 2008.] The recent Euro-Med Ministerial meeting on Migration

contributed to further development of practical cooperation with the Mediterranean partners

[p.m.

reference to outcome of EU-Africa Summit in the field of migration].

There is a close link between migration, employment and the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and

Jobs. [The European Council endorses the Council conclusions of 4 December 2007, which

acknowledge that migration can have a significant impact on growth potential and

employment growth, labour markets, adjustment capacity, productivity, competitiveness and

public finances.]

Well managed legal migration policies should be closely aligned with skills shortages and

labour market requirements. Effective and efficient integration policies are needed, in

particular in the areas of skills and education, and in ensuring the efficient functioning of the

labour market. Immigration is no substitute for structural reforms.

15681/07

DQPG

LIMITE EN

PDF to HTML - Convert PDF files to HTML files

10.

The European Council invites the Council to take work forward on the recent Commission

proposals on the admission of third country nationals for the purpose of highly qualified

employment and on a single application procedure and a common set of rights for legally

residing third country workers.

11.

Combating illegal immigration requires concerted and effective measures directed to

undeclared work and illegal employment, in particular through the effective enforcement of

dissuasive sanctions. The Council and the European Parliament are invited to reach agreement

by the end of 2008 on the proposals on sanctions against employers of illegally staying third

country nationals. Work should also be taken forward following the Commission's

communication on undeclared work.

12.

The European Council also welcomes the progress made on the proposal for a Directive on

common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying

third-country nationals and encourages the Council and European Parliament to continue their

efforts to find a basis for agreement on the proposal.

13.

It is necessary to further develop the Union's comprehensive migration policy. [p.m.

reference

to the Commission's Communication expected on 5 December].

In this context, the European

Council underlines the need for a renewed political commitment and requests work to be

taken forward, in particular as concerns the further strengthening of the integrated

management of the external borders [p.m.

other measures in light of Commission

Communication]

and the future Common European Asylum System and invites the

Commission to present the necessary initiatives to that end.

14.

Integration is a vital part of the comprehensive European migration policy. In this context, the

European Council invites the Commission to launch during 2008, in cooperation with

Member States, an awareness campaign across the Union on European values and principles

related to the opportunities, benefits and challenges of migration, in a pluralistic Europe

capable of promoting social cohesion and intercultural dialogue, as well as successfully

integrating cultural, religious, ethnic and linguistic diversity.

15681/07

DQPG

LIMITE EN

PDF to HTML - Convert PDF files to HTML files

15.

The strengthening of

police and judicial cooperation

remains a priority. The functioning of

Europol must be improved; this requires the Council to reach agreement on the decision

establishing Europol by the end of June 2008 at the latest and to review regularly the state of

play regarding the Implementation Plan. The European Council also welcomes the general

approach for a Council Framework Decision on the protection of personal data processed in

the framework of police and judicial cooperation.

16.

Recent foiled terrorist attempts in Europe and numerous terrorist attacks elsewhere in the

world reinforce the need for the Union and its Member States to remain fully committed to

the implementation of the Counter-Terrorism Strategy in all its aspects.

17.

The European Council welcomes important work recently undertaken in many areas of the

Strategy such as on the security of explosives and weapons, on cooperation between special

forces, [on security of air transport] and the development of capacity for coordination of

response to terrorist-related crises. The European Council welcomes the appointment by the

SG/HR of Gilles de Kerchove as Counter-Terrorism Coordinator. It endorses the suggestions

contained in the report by the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator with a view to further

strengthening the implementation of Counter Terrorism Strategy.

18.

The European Council welcomes work recently undertaken under the European Union

Strategy for Combating Radicalisation and Recruitment to Terrorism notably as regards

radicalization of youth and the role of the internet. It calls for its further strengthening in

particular through EU sectoral programmes and instruments both within the Union and in

cooperation with third countries. To the effect, it notes the Commission's intention to submit a

communication on best practices on violent radicalisation in the course of 2008.

19.

The European Council reaffirms the need to enhance access to justice in the European Union

via simplified and more efficient and accessible procedures, welcomes the work already

achieved in the area of E-justice and calls for the continuation of work, in particular, and as a

priority, on implementing the e-justice portal.

15681/07

DQPG

LIMITE EN

PDF to HTML - Convert PDF files to HTML files

20.

The European Council welcomes the political agreement on the Directive on some aspects of

mediation on civil and commercial matters [and on the Regulation on the law applicable to

contractual obligations (Rome I)], which are important elements of the European Justice Area.

The Council is invited to find solutions on the Regulation on jurisdiction and applicable law

in matrimonial matters (Rome III). It is also invited to continue swiftly negotiations on the EC

Regulation on maintenance obligations.

21.

The European Council welcomes the signature of the new Lugano Convention on jurisdiction

and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters ensuring

coherence in terms of free movement of judgments in the European Union and Switzerland,

Norway and Iceland.

22.

The European Council welcomes the ongoing work within the Council and the Commission

regarding protection of children, in particular the EU child abduction alert.

ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

23.

The European Council welcomes the Commission's Strategic Report assessing the

implementation of the renewed

Lisbon Strategy for Jobs and Growth

and making proposals

for the next three-year cycle. Work must be taken forward with a view to the timely adoption

next year of the Integrated Guidelines and country-specific recommendations.

24.

The Lisbon Strategy is starting to deliver. Its implementation will help the Union and its

Member States shape the globalisation agenda based on an outward-facing approach that

promotes openness, competitiveness and fairness, and gears to best effect the Union's internal

and external policies as set out in the Declaration on Globalisation.

15681/07

DQPG

LIMITE EN

PDF to HTML - Convert PDF files to HTML files

25.

The four priority areas of reform identified by the European Council in Spring 2006 continue

to be valid: knowledge and innovation, business potential, employment and energy and

climate change. Thus, whilst the challenges have been evolving, the Integrated Guidelines do

not need a fundamental overhaul; the main focus of the new cycle of the Lisbon Strategy

should be on implementation and delivery of reform.

26.

The implementation of the Member States' National Programmes for the period 2005-2008 is

fairly positive. It is of key importance to maintain the momentum and step up reform efforts

in areas where progress has been limited. In particular progress must be achieved in opening

up the European Research Area, overcoming the obstacles towards a more innovative

economy, supporting SME's over their life-cycle, achieving a more efficient single market,

modernizing public administration for better services to citizens and companies as well as

investing in skills, developing flexicurity, ensuring social inclusion and implementing the

energy package. The coordination of macro-economic policies for sustained growth provides

the appropriate framework.

27.

The European Council welcomes the presentation of the new Community Lisbon Programme.

This Programme must add value and strengthen the rationale and focus of action at

Community level to improve the coherence of reforms and maximise positive spillover

effects. Stronger horizontal coordination at European and national level is required to ensure

the full use of the Lisbon toolbox. More tailor-made communication should involve all

relevant stakeholders.

28.

Promoting

knowledge

is central for the Europe of the future. The European Council

welcomes the establishment of the European Institute of Technology and the setting-up of the

first Joint Technology Initiatives. Given the need to increase human resources for science and

technology in Europe and to boost the attractiveness of Europe for highly qualified scientists,

the European Council endorses the objectives agreed by the Council in November 2007 on the

future of science and technology in Europe. Recalling the broad-based innovation strategy

adopted in 2006, the European Council stresses the relevance of the Commission's initiatives

relating to public procurement and innovation in services and invites it to complement them

with the remaining expected initiatives.

15681/07

DQPG

LIMITE EN

PDF to HTML - Convert PDF files to HTML files

p.m. Galileo

29.

European

competitiveness

should be fostered by a sustainable industrial policy, combined

with innovation and skills and focussing on the new opportunities created by external markets

as well as the European Single Market. The Single Market has been an undisputed success

and has provided a solid foundation for growth and prosperity within the Union. Yet more can

be done to untap the full potential of an enlarged Union,

inter alia,

by laying greater emphasis

on consumers and SMEs. The Single Market also needs to become more outward-looking.

The European Council accordingly welcomes the Single Market Review presented by the

Commission and invites the Council to examine its initiatives so as to enable the European

Council to reach conclusions for priorities for further action at its Spring 2008 meeting.

p.m. Postal Services

p.m. Tourism

30.

The

modernisation of public administration

aiming to provide better services to citizens

and companies can play an important role regarding the objectives of both the Lisbon Strategy

and the Stability and Growth Pact. Reforms in this area should therefore undergo regular

analysis and exchange of best practices in particular in the context of the Lisbon National

Reform Programmes. The Council should come back to the issue of public spending

efficiency and effectiveness, in particular related to specific spending categories such as social

spending, education and R&D, in Spring 2008. The European Council, in face of the recent

developments in the

financial markets,

emphasises that macroeconomic fundamentals in the

EU are strong and that sustained economic growth is expected. It fully endorses the work

programme adopted by the Council on 9 October 2007 aimed at, alongside the EU's

international partners, improving transparency, valuation processes and risk management in

financial markets.

15681/07

DQPG

LIMITE EN

PDF to HTML - Convert PDF files to HTML files

31.

In the

employment and social policy area,

broad and balanced flexicurity policies, adapted

to specific national circumstances, provide the link between flexible and reliable contractual

arrangements, active labour market policies, comprehensive lifelong learning and modern and

adequate social protection. [The European Council endorses the agreement on the common

principles on flexicurity reached in the Council on 5/6 December 2007 and invites Member

States to take these principles into good account when implementing national flexicurity-

orientated policies. The European Council welcomes the common understanding reached by

social partners and underlines their important role in the design and monitoring of flexicurity

policies.]

32.

Delivering

lifelong learning

to all citizens is of particular importance for more and better

jobs. Accordingly, Member States and the Commission should give priority to the

implementation of the "New Skills for New Jobs" initiative and the European Qualifications

Framework. The life-cycle approach should be developed by fostering active ageing and the

modernization of pension systems, to ensure financial, economic and social sustainability, as

well as by making the Youth Pact and the Gender Pact more operational in the context of the

Lisbon framework.

Inclusion

Policies should combine integration in the labour markets,

adequate income support and quality social services. The European Council also reaffirms its

commitment with the decent work agenda as a global instrument to promote better labour

standards and foster development.

33.

The European Council endorses the European Agenda for Culture as an important step

towards further developing cooperation in this field.

34.

The European Council reiterates the importance of implementing effectively and speedily all

aspects of the comprehensive 2007-2009 Action Plan endorsed last Spring with a view to

taking forward the

Energy Policy for Europe.

15681/07

DQPG

LIMITE EN

PDF to HTML - Convert PDF files to HTML files

35.

The examination of the proposals for the more efficient operation and completion of the

internal market for gas and electricity is well underway. All parties must pursue work on the

proposals in a constructive manner, with a view to reaching an agreement on the package in

the course of next year.

36.

The European Council reaffirms the closely integrated nature of climate and energy policies,

and the importance of energy policy developments supporting the achievement of the Union's

Climate objectives. The European Council welcomes the Commission's communication "A

Strategic Energy Technology Plan" (SET-Plan). In this respect, the Council should work

towards providing a framework for strategic planning, more effective implementation,

increase in resources and a reinforced approach to international cooperation regarding

innovation in low carbon technologies.

37.

Regarding Renewable Energy and Climate Change related instruments, the European Council

looks forward to the Commission's second set of legislative proposals, due by the end of

January 2008, with a view to meeting the agreed targets and to deliver on the objectives set

out at the last Spring European Council.

38.

The European Council welcomes the Council Conclusions on water scarcity and drought and

invites the Commission to present a report in 2008 and pursue the work on an EU strategy

until 2012. It also acknowledges the need to reinforce the link between Business and

Biodiversity at European level, welcoming the EU Business and Biodiversity Initiative and

the commitment from the Commission to provide technical support.

39.

The

Bali Climate Conference

should respond to the urgent need for action as identified in

the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and agree

to launch negotiations leading to a global and comprehensive post-2012 agreement by 2009.

In this connection the European Council recalls the Council conclusions of 30 October 2007

which set out in detail the objectives and elements which the Union is convinced should form

part of the future agreement.

15681/07

DQPG

LIMITE EN

PDF to HTML - Convert PDF files to HTML files

40.

Sustainable development

is a fundamental objective of the European Union. European

Union and national strategies for sustainable development need to be linked up more closely.

The governance structure and tools of the SDS in particular in relation to monitoring of

progress and best practice sharing, must be fully used and strengthened. Member States

should provide the Commission with their input on progress at national level by March 2009,

in order to allow the Commission to present its next Progress Report in good time for the

2009 review cycle. The Commission is invited to present a roadmap with its report, setting out

the remaining actions to be implemented with highest priority until the next comprehensive

review of the SDS is launched in 2011.

41.

The European Council welcomes the Commission Communication on an

integrated

maritime policy

for the European Union and the proposed Action Plan which sets out the

first concrete steps in developing an integrated approach to maritime affairs. The broad

participation in the preceding public consultation reflected the interest which stakeholders

show for the development of such a policy. The Ministerial Conference on the Integrated

Maritime Policy had a comprehensive and fruitful debate on this issue.

42.

The future integrated maritime policy should ensure a high degree of synergies and coherence

between sectoral policies through horizontal and vertical co-ordination, while fully respecting

the principle of subsidiarity and taking account of the geo-physical, political and economical

specificities of each region surrounding Europe, including, in particular, the islands and the

outermost regions. The contribution of an integrated maritime policy to addressing the

challenges facing Europe's sustainable development and competitiveness will have to consist

of an appropriate mix of a common vision, cross-sectoral actions, and better coordination and

articulation of the different policies which relate to or impact on the oceans and seas. The

European Council invites the Commission to come forward with the initiatives and proposals

contained in the Action Plan and calls on the future Presidencies to work on the

implementation of an integrated maritime policy for the Union. The Commission is invited to

report on the implementation of this policy to the European Council at the end of 2009.

15681/07

DQPG

LIMITE EN

PDF to HTML - Convert PDF files to HTML files

43.

The European Council welcomes the Commission report on the 2004 Strategy for the

Outermost Regions

stating its positive results and presenting the future prospects for

Community actions in those regions. The European Council looks forward to the conclusions

of the public consultation launched and invites the Commission to present the relevant

proposals at the latest in October 2008.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

44.

The European Council stresses the importance of deepening the relations between the

European Union and its strategic partners in an increasingly globalised World.

p.m. EU-Africa Summit / outcome and follow-up

p.m. EU-Brazil Summit / outcome and follow-up

p.m. Kosovo

15681/07

DQPG

LIMITE EN