EUU, Alm.del - 2017-18 - Bilag 844: Orientering om det uformelle rådsmøde (retlige og indre anliggender) i Innsbruck den 12-13/7-18

Europaudvalget 2017-18
EUU Alm.del Bilag 844
Offentligt

Programme

of the Austrian

Presidency

Presidency of the Council of the European Union

1 July – 31 December 2018

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Programme

of the Austrian

Presidency

Presidency of the Council of the European Union

1 July – 31 December 2018

Vienna, June 2018

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CONTENTS

PRIORITIES OF THE AUSTRIAN EU PRESIDENCY

GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL

FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL

ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL

JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS COUNCIL

EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL POLICY, HEALTH AND

CONSUMER AFFAIRS COUNCIL

COMPETITIVENESS COUNCIL

TRANSPORT, TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND ENERGY COUNCIL

AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES COUNCIL

ENVIRONMENT COUNCIL

EDUCATION, YOUTH, CULTURE AND SPORT COUNCIL

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EUU, Alm.del - 2017-18 - Bilag 844: Orientering om det uformelle rådsmøde (retlige og indre anliggender) i Innsbruck den 12-13/7-18

Priorities

of the Austrian

EU Presidency

Austria will take over the Presidency of the

Council of the European Union on 1 July 2018,

in a time of great challenges and upheavals,

both on the European continent and beyond.

2018, a year in which Austria commemorates

not only the so-called ‘Anschluss’ in 1938,

but also the revolution of 1848 and the end

of the First World War in 1918, is a reminder

that Europe has already weathered numerous

crises and witnessed profound political

change. However, the painful lessons of the

past have taught us that Europe not only

managed to survive its darkest hours, but

ultimately emerged from them stronger and

united.

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Long-lasting peace, along with freedom and growing prosperity in all EU Member

States, are major achievements of the European integration and must be preserved.

Today, however, Europe faces new challenges which no country will be able to

address on its own. Globalisation leads to intensified economic competition and the

consequences of armed conflicts in neighbouring regions and global migration flows

are becoming increasingly difficult to cope with. Climate protection is an increasingly

pressing issue, and the threats of terrorism and radicalisation are on the rise. These

issues need to be addressed rapidly, if Europe wants to safeguard its achievements,

values and the European way of life – and thereby maintain the support of its citizens

and remain a global power. The Austrian Presidency considers it both its duty and its

ambition to contribute to finding solutions to these major challenges.

Also within the European Union itself, the Austrian Presidency will encounter a very

demanding environment. The EU will be concerned with two important topics during

the Austrian Presidency which will be decisive for the future: on the one hand, the

conclusion of the negotiations on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the

European Union (Brexit), and, on the other hand, the negotiations on the Multi-

annual Financial Framework post 2020 following the presentation of the respective

proposals of the European Commission in May and June 2018.

Concerning the complex Brexit negotiations, the Withdrawal Agreement and the

terms on the transition period as well as the Political Declaration on the framework

for future EU-UK relations associated with the Withdrawal Agreement have to be

finalised by autumn 2018. This is necessary to ensure the United Kingdom’s orderly

withdrawal from the European Union on 30 March 2019. In this context, Austria will

focus on maintaining the unity of the EU-27, and on laying the foundations for a

positive and successful relationship with the UK after its withdrawal.

The Multiannual Financial Framework post 2020 will have to respond to several new

challenges and priorities, as well as to the fact that the UK will no longer be paying

contributions. Negotiations will be conducted intensively under the Austrian Presi-

dency. In this respect, it will be crucial that the budgeted resources lead to gains

in efficiency and provide a clear European added value for the EU to benefit as a

whole.

In addition, the Austrian Presidency takes place shortly before to the European

Parliament elections in May 2019. There is therefore the expectation that EU

legislative proposals will be taken forward as much as possible or brought to a

conclusion during this period. Austria views its role during the forthcoming Council

Presidency as that of an honest broker and will use its best efforts to find common

solutions. There is no doubt that a Presidency can only make progress if it can count

on the unity of the EU and its Member States. In order to overcome the challenges it

faces, the EU must ensure that all EU Member States pursue a joint approach. Given

its geographic location in the heart of the EU, its obligation of neutrality and in line

with its traditional role as bridge builder, Austria will endeavour to contribute to the

unity within the EU during its Council Presidency.

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A Europe that protects

In recent years, the EU has had to deal with several crises that have shaken citizens’

confidence in the European Union as a Union that guarantees peace and security.

Austria will therefore choose the following motto for its Presidency: A Europe that

protects.

This is in accordance with EU citizens’ expectations. Austria’s efforts will be aimed

at strengthening the European Union, helping it to get closer to its citizens and

re-establishing trust – citizens’ trust in the EU’s capacity to act, mutual trust among

the Member States, and trust in the EU as a reliable and stabilising force in the world.

In order to achieve this objective, Austria’s approach will be based on enhancing

the principle of subsidiarity. The European Union should focus on big issues which

require a joint solution and take a step back when it comes to smaller issues where

Member States or regions are in a better position to take decisions. This approach

aims at taking seriously the motto of the European Union, “United in Diversity” as

well as the ongoing debate on the future of Europe, in particular the scenario “Doing

less more efficiently”. As often shown in the past, the EU’s strength derives also

from the diversity of its Member States and regions. Only if there is sufficient room

for finding local solutions to smaller issues, will it be possible to credibly promote

unity in the face of big issues. In this context, Austria will place a strong emphasis

on the involvement of EU citizens in issues concerning the future development of the

European Union.

In light of the big challenges mentioned above, the EU is in a position to provide an

indispensable added value for its citizens and its Member States. To that effect, the

Austrian Presidency will prioritise the role of the European Union as a Europe that

protects, in particular concerning three priority areas: security and migration, main-

taining competitiveness through digitalisation, and stability in the neighbourhood.

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1. Security and the fight against illegal migration

The consequences of Europe’s largest migration crisis since the Second World War

and the concerns of citizens about further uncontrolled migratory flows have high-

lighted the importance of a joint approach in the fight against illegal migration and

of securing the EU’s ability to act. At the centre of these efforts are the reform of the

Common European Asylum System as well as the re-focussing and strengthening of

the European Border and Coast Guard Agency FRONTEX, in order to guarantee the

efficient protection of the EU’s external borders. Moreover, the aim is to work more

closely with third countries in order to ensure effective return policies and to provide

assistance to those in need of protection before they enter the EU while, on the other

hand, preventing those not in need of protection from setting off on the dangerous

crossing to Europe. The Heads of State or Government will deal with these issues at

their informal summit held in Salzburg on 20 September 2018.

As organised crime in a globalised and converging world is operating in an increas-

ingly connected way, the Austrian Presidency will advocate efficient cooperation of

and information exchange between the security authorities of individual Member

States as well as the interoperability of the relevant large databases. Furthermore,

joint efforts are needed also at European level to combat terror threats and radicali-

sation of all kinds.

Securing prosperity and competitiveness

through digitalisation

The EU maintains its position as the world’s leading trade power and largest internal

market. However, Europe’s share of global GDP and its economic power are in

decline. To sustainably secure its prosperity and competitiveness, it is essential

that the EU consistently avoids overregulation and makes progress in the fields of

innovation and digitalisation. In addition, many EU citizens are concerned about the

effects digitalisation may have on the economy and their personal lives. A consid-

erable share of growth in the EU can already be attributed to the digital economy.

With an intelligent policy of digital transformation, it will be possible to safeguard

the competitiveness and sustainability of the European economy also in the future.

Completing the Digital Single Market, modernising public administration on a broad

scale and renewing industrial policy will improve framework conditions for digital

business models and services.

For the digital economy to develop its full potential and to benefit everybody, a

modern and balanced regulatory framework is required. National public budgets

need to be protected from harmful tax competition and tax avoidance, and fair

conditions of competition must be guaranteed for all companies. The Austrian

Presidency aims at continuing the EU’s work on the taxation of the digital economy

in order to ensure that profits are taxed in the country in which they are generated.

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Stability in the European neighbourhood –

EU perspective of the Western Balkans /

South Eastern Europe

A European Union that offers its citizens stability, peace and security is only possible

in a stable and secure neighbourhood. To this end, during its Presidency, Austria will

focus on promoting strong relationships between the EU and its neighbours.

In this context, the Western Balkan / South Eastern European countries take centre

stage. In terms of economic and security policy, this region belongs to Europe and

proved to be a reliable partner during the migration crisis. Furthermore, we are also

linked by a common historical and cultural heritage. It is in the interest of Austria’s

and Europe’s economy and security that the future of the Western Balkans /

South Eastern Europe lies within the European Union. Building on the work of

the Bulgarian Presidency and the European Commission’s Enlargement Strategy

presented on 6 February 2018, the Austrian Presidency will, along with its European

partners, advocate for developing a concrete EU perspective for all Western

Balkan / South Eastern European states based on clear criteria relating to their

individual performance and work on achieving measurable progress.

Albania

Secure

neighbourhood

and the

Western

Balkans

Bosnia and

Herzegovina

Serbia

Montenegro

Kosovo

FYROM

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General Affairs Council

We want a strong

Europe, trusted by

our citizens

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Austria’s Presidency of the Council

of the European Union comes at

a turbulent time in the European

integration process, a time of both

opportunities and challenges. In

this context, it is essential to ensure

cross-cutting political coherence in

the work performed at EU level. The

General Affairs Council has a key

role to play in this effort.

During Austria’s Presidency, the negotiations about the United Kingdom’s withdrawal

from the European Union are to be completed and those on the future Multiannual

Financial Framework to be intensified, so new programmes can start on schedule

on 1 January 2021. Recent years have shown that we need a Europe people can

identify with, which offers them security and in which they can put their trust. The

European Union’s strength derives from the diversity of its Member States and

regions. At the same time, the European Union is based on common rules and

values which need to be adhered to and strengthened while taking into account the

principle of subsidiarity.

The Task force on Subsidiarity, Proportionality and “Doing less more efficiently”,

which was established by the President of the European Commission and also

includes representatives of the national parliaments of the trio partners and the

Committee of the Regions, will present its recommendations on how to better apply

the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality in July 2018. The Austrian Presi-

dency will focus its efforts on an approach towards more subsidiarity – the pivotal

question in this respect is where specifically more or less Europe is needed. We

need stronger cooperation on major issues, such as security and defence policy,

migration, the protection of the EU’s external borders, as well as digitalisation. At

the same time, however, the European Union should take a step back on smaller

issues where the regions or Member States are in a better position to take decisions

themselves. In the course of its Presidency, Austria will hold a high-level conference

on subsidiarity which will address these questions. Moreover, Citizens’ Consultations

will be organised throughout the Member States to discuss the future development

of the European Union, and finalising the revision of the European Citizens’ Initiative

will improve citizens’ opportunities to participate at EU level.

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In the second half of 2018, the European Council will, under the Leaders’ Agenda,

address the following topics: Internal security, migration (follow-up to the informal

meeting of the Heads of State or Government on 20 September 2018), future trade

policy, Multiannual Financial Framework and the Single Market.

Bringing the six accession candidates from South Eastern Europe closer to the EU

in the framework of the enlargement process is a strategic investment in peace,

democracy, prosperity, security and stability in Europe. It is thus in the interest of

both the EU and the region and serves as a transformative power and driving force

for reforms. Based on the strategy presented by the European Commission in

February 2018 (“A credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engage-

ment with the Western Balkans”), the annual country reports, the corresponding

Council conclusions as well as the results of the EU-Western Balkans Summit on

17 May 2018 in Sofia, the Austrian Presidency will focus on achieving concrete

progress in the accession process of the Western Balkan countries. This includes, in

particular, implementing the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, stepping up

the pace of the ongoing accession negotiations with Serbia and Montenegro, as well

as promoting further integration measures to be taken by the other Western Balkan

countries.

The Austrian Presidency will see intensive negotiations on the Multiannual Financial

Framework post 2020, with the objective to advance the negotiations as much as

possible.

Furthermore, the Austrian Presidency will devote its attention to the European

Semester and, together with Romania, which will take over the Presidency from

Austria, present the roadmap for the 2019 European Semester.

The annual rule of law dialogue held among Member States since 2015 will also take

place during Austria’s Presidency in 2018.

The interinstitutional agreement on better law-making, which entered into force

in April 2016, aims at making the EU legislative process more transparent, more

effective and more focused on currently relevant central policy areas. It entails

adjustments to the entire policymaking cycle, from consultations and impact assess-

ments to the adoption, implementation and evaluation of EU legislation. The ongoing

implementation measures undertaken jointly by the European Parliament and the

European Commission will continue during the Austrian Presidency, and Austria will

present the Council with a report on the current status.

Also, the enshrinement of the Agenda 2030 goals in the relevant strategy and insti-

tutions, as well as their implementation by EU institutions and Member States will be

discussed during the Austrian Presidency.

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The relationship between Switzerland and the EU is characterised by close

cooperation and strong economic ties. Negotiations with Switzerland on an

institutional framework agreement could possibly be completed during Austria’s

Presidency. This would consolidate the existing, complex relations and prepare the

ground for Switzerland’s potential participation in other sectors of the Single Market.

In the context of the next Multiannual Financial Framework, cohesion policy is up

for renegotiation for the period after 2020. Important aspects in the reorientation of

the cohesion policy (its funding sources being the ERDF, the Cohesion Fund and

the ESF+) are differentiation, proportionality, simplification, and increased results

orientation. The Austrian Presidency will strive for quick and efficient progress on this

negotiation package.

Brexit presents an unprecedented political, economic and legal challenge for the

European Union. The final stage of the withdrawal negotiations will take place during

the Austrian Presidency. The negotiations must be completed by October 2018 so

they can be approved by the European Parliament and the United Kingdom before

the two-year negotiation period under Article 50 TEU expires. Therefore, the General

Affairs Council (Article 50) will devote its attention to the negotiations on the UK’s

withdrawal from the EU and prepare the meetings of the European Council (Article

50). Austria’s objective in this context will be to maintain the unity of the EU 27.

The Withdrawal Agreement must provide for strong guarantees and controls as well

protections for the citizens’ rights. Our goal is a constructive and forward-looking

relationship with the United Kingdom, which requires a level playing field and a

reasonable balance between rights and obligations.

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Foreign Affairs Council

The Union as a

strong global actor

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During its Presidency, Austria will

work for a coherent external

presence and support the High

Representative of the Union for

Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in

fulfilling her tasks.

Austria’s main priorities in foreign affairs and security policy will be increasing

security and stability in the immediate neighbourhood, for example by promoting

the European perspective in South Eastern European states, further developing

the Eastern Partnership, strengthening the Common Security and Defence Policy

(CSDP), and dealing with the challenges posed by irregular migration. Furthermore,

emphasis will be placed on reinforcing the relations between the EU and Asia, and

promoting effective and rules-based multilateralism.

Common Foreign and Security Policy

Fostering international cooperation

One of the priorities will be the promotion of effective multilateralism and a rules-based

global order, to which the EU Global Strategy (EUGS) accords high implementation

priority. In the current geopolitical situation, it is important to present a resolute and

coherent European approach on the international stage, based on international law.

With a view to maintaining peace and security and addressing global challenges, it

is necessary to implement commitments to multilateralism in terms of both actions

and solutions. During its Presidency, Austria will use its best efforts to consolidate

the EU’s leading role in promoting effective multilateralism, as well as to foster

multilateral topics and processes. For example, Austria will endeavour to contribute

its expertise on disarmament, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and

arms control.

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Furthermore, it is necessary to improve the situation in Ukraine and to contribute

to solving current conflicts in Syria, Libya and other countries in the Mediterranean

region. These challenges can only be met in close cooperation with the EU’s part-

ners, among them the United Nations (UN), the Organisation for Security and Co-

operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe (CoE). In order to be effective,

the foreign and security policy needs to be better communicated, so as to convey

the EU’s actions and resolutions in a comprehensible manner to EU citizens and

partner countries alike. Hence, during its Presidency Austria will devote special

attention to improving the EU’s strategic communication in this area.

The Union as a reliable partner

With the EU’s and other partners’ support, the Eastern Partnership region is to

become an area of security and prosperity. During the Austrian Presidency, a

meeting of the foreign ministers of the Eastern Partnership will be held to evaluate

progress and discuss further steps. The crisis in Ukraine will require particular atten-

tion. As Russia plays a key role for security and stability in Europe and the world,

Austria’s goal will be to continue to pursue EU-Russia relations based on the five

guiding principles already defined as well as to strengthen the EU-Russia dialogue.

Sustainable stabilisation in the South Eastern European region is crucial for security

in Europe as a whole and represents a further goal to be achieved in cooperation

with other international actors. Furthermore, the Austrian Presidency will endeavour

to increase the EU’s cooperation with South Eastern European states in certain

policy areas. The further inclusion of South Eastern European states in CSDP

missions and operations will be actively supported.

The EU will have to continue dealing with crises in surrounding regions. In addition

to areas of conflict in Syria, Libya and Yemen, attention must also be paid to other

countries affected by these crises, such as Lebanon for example. Another topical

foreign policy issue is Iran, which deserves close attention not least with a view to

the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the Middle East Peace Process

(Israel / Palestine). The EU must face all of these challenges with a proactive and

unified approach.

As for relations with African countries, dealing with crises and supporting economic

development will remain key priorities. Furthermore, Austria will promote the imple-

mentation of the resolutions passed at the 5th African Union - European Union

Summit in November 2017.

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A particular focus during the Austrian Presidency will lie on the Asian region. The

Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) will be organised in Brussels, where Heads of State

or Government will discuss the future political and economic cooperation of their

countries. The foreign ministers of the ASEAN Member States will meet with their

colleagues from the EU to talk about opportunities for cooperation between the EU

and the emerging global region of South-East Asia. The Austrian Presidency will also

endeavor to achieve a contribution by the EU to solve the crisis on the North Korean

peninsula.

Topics of the continued transatlantic dialogue with the strategic partner USA include

the Middle East and South Eastern Europe, as well as global issues such as the

CSDP, the fight against terrorism, cybersecurity, or energy. Also, a foreign ministers

conference with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is

envisaged to be held during the Austrian Presidency. The Foreign Affairs Council is

likely to also have to deal with the political crisis in Venezuela in the second half of

2018.

External aspects of migration

With a view to an effective migration control, Austria will also place a focus on external

aspects of migration during its Presidency. This means close and cooperative partner-

ships of the EU with relevant countries of origin and transit. Comprehensive cooper-

ation with those countries concerning the political stabilisation and the promotion of

economic and social development, human rights and good governance is essential

in order to achieve effective cooperation regarding curbing illegal migration, including

fight against human trafficking, creation of sustainable protection capacities in the

relevant regions as well as securing return, readmission and reintegration.

Specific measures include the consistent implementation of the Malta Declaration

and of the efforts undertaken by the Joint EU-AU-UN Task Force, the targeted

expansion of cooperation models and migration dialogues with priority countries of

origin (inter alia, the Partnership Framework with Ethiopia, Nigeria, Mali, Niger and

Senegal), the second assessment of the Joint Valetta Action Plan in autumn 2018,

and the coordination of EU positions prior to the Budapest Process conference of

ministers with countries located along the Silk Road.

Security and defence

Given the current geopolitical situation, the EU finds itself constantly faced with

new and ever more complex challenges and threats. These require a broad-based

approach and strong commitment to security and defence that encompasses the

whole spectrum of military and non-military capacities, with a particular emphasis

on prevention. Furthermore, internal and external as well as military and non-military

aspects need to be better interconnected.

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In response to the deteriorating security environment, the EU has, since 2013, been

stepping up its security and defence efforts. There are three main strands of work,

each broken down into numerous tasks: implementation of the EUGS with respect to

security and defence, implementation of the European Defence Action Plan (EDAP),

and implementation of the EU-NATO Joint Declaration.

Overall, Austria will devote special attention to the following topics: maintaining

the political dynamics in security and defence, addressing the financing of CSDP

missions and operations and capacity building in partner countries, keeping up a

strategic dialogue on the further development of CSDP missions and operations in

accordance with European interests, protection of the EU’s external borders, dealing

with migration issues, including the causes of migration, prevention and combating

of radicalisation and violent extremism as well as organised crime, and promotion of

effective multilateralism, in particular by intensifying partnerships with relevant inter-

national organisations such as the United Nations System and the OSCE, as well

as protection of civilians. Austria will also place a particular emphasis on improving

security in South Eastern Europe and a stronger inclusion of this region.

With a view to strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy and realising the EU’s

ambitions, Austria will fulfil its role in strengthening the integrated and competitive

European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB). In this respect, it is

also important to ensure fair cross-border market access in particular for small and

medium-sized enterprises. After the establishment of an inclusive and ambitious

Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the goal now is to quickly develop

governance structures and to implement the first set of projects. In a first phase,

Austria itself participates in four projects and will contribute to the development of

new PESCO projects. With respect to cybersecurity, Austria will strive for European

approaches to ease international tensions in this area and to find global partners

willing to join in efforts to keep the internet open and secure while also respecting

fundamental human rights. This also entails advancing necessary skills and

instruments in cybersecurity under the CSDP and PESCO. To be able to deal with

hybrid threats, Austria will work on developing a nationwide approach with a strong

emphasis on resilience.

A close-knit cooperation between the EU and its Member States is crucial for

coping with the challenges posed by terrorism, violent extremism and political Islam.

Given that potential threats have moved from outside the EU’s external borders

into the heart of the European Union, stepped-up efforts to fight the root causes of

radicalism and violent extremism within the EU have taken on special importance.

Cooperation with third countries, especially with the southern and eastern neigh-

bourhood of the EU, should be enhanced.

Based on the experience gained during Austria’s OSCE Chairmanship in 2017, where

combating terrorism was a priority issue, the Austrian Presidency will contribute

towards consistently implementing the conclusions adopted by the European

Council in June 2017.

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The ties between organised crime and terrorism must be addressed not only within

the EU, under a criminal law perspective, but also require increased attention within

international cooperation activities. In the spirit of strengthening multilateralism,

Austria will aspire to an intensified cooperation with the newly established United

Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism in New York and the United Nations Office on

Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna. The most important topics will be the imple-

mentation of the new EU Policy Cycle, the more efficient use of Europol’s financial

resources, and a debate on the coordination of priorities.

Development cooperation

In response to the issue of migration, the Austrian Presidency intends to place a

strong emphasis on linking humanitarian aid with long-term development policy

measures in a bid to provide economic perspectives in the countries of origin, in

particular for young people. In this context, a closer link with the willingness of third

countries to cooperate in the readmission of asylum seekers whose applications

were rejected will be sought.

With respect to sustainable energy, Austria will strive for the use of renewable energy

sources and the increase of energy efficiency.

As a cross-cutting topic, the principles of efficiency and effectiveness are to be

introduced in all aspects of development cooperation.

The revision of the EU external financing instruments in the context of the Multi-

annual Financial Framework post 2020 will also be dealt with during the Austrian

Presidency. Austria will advocate enhanced responsiveness, transparency and

results orientation.

As the Cotonou Agreement expires in 2020, negotiations on a renewal of the part-

nership with the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States will begin in 2018.

Austria will work for a coordinated EU position in this context.

The development policy aspect of the EU External Investment Plan (EIP), which was

established to encourage private investment, above all in Africa, will continue to be a

subject of consultations.

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Trade

Being an open and export-oriented economy, Austria supports an active EU trade

policy based on the EU ‘Trade for All’ strategy, which it considers to be a key factor

in sustainable economic development and the creation of high-quality jobs. An effec-

tive and transparent trade policy requires partnerships among equals, concerning

both new and traditional alliances. In light of current developments, the Austrian

Presidency will therefore support a strong and unified EU approach with regards to

the strategic advancement of our trade relations.

One of the goals of the Austrian Presidency is to strengthen the EU’s position as a

global economic player. Negotiating up-to-date and well-balanced free trade and

investment agreements and working in the context of the World Trade Organisation

(WTO) should contribute to developing fair rules for international trade from which

all members of society stand to benefit. Inclusiveness and transparency are crucial

characteristics of such negotiations. All future negotiation processes, whether at

European or national level, will have to safeguard the interests of EU citizens in the

best possible way.

Special attention in this respect should also be paid to including well-balanced

investment provisions in EU agreements that take legitimate public regulatory

concerns into account. Therefore, the Austrian Presidency will actively support the

EU’s efforts to develop an innovative, multilateral approach to investments.

Important legislative dossiers concern the framework for screening of foreign direct

investments into the EU as well as the control of trade in dual-use items. In particular

with respect to screening foreign direct investments into the EU, the Austrian Presi-

dency will strive to achieve greatest possible progress. Similarly, progress is envis-

aged to be made on the legislative processes concerning the access of third-country

goods and services to the EU’s internal market for public procurement, as well as on

the Horizontal Safeguard Regulation.

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Economic and Financial Affairs Council

A stable and strong

euro area and fair and

efficient taxation

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The Austrian Presidency takes place

in continuously favourable economic

conditions which reflect the outcome

of the manifold and determined

reform efforts undertaken in the

past years. In 2018 and 2019, the

EU economy is expected to grow by

more than 2 % each year, with both

internal demand as well as exports

continuing to grow at a robust pace.

At the same time, labour markets will

further improve and unemployment

rates are set to decline.

In spite of considerable progress achieved in addressing macro-economic and

structural weaknesses as well as strengthening the architecture of the Economic

and Monetary Union (EMU), some major challenges persist. There are still too many

people without a job, and public and private debt levels in some Member States

remain a matter of concern. Despite the overall decline of non-performing loans

(NPLs), many banks still have double-digit NPL ratios.

The economic expansion provides an additional window of opportunity for strength-

ening the region’s resilience. Further measures are required, both at EU and at

Member State level, to boost growth, employment and investment and to make

Europe’s economy more sustainable, more productive and more competitive. The

Austrian Presidency will advance the negotiations on the implementation of the EU

reform agenda, and aims at reaching concrete results or at least significant progress

in all relevant policy areas.

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Completing the Banking Union and developing

a Capital Markets Union

With respect to the Banking Union, the Austrian Presidency will focus on further

risk reduction measures, as progress in this area is a prerequisite for resuming

discussions on further risk sharing measures. This concerns in particular the estab-

lishment of a European Deposit Insurance System (EDIS) as well as the introduction

of a common backstop to the Single Resolution Fund provided by the European

Stability Mechanism (ESM). First and foremost, Austria will strive for an agreement

on the Banking Package (risk reduction measures) presented by the European

Commission in November 2016, which already addresses a number of important

objectives outlined in the ECOFIN roadmap of June 2016 on risk reduction meas-

ures. In particular, liabilities for tax payers shall be precluded. In addition, particular

attention will be paid to the European Commission’s proposals for further reducing

non-performing loans stocks as well as other legacy assets and preventing the

accumulation of new NPLs.

Also with respect to the numerous other topics related to financial services, Austria

will do its best to achieve significant progress and finalise dossiers. We will also

ensure an appropriate follow-up to the Commission’s FinTech Action Plan (and the

respective conclusions of the ECOFIN Council), with a particular focus on opportuni-

ties and risks of virtual assets and on regulatory and supervisory measures that may

become necessary in this context. Finally, the Austrian Presidency will also advance

the building of a Capital Markets Union, thus contributing to innovation and competi-

tiveness, employment and growth.

Deepening and strengthening

economic policy coordination

The economic and financial crisis has been used to fundamentally reform economic,

fiscal and financial governance rules. Today, the European Union is better prepared

than ever regarding crisis prevention and resolution. However, to further strengthen

credibility and trust, better compliance with governance rules, notably with the

Stability and Growth Pact, is needed. With a view to further strengthening the EMU,

we should concentrate on policy measures with real and visible added value to

the EU in terms of stability, resilience and convergence. Against this backdrop, the

Austrian Presidency is determined to continue the debate based on the Commis-

sion’s proposals of December 2017 and spring 2018 and the results achieved by the

Bulgarian Presidency.

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Improving efficiency and fairness in taxation

Efficient, fair and transparent tax systems are essential for the sustainability of public

finances. Together with the quality of public spending, they are a key determinant for

growth and jobs. We have to protect our public budgets against harmful tax competi-

tion, tax fraud and tax evasion and to modernise tax rules in view of globalisation and

new technologies. We need to take strong and unequivocal positions vis-à-vis our

international partners, especially when it comes to taxation of the digital economy.

The Austrian Presidency will attach particular importance to this issue in a bid to

advance the negotiations and to outline potential solutions in light of the develop-

ments at G-20, OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)

and EU level. We will also continue to work on the European Commission’s proposal

for the introduction of a common corporate tax base. In the field of indirect taxation,

we plan to achieve progress on the numerous European Commission proposals for

modernising VAT in order to continue strengthening the Single Market, and to be able

to efficiently fight fraud and ensure a close cooperation between tax administrations.

Provision of financial resources – 2019 EU budget

The Austrian Presidency will ensure that the implementation of the budget for 2018

and the budget for 2019 will adhere to the principles of sound and efficient financial

management. The budget for 2019 will be prepared with due consideration of the

guidelines adopted by the ECOFIN Council in February 2018, which call, among

other things, for prudent budgeting and sufficient margins to deal with unforeseen

circumstances. We will also take all the necessary steps to reach an agreement with

the European Parliament.

The debate on the financing of the EU budget will also involve negotiations on the

future own resources decision.

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Justice and Home Affairs Council

A Union that protects

freedom and justice

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Justice

The Austrian Presidency strives to implement the three levels of the area of freedom,

security and justice on a comprehensive basis. All measures in this respect must be

in conformity with fundamental rights, also with a view to fully satisfying the criterion

of rule of law, one of the values laid down in Article 2 TEU. Against this backdrop,

Austria strongly supports the European Commission’s initiatives for the sustainable

protection of the rule of law in the European Union and its neighbouring countries.

Criminal justice

While the increasing threat of terrorism has brought the European dimension of crim-

inal activities to the fore, it has always been there. Judicial cooperation is indispen-

sable to ensure that firm and efficient measures can be taken against cross-border

crime. This requires a coordinated approach by national law enforcement authorities

and mutual recognition of court judgments and decisions. Judicial systems which

fully comply with rule-of-law standards form the basis for mutual recognition and

trust. What is more, it will soon be possible for the European Public Prosecutor’s

Office (EPPO) to investigate criminal offences against the EU’s financial interests.

Following completion of the work on the Regulation establishing the European

Public Prosecutor’s Office, Austria will strive to finalise the accompanying measures

for preparing the EPPO to take up operations and provide for an evaluation of its

activities in a foreseeable future.

The organisation of Eurojust, the agency that has been highly successful in prose-

cuting cross-border crime, is to become even more efficient once the revision of its

legal framework has been completed, if possible under the Austrian Presidency.

An amendment of the existing framework decision on the European Criminal

Records Information System (ECRIS) is to extend the exchange of information on

national criminal records to include third-country nationals sentenced by the courts

of a Member State. Should this work not be completed during the Bulgarian Presi-

dency, achieving this goal will be high on the agenda of the Austrian Presidency. In

this context, a focus will be placed on the topic “Detention in country of origin”.

Improving the legal framework for judicial cooperation on criminal matters encom-

passes, in particular, a more efficient fight against terrorist crime, measures to

combat money laundering, fraud and counterfeiting of non-cash means of payment

as well as more efficient ways to freeze and seize criminally obtained assets.

A more comprehensive set of instruments is to be created for law enforcement

authorities in a bid to better accommodate the changes caused by the continuing

advances in communications technology. A key aspect in this respect is speeding up

and streamlining cross-border access to evidence obtained from telecommunication

service providers. The Austrian Presidency will therefore actively support all efforts

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to fight internet crime and strive to advance proposals for a Regulation on a Euro-

pean Production Order and a European Preservation Order on electronic evidence

in criminal matters, as well as for a Directive laying down harmonised rules on

the appointment of legal representatives for the purpose of gathering evidence in

criminal proceedings. In this context, the use of e-Justice solutions in cross-border

judicial cooperation in criminal matters also appears to be particularly important.

e-Justice

As a pioneer in the forward-looking use of electronic solutions in the justice system

(e-Justice), Austria is particularly invested in taking the ongoing e-CODEX project

(e-Justice Communication via Online Data Exchange) into regular operation at the

European eu-LISA agency, and in quickly advancing an expected proposal for a

Regulation providing fundamental provisions on the use of e-Justice.

Civil law

The Austrian Presidency will devote great efforts to those dossiers of civil law which

contribute to the completion of the Digital Single Market. We will at the same time

try to advance the work on the proposed legislation on judicial cooperation in civil

matters, with a view to contributing to improving the efficiency of judicial systems

and cross-border judicial cooperation.

The draft Directive on certain aspects concerning contracts for the supply of digital

content will, for the first time, create a pertinent body of rules at European level

and thus boost electronic commerce on the European market. Austria will strive

to achieve significant progress in the negotiations on this dossier. Austria will

also endeavour to further develop the proposal for a Directive on certain aspects

concerning contracts for the online and other distance sales of goods.

Access to justice, mutual recognition of court decisions and a convergence of

national procedural law will be fostered by legislative acts under the judicial cooper-

ation in civil matters, offering a wide range of assistance to people and businesses

finding themselves before a court in another EU Member State. This will also help

families with an international background to find arrangements that are as clear and

forward-looking as possible on complex matters such as those arising in divorce

proceedings or in disputes over custody rights. For these reasons, Austria is very

much interested in completing the work on the revision of the Brussels IIa Regula-

tion, which is to provide for even more efficient handling of cases of child abduction

in future.

In an effort to offer businesses struggling with economic difficulties access to preven-

tive restructuring measures as soon as possible, Austria will also strive to advance and

– if possible – complete work on the current proposal for a Directive on insolvency law.

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In addition, work on the revision of the European Service Regulation and the Euro-

pean Evidence Regulation will be advanced. Finally, the Austrian Presidency will

strive to achieve substantial progress as regards the law applicable to the third-party

effects of assignments of claims.

Data protection

Following the entry into force of the data protection package for EU Member States,

which consists of the General Data Protection Regulation and the Directive for data

protection in law enforcement, further legislative acts are envisaged to complete

the updated EU data protection regime: Unless this goal is achieved already by the

Bulgarian Presidency, Austria will endeavour to complete the negotiations on the

Regulation on Data Protection by EU institutions, as well as the work on modernising

the Council of Europe Convention No. 108 on Data Protection, including the tech-

nical provisions on its entry into force, in particular with a view to a potential future

accession of the EU to the Convention. Once a draft has been submitted, it is also

envisaged to advance the negotiations on a Council decision on data protection

provisions for CSDP missions and operations.

External dimension

Aware of the importance of the export of rule-of-law standards, Austria will also

focus on the external dimension of justice and home affairs matters and, in particular,

on a dialogue with those countries that are immediate or close neighbours of the EU,

with continued special attention to the Western Balkans.

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Home affairs

The largest migration crisis in Europe since the Second World War and people’s

fears of further uncontrolled migration have caused a loss in trust in the European

Union’s capacity to act and show resilience in a crisis. Add to this increasing

extremist and terrorist activities and new threats in crime, not least due to the use of

modern technology. As a result, ensuring security in the digital world has become a

special challenge. The Austrian Presidency will aspire to contribute to a Union that is

resilient and future-proof in matters of internal security and aligned with the concerns

of citizens. We will place a focus on asylum and migration issues, on protecting

the external borders, on fighting radicalisation, terrorism and organised crime, on

cooperation between security authorities, on digital security, and on promoting and

protecting European values.

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Protection of the EU’s external borders

Strengthening both external and internal security and ensuring the freedom of

movement within the Schengen Area requires resilient protection of the EU’s

external borders and efficient entry and exit controls. The core element here is to

support Member States through the reinforcement of the European Border and

Coast Guard Agency FRONTEX, including the adaptation of its mandate to the new

requirements. Measures ensuring sustainable controls and closing of illegal migration

routes, in particular those across the Eastern and Central Mediterranean, preventing

illegal immigration and human trafficking as well as dismantling illegal immigration

networks have to be continued and reinforced.

In addition, the Austrian Presidency will pursue a number of other projects in this

context. These include the completion and implementation of the three Regulations

for the strengthening and improvement of the Schengen Information System (SIS)

and the revision of the Schengen Borders Code so as to be able to introduce and

maintain internal border controls for a longer period of time in the event of serious

threats to internal security. The implementation of the Regulation establishing an

Entry / Exit System (EES) and a European Travel Information and Authorization

System (ETIAS) for monitoring travel by third-country nationals from and into the EU

also needs to be advanced.

Asylum and migration

Based on a clear distinction between refugees and migrants, the core element of a

functioning Europe-wide solution to current migration issues must be the creation of

a resilient and strict asylum and migration system to prevent uncontrolled migration

and reduce migratory pressure on EU Member States.

The Austrian Presidency intends to make a contribution towards this end by

advancing the negotiations on the reform of the Common European Asylum System.

In addition, measures aimed at establishing a resilient asylum policy must be devel-

oped. We need a system change in order to prevent that human traffickers continue

to decide who will be received in the EU Member States.

Austria will also advocate a strengthening of the common return policy, with suitable

incentives in the cooperation with third countries, but also increasingly by applying

the principle “Less for Less” (i. e. links to visa or economic policy and concerted

restrictive measures). In addition, the Union must put the cooperation with relevant

countries of origin and transit onto a firm footing under the European migration

partnership framework and, based on a comprehensive approach, increase targeted

efforts in third countries.

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What is more, respect among migrants and people who have been granted asylum

or subsidiary protection in the EU Member States for democratic values as well as

universal human and civil rights, which helped shape Europe as it is today, is an

indispensable prerequisite for a successful migration and asylum policy.

Fight against radicalisation and terrorism

With a view to promoting a secure and positive environment for people living

together, the Union must pursue a proactive, comprehensive and integrated

approach towards preventing and fighting extremism and terrorism and supporting

de-radicalisation. Repeated acts of violence in recent years underline the need for a

common and holistic approach.

For this reason, the Austrian Presidency will work towards a number of measures to

curb tendencies towards radicalisation at an early stage. This includes promoting

and protecting fundamental rights and European values, increased efforts to

communicate the rules for peaceful and secure co-existence as well as reinforced

measures against antisemitism. The EU Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN) is

to be further developed and strengthened. Likewise, it is planned to launch a serious

debate on strategies against political Islam and for fostering European-style Islam,

not least at the conference of ministers on the topic of ‘Values – Rule of Law – Secu-

rity’ to be held in Vienna in November 2018.

Effective cooperation between justice and home affairs agencies, as well as with the

Member States’ authorities and other partners is essential for preventing terrorist

and extremist attacks. For this reason, Austria advocates the improvement of infor-

mation sharing and cooperation between all stakeholders. Existing special units are

to be reinforced, for instance through the ATLAS network, which comprises special

police force intervention units. Security and stability in our neighbouring countries

contribute to the internal security of the EU, which is why partnerships in this field

are to be developed and implemented with the Western Balkan countries as well as

with countries in North Africa.

Fight against organised crime

To achieve noticeable progress in fighting organised crime, it is necessary to

strengthen the cooperation between police forces and increase the efficiency

of existing instruments. In this context, the Austrian Presidency will focus on

implementing the EU Policy Cycle for organised and serious international crime

2018 – 2021. Special importance will be attached to the priorities it defines on

illegal migration, trafficking in human beings and facilitation of illegal immigra-

tion, in particular as regards the identification of victims of human trafficking and

fighting facilitation of illegal immigration along the Silk Road. In addition, measures

on cross-cutting priorities such as financial crime, asset recovery and money

laundering, document fraud and issues such as cybercrime, drugs, organised

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property crime, tax fraud and MTIC fraud, firearms and environmental crime are to

be implemented.

Given the current security situation, combating links between organised crime and

terrorism, specifically financing of terrorism, firearms trafficking and document

fraud also takes top priority. Another positive contribution to security can be

expected from promoting networks for cooperation between the police and the

public (community policing); in this context, the Presidency will present the Austrian

approach to this issue (‘Gemeinsam.Sicher’).

We want to foster integrity in the public administration as well as in other areas of

government and EU activity and contribute to stronger cooperation between the

competent authorities when it comes to preventing and combating corruption.

The Austrian Presidency’s focus on stability in the EU’s neighbouring countries and

in the Western Balkans also involves familiarising these countries with EU security

standards. A comprehensive approach based on partnerships for security, migration

and development will be discussed at the ministerial conference on ‘Security and

Migration – Promoting Partnership and Resilience’ taking place in September 2018

in Vienna. A significant goal in this context is stepping-up Prüm cooperation in the

Western Balkans.

Exchange of information

Experience from recent years has shown again and again that a smooth exchange

of information between security authorities is essential to the security of European

Union citizens. Improving the functions of existing large-scale IT systems and the

interoperability of relevant databases is to ensure better networking between, and

capability to act of, security authorities in their fight against illegal migration, organ-

ised crime, extremism and terrorism.

For this reason, the Austrian Presidency will work hard to achieve a prompt finalisa-

tion of the proposal on the interoperability of EU information systems for borders and

security.

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Digital security

To make digitalisation work, it is necessary to ensure digital security in all areas,

transparency in data handling, and technological sovereignty. The risks inherent in

digitalisation must be minimised, and critical infrastructures need to be protected.

Being dependent on non-European security technologies makes us vulnerable, a

problem we need to find sustainable solutions for. Austria will strive for a global

approach to freedom and security in the digital world which takes account of all

relevant products and services and builds on work already undertaken in respect of

network and information security.

Dialogue and cooperation between the ministers represented on the Justice and

Home Affairs Council and the internet industry will be needed to improve cyber

security. The EU Internet Forum is to provide a platform for intensifying such efforts.

The Commission Recommendation on measures to effectively tackle illegal content

online is to be fully implemented.

Overall, Austria will contribute towards implementing a resilient and future-proof

security union that is aligned with citizen concerns, and towards revising the internal

security strategy in line with these requirements by fostering the above-mentioned

projects as well as by including subsequent Presidencies, the Commission, the

European Parliament, the EU agencies, the European External Action Service and

outside experts into a medium-term discussion process (Vienna Process).

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Employment, Social Policy,

Health and Consumer Affairs Council

A Union to

benefit everyone

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Digitalisation means change on all

levels – in business and at work, in

health systems, for social models

and also with respect to the social

fabric. Securing the sustainability

of social protection systems, in

particular with respect to healthcare,

still poses major challenges for many

Member States.

The initiatives proposed by the

Commission in the health and social

sectors provide the framework for

further endeavours which will also

be promoted under the Austrian

Presidency.

Employment and social policy

Fair working conditions for everyone

Digitalisation in the workplace will be one major theme of the Austrian Presidency.

New modes of work that arise due to digitalisation require a shared understanding

and common rules within the Single Market to avoid distortion of competition.

Building on the work of the trio partners, the Austrian Presidency will direct its focus

on platform-based working, in particular on work and employment conditions as well

as social and labour law. In this context, challenges, experiences and best-practice

models relating to labour market effects, working conditions and

social protection will be discussed together with European social partners and

(socio-political) NGOs in an informal setting. The key results of this debate will be

considered in the Council’s deliberations.

Moreover, the Austrian Presidency will continue the negotiations on the Directive on

transparent and predictable working conditions in the European Union and on the

new Employment Guidelines.

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Under the Austrian Presidency, the Council will also continue work on the existing

initiatives on equal treatment and non-discrimination, and the initiative for work-life

balance.

Mobility, health and safety at the workplace

and accessibility

Based on the progress made under the Bulgarian Presidency, the Austrian Presi-

dency will continue the negotiations on the revision of the Regulation on the coordi-

nation of social security systems. The proposals submitted by the Commission, such

as on better access to social protection for the self-employed and people in atypical

employment forms, will also be negotiated.

Changes in modes of work, employment structures and the organisation of work

lead to new health risks for workers. Cancer is the most common work-related

reason of death in the EU. The Austrian Presidency aims to complete the negotia-

tions on the amendment of the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (second and

third batches).

A well-functioning Single Market has to be beneficial for everyone, also for people

with disabilities. The Austrian Presidency will thus endeavour to conclude the negoti-

ations on the European Accessibility Act.

Health and consumer protection

The objective assessment of innovations with respect to drugs and medical

engineering becomes increasingly important when it comes to decisions on the

application of new therapies. Therefore, Austria will continue the work started by the

Bulgarian Presidency on the Regulation on Health Technology Assessment, with the

aim of preparing a progress report.

In December 2017, the Commission presented a roadmap for a strengthened

cooperation against vaccine preventable diseases, providing for a proposal for a

Council Recommendation. The Austrian Presidency strives for the adoption of this

Recommendation.

In October 2018, the Eighth Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework

Convention on Tobacco Control will take place in Geneva. It is the aim of the

Austrian Presidency to prepare a common EU position on the issues under negotia-

tion at the conference.

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Women and gender equality

Two main goals are at the centre of the Austrian Presidency’s objectives with regard

to women and gender equality. The first goal is to promote an open and future-

oriented dialogue on gender equality. Second, we wish to advance the strength-

ening and institutionalisation of the discourse on gender equality on the EU political

agenda. The focus will be on the topics of youth and gender equality, on which draft

Council conclusions will be prepared. Based on this topic, the Beijing Declaration

and Platform for Action will be reviewed with respect to “The Girl Child”, and new

aspects of gender equality will be worked on in the context of digitalisation. The

European Institute for Gender Equality will prepare a study on this issue. In addition,

a stronger focus will be placed on combating violence against women and girls.

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Competitiveness Council

A Union for jobs,

growth and

competitiveness

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Sustainably maintaining Europe’s

position as a business location

requires a coordinated economic

policy aimed at making our enterprises

more competitive. On the one hand,

this means preserving and expanding

traditional industrial sectors and, on

the other hand, creating an economic

environment that is open for new

sectors, encourages innovative

business models and fosters research

and development.

For this to work properly, a regulatory framework is needed which anticipates new

circumstances, such as digitalisation, and which highlights the true added value of

EU regulations – in line with the subsidiarity principle. Conditions should be designed

in such a way that the opportunities arising from digitalisation can be seized as best

possible.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups and scale-ups are to take

centre stage during the Austrian Presidency, with an environment offering legal

certainty while at the same time promoting growth and innovation to help them

become more competitive. Initiatives to develop innovation and professional skills

will be further promoted. Austria will also encourage the improvement of conditions

for digital services and digitalisation in enterprises, also with a view to the realisation

of a Digital Single Market. Under the trio presidency, Austria will continue the efforts

undertaken to implement the Digital Single Market strategy, focusing, in particular,

on finalising the dossiers on platform-to-business trading (P2B) and on strengthening

the competition authorities of the Member States (ECN+).

The Austrian Presidency intends to promote artificial intelligence as a field with the

potential for a reindustrialisation of Europe, and plans to stimulate developments in

this respect in close cooperation with the relevant stakeholders.

Better regulation

Not least in view of the current debate on subsidiarity, the Austrian Presidency will

continue the Better Regulation Agenda using the existing tools and initiatives as a

basis.

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Single Market

Another priority is to further develop and deepen the Single Market and to remove

bureaucratic hurdles. Austria will continue constructive negotiations on the Single

Market Programme, the goods, services and compliance packages as well as on the

‘New Deal for Consumers’ package.

As for the Digital Single Market, the Austrian Presidency will work on finalising the

proposed legislation on the establishment of a Single Digital Gateway, depending on

the progress already achieved by the Bulgarian Presidency. This dossier is deemed

key in enabling users to significantly reduce administrative burdens within the EU

Single Market and provides first steps towards the implementation of the “Once

Only” principle.

Moreover, Austria will continue the reforms of copyright and company law, not least

to also meet the increasing challenges of digitalisation in these areas of legislation.

The aim is to complete the work on the Directive on copyright in the Digital Single

Market and the Regulation laying down rules on the exercise of copyright and related

rights applicable to certain online transmissions of broadcasting organisations and

retransmissions of television and radio programmes. The efforts for further digitali-

sation in company law matters and for a simplification of cross-border restructuring

measures will be continued.

Industry

The Austrian Presidency will place industry as a key engine of growth, employment

and innovation in Europe into the centre of activities. Against the backdrop of the

current digital transformation, Austria will strive for a holistic approach towards EU

industrial policy, which will, in close coordination with other policy areas such as

climate and energy, promote new energy technologies but also take into account the

needs of energy-intensive industries.

It has to be our common goal to boost industrial competitiveness for the EU as a

whole, leveraging the opportunities that come with digitalisation and strengthening

Europe’s position as a business location. Based on the accomplishments of the trio

partners Estonia and Bulgaria as well as on the Industrial Policy Strategy presented

by the Commission, the Austrian Presidency will work towards improving main-

streaming and monitoring of industrial competitiveness.

Targeted promotion of innovation, such as with respect to Industry 4.0, through RTI

funding and demand-side measures will be another priority contributing to strength-

ening Europe’s international competitiveness.

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Small and medium-sized enterprises

Small and medium-sized enterprises contribute significantly to the creation of jobs,

innovation and growth. Therefore Austria commits itself to the systematic application

of the “Think Small First” principle and will ensure that this principle will be applied

in all policy areas, in particular when establishing new regulations to help European

start-ups and SMEs to develop their full potential and to grow. The continuation of

COSME as part of the Single Market Programme is to help SMEs in gaining access

to the Single Market. For the programme to be successful, it will be crucial to focus

on the specific needs of SMEs.

Unitary Patent and Unified Patent Court

Work on the Unitary Patent is more or less completed, but there are still a few

adjustments to be made to the legal texts. Austria has always supported the reform

of the patent system in Europe with the aim to establish unitary patent protection

and a corresponding Unified Patent Court and will, during its Presidency, endeavour

to complete respective work and take all measures required for the system to be

implemented as smoothly as possible.

Space

Space technology, data and services are main drivers of growth and innovation and

ensure Europe’s security and independency. This is why the Austrian Presidency

will strive to ensure infrastructure continuity as well as sustainable future-oriented

services, in particular with respect to the space programmes Copernicus (Earth

observation) and Galileo / EGNOS (satellite navigation). In view of challenges such

as climate change and sustainable development, as well as migration and security,

it is necessary to provide additional services and to ensure an adequate level of

security for both infrastructure and services. The Austrian Presidency will strive to

achieve quick and efficient progress on the negotiations on the future EU space

programmes. Furthermore, Austria’s Presidency will focus its efforts on promoting

cooperation with other programmes and EU policy areas, as well as on ensuring

efficient and effective governance of the space sector as a whole.

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Research

Setting the course for the future

It is research and innovation that fuel the dynamic development of our societies.

The second semester of 2018 will provide a chance to set the course for the future.

This includes first and foremost the negotiations on Horizon Europe, the world’s

largest and most successful research programme. The ninth edition of the

programme will continue well-established funding instruments but will also provide

new impetus, be it with respect to the European Innovation Council or developments

towards stronger mission orientation of research and innovation. The Austrian Presi-

dency will strive for quick and efficient progress on this negotiation package.

Moreover, the Austrian Presidency aims for Council conclusions on the European

Research Area, which is to give prominence above all to activities that hold out the

promise of major progress towards a Single Market for Knowledge, such as the

European Open Science Cloud.

Demand will have to play an even stronger role in research and innovation. The chal-

lenges of digitalisation or climate change, for instance, are major factors in driving

demand for research. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide

an important reference framework for the demand for research and innovation. The

Austrian Presidency sees research and innovation as a generic policy area that has

to be put to work for all sectoral policies.

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Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council

Move towards

sustainable, fair,

competitive and

safe transport systems

Facilitate secure

connectivity and

digital public services

Towards an

Energy Union

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Transport

Move towards sustainable, fair, competitive and

safe transport systems

The Austrian Presidency aims to further develop transport systems that contribute

to balanced competition, ensure a fair standard of working and social conditions,

increase the safety of transport and contribute to a sustainable and climate-friendly

approach to mobility. Considering that an effective modern infrastructure constitutes

the basis for an innovative and efficient mobility system, Austria will also attach great

importance to the revision of the Trans-European Transport Network and the infra-

structure financing rules.

In the area of land transport, Austria will therefore continue the work on the dossiers

of the mobility packages. Depending on the progress achieved during the Bulgarian

Presidency, Austria will work on the European Commission’s proposals on market

access and access to professions, driving times and rest periods, tachographs,

controls of social legislation, the posting of workers in the transport sector, and hired

vehicles, and, together with the European Parliament, it will strive to find solutions

which take into account the needs of both European citizens and businesses.

Furthermore, the Commission’s proposals for the revision of transport infrastruc-

ture cost, the European Electronic Toll Service (EETS), the promotion of clean and

eco-friendly road transport vehicles and combined transport can greatly contribute

to energy-efficient and low-emission mobility. Therefore, debates on these proposals

will constitute a key priority for the Austrian Presidency. Although there are no

concrete dossiers pending, Austria will work on increasing efficiency in the area of

rail freight transport on an informal basis.

Concerning the Commission’s proposals aimed at improving road safety in Europe,

such as the revision of the Directive on road infrastructure safety management and

the General Safety Regulation, Austria intends to achieve significant progress in the

negotiations with a view to rapidly improving road safety.

With respect to air transport, the Austrian Presidency will pursue the goal of

strengthening Europe’s competitive position and will, in particular, advance the

work on the Regulation on safeguarding competition in air transport. Further work

on agreements with third countries will also constitute an important measure in this

respect. As for rail transport, Austria will attach great importance to the negotiations

on passenger rights. In the area of inland waterway transport, Austria will empha-

sise in Council conclusions the potential of this mode of transport as well as the

necessity to continue the respective EU programmes, especially NAIADES. With

respect to maritime transport, Austria will use its best efforts to reach an agreement

on the Directive on port reception facilities. Furthermore, Austria will try to make

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good progress regarding the proposals on the establishment of a European Maritime

Single Window environment and the seafarer training / the recognition of certificates

as well as support the important work in the framework of the International Maritime

Organisation (IMO).

Telecommunications

Facilitate secure connectivity and

digital public services

Following in the footsteps of our trio partners Estonia and Bulgaria, the Austrian

Presidency will give priority to the dossiers on the development of a Digital Single

Market. The goal will be to come up with well-balanced and forward-looking

compromises which will help to promote growth and competition for the benefit of

both European citizens and the economy.

Depending on the progress made during the Bulgarian Presidency, the Austrian

Presidency intends to finalise the negotiations on the revision of the legal framework

for telecommunications, in particular, the Directive establishing the European Elec-

tronic Communications Code and the Regulation establishing the Body of European

Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC).

The Austrian Presidency will also advocate future-proof data protection provisions

in the digital sector, including, in particular, work on the Regulation on Privacy and

Electronic Communications. In this respect, it is important to ensure strong privacy

protection in electronic communications while also taking into account development

opportunities for innovative services. With a view to implementing the 5G Action

Plan and establishing a European Gigabit Society, the Austrian Presidency will

advocate the extension of broadband and mobile network coverage. Depending on

the progress achieved during the Bulgarian Presidency, Austria will also use its best

efforts to see the finalisation of the proposal for a Regulation on a framework for the

free flow of non-personal data. Negotiations on the revised Directive on the re-use of

public sector information, and on the sectoral legislative proposals within the scope

of the Multiannual Financial Framework (i.e., Connecting Europe Facility, Digital

Europe) will be pushed forward under the Austrian Presidency. In the context of

reviewing the eGovernment Action Plan, Austria will strive to accelerate the pace of

modernisation in Member States’ public administrations, for instance by introducing

eGovernment services.

The Austrian Presidency also expects finalisation of the Cybersecurity Act, which

provides for a new mandate for an EU Cybersecurity Agency (formerly ENISA) and

the creation of a cybersecurity certification framework.

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Energy

Towards an Energy Union

In the context of the Paris Agreement on climate change, the European Commission

presented, in 2016, the ‘Clean Energy for All Europeans’ legislative proposals, which

constitute probably the most extensive package of measures in the history of EU

energy policy and aim at providing an effective legal framework for an affordable,

competitive, sustainable and secure energy supply for the future. Ambitious energy

policy targets have been set for the period until 2030. New rules on the electricity

market are designed to strengthen the position of EU citizens and help address

energy transition challenges.

The Austrian Presidency is dedicated to continuing the work of our trio partners,

Estonia and Bulgaria, and will therefore use its best efforts to bring about the

successful completion of all legislative proposals on which work is still pending.

As the individual proposals are all interconnected, it will be necessary to find over-

arching solutions. Given the ambitious targets set at national, international and Euro-

pean level, Austria will endeavour to make an active contribution towards bringing

about the Energy Union and achieving an integrated energy and climate policy.

The key is for all of Europe to make a concerted effort towards a more sustainable

and efficient supply and use of energy. In this respect, Austria will strive to finalise

the negotiations on the Energy Efficiency Directive, unless this will already have been

achieved during the Bulgarian Presidency.

The increased use of renewable energy sources on competitive electricity markets,

as well as efficient heating and cooling markets play a key role in ensuring a sustain-

able energy future. This requires solutions which take the regional character of the

EU’s energy system into account. Austria will endeavour to bring the negotiations

on the Renewable Energy Directive to a close, unless this will already have been

achieved during the Bulgarian Presidency.

The Regulation on the Governance of the Energy Union is to be finalised in order to

efficiently implement the climate and energy targets while at the same time ensuring

streamlined processes and simplified reporting and adhering to the principles of

subsidiarity, proportionality and balance, unless this will already have been achieved

during the Bulgarian Presidency.

Topics such as the integration of renewable energy sources, active consumers,

digitalisation, and regional approaches play a crucial role with a view to deepening

the internal electricity market. The Austrian Presidency will focus its efforts on

developing viable compromises with respect to both the Directive and the Regulation

in the course of the trilogue negotiations. Furthermore, the proposal for a Regulation

on the Agency for Cooperation between EU Energy Regulators (ACER) will also need

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to be finalised during Austria’s Presidency. The negotiations on the proposal for a

Regulation on risk preparedness in the electricity sector are to produce suitable and

reasonable rules.

Continuing the work done so far by its trio partners, Austria will keep up the debate

triggered by the Commission’s efforts towards amending the Directive concerning

common rules for the internal market in natural gas.

Energy industry and energy technology

With a view to ensuring a sustainable future for business and industry, it is crucial to

work towards fair competition also where energy and climate are concerned. Secu-

rity of supply, affordability and competitiveness need to be kept in mind as well. It is

also intended to devote attention to issues relevant for the industry. The focus here

will be on aspects such as development and market transition of new technologies,

stepping-up security of supply based on flexibility and energy storage solutions, and

leveraging the potential of digitalisation and smart grid technologies for the energy

transition.

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Agriculture and Fisheries Council

Ensuring

food security and vitality

of rural areas

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With respect to agriculture,

the priority of the Austrian

Presidency is to negotiate

the proposals made by

the European Commission

on the modernisation

and simplification of the

Common Agricultural

Policy (CAP) after 2020.

Not only is the CAP the EU’s most long-standing and best-integrated policy area, but

it is also considered to be of global strategic importance. This sector is all the more

important as it supplies us with safe, high-quality and affordable food. To maintain

this status, it is crucial to safeguard a multifunctional EU-wide agriculture, as well

as to strengthen and promote the development of vital rural areas, in particular in

disadvantaged and mountainous regions. The starting point of the discussions on

the future of the CAP will be the legislative proposals presented by the Commission

based on the Communication on The Future of Food and Farming.

Based on the Commission’s proposal on unfair trade practices, a strong emphasis

will be placed on improving the position of agricultural producers, who are currently

considered the weakest party in the entire food supply chain.

In addition, the Austrian Presidency will devote its attention to improving Europe’s

supply with vegetable protein, implementing the Bio-economy Strategy in the

agriculture and forestry sectors, and working on the dossiers on veterinary and

phytosanitary matters, forestry and fisheries.

Agriculture

Discussions and negotiations on the Common Agricultural Policy after 2020 as well

as on the Commission’s proposal on the food supply chain will dominate the work

of the Austrian Presidency in this sector. The Presidency’s goal is to find the right

balance between tried and tested measures and new, innovative approaches, and to

safeguard the CAP as a common strategic policy which grants the Member States

more flexibility thanks to a stronger emphasis on subsidiarity.

In the context of the proposal on the food supply chain, Austria will take up the

baton from the Bulgarian Presidency and focus on strengthening the position of

agricultural producers in the food supply chain. Key issues will be unfair trade prac-

tices along the supply chain and the sustainable strengthening of weaker business

partners.

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Building on the progress achieved by the Estonian and Bulgarian Presidencies,

Austria will continue the negotiations with the European Parliament on the Regulation

on Spirit Drinks with the aim of finalisation.

At the start of the Austrian Presidency, the members of the United Nations Food and

Agriculture Organisation (FAO) will set out their priorities for forestry for the next two

years. In addition, it is planned to sound out possibilties for resuming the negotia-

tions on a legally binding agreement on forests in Europe. Other relevant dossiers

include a review of the EU Forest Strategy and of EU activities on deforestation, the

EU FLEGT Action Plan (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade), and the

United Nations Forest Forum (UNFF).

In the area of plant health, 2018 will see more work on the new Plant Health and

Controls Regulation, as more than 20 delegated or implementing acts will have to be

finalised in 2019. Preparations for the 2020 United Nations International Year of Plant

Health will pick up the pace during the Austrian Presidency.

On consumer protection, veterinary matters, and animal welfare, work on the legis-

lative proposals already presented, such as the veterinary medicinal products and

medicated feeds package, will be continued.

To ensure a high level of both consumer protection and animal health, it is important

to continue work on the implementing acts and delegated acts for the implementa-

tion of the Regulations on animal health and official controls adopted in 2016 and

2017. In this context, better networking among Member States on food safety will be

key.

Furthermore, in an effort to strengthen citizens’ trust in EU food policy, Austria will

vigorously proceed with the consultations on the Commission’s proposal on trans-

parency and sustainability of the EU risk assessment in the food chain, and focus its

efforts on increasing the transparency of authorisation procedures followed by the

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Fisheries

The Common Fisheries Policy provides that catches for a number of commercial

fishing stocks, which are defined in terms of total allowable catches (TACs) allocated

to Member States (quotas), be determined on a regular basis. For this reason, the

negotiations on 2019 catch limits for the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the North

Sea / the Atlantic will be predominant in the Presidency’s work in this area. In addi-

tion, we will conclude two-year TACs and quotas for deep-sea species and three-

year autonomous tariff quotas for certain fishery products.

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Multi-annual plans are another key element of the Common Fisheries Policy. The

Austrian Presidency will therefore continue to work, among other things, on the

proposal on the Western Mediterranean Sea and the proposal on Western Waters.

The Austrian Presidency will attempt to advance discussions on the proposed

amendment of the Official Controls Regulation and the proposal for the European

Maritime and Fisheries Fund after 2020.

With respect to the external dimension of the Common Fisheries Policy, the Austrian

Presidency will see further work on developing the common position of the Council

on annual meetings of multilateral organisations and regional fisheries management

organisations. Austria will also prepare the negotiations on sustainable fisheries

partnership agreements, such as with Cape Verde and Madagascar. Finally, it will be

necessary to develop EU positions for the negotiations with the Coastal States and

on the northern agreements with Norway and the Faroe Islands.

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Environment Council

A Union of

sustainability and

forward-looking

climate policy

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During the Austrian

Presidency, active climate

protection will constitute

a priority in environmental

policy. This is why Austria

will endeavour to promote

healthy mobility and trans-

port systems with low

greenhouse gas emissions.

At the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention

on Climate Change (COP24) in Katowice, Poland in December 2018, Austria, in its

capacity as EU negotiator, will represent Europe’s climate policy interests.

In line with the trio presidency’s programme, the Austrian Presidency will continue

the work on the circular economy, with a special focus on eco-innovative initiatives.

Key goals include a healthy environment, the efficient use of resources, eco-friendly

and sustainable growth, and measures for a non-toxic environment.

Climate agreement

The 2015 Paris Agreement marks a breakthrough in global climate policy. In imple-

menting the agreement, the Austrian Presidency will present Council conclusions

at the Environment Council in October for the 24th Conference of the Parties to the

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. These conclusions will

spell out the EU’s key political statements on the individual themes under negotiation

at the COP24. The focus in this respect will be placed on the technical implementa-

tion of the Paris Agreement.

CO2 standards for vehicles

The Joint Declaration on the EU’s legislative priorities for 2018 – 2019 mentions the

further reduction of CO2 emissions of passenger cars and vans as one of the priority

areas. With a view to attaining the climate goals, Austria will continue the work

started by the Bulgarian Presidency and work towards completing the negotiations.

This will contribute to the attainment of the EU targets for 2030, among them an at

least 40 % cut in greenhouse gas emissions compared with 1990. In addition, the

proposal on the introduction of standards for HGV CO2 emissions constitutes an

implementation measure of the 2016 EU Strategy for Low-Emission Mobility, which

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provides for a 60 % emissions reduction goal in the transport sector to be reached

by 2050.

Single-use plastics

For years Austria has been working at reducing plastics and microplastics and

advocating an ambitious strategy for plastics. The Austrian Presidency will attach

great importance to stepping up activities against plastic pollution in inland waters

and oceans and to stopping the use of microplastics in various product groups.

Therefore, the proposal on single-use plastics will receive special attention during

the Austrian Presidency.

Biodiversity

In October, the Austrian Presidency will present the Council with conclusions on the

orientation of the future global biodiversity policy after 2020, which encompass the

mandate of the European Union for the negotiations at the 14th Conference of the

Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity and the meetings of the Parties to

the two Protocols to the Convention (CBD COP14).

Revision of the POP Regulation

Based on the international Stockholm Convention, the Regulation on persistent

organic pollutants (POPs) sets out measures against particularly toxic and long-

lasting chemicals. The Austrian Presidency aspires to complete the revision of the

Regulation, which provides for adjustments with respect to the Treaty of Lisbon and

the definitions in EU chemicals and waste legislation, as well as for an adaptation of

the monitoring system.

LIFE Regulation

With respect to the negotiations on the LIFE programme, which aims at promoting

environment, climate and sustainable energy projects for the period between 2021

and 2027, the Austrian Presidency will strive to achieve quick and efficient progress.

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Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council

A Europe that

moves (us)

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Education

The central theme of the Austrian Presidency in education and higher education will

be the future of the EU cooperation on education. Apart from discussions on what

will come after the Strategic Framework – Education & Training 2020 (ET 2020), a key

role will be accorded to the conclusions of the European Council of 14 December

2017, and the Commission’s Communication “Strengthening European Identity

through Education and Culture”, which defines the target of creating a European

Education Area.

A key dossier under the Austrian Presidency will be the successor programme to

Erasmus+. The EU education programme is pivotal for the strategic cooperation on

education, as well as for student and teacher mobility and cooperation projects. The

Austrian Presidency will start negotiations within Council and work towards reaching

an agreement on key parts of the programme.

The Presidency will strive to achieve a consensus on the proposal for a Council

Recommendation on the mutual recognition of higher education and school leaving

diplomas / study periods abroad, and to start negotiations on the proposal for a

Council Recommendation on boosting language learning.

Youth

One of the key issues in this area will be the negotiations on the proposal for a new

EU Youth Strategy after 2019. A concrete work plan is to be agreed for the first

implementation phase from 2019 to 2020.

Quick and efficient progress is envisaged on the European Solidarity Corps

follow-up initiative after 2021. With respect to the successor programme of

Erasmus+, a contribution concerning the area of youth will be prepared.

The Austrian Presidency will present a proposal for conclusions on the role of youth

work for young migrants and refugees, which builds on the work of the European

Commission expert group currently working on this topic.

The EU Youth Report, which will be published by the European Commission in

the next months, will likewise be discussed and result in the preparation of a Joint

Statement of the Council and the Commission, as in 2015.

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Culture and audio-visual media

In the area of culture, key topics will be the revision of the European Agenda for

Culture of 2007 and the adoption of the new Work Plan for Culture as of 2019 in

an effort to lay the foundations for further cultural cooperation at EU level and to

define the strategic framework and the priorities and methods for the years ahead.

Far-reaching progress should be achieved on the Commission proposal for the new

Creative Europe programme as of 2021. The Austrian Presidency will devote itself to

an extensive debate on, and adoption of, Council conclusions on opportunities and

challenges in the cultural, media and creative sectors in the digital age. In imple-

menting the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018, special attention will be paid to

sustainability. In addition, the work of the Friends of the Presidency group (FoP) on

international cultural relations is to be continued.

With respect to the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, the Austrian Presidency

will promote exchanges between the Member States and the Commission on

implementation issues and thus contribute to rapidly establishing conditions of fair

competition. The question of how to deal with large platforms will be a priority for

Austria in all areas affected.

Sport

In the area of sport, the Austrian Presidency will highlight the diverse economic

dimensions of sport and present the Council with a proposal for conclusions on this

topic. In addition to sport’s already known contributions to economic added value

and employment, such dimensions include the regional economic importance of

sport, its role as a driving force for innovation, the quantifiable effects of physical

activity on health, and raising awareness for the significance of volunteer work from

a macroeconomic perspective. Another key aspect is sport and physical activity at

the workplace and what they contribute to preventive occupational healthcare.

With respect to the successor programme of Erasmus+, a contribution concerning

the area of sport will be prepared.

EUU, Alm.del - 2017-18 - Bilag 844: Orientering om det uformelle rådsmøde (retlige og indre anliggender) i Innsbruck den 12-13/7-18

Imprint

Publisher:

Federal Chancellery of Austria

Ballhausplatz 2

1010 Vienna

Editing: Division IV; Task Force EU-Presidency

Design: BKA Design EU-Ratsvorsitz 2018

Printed by: Digitalprintcenter BM.I

Vienna, June 2018