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Lords debate on motion to take note of the report of the European Union Select Committee on A Fractured Partnership? Relations Between the European Union and the United States of America (HL 134 2002/03)

Lead member

Lord Jopling

Answering member

Lord Astor of Hever

Department

Foreign and Commonwealth Office; European Union Committee

Type

Debates on select committee reports

Date

15 December 2003

Reference

655 c1018-48

House

House of Lords

Lords debate on Queens Speech (fifth day) on foreign and defence policy

Lords debate on Queens Speech (fifth day) on foreign and defence policy. (Debated with Lords motion to take note of the report of the European Union Committee of the Future of Europe: the Conventions Draft Constitutional Treaty (HL 169 2002/03). Agreed to on question. Also debated with Lords motion to...

Lead member

Lord Bach

Answering member

Lord Howell of Guildford

Department

Ministry of Defence; Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Constitution Committee; European Union Committee

Type

Queen's speech debates; Debates on select committee reports

Date

3 December 2003

Reference

655 c316-438

House

House of Lords

Queens speech debate (second day) on international affairs

Queens speech debate (second day) on international affairs. (Inc fact that ten year strategy on international medium term priorities to be laid before House week commencing 1 December)

Lead member

Jack Straw

Answering member

Marquess of Lothian

Department

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Queen's speech debates

Date

27 November 2003

Reference

415 c142-228;415 c142-229

House

House of Commons

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the outcome was of the General Affairs and External Relations Council held on 13th to 14th October; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. (Printed...

Asked by

Jim Hood (Labour)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

22 October 2003

For answer on

5 November 2003

Answered on

5 November 2003

Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs and External Relations Council held on 13 to 14 October; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [134576] Mr. MacShane: The information requested is as follows. Outcome of the 13 October General Affairs and External Relations Council My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in Luxembourg on 13 October. Conclusions on Wider Europe, Iraq, Iran, and Western Balkans were agreed by consensus. General Affairs Session Progress of work in other council configurations The Presidency gave a standard progress report on work in other Councils (Agriculture, Finance and JHA). Preparation of European Council (Brussels, 16-17 October) This was a final discussion to confirm the annotated agenda for the European Council, the focus of which was on boosting growth. The agenda had already been agreed at the 29 September GAERC: Relaunching the European economy Strengthening the area of freedom, security and justice External relations MEP Statutes Discussion centred on a letter from the President of the European Parliament on privileges and immunities. It was agreed that the Council should reply saying it was willing to work jointly for a solution but the EP would need to show flexibility. External Relations Session Wider Europe Enlargement Commissioner Verheugen briefed on the progress on the Wider Europe/New Neighbourhood initiative endorsed by the Thessaloniki European Council in May 2003. Action Plans are to be developed for Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, and Israel. A package of proposals should be presented to the Council in spring next year. Middle East Peace Process Partners discussed their concerns over developments in the region, in particular the security wall. The Presidency called for high level attendance at the forthcoming EU/Israel Association Council. Iran Short Conclusions on the Iran nuclear situation were agreed without substantive discussion. Conclusions on Iran human rights were also agreed. These reaffirmed the Union's commitment to the human rights dialogue with Iran, the last round of which took place on 8-9 October 2003, as one of the means by which the EU can work to improve the human rights situation in the country. But Conclusions also stated that this dialogue was without prejudice to the possibility of promoting or co-sponsoring a Resolution at an UNGA session. Iraq The Council confirmed the indicative Commission pledge of 200m Euro for the 23-24 October Madrid Donors' Conference subject to budgetary process. Partners emphasised the importance of Madrid. The Commission indicated that this should not be seen as a standard donors' conference but more as an opportunity to agree on a multi-lateral framework for Iraqi reconstruction. The Presidency noted that aid and security improvements should be pushed forward in parallel. Western Balkans ICTY Chief Prosecutor, Carla Del Ponte, made a presentation on co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal in Yugoslavia, based on 9 October statement made to the UN Security Council. She highlighted the connection between war criminals, organised crime, and support networks in the intelligence services, army, police and clerical institutions. Conclusions were also agreed on the launch of the Belgrade- Pristina Dialogue. EU-Russia There was a brief discussion of relations with Russia in the context of the forthcoming EU-Russia summit. The Council also took note of Trade Commissioner Lamy's briefing on his discussions with Russia on their WTO accession. Commissioner Lamy said that he would be returning to Moscow on 15 October to try to move some of these issues forward. There was no substantive discussion.

Date

5 November 2003

Reference

134576; 412 c657-8W;412 (Not in Bound Volume)

House

House of Commons

Symons of Vernham Dean, Baroness

Lords statement on the incurred costs, promised costs and anticipated costs of the United Kingdom involvement in Iraq. [HL 5253]. - Inc figures.

Asked by

Baroness Billingham (Labour)

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

3 November 2003

Reference

HL 5253; 654 c69-70WA

House

House of Lords

Written Statement on the costs of the United Kingdoms involvement in Iraq

Written Statement on the costs of the United Kingdoms involvement in Iraq. (Inc figs and ref to 14 October 2003 411 c9).

Member

Jack Straw (Labour)

Department

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written statements

Date

30 October 2003

Reference

412 c20-2WS

House

House of Commons

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Asked by

Jim Hood (Labour)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Date

27 October 2003

Reference

134576; 412 (Not in Daily Part);412 c56-7W

House

House of Commons

Lords statement on the European Council in Brussels on 16-17 October 2003

Lords statement on the European Council in Brussels on 16-17 October 2003. (Presidency conclusions in Library Dep 03/2129).

Lead member

Baroness Amos

Department

Lord President of the Council

Type

Ministerial statements

Date

20 October 2003

Reference

653 c1280-93

House

House of Lords

Statement on the European Council meeting in Brussels on 16 and 17 October

Statement on the European Council meeting in Brussels on 16 and 17 October. (Presidency conclusions in Library Dep 03/2129).

Lead member

Jack Straw

Department

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Ministerial statements

Date

20 October 2003

Reference

411 c375-91

House

House of Commons

Amos, Baroness

Answered by

Baroness Amos (Labour)

Type

Oral answers to questions

Date

7 October 2003

Reference

653 c140-1

House

House of Lords

Amos, Baroness

Answered by

Baroness Amos (Labour)

Type

Oral answers to questions

Date

7 October 2003

Reference

653 c140-1

House

House of Lords

Amos, Baroness

How many times the Defence and Overseas Policy Committee met to discuss Iraq and the Middle East in the six months leading up to the invasion of Iraq.

Asked by

Lord Wright of Richmond (Crossbench)

Oral questions - Lead

Status

Answered

Date

7 October 2003

Reference

653 c140-1

House

House of Lords

Amos, Baroness

1st supplementary on whether holding meetings of the Defence and Overseas Policy Committee prior to the conflict would have provided Government with a better appreciation of the threat from Iraq.

Asked by

Lord Wright of Richmond (Crossbench)

Oral questions - 1st Supplementary

Status

Answered

Date

7 October 2003

Reference

653 c140-1

House

House of Lords

Lords statement on Iraq and the Middle East

Lords statement on Iraq and the Middle East.

Lead member

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Department

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Ministerial statements

Date

8 September 2003

Reference

652 c40-56

House

House of Lords

Statement on Iraq and the Middle East

Statement on Iraq and the Middle East.

Lead member

Jack Straw

Department

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Ministerial statements

Date

8 September 2003

Reference

410 c36-54

House

House of Commons

Foreign policy aspects of the war against terrorism. Foreign Affairs Select Committee tenth report with proceedings, evidence (HC 405 i-v not printed separately) and appendices.

Type

Select Committee reports; House of Commons papers; Parliamentary committees

Committee

Foreign Affairs Committee

Notes

Received 06.08.03

Date

15 July 2003

Reference

HC 405 2002/03

House

House of Commons

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the outcome was of the General Affairs and External Relations Council held on 19th to 20th May; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.

Asked by

Jim Hood (Labour)

Answering body

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

20 May 2003

For answer on

5 June 2003

Answered on

5 June 2003

Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs and External Relations Council held on 19 to 20 May; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [115529] Mr. MacShane: The information is as follows: Outcome of the 19-20 May General Affairs and External Relations Council My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I, represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on 19 May. My noble Friend the Secretary of State for International Development represented the UK at Council discussions on development issues on 19 and 20 May. Following the signature of the Accession Treaty on 16 April, this was the first General Affairs and External Relations Council at which the 10 EU Accession States participated (as active observers). Conclusions on the European Security and Defence Policy, Western Balkans, the Middle East Peace Process and Indonesia were agreed by consensus. No formal votes were taken during the External Relations session. At the General Affairs Session, the Presidency's compromise package on Reform of Staff Regulations was agreed by Qualified Majority Vote. General Affairs Session I represented the UK. Preparation of the Thessaloniki European Council (20-21 June) The Presidency noted that discussion at Thessaloniki would centre on the Convention on the Future of Europe, with Parts I and II of the draft Constitution being formally presented there. Ministers agreed that the Accession Countries should participate fully in the Inter-Governmental Conference later in the year. The new EU Treaty would be signed only after Accession was completed on 1 May 2004. Reform of Staff Regulations The Council agreed a compromise package by QMV on reform of staff regulations. The package's measures included promotions on merit rather than seniority and significant changes to the pension scheme, including for existing staff. Officials are finalising the remaining technical details before the final package is submitted to Ministers for approval at the 16-17 June GAERC. Progress of Work in other Council Configurations The Presidency gave a standard progress report on work in other Councils. There was no discussion. The Role of Gender in External Relations The Presidency presented a paper on integrating gender considerations across the full range of the EU's external relations policies ("gender mainstreaming"). External Relations Session My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary represented the UK. IRAQ The Council discussed Iraq within the context of negotiations in New York on draft UNSC Resolution 1483. The UK, France, Spain and Germany briefed Partners on the state of play and looked forward to the possibility of early agreement. Commissioner Patten said the Commission was in contact with the UN and World bank about a needs assessment in Iraq. The EU was already providing significant humanitarian assistance and was looking at how to provide assistance for reconstruction. The Council decided not to agree conclusions on Iraq, given that events were moving forward quickly both in Iraq and in the Security Council. Middle East The Council agreed that early implementation of the Roadmap was essential. The Secretary of State said that a peaceful resolution of the Arab/Israel conflict would contribute to curbing terrorism, but that it was clear the terrorists did not want progress on the Road Map, or for Abu Mazen to succeed. Ministers agreed that UN Security Council endorsement of the Road Map would be helpful. ESDP Foreign and Defence Ministers agreed conclusions on the development of military and civilian capabilities for crisis management within the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy. Ministers also endorsed the annexed report on capability development. Operation Concordia EU Operation Commander Admiral Feist reported on the first seven weeks of operation CONCORDIA, stressing the coherence of EU-NATO activity. He reported that a mid-term review would be carried out in June to examine options for mission termination or continuation beyond 30 September. Commission Communication on the Defence Industry Commissioner Patten set out Commission thinking on the European defence equipment market and how this could better support ESDP. In making his presentation, Commissioner Patten acknowledged the essential interests of member states in the military field. The High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana said the European defence industry had already largely been restructured, but that the EU could contribute to its consolidation as the Commission had suggested. Certain Community instruments, provided that they respected the special status of the defence sector, could help strengthen the European defence market. Western Balkans The Presidency invited Partners' views on how the EU could increase assistance to the Western Balkans. The Commission said that it would publish its proposals for the Thessaloniki European Council on 21 May. These would include looking at ways to enrich the Stabilisation and Association Process in the Western Balkans. The Council adopted conclusions that included welcoming the recent the conduct of Presidential elections in Serbia and Montenegro; urging the transfer of all remaining ICTY indictees to the Hague; stressing the need for all parties in Kosovo to avoid any unilateral act that would jeopardise stability in the region; and encouraging all political parties in Macedonia to honour their commitment to fully respect the Ohrid Framework Agreement and its principles. EU/Russia Summit Preparation The Presidency updated the Council on negotiations with Russia on a joint statement for the 31 May Summit. A joint statement has since been agreed. Democratic Republic of Congo Over lunch, Solana reported that UN Secretary General Annan had asked whether the EU could play a part in helping to stabilise the situation in Bunia, Ituri region, North Eastern DRC. Ministers agreed that officials should begin work on a possible mandate and identify countries willing to become contributing nations. Indonesia/Aceh Council Conclusions expressing concern about the breakdown of negotiations and the outbreak of violence in Aceh were agreed without discussion. Terrorist Attacks in Saudi Arabia The Council agreed that the Presidency's statement condemning the attacks in Saudi Arabia should be re- issued as formal Council Conclusions. Terrorist Attacks in Casablanca Ministers agreed a Presidency Declaration on the terrorist attacks in Casablanca on 17 May. ECOWAS/Cote D'Ivoire The Netherlands highlighted the need for further funding for the ECOWAS peace monitoring force in Cote D'Ivoire. Development Issues Session My noble Friend the Secretary of State for International Development represented the UK. No formal votes were taken. Conclusions on migration and development, the role of non-state actors in development, the follow-up to the Monterrey Conference on Financing for Development, untying of aid and the establishment of an EU Water Fund were agreed by consensus. IRAQ The Commission outlined its plans for humanitarian assistance in Iraq. Baroness Amos briefed partners on developments at the UN. All were agreed on the UN taking the leading role on humanitarian assistance, with the EU and bilateral donors working through or alongside the UN agencies. The Presidency concluded that the financial implications for the 2004 budget should be considered. EU Water Fund The Council agreed Conclusions taking note of the Commission's proposal for an EU Water Fund as a part of the implementation of the EU's pledges at the World Summit for Sustainable Development. The Conclusions invited the Commission to bring forward specific proposals for further discussion by the Council. The EU Water Fund will be designed to increase resources for the water sector in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. Reproductive Health and Poverty Diseases Regulations Two regulations on aid for policies and actions on reproductive and sexual health rights and on aid to combat poverty diseases (HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis) in developing countries were agreed. The regulations will be adopted as an A point at the GAERC on 17-18 June. Follow up to Monterrey The Council agreed Conclusions on the Commission's progress report on the EU's Monterrey commitments. Ministers welcomed the good progress towards meeting the EU's commitments and most, including Baroness Amos, stressed the need for further progress on harmonisation of donors' approaches and coherence among the EU's external policies. A number of Ministers from the Accession Countries highlighted their commitment to the process but noted that they would need time to achieve the Monterrey targets. Untying of Aid The Commission welcomed the Council's consensus on the untying of Community aid, a Monterrey priority. Discussion of the Conclusions on the Commission Communication on untying of development assistance focused on whether to include a reference to untying bilateral assistance of member states. Although most member states, including the UK, favoured this, the Council was unable to reach consensus. Commission Programme of Action /Reform of the Management of External Action The Council welcomed the Commission's 2003 Programme of Action and its efforts to reform the management of external actions, including development assistance. The Council agreed that poverty reduction must remain the main objective of EC development assistance, both in low- and middle-income countries but recognised that certain new initiatives following from international conferences or from new internal EU concerns would need to be taken into account. The Commission noted that the main problem in reforming the management of external action remained the spending backlog, mainly for the European Development Fund, and for Asia and Latin America. The Council encouraged the Commission to continue its reform efforts. While recognising that progress had been made to reduce delays in decision-making and implementation, the Council considered that the level of outstanding unpaid commitments could be further reduced. Baroness Amos looked forward to a first response to the UK's reform proposals before the July Budget Council, and a further discussion by Development Ministers in the autumn.

Date

5 June 2003

Reference

115529; 406 c548-52W

House

House of Commons

President of the Council;Leader of the House of Commons

Member

Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour)

Type

Proceeding contributions

Date

15 May 2003

Reference

405 c474

House

House of Commons

President of the Council;Leader of the House of Commons

Supplementary business question on the safety of foreign nationals working for aid agencies in the Gaza strip and occupied territories.

Member

Richard Burden (Labour)

Type

Business questions

Date

15 May 2003

Reference

405 c474

House

House of Commons

Lords statement on Iraq and the Middle East peace process

Lords statement on Iraq and the Middle East peace process.

Lead member

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Department

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Type

Ministerial statements

Date

28 April 2003

Reference

647 c497-512

House

House of Lords

Librarians' tools

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House

Session

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Department

Member

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Answering member

Legislative stage

Legislation

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