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To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the outcome was of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held on 5th to 6th June; 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

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

5 June 2003

For answer on

18 June 2003

Answered on

18 June 2003

Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the outcome was of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held on 5 to 6 June; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [118416] Caroline Flint: The United Kingdom was represented at the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council in Luxembourg on 5-6 June by my noble Friend (Lord Filkin) and my noble Friend (the Baroness Scotland). The A points were approved as in document PTS A 32 and ADD 1 (9941/03) (a copy has been placed in the Library) with the exception of item 21. The Council concluded a political agreement on the Council Directive concerning the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents. One member state retained scrutiny reservations on the Directive on minimum standards for the qualification and status of third-country nationals and stateless persons as refugees or as persons who otherwise need international protection. The Presidency remitted the Directive to COREPER with a view to securing agreement at the Thessaloniki European Council in order to meet the deadline set at the Seville Council. Member states lifted the majority of their reservations on the first two Chapters of the amended proposal for a Council Directive on minimum standards on procedures in member states for granting and withdrawing refugee status. Five member states, including the United Kingdom, also presented a joint declaration calling for a minimum common EU list of safe countries of origin to be included in the text. The Commission presented its Communications on illegal immigration, asylum systems and integration and employment. Lord Filkin welcomed the Communications noting that there was a need to address the crisis in Europe and across the world in the international protection system. Lord Filkin also said that the Council should consider the priorities for the Thessaloniki European Council. In particular, there was a need to integrate asylum and migration issues into the EU's relations with third countries; set targets for the conclusion of readmission agreements; and give a commitment to burden sharing. He also called for a European Returns Fund; extra Community funding for JHA activity post-2006; and agreement to take forward pilot projects to test out new approaches to international protection with interested member states and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). The Council subsequently agreed conclusions on the effective management of the EU's external borders. A discussion on conclusions on a common policy on illegal immigration, external borders, the return of illegal immigrants and co-operation with third countries focussed on the need for a financial mechanism to assist Community return policy, which the United Kingdom supported. The Council agreed conclusions on the functions of SIS and the SIS II architecture and the Council Decision concerning the signature of Agreements between EU-US on extradition and mutual legal assistance. On the latter, the majority of member states, including the United Kingdom, entered declarations under Article 24(5) TEU to the effect that they would not be bound by the Agreements until they had met constitutional, or in the case of the United Kingdom, legislative requirements. The Council resolved the outstanding issues of principle on the Regulation concerning jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and in matters of parental responsibility on the basis of a Presidency compromise package. The Regulation was remitted to experts to address the final technical questions. The Council held an orientation debate on the Regulation creating a European enforcement order for uncontested civil claims during which Ministers discussed the scope of the Regulation, minimum standards for the service of claims, appeal provisions and the omission of a public policy based right to refuse enforcement. Baroness Scotland welcomed the proposed Regulation, emphasising the benefits that better debt recovery would bring to businesses trading cross- Europe. She supported the Presidency's proposals, in particular the inclusion within the minimum standards of postal service where that method was permitted in the State in which both parties resided and where the possibility of setting aside the judgment continued until enforcement commenced. The issue of whether to exclude consumer debts from the scope of the Regulation and the matter of claims which attracted state immunity protection were remitted to the working group. Member states indicated that they could accept the proposal that confiscation orders be enforced in the absence of dual criminality for a list of offences specified in Article 5 of the Framework Decision on the execution in the EU of Confiscation Orders. However, member states linked the enforcement of extended confiscation orders as defined in Article 2 to grounds for refusal set out in Article 7. The Presidency presented a progress report on the Framework Decision on the application of the principle of "ne bis in idem" and on negotiations with Switzerland to participate in the Schengen Aquis and asylum matters. The Commission gave a detailed summary of the latest version of the JHA Scoreboard noting in particular that some of the deadlines set at the Seville European Council were not going to be met. Under Any Other Business, the Presidency presented its ideas for the creation of common data protection rules for the Third Pillar. The Mixed Committee with Norway and Iceland met at Ministerial level in the margins of the Council. It approved conclusions endorsing the creation of the Visa Information System; conclusions on the functions of SIS and SIS II architecture; the Directive on assistance in transit for the purposes of removal by air; conclusions on the Schengen Evaluation of Spain; a report following up the Schengen evaluation of France; conclusions on increasing the efficiency of the Schengen evaluation mechanism; and the Regulation on the issuing of visas for members of the Olympic family for the 2004 Games. The Mixed Committee also took note of the Presidency's report on the implementation of programmes, ad hoc centres, pilot projects and joint operations for the effective management of the external border.

Date

18 June 2003

Reference

118416; 407 c262-4W

House

House of Commons

Home Office

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the outcome was of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held on 8th 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

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

8 May 2003

For answer on

16 June 2003

Answered on

16 June 2003

Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the outcome was of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held on 8 May; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [113102] Mr. Bob Ainsworth: My noble Friend (Lord Filkin) represented the United Kingdom at the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council in Brussels on 8 May. The A points were approved as in document PTS A 21 (8922/03) (a copy of which has been placed in the Library). This included adoption of the Protocol amending the Convention on the use of information technology for customs purposes as regards the creation of a customs files identification database (known as FIDE) which Ministers subsequently signed in the margins of the Council. Ministers discussed the Directive on minimum standards for the qualification and status of third- country nationals and stateless persons as refugees or as persons who otherwise need international protection with a view to resolving the outstanding reservations. However, one member state in particular maintained reservations on the text, including the definition of a refugee and on the right and benefits to be accorded to those with subsidiary protection status. The Presidency reiterated its intention to seek agreement to the Directive at the June JHA Council. The Council agreed to exclude refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection from the scope of the Directive concerning the status of third country nationals who are long-term residents. This followed confirmation by the Commission that it would table by early 2004 a separate proposal for a Directive addressing the needs of those groups. The Presidency summarised progress on the follow up to the Seville European Council in view of the report to be submitted to the Thessaloniki European Council. The Commission reported on the implementation of the Afghan Returns Programme and the feasibility study on the Visa Information System which would be discussed at the June JHA Council. The Commission also confirmed that a Communication on international protection regimes would be prepared in time for that meeting. Lord Filkin urged member states to consider future priorities,--asylum (including recent UK ideas); reduction of flows of illegal migrants into the EU; more effective co-operation with source countries on returns; and better financing for JHA external action, including proper integration of JHA needs into other EU programmes. The Presidency and Commission reported on the negotiations with Switzerland on participation in the Schengen Acquis and asylum measures, noting that they would be remitted to the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) and then discussed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council. The Presidency reaffirmed its intention to seek adoption at the June JHA Council of the Council Decision authorising signature of the Agreements between the EU and USA on extradition and mutual legal assistance, with signature to take place at the EU- US Summit on 25 June. However, it noted that domestic parliamentary scrutiny was on-going for several member states, including the UK. A number of member states, including the UK, also indicated that they were considering the need to make constitutional statements in accordance with Article 24 TEU. One member state sought further amendments to the Extradition Agreement. The Council reached a general approach on the Framework Decision on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties. The Presidency said that the European Parliament would need to be re-consulted on the text and further discussions were required on the recitals and accompanying certificate. Five member states, including the UK, maintained parliamentary scrutiny reservations. The Council agreed the appointment of two Europol Deputy Directors, including a UK candidate. Under any other business, Ministers also took note of the Commission's proposal for a Common Position on notifying the Council of Europe of the forthcoming application of the Framework Decision establishing the European Arrest Warrant between the member states. The Council received an update on recent discussions in the G8 which had reviewed progress made in the fight against terrorism and organised crime. Finally, the Netherlands drew the Council's attention to its contribution to the discussions on judicial cooperation in the Future of Europe Convention.

Date

16 June 2003

Reference

113102; 407 c33-5W

House

House of Commons

Home Office

Statement on what the outcome was of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held in Brussels on 27th to 28th February; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. - Inc fact that the A points were approved...

Asked by

Jim Hood (Labour)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

3 March 2003

For answer on

11 March 2003

Answered on

11 March 2003

Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the outcome was of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held in Brussels on 27 to 28 February; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [101359] Mr. Bob Ainsworth: My noble Friend (Lord Filkin) represented the United Kingdom at the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council in Brussels on 27-28 February. The A points were approved as in document PTS A 8 (6756/03) (a copy has been placed in the Library) with the exception of point 3. The Council discussed the draft Council Decision on minimum standards for the qualification and status of third-country nationals and stateless persons as refugees or as persons who otherwise need international protection. Member states remained divided on whether refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection should receive equal treatment on family unity (Article 21), access to employment (Article 24), social welfare (Article 26) and health care (Article 27). The Presidency reminded member states of the undertaking made at the Seville European Council to adopt the text by June. The Council reached a general approach on the draft Council Directive on the right to family reunification subject to consideration of the European Parliament's opinion and one parliamentary scrutiny reserve. The UK has not opted in to the adoption of this measure. The Commission set out its ideas for strengthening of the procedures for passport control at the Schengen entry points, designed to tighten existing controls on the entry of third-country nationals at Schengen borders. Two member states presented a joint paper on the future use of biometrics in visas and residence permits. Lord Filkin stressed the importance of work in this area being carried out in line with existing international standards. He also invited the Commission to examine ways of using Eurodac data to assist in identifying those who overstayed in the Schengen area. The Commission gave a short presentation of the forthcoming feasibility study on improving sea-borders control, proposing the creation of three maritime zones covering the Western, Central and Eastern Mediterranean. This was followed by an orientation debate concerning the effectiveness of financial resources available at Community level for dealing with migration issues. Lord Filkin called for appropriate budget and burden sharing mechanisms and urged the Commission to produce its report on burden sharing before June. One member state called for an increase in the Community budget to support JHA-related work on burden sharing, whilst two others argued for re- structuring of the European Refugee Fund to allow money to be used for repatriation measures. During the open debate on fighting organised crime in the Western Balkans the Presidency underlined its commitment to action in the Balkans and the need for concrete follow-up to the London Conference on organised crime in South East Europe. The Presidency also reiterated the view that responsibility for change rested with Governments in the region. Lord Filkin focused on the need to move from rhetoric to action, to implement the commitments made at the London Conference and to develop appropriate mechanisms to monitor progress. He also underlined that countries in the region must co-operate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Other member states highlighted the importance of reinforcing the rule of law, the creation of stable institutions and of increased police co-operation in response to the trafficking of drugs and people through the Balkans. The Council suspended negotiations with the US on the draft Agreements between the EU and USA on Judicial Co-operation in Criminal Matters and on Extradition which remained subject to a reservation by one member state. The Presidency undertook to prepare documents for member states' use for the purpose of consulting their national parliaments on the proposed Agreements. The Council discussed the outstanding issues on the draft Framework Decision on combating racism and xenophobia. There was agreement that the scope of offences in Article 1 should not include acts directed against a group of persons defined by reference to their "belief". However a recital was proposed explaining that the use of the word "religion" could include persons "defined by reference to their religious convictions or belief". Member states remained divided on the scope of criminal liability in Article 8. Four delegations favoured the inclusion of a provision obliging member states to derogate from dual criminality for mutual legal assistance in relation to offences of racism and xenophobia if they applied the stricter test for criminal liability. The UK and five other member states opposed. Lord Filkin reiterated the need to strike a balance between effective measures on racism and xenophobia and freedom of speech; he noted that improvements to judicial co-operation arrangements should be pursued through mutual recognition initiatives. The Council discussed a list of offences for which cross-border fines would be enforced in the absence of dual criminality in the draft Framework Decision on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties. A majority of delegations, including the UK, were content to use the list adopted for the European Arrest Warrant, adding road traffic offences and six other types of conduct. However, one member state said that the European Arrest Warrant list was unsuitable for this instrument and three others had reservations on the inclusion of specific offences. The Council reached a general approach on the draft Framework Decision on attacks against information systems subject to consideration of the Recitals, the European Parliament's opinion and parliamentary scrutiny reserves from five member states. Under Any Other Business, the Commission gave a progress report on the implementation of the Afghan Return Programme. Voluntary returns were due to commence on 1 April 2003. Over lunch, the Commission reported on negotiations with Switzerland for its participation in Schengen arrangements. There was also a discussion of current counter-terrorism arrangements, including the role of Europol.

Date

11 March 2003

Reference

101359; 401 c204-6W

House

House of Commons

Home Office

Statement on what the outcome was of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held in Brussels on 28th and 29th November; 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

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

3 December 2002

For answer on

16 December 2002

Answered on

16 December 2002

Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the outcome was of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held in Brussels on 28 and 29 November; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [85856] Mr. Bob Ainsworth: My hon. Friend (Lord Filkin) and the noble Baroness Scotland of Asthal represented the United Kingdom at the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council in Brussels on 28-29 November. The A points were approved as in document PTS A 62 (14754/02) (a copy of which has been placed in the Library) with the exception of item 16. Ministers signed the Protocol to the Europol Convention agreed at item 4. The presidency advised on progress in implementing the Seville European Council conclusions, presenting a report on action taken to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking and on management of the external border. Member states urged the Commission to produce its overdue report on financial resources for repatriation, border management and migration projects. The Commission explained that the financial resources had to come from the current financial perspective, which required re-evaluation of existing commitments within the JHA and External Relations budgets, but that national expenditure would need to remain a significant source of funding. The Council adopted negotiating mandates for the Commission to pursue readmission agreements with Turkey, Albania, Algeria and China. The aim will be to agree arrangements with those countries for the return of their nationals who have entered the EU illegally. Over lunch, Ministers also discussed the application of the readmission provision in the Cotonou agreement. This would allow member states to approach African Caribbean and Pacific areas countries bilaterally to ask them to take back their nationals. The Council discussed the time limits to be applied for determining responsibility for an asylum claim in the regulation establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the member state responsible for examining an asylum application lodged in one of the member states by a third-country national (Dublin II). The presidency concluded that member states would have one week in which to accept or reject a compromise package comprising a time limit of one year for responsibility on the basis of illegal entry across the external frontier and five months for tolerated illegal presence in a member state. The Council agreed that the latter criterion should apply only to asylum seekers illegally present after the entry into force of the regulation. The Council also agreed to a minutes statement addressing the possible future inclusion in the regulation's scope of applicants for subsidiary protection. The Council held a brief discussion of Articles 1-19 of the Council directive on minimum standards for the qualification and status of third-country nationals and stateless persons as refugees or as persons who otherwise need international protection concerning the definition of a refugee and those entitled to subsidiary protection. However, two member states maintained reservations on the text. With the exception of one member state, Ministers agreed to amend Article 16 of the directive laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers in member states in line with a United Kingdom proposal allowing for the refusal of support to asylum seekers making late applications. The one other remaining reserve on the text was lifted following a change to Article 11 concerning access to labour markets. The Council also agreed a statement declaring the European Free Trade Areas and Accession States (from the date of signature of the Accession Treaties) to be safe third countries for the purposes of asylum. The Council adopted a Community programme on the return of third country nationals to source countries and a programme intended specifically to address returns to Afghanistan. The Council also took note of Council conclusions agreed by the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 18 November concerning the integration of immigration policy into the Union's relations with third countries. Lord Filkin welcomed the conclusions as a positive first step but called for the monitoring of returns projects to ensure that they were effective. The Council agreed a package of provisions on child abduction for inclusion in the regulation concerning jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial matters and in matters of parental responsibility. These were based on retention of existing Hague Convention arrangements with additional rules where a non-return order has been issued under the 1980 Hague Convention on Child Abduction. In order to encourage other member states to accept the compromise, Baroness Scotland proposed the creation of a strict timetable to initiate custody proceedings in the home court following a non-return order. Consequently, member states were also able to agree the Council Decision authorising the member states, in the interest of the European Community, to sign the Convention on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition, enforcement and co-operation in respect of parental responsibility and measures for the protection of children. The Council agreed to revise the negotiating mandated for the draft agreement between the European Union and United States of America on judicial co-operation in criminal matters and on extradition. The Council discussed a presidency compromise package intended to address member states' outstanding reservations on the proposed offences in the Framework Decision combating racism and xenophobia. Lord Filkin, with four other member states, agreed that proposal struck the right balance between punishing racist and xenophobic acts and protecting freedom of expression. However, the remaining member states were divided in either expressing fundamental problems with the scope of the instrument or wanting to go substantially further, in particular in reducing the threshold for criminal liability. The presidency sought agreement to its compromise proposal regarding the abolition of the dual criminality requirement in the Framework Decision on the application of the principle of mutual recognition to financial penalties. This would enable member states to maintain dual criminality for a transitional period of up to five years. Although this was acceptable to the majority of delegations, including the United Kingdom, five member states maintained reservations. Two member states maintained reservations on the proposed penalties for trafficking in small quantities of drugs in the Framework Decision laying down minimum provisions on the constituent elements of criminal acts and penalties in the field of drug trafficking. Two member states also maintained reservations on the scope of the offences of active and passive corruption in Article 2 of the Framework Decision on combating corruption in the private sector. Under Any Other Business the presidency emphasised the importance of securing an agreement between Europol and the United States of America on the exchange of personal data. The Commission also asked the Council to consider its proposal for a Council Decision on financing certain activities carried out by Europol to fight terrorism. The latter point would be considered at the December JHA Council.

Date

16 December 2002

Reference

85856; 396 c626-8W;396 c642-4W

House

House of Commons

Home Office

Statement on what the outcome was of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held in Brussels on 22nd April; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. (Wrongly attributed to Angela eagle in Daily Part).

Asked by

Jim Hood (Labour)

Answering body

Home Office

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

24 April 2002

For answer on

7 May 2002

Answered on

7 May 2002

Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the outcome was of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held in Brussels on 22 April; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [53111] Angela Eagle: I represented the United Kingdom at the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 25 and 26 April 2002 in Luxembourg. A points; The A points were approved as in document PTS A 19 (a copy of which has been placed in the Library). Proposal for a Council Directive laying down minimum standards for the reception of applicants for asylum in member states; A general approach was reached on the draft Directive, subject to consideration of two Parliamentary Scrutiny reserves (the Netherlands and the United Kingdom) and the European Parliament's opinion. Illegal immigration and trafficking of human beings by sea; The Council agreed conclusions on action to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking by sea, in particular the need for migration issues to be integrated into the European Union's relations with countries of origin and transit. Proposal for a Council Decision adopting an action program for administrative co-operation in the fields of external borders, visas, asylum and immigration; Political agreement was reached on the Council Decision establishing the ARGO programme to fund projects to facilitate co-operation and training in these fields. Operation on evaluation of the risk in the European Union Airports. Information point; The Presidency reported on the risk evaluation exercise which was undertaken on 3,4 and 5 April to detect illegal immigrants at airports within the European Union. Meeting of the Strategic Committee on Immigration, Frontiers and Asylum (SCIFA) with the participation of the heads of the external border control services (11 April 2002). Information point; The Presidency reported on a meeting of the Strategic Committee on Immigration, Frontiers and Asylum (SCIFA) with border control chiefs which discussed the priority areas of the Comprehensive Action Plan to combat illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings. Meeting on Co-operation with the United States of America in the field of Asylum, migration and frontiers (12 April 2002). Information point; The Presidency reported on a meeting between the SCIFA and United States experts to discuss border control and migration management following 11 September. Amendments to the Europol Convention--Europol's participation in joint investigation teams and Europol's right to ask member states to initiate investigations in specific cases; The Council reached a general approach on proposals to amend the Europol Convention. These will provide for Europol's participation in joint investigation teams in a support capacity and Europol's right to ask Member States to initiate investigations in specific cases. The Council will now consider how to implement the amendments. Proposal for a Council Decision concerning security in connection with football matches with an international dimension; A Council Decision was adopted creating a network of experts intended to improve co-ordination and the exchange of information in relation to football disorder. Draft Council conclusions on the fight against racism and xenophobia; The Council agreed conclusions calling for action against racially motivated violence, in particular, reinforced police co-operation, the approximation of criminal law and the role of the European Monitoring Centre on racism and xenophobia. The Commission was also invited to submit proposals to raise public awareness. Request for a negotiation mandate for the Presidency with the United States of America, on judicial co-operation in criminal matters on the basis of Articles 38 and 24 TEU; The Council authorised the Presidency to open negotiations with the United States on behalf of the European Union for an agreement on co-operation in mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and extradition. I will write separately to the Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee [Lords: European Union Committee] regarding those negotiations. Draft Council conclusions on the approach to apply regarding approximation of penalties; The Council agreed conclusions on the use of penalty ranges as a means of approximating criminal penalties for common offences. I will write separately to the Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee [Lords: European Union Committee] with the details of the methodology to be applied. Proposal for a Council Framework Decision on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography; The Framework Decision was remitted for further consideration of the penalties for these offences and of an Italian reservation on the proposed exemption from criminal liability in cases involving persons over the age of sexual consent. Any other business; Italy gave an update on the feasibility study into the creation of a European Border Guard which would be presented to a Ministerial Conference in Rome on 30 May 2002. Germany proposed an initiative for an European Union fund to assist the victims of terrorism. The Council also had exchanges of views on the treatment of Palestinian asylum seekers and on the negotiation mandates for agreements with Switzerland concerning their participation in the Schengen and Dublin Conventions. The Presidency reported on the outcome of the European Union/Mediterranean conference which took place in Spain on 22-23 April 2002. Meeting with Russian Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs in the margins of the Council; Justice and Interior Ministers met with their counterparts from Russia in the margins of the Council to discuss action to combat organised crime and the management of migration and borders. A joint Declaration establishing a network of contact points to facilitate the exchange of information on organised crime was adopted.

Date

7 May 2002

Reference

53111; 385 c139-41W

House

House of Commons

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Statement on what the outcome was of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 10th to 11th December; what the Government's position was on each issue 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

14 December 2001

For answer on

19 December 2001

Answered on

19 December 2001

Mr. Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 10 to 11 December; what the Government's position was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [23886] Peter Hain: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I represented the UK at the General Affairs Council (GAC) in Brussels on 10 December. The GAC adopted the 16 "A" Points listed in document number 15005/01. It also noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its part-session of 12-15 November 2001 in its part-session in Strasbourg listed in document number 13612/01. Copies of both documents have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The Conclusions of the Council were adopted by consensus. The only formal vote took place on the Generalised System of Preferences (see following). Work in other Council Formations The Presidency drew attention to the Secretariat's stocktaking report of the main issues being discussed by other sectoral meetings of the Council of Ministers, with particular reference to the European Arrest Warrant, Galileo and the Community Patent. Preparations for Laeken (including Council Reform) The Presidency issued a draft agenda for the first day of the Laeken summit. The following items featured: post-11 September--an updated road-map and report of EU action Afghanistan the Middle East Peace Process the Western Balkans ESDP Justice and Home Affairs EU enlargement Economic/social issues (taking forward the Lisbon process to Barcelona, Community Patent, introduction of the euro). modalities for a Convention on the Future of the EU EU agency locations. Enlargement Conclusions were agreed by Council underlining the EU's commitment to meeting the Gothenburg timetable, noting that enlargement was affordable within the current financial perspective, welcoming the recent signs of progress in the UN Cyprus process and confirming that the provisions of a Cyprus settlement could be accommodated within the terms of its accession to the EU. The UK welcomed in particular the emphasis on meeting the timetable set at the Gothenburg European Council. EU follow-up to 11 September The Council, as co-ordinator of the EU's Action Plan against terrorism, examined the updated roadmap outlining the current state of play. It was encouraged by substantial development made, particularly in priority areas. It also welcomed the Presidency's prospective report to the Laeken European Council on the implementation of the Action Plan. The Council reached political agreement on EU measures to freeze terrorist assets in pursuit of UN Security Council Resolution 1373. The Council also agreed to consider further the implications of the 11 September attacks for EU non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control policy. The Council welcomed progress made on 7 December on the European arrest warrant, a common definition of terrorist offences and minimum sentencing thresholds and a decision to make Eurojust fully operational. It reiterated the Union's commitment to winning the fight against terrorism and welcomed the support of candidate countries as noted at the meeting of the European Conference on 20 October. The UK underlined the need for continuing work to ensure rapid implementation of the commitments made by the Union. General System of Preferential Tariffs 2002-04 The Council adopted by a qualified majority the new GSP Regulation, which provides for enhanced EC trade preferences to developing countries. All member states except Portugal voted for the regulation. Governance White Paper The Council noted with interest the measures proposed in the Commission's White Paper on European governance. It undertook to hold a detailed discussion at a subsequent meeting, giving the Commission its reaction in due course and aimed to co-ordinate a plan of action during the first half of 2002. The UK is keen to see a debate on the measures proposed in the White Paper. ESDP The Presidency's draft report, summarising progress over the last six months on the European Security and Defence Policy, was discussed by Ministers and will be forwarded to the European Council at Laeken. The UK supported the draft report and in particular the emphasis on capabilities. Middle East Peace Process The Council reiterated its commitment to the Middle East peace process. It concluded that only determined and concerted action by the European Union, the United Nations, the United States and the Russian Federation would help break the cycle of violence and restore the negotiations. The Council noted that this required: the reaffirmation and full recognition of Israel's irrevocable right to live in peace and security within internationally recognised borders; the establishment of a viable and democratic Palestinian State; and an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories. The Council stated that, as a first step, the following pledges had to be given: by the Palestinian authority to dismantle Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist networks plus a public appeal for an end to the armed intifada; from Israel, a pledge to withdraw its military forces, end extrajudicial executions, lift all restrictions imposed on the Palestinian people, and impose a freeze on settlements. The Council asked Javier Solana, High Representative for CFSP, to go to the region and report back to Laeken European Council. The UK supported this proposal. Afghanistan The Council confirmed the appointment of Klaus Klaiber, a senior German diplomat, as EU Special Representative for Afghanistan. The Council adopted Conclusions underlining the importance of effective donor co-ordination in the reconstruction effort. The UK emphasised the importance of early, visible results. Western Balkans The Council noted that the planned Macedonia donors' conference would not be held before next year, after the adoption of the local self-government law required by the August 2001 Framework Agreement. It confirmed the appointment of Erhard Busek as EU Special Representative for the Stability Pact. AOB: Gender Mainstreaming in the EuroMed/Barcelona Process The Presidency reported on its programme for developing gender mainstreaming in the Barcelona Process, highlighting its EuroMed conference on the role of women in economic development.

Date

19 December 2001

Reference

377 c304-6W; 23886

House

House of Commons

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