Summary: 27 May 2008, Brussels - Press Release of the Council of the European Union 2870th Council meeting, General Affairs and External Relations, External relations, 26-27 May 2008
Main results of the Council
In the context of its six-monthly review of developments under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) in the presence of defence ministers, the Council:
- reiterated its determination to contribute significantly to police reform in Afghanistan. Given the size of the task, the Council expressed the EU's commitment to substantially increase its efforts through EUPOL Afghanistan, with the aim of doubling the original number of experts working in the mission.
- noted that the full operational capability of Operation EUFOR Tchad/RCA which aims to protect civilians and improve the humanitarian situation in the region is expected to be achieved before the end of June;
- noted the deployment of an advance team to Guinea-Bissau to launch the mission EU SSR Guniea-Bissau by June. The mission has a comprehensive character, having tasks with police, judicial and military components contributing to security sector reform;
- agreed to expand the activities of the EUPOL COPPS mission in support of the Palestinian Civil Police, to cover the area of the criminal justice system;
- welcomed progress made on capabilities, notably in the elaboration of the Capability Development Plan, as well as on battle groups, with member states having committed in detail the required battle group packages until the second half of 2009 and packages until the first half of 2011;
- welcomed the results achieved in developing the strategies, policies and projects of the European Defence Agency.
The Council welcomed the strong support for the pro-European forces in the recent elections in Serbia. It hoped that a new government with a clear European agenda will soon be formed and will engage constructively in the Stabilisation and Association process. It reiterated that Serbia will be able to advance further on its EU path, including candidate status, once the necessary conditions are met. The Council looked forward to the signature of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with
Bosnia and Herzegovina in the margins of its June meeting. It welcomed the launching of the dialogue on visa liberalisation with BiH on 26 May.
The Council also held its six-monthly review of development cooperation issues, in the presence of development ministers, adopting conclusions aimed in particular at speeding up progress towards the UN's millennium development goals.
In its general affairs meeting, the Council approved negotiating directives for an agreement that will provide a new comprehensive framework for the EU's relations with Russia.
* Some external relations items were adopted without debate at the 2960th meeting on General Affairs (9866/08).
CONTENTS: ITEMS DEBATED
WORLD TRADE NEGOTIATIONS - DOHA DEVELOPMENT AGENDA
GEORGIA - Council conclusions
AFRICA
Somalia - Council conclusions
Zimbabwe - Council conclusions
WESTERN BALKANS - Council conclusions
MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS - Council conclusions
LEBANON - Council conclusions
IRAQ- Council conclusions
EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICY
EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY
AFGHANISTAN - Council conclusions
CHILDREN AND ARMED CONFLICT
EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY - Council conclusions
DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION
RIGHTS OF THE CHILD - Council conclusions
BURMA/MYANMAR - Council conclusions
MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS - Council conclusions
ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS - Council conclusions
IN THE MARGINS OF THE COUNCIL
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
none
For details, download the complete External Relations Council Conclusions.
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