13802/01 (Presse 414) (OR. fr)

2386th Council meeting

- GENERAL AFFAIRS -

Brussels, 19-20 November 2001

President : Mr Louis MICHEL Deputy Prime and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Mr André FLAHAUT Minister for Defence

Mr Antoine DUQUESNE Minister for the Interior

of the Kingdom of

Internet: http://ue.eu.int/Newsroom E-mail: [email protected] 13802/01 (Presse 414 - G) 1 EN 19-20.XI.2001

CONTENTS

PARTICIPANTS...... 4

ITEMS DEBATED

WTO...... 8 PROCEEDINGS IN THE COUNCIL'S OTHER CONFIGURATIONS ...... 9 ENLARGEMENT...... 10 FUTURE OF THE UNION...... 11 MIDDLE EAST ...... 13 ESDP ...... 14 − STATEMENT ON IMPROVING EUROPEAN MILITARY CAPABILITIES...... 14 − POLICE CAPABILITIES COMMITMENT CONFERENCE – STATEMENT...... 20 WESTERN BALKANS ...... 23 - WESTERN BALKANS - Conclusions...... 23 - STABILITY PACT - Conclusions...... 25 AFRICA – Conclusions...... 26 COMBATING TERRORISM – ACTION FOLLOWING THE ATTACKS IN THE ...... 29 AFGHANISTAN - Conclusions ...... 30 ASSOCIATION OF THE OVERSEAS COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY...... 31 MEETING BETWEEN THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND THE TRADE UNION AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS OF THE EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS...... 33

ITEMS APPROVED WITHOUT DEBATE

EXTERNAL RELATIONS...... I − Promoting the Convention on certain conventional weapons - Conclusions ...... I − European Union Code of Conduct on Arms Exports - Third annual report...... II − European Union Special Representative for the Middle East peace process ...... II − Rwanda - Common Position ...... II − Burundi – Joint Action...... III

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− EU-Croatia...... III − Estonia and the Slovak Republic - Implementing rules for State aid...... IV − Preparation for the Association Councils with Bulgaria, Poland and the Czech Republic ...... IV − ECSC – Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan...... IV ECOFIN...... IV − Money laundering *...... IV TRANSPARENCY...... V − Public access to Council documents ...... V

______For further information call 02 285 6423; 02 285 8704; 02 285 8239; 02 285 8111

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PARTICIPANTS The Governments of the Member States and the European Commission were represented as follows:

Belgium : Mr Louis MICHEL Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr André FLAHAUT Minister for Defence Mr Antoine DUQUESNE Minister for the Interior Ms Annemie NEYTS State Secretary, attached to the Minister for Foreign Affairs

Denmark : Mr Friis Arne PETERSEN State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Ms Lise Lotte NILAS Deputy State Secretary, Ministry of Justice Mr Anders TROLDBORG Permanent State Secretary for Defence, Ministry of Defence

Germany : Mr Ludger VOLMER Minister of State, Foreign Affairs Mr Walther STÜTZLE State Secretary to the Federal Ministry of Defence

Greece : Mr George PAPANDREOU Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Yannos PAPANTONIOU Minister for Defence Mr Michalis CHRISOCHOÏDIS Minister for Public Order Mr Anastasios GIANNITSIS Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs

Spain : Mr Josep PIQUE I CAMPS Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Federico TRILLO-FIGUEROA Y MARTINEZ CONDE Minister for Defence Mr Ramón DE MIGUEL Y EGEA State Secretary for European Affairs Mr Santiago LOPEZ VALDIVIELSO Director-General, Guardia Civil, Ministry of the Interior

France : Mr Hubert VEDRINE Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Alain RICHARD Minister for Defence Mr Pierre MOSCOVICI Ministere attached to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, with responsibility for European Affairs Mr Patrice BERGOUGNOUX Director-General of the National Police Mr Pierre STEINMETZ Director-General of the National Gendarmerie

Ireland : Mr Brian COWEN Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Michael SMITH Minister for Defence Mr Michael MELLETT Assistant Secretary, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Italy : Mr Renato RUGGIERO Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Salvatore CICU State Secretary for Defence Mr Alfredo MANTOVANO State Secretary for the Interior

Luxembourg : Ms Lydie POLFER Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Mr Charles GOERENS Minister for Cooperation, Humanitarian Intervention and Defence Mr Michel WOLTER Minister for the Interior

Netherlands : Mr Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Minister for Defence Mr State Secretary for the Interior and Overseas Territories Mr State Secretary for Foreign Affairs

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Austria : Ms Benita FERRERO-WALDNER Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Herbert SCHEIBNER Federal Minister for National Defence Mr Ernst STRASSER Federal Minister for the Interior

Portugal : Mr Jaime GAMA Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Rui PENA Minister for Defence Mr Nuno SEVERIANO TEIXEIRA Minister for the Interior Ms Teresa MOURA State Secretary for European Affairs

Finland : Mr Erkki TUOMIOJA Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Jan-Erik ENESTAM Minister for Defence Mr Ville ITÄLÄ Minister for the Interior Mr Kimmo SASI Minister of Foreign Trade and European Affairs

Sweden : Ms Anna LINDH Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden Mr Björn VON SYDOW Minister for Defence Mr Thomas BODSTRÖM Minister for Justice

United Kingdom : Mr Jack STRAW Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Mr Geoffrey HOON Minister for Defence Mr Peter HAIN Minister of State for Europe Mr Jim DANIEL Director, Home Office * * *

Commission : Mr Neil KINNOCK Vice-President Mr Michel BARNIER Member Mr Pascal LAMY Member Mr Christopher PATTEN Member Mr Günter VERHEUGEN Member Mr António VITORINO Member * * *

General Secretariat of the Council : Mr Javier SOLANA Secretary-General/High Representative for the CFSP

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Participants from the non-EU European Member States of NATO and the other candidate countries for accession to the EU at the ministerial meetings held on 20 November 2001 on improving military capabilities and on police capabilities commitment:

Bulgaria : Mr Solomon PASSY Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Nikolay SVINAROV Minister for Defence Mr Georgi PETKANOV Minister for the Interior

Cyprus : Mr Ioannis KASOULIDES Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Socrates HASIKOS Minister for Defence Mr Nicos KOSHIS Minister for Justice and Public Order

Estonia : Mr Toomas Hendrik ILVES Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Jüri LUIK Minister for Defence Mr Mart KRAFT State Secretary, Ministry of the Interior

Hungary : Mr János SZABÓ Minister of Defence Mr Béla SZOMBATI Deputy State Secretary, Foreign Affairs Mr Lászlo FELKAI State Secretary for the Interior

Latvia : Mr Girts Valdis KRISTOVSKIS Minister for Defence Mr Maris RIEKSTINS State Secretary, Foreign Affairs Mr Andris PIEBALGS Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Head of Latvia's Mission to the EU

Lithuania : Mr Antanas VALIONIS Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Linas LINKEVIĈIUS Minister for Defence Mr Jonas LIAUDANSKAS Deputy Minister for the Interior

Malta : Mr Joseph BORG Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Joseph GRIMA Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister's Office (responsibilities for defence) Mr Louis CILIA Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Interior

Poland : Mr Wlodzimierz CIMOSZEWICZ Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Jerzi SZMAJDZIŃSKI Minister for Defence Mr Andrzej BARCIKOWSKI Deputy Minister for the Interior Ms Danuta HÜBNER State Secretary, Foreign Affairs Mr Stefan MELLER Under-State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr Januzs ZEMKE Deputy Minister

Slovak Republic : Mr Eduard KUKAN Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Jan MICHALKO Minister for the Interior Mr Rastislav KACER State Secretary for Defence

Czech Republic : Mr Jan KAVAN Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Stefan FÜLE Deputy Minister for Defence Mr Stanislav GROSS Minister for the Interior

Romania : Mr Mircea GEOANA Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Ioan Mircea PAŞCU Minister for National Defence Mr Alexandru FARCAS State Secretary for the Interior

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Slovenia : Mr Dimitrij RUPEL Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Anton GRIZOLD Minister for Defence Mr Rado BOHINC Minister for the Interior

Turkey : Mr Sabahattion ÇAKMAKOĢLU Minister for National Defence Mr Nihat AKYOL Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Head of Turkey's Mission to the EU

Iceland : Ms Sólveig PETURSDOTTIR Minister for Justice and Ecclesiastical Affairs Mr Gunnar Snorri GUNNARSSON Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Head of the Mission to the European Union

Norway : Ms Kristin KROHN DEVOLD Minister for Defence Mr Odd Einar DØRUM Minister for Justice

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WTO

On the basis of an oral presentation by Commissioner LAMY, the Council, referring to the conclusions of its special meeting held in Doha from 9 to 14 November 2001 (cf. Press release, 14171/01, Presse 425), welcomed the results of the Fourth WTO Ministerial Conference in Doha which made it possible to achieve the central objective of launching a new round of multilateral trade negotiations.

The Council conveyed its sincere appreciation to Commissioners LAMY and FISCHLER for their decisive action which made it possible to achieve results that were on the whole balanced and satisfactory for the European Union.

The Council confirmed the Union's determination to act as an active and constructive participant during the round.

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PROCEEDINGS IN THE COUNCIL'S OTHER CONFIGURATIONS

The Council noted the progress on the most important issues currently under discussion in the Council's other configurations.

The Presidency felt that, on the whole, discussions were progressing satisfactorily with regard to accomplishing most of the mandates issued by the European Council, particularly concerning the Lisbon strategy.

The Presidency stressed the importance which it attached to making substantial progress by the end of its term on GALILEO, the Community patent, cross-border payments in euro and the European Food Authority.

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ENLARGEMENT

The Council noted Commissioner VERHEUGEN's presentation of the Commission's strategy paper on enlargement, its reports on the progress towards accession by each of the candidate countries and the revised accession partnership projects, as well as the Ministers' initial political reactions.

The Council would conduct a more in-depth examination of the documents at its meeting on 10 December with a view to preparing for the European Council in Laeken. To that end, the Presidency indicated its intention of presenting draft conclusions in time for the Council bodies, particularly the Permanent Representatives Committee, to prepare adequately for these discussions.

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FUTURE OF THE UNION

The Council, on the basis of a new contribution by the Presidency (non-paper), continued its discussions concerning preparation for the Laeken Declaration on the future of the Union.

Following the discussion, the President noted that the general structure of the Declaration put forward by the Presidency in three parts: - political analysis of the state of the Union, the public perception of the Union and citizens' expectations; - reminder of the content of the Nice Declaration; the Nice terms being taken as a starting point, presentation of certain ideas for the Convention; - decision convening a Convention, was welcomed.

He also pointed out that the four indents of the Nice Declaration would be the starting point for the matters to be considered by the Convention, with the proviso that they should be set out reasonably – taking account of the "inter alia" which qualified the subjects of the Nice Declaration. These subjects could therefore also count on a favourable reception and would provide various avenues to be pursued by the Convention.

The President indicated that the Presidency would take due account of contributions from Member States when transforming the outline of thinking on the Convention discussed that day into the draft Declaration which it would submit to Member States before the President of the European Council began his tour of the capitals. The draft should already be complete enough as regards the first analytical part and the provisions concerning the composition and functioning of the Convention.

With regard to the subjects for the Convention, the draft text should be as developed as possible so that delegations could prepare for Laeken in full knowledge of the facts. These subjects would be presented in the form of questions.

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Furthermore, the President considered it necessary, following the discussion, to adopt some additional points of reference, namely:

- the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, - the legitimacy of the , the link between the European Parliament and national parliaments and the increased role of national parliaments, - not questioning the Community acquis, - the Union's enhanced external dimension, - the effectiveness of the Union's decision-making process.

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MIDDLE EAST

During lunch, the Ministers addressed the situation in the region in the light of the contacts which had taken place at the following events:

• the EUROMED ministerial conference held in (5 November); • the meetings held in parallel with the ministerial week of the United Nations General Assembly in New York (9-16 November); • the meetings held during the visit to the region by the President of the European Council, Prime Minister , the President of the Commission, Romano Prodi, and the SG/HR, Javier Solana.

The Ministers also completed the preparation of the Union's position for the second meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council (cf. 14271/01, Presse 433), particularly concerning rules of origin.

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ESDP

Following its meeting attended by the Ministers for Defence, the Council adopted the following statement:

− STATEMENT ON IMPROVING EUROPEAN MILITARY CAPABILITIES

I. DEVELOPMENT OF MILITARY CAPABILITIES

1. In connection with the pursuit of the objectives of the CFSP, the efforts which have been undertaken since the Cologne, Helsinki, Feira, Nice and Göteborg European Councils aim to give the European Union the means to play a full part at international level in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and to face up to its responsibilities to cope with crises by developing the range of instruments already at its disposal and adding a military capability to carry out all the conflict-prevention and crisis-management tasks as defined in the Treaty on European Union ("Petersberg tasks"). Such a development also calls for a true strategic partnership between the EU and NATO in crisis management, with due regard for the decision-making autonomy of the two organisations.

2. At the Capability Improvement Conference in Brussels on 19 November 2001 1, the Ministers for Defence reaffirmed their responsibility for the development of the headline goal (being able to deploy 60 000 men in less than 60 days and to sustain them for at least one year). On that occasion, they emphasised their determination to seek solutions and new forms of cooperation in order to develop the necessary military capabilities and make good the shortcomings identified, while making optimum use of resources. Member States reaffirm their steadfast commitment to meet the objectives set in Helsinki in full and to respond to the shortcomings which had been identified. Their revised national contributions strengthen the realisation of the headline goal. Member States also agreed on a "European Capability Action Plan" (see Chapter III) incorporating all the efforts, investments, developments and coordination measures executed or planned at both national and multinational level with a view to improving existing resources and gradually developing the capabilities necessary for the Union's activities. That Conference represents an important stage in a demanding process for strengthening the Union's military capabilities, with the aim of achieving by 2003 the headline goal which has been set. That process will continue beyond that date in order to achieve the strategic capability goals within the framework of a dynamic and permanent process for adapting forces and capabilities.

1 Denmark drew attention to Protocol No 5 annexed to the Treaty.

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II. CONTRIBUTIONS

3. General

At the Capability Improvement Conference, Member States voluntarily confirmed their contributions as established at the Conference in November 2000, and made significant improvements in terms of both quantity and quality, which enabled some shortcomings to be rectified. The multi-role possibilities of certain capabilities and the substitution process are also enabling other deficiencies to be made good in whole or in part.

An assessment of the revised national contributions confirms that the EU should be able to carry out the whole range of Petersberg tasks by 2003.

However, efforts must be made if the Union is to be able to carry out the most complex operations as efficiently as possible and to reduce any limitations and restrictions in terms of the breadth of the operation and the period of deployment as well as the level of risk.

4. Forces

Contributions and progress made In quantitative terms, Member States' voluntary contributions confirm the existence of a body of resources consisting of a pool of more than 100 000 men, around 400 combat aircraft and 100 ships, fully satisfying the requirements defined by the headline goal to conduct different types of crisis-management operations. Ground element contributions meet the basic requirements for forces and support and back–up resources. Maritime requirements are well catered for. The air capabilities offered meet the quantitative requirements for air defence and ground troop support.

Member States have made substantial additional contributions, thus rectifying several shortcomings and deficiencies in whole or in part. In the case of land-based resources, this relates in particular to multiple rocket launcher, transmission, electronic warfare, armoured infantry and bridging engineering units. With regard to naval resources, progress has been achieved in the naval aviation sector. As regards aviation resources, additional contributions have been made in the fields of combat search and rescue and precision guided weapons.

Efforts to be made Additional efforts must be made with regard to protecting forces deployed, commitment capability and logistics. The degree of availability of ground elements, operational mobility and the flexibility of the force deployed must also be improved. Improvements in the fields of naval aviation resources and maritime medical evacuation must continue to be sought. There are still problems to be solved with regard to air elements, inter alia in the fields of combat search and rescue and precision guided weapons.

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5. Strategic capabilities

Contributions and progress made With regard to command, control, communications and intelligence resources (C3I), Member States are offering a sufficient number of headquarters at the levels of operation, force and component, as well as deployable communications units. Member States have also offered a number of intelligence resources to contribute towards the EU's analysis and surveillance capabilities. The air and sea transport available will enable an initial entry force to be deployed; strategic mobility has also been improved. Progress has been made in the C3I field and in maritime strategic mobility.

Efforts to be made A qualitative analysis of certain C3I resources has yet to be made. If this analysis reveals certain deficiencies, they must be regarded as critical. Moreover, shortcomings exist with regard to deployable communications units. Additional efforts must be made with regard to assistance for strategic decision-making as the possibilities for intelligence, achievement of goals, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISTAR) remain limited. As regards strategic mobility, the main shortcomings relate to wide-body aircraft and roll-on/roll-off ships. However, the impact of those shortcomings could be reduced by making more effective use of existing resources (coordinated or joint use of resources, planning of movements, etc.) and using commercial resources on a methodical basis.

6. Qualitative improvements

In addition to these quantitative improvements, all Member States have - without exception - taken measures which will undoubtedly help to achieve the headline goal of crisis management by enhancing the qualitative aspects of their Armed Forces. Their many efforts are focused on the following eight areas: structures of the Armed Forces; budgets; staff; multinational cooperation; logistics; training; research and technology, industrial cooperation, public procurement; civilian/military cooperation. The steps taken by Member States, which they are planning to pursue, are likely to improve the availability, deployability, survivability, sustainability and interoperability of the Armed Forces. The analysis of the progress and efforts to be made, in particular to ensure the easy availability of certain forces defined in the Helsinki headline goal, will be continued.

7. Contributions by the Fifteen and the Six

The non-EU European Member States of NATO and the other candidate countries for accession to the EU have also helped improve European military capabilities through the highly valuable additional contributions made at the Ministerial Meeting on 21 November 2000 and included in a supplement to the Forces Catalogue. Those countries were invited to update their contributions at the Ministerial Meeting on 20 November 2001 in accordance with a procedure parallel to that applicable to the 15 Member States, as was the case last year. Their offers, revised in terms of both quantity and quality, are welcomed as additional capabilities which contribute to the range of capabilities available for EU-led operations. Those contributions will be evaluated in cooperation with the countries concerned in accordance with the same criteria as those applicable to the Member States.

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8. Capability development mechanism (CDM)

As agreed at the Göteborg European Council, and in order to ensure the sustainability of measures to strengthen the EU's capabilities, Member States will recall the importance of adopting a detailed monitoring and evaluation mechanism for military capabilities in accordance with the Nice conclusions. To avoid any unnecessary duplication for the Member States concerned, that mechanism will take account of NATO's defence planning processes and the planning and review process of the Partnership for Peace (PARP).

III. EUROPEAN CAPABILITY ACTION PLAN

9. Introduction

In keeping with decisions taken at the Helsinki European Council and subsequent Councils, Member States have undertaken, on a voluntary basis, to continue improving their military capabilities with a view to boosting development of European crisis-management capabilities. At the Capability Improvement Conference (CIC) on 19 November 2001, the Member States identified shortcomings and agreed on a plan of action for remedying them. This plan will help to achieve the goals set by the European Council in Helsinki. It is based on national decisions (a "bottom-up" approach). By rationalising Member States' respective defence efforts and increasing the synergy between their national and multinational projects, it should make for an enhanced European military capability. The European Capability Action Plan is also designed to back up the political plan which gave rise to the headline goal and to create the necessary impetus for achieving the aims which the Union set in Helsinki. The European Capability Action Plan, which will be implemented in a spirit of transparency, is mainly designed to rectify the remaining deficiencies. The capability development mechanism (CDM), which will comprise the tools required for the permanent and detailed process, will make it possible to arrange for the monitoring and progress of the development of European military capabilities.

10. Principles of the European Capability Action Plan

The Action Plan is therefore based on the following principles:

♦ Enhanced effectiveness and efficiency of European military capability efforts The current fragmentation of defence effort provides scope for Member States to rationalise. This might be done by stepping up military cooperation between Member States or groups of Member States.

♦ A "bottom-up" approach to European defence cooperation Member States' commitments would be on a voluntary basis, with due regard for national decisions. The required capabilities will be achieved partly by carrying out national and multi-national projects which are already planned and partly by developing new projects and initiatives to make good remaining deficiencies.

♦ Coordination between EU Member States and cooperation with NATO Application of this principle is essential to target specific shortcomings, avoid wasteful duplication and ensure transparency and consistency with NATO.

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♦ Importance of broad public support The public in the Member States must have a clear vision of the context in which CFSP development is situated, of the existing shortcomings and the efforts to be made to achieve the objectives set. This transparency of the Action Plan will help to make the action plan more effective and back up the political action and political will underpinning it.

11. National and multinational projects

It appears from an analysis of ongoing national and multinational projects, whether planned or envisaged, that if these projects are brought to a conclusion and the resources made available to the EU, they will enable the vast majority of existing shortcomings to be addressed in full or in part.

However, this analysis of projects and initiatives shows that they are not currently sufficient to remedy all the shortcomings which have been identified. It is therefore important to find ways of making good each remaining deficiency. The action plan will be effective only if the Member States undertake to make good all deficiencies by bringing their current and future projects and initiatives to a conclusion and making these new capabilities available to the EU. The success of this process will necessitate major, on-going efforts from the Member States.

12. Implementation of the Action Plan

a. There is a very broad range of options available to remedy the remaining shortcomings:

 if national forces and capabilities other than those already declared were made available and included in future projects and initiatives, this would enable some deficiencies to be made good, particularly those in relation to forces;  other alternatives would consist, first, of making existing capabilities more effective and efficient and, second, of seeking creative responses, going beyond the traditional framework of military procurement programmes;  multinational solutions might include the co-production, financing and acquisition of capabilities, particularly for large-scale projects but also for very specific capabilities. These solutions might also extend to the management and use of the equipment when it is use.

b. Taking account of the results of the meeting of senior national experts responsible for defence procurement and planning, whose role is important in this context, an analysis and evaluation, both in qualitative and quantitative terms, of all the shortcomings will be continued under the responsibility of the Military Committee. This analysis should produce detailed specifications which will assist the quest for appropriate solutions.

c. For the sake of efficiency and flexibility and in order to render Member States accountable, the HTF must be brought together, by type of capability, in the formation of panels of experts, adapted on a case-by-case basis. The panels' remit will be to analyse remaining deficiencies as a whole and to identify all the feasible national or multinational solutions. A pilot country (or group of countries) could be responsible for leading, coordinating and summarising the work of these panels.

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d. In connection with its responsibilities as defined in the conclusions of the Nice European Council for the political management of military capability development, the PSC will report to the Council at regular intervals on the basis of the Military Committee's opinions.

IV. ARMS INDUSTRY

13. The Ministers assessed the progress being made towards a restructuring of European defence industries and towards strengthening the industrial and technological defence base, which has to be competitive and dynamic. This is a positive factor which constitutes a major step forward and contributes to the strengthening of the Union's capabilities and hence also to the success of the European Military Capability Action Plan.

The Ministers also acknowledged the importance of improving harmonisation of military requirements and the planning of arms procurement, as seen fit by Member States.

The Ministers also recognised the importance of collaboration between defence industries.

***

The Council raised the matter of the best way to tackle defence-related issues within the Council. It agreed to examine the matter further during the coming Presidency.

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Following its meeting attended by the Ministers responsible for police, the Council adopted the following statement:

− POLICE CAPABILITIES COMMITMENT CONFERENCE – STATEMENT

1. Successive European Councils have reaffirmed their commitment to developing the civil and military resources and capabilities required to enable the Union to take and implement decisions on the full range of conflict prevention and crisis management missions defined in the Treaty on European Union, the so-called « Petersberg tasks ». The Union will thus be able to make a greater contribution to international security in keeping with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. The Union recognises the primary responsibility of the United Nations Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security.

2. In the field of civilian capabilities, the European Council at Feira identified four priority areas of work: police, strengthening the rule of law, strengthening civilian administration and civil protection. Recognising the central role of police in international crisis management operations, and the increasing need for police officers for such operations, EU Member States, cooperating voluntarily have set themselves concrete targets on overall EU capabilities, rapid deployment capability and raising standards for international police missions. In particular, Member States agreed that by 2003 they should, as a final objective, be able to provide up to 5,000 police officers for international missions across the range of crisis prevention and crisis management operations, and in response to specific needs at the different stages of these operations. Within this target for overall EU capabilities, Member States also undertook to be able to identify and deploy up to 1,000 police officers within 30 days.

3. The police capabilities the EU is developing will increase and improve the effectiveness of the Union’s capacity to respond to crises. This will enable the EU to provide support to UN and OSCE-led police operations as well as conduct EU-led autonomous operations. The European Union will ensure that its own efforts and those of the United Nations, the OSCE and the Council of Europe are consistent and mutually reinforcing, without any unnecessary duplication.

4. A Police Capabilities Commitment Conference at Ministerial level took place in Brussels on 19 November 2001 in order to draw together the national commitments to meet the police capabilities goals set by the Feira European Council. The Conference also considered current and future work on the implementation of the Police Action Plan adopted at the European Council in Göteborg, as a follow-up to the Presidency Conference of National Police Commissioners which took place on 10 May 2001.

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5. At the Conference, Member States on a voluntary basis have made the following quantitative and qualitative commitments to build up the EU police capacity for crisis management operations. In doing so, they contribute to the creation of a new and essential capacity for crisis management, capable of covering the full range of police missions identified by the European Councils of Nice and Göteborg, i.e. from training, advisory and monitoring missions to executive missions. The targets set at Feira have therefore been met.

(a) Quantitative aspects

With regard to the overall objective, Member States have undertaken to provide 5,000 police officers by 2003. With regard to the objective of deploying police officers within thirty days, Member States have undertaken to provide up to 1,400 police officers by 2003. As part of their commitments, some Member States have undertaken to provide rapidly deployable, integrated and interoperable police units.

(b) Qualitative aspects

With regard to the qualitative aspects, the two types of mission – strengthening of, and substituting for local police forces – draw on all specialist policing functions available in Member States. The capabilities are committed on the basis of individual police officers or integrated police units. The latter can constitute an efficient asset in the early stages of complex situations as identified at the Nice European Council.

The police capabilities committed comprise both police forces with civil status and police forces with military status of gendarmerie type. This diversity is a qualitative asset for the European Union. In the case of an operation involving military and police components, the EU’s action on Petersberg-tasks requires a strong synergy between the police and the military components of such an operation. On the ground, this will be ensured by close coordination between the two components, taking into account the constraints on the deployment of Member States police forces.

The Union will thus be able to achieve or provide the full range of police missions, at various stages of crisis management and conflict prevention. These missions, in close conjunction with missions aimed at strengthening the rule of law, can contribute positively to the securing of a democratic society, respectful of human rights and liberties.

6. Member States, on the basis of the work of the Police Unit in the Council Secretariat, have taken forward implementation of the Police Action Plan, adopted at the European Council of Göteborg. The Commitment Conference welcomed the considerable progress made so far on qualitative requirements on training and selection criteria, as well as on guidelines for command and control and for interoperability, and looked forward to further work in these areas.

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The Commitment Conference stressed the importance of providing adequate resources to the Police Unit, in particular to ensure rapid implementation of the Police Action Plan. The Police Unit was established to give the EU the ability to plan and conduct police operations (including through integrated planning and coordination, situation assessment, preparation of exercises and preparation of legal frameworks and rules).

***

At the European Council in Nice it was agreed that the contribution of non-EU Member States to the EU’s crisis management operations, in particular in EU police missions, will be given favourable consideration, in accordance with procedures to be determined.

The European Council in Göteborg then adopted guiding principles and modalities for contributions of non-EU states to EU police missions.

Therefore, the interest shown by non-EU States in the area of EU crisis management operations with civilian means, and the contributions they might be willing to offer are warmly welcomed. The meeting on 20 November with non-EU European NATO members and other countries which are candidates for accession to the EU will present an opportunity to inform these countries of progress made in the area of police, to learn about their own efforts in this regard, and for those who wish to do so, to indicate their readiness to make supplementary contributions to police missions carried out by the EU.

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WESTERN BALKANS

- WESTERN BALKANS - Conclusions

Federal Republic of Yugoslavia/Kosovo

The Council welcomed the peaceful and orderly way in which the legislative elections in Kosovo had generally been conducted. It also expressed its satisfaction with the turnout on the part of all communities in Kosovo, including the Serb population, an essential requirement for ensuring that they are appropriately and effectively represented in the provisional, new, democratically-elected institutions. The Council emphasised that the election on 17 November 2001 marked an important step forward in the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. The Council expressed its appreciation for the action undertaken by the OSCE in this respect.

The Council encouraged the newly elected Kosovars to carry out their new functions in strict compliance with the Resolution 1244 and with the constitutional framework for provisional self-government. As proof of their sense of responsibility, the authorities elected on 17 November will strive to ensure that the process of provisional self-government is conducted harmoniously, peacefully and democratically, for the benefit of all communities and of stability in Kosovo and in the whole of South Eastern Europe. Reiterating its wholehearted support for UNMIK, the Council also called on the elected authorities in Kosovo to cooperate fully with UNMIK and with the Belgrade authorities, in accordance with the joint document signed on 5 November 2001.]

Federal Republic of Yugoslavia/Montenegro

The Council once again urged the Belgrade and Podgorica authorities to hold a democratic and constructive dialogue in order to reach agreement rapidly on constitutional arrangements that are acceptable to all parties. It reiterated its attachment to a democratic Montenegro in a democratic Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) and once again stressed the importance of avoiding any unilateral action which might threaten the internal stability of the FRY and stability in South Eastern Europe.

In this context, the Council, referring to its conclusions of 8 October 2001 and stressing the advantages of avoiding new divisions in the Balkans, repeated that a new constitutional arrangement would strengthen the necessary coordination of efforts by Serbia and Montenegro to allow the FRY and the Republics to benefit fully from international aid and from the reform process, in particular in the context of the stabilisation and association process.

The Council asked the Secretary-General/High Representative to visit Belgrade and Podgorica in order to reaffirm the position of the European Union (EU) and to promote further dialogue. The High Representative will report back to the Council on 10 December 2001.

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The Council strongly emphasised that, if the current process was to result in a referendum, this would have to be conducted in accordance with the democratic standards of a constitutional state and with the Montenegrin Constitution. In this context, the Council noted the critical opinions of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and of the Council of Europe Venice Commission on Montenegro's draft law on the referendum and brings both these documents to the attention of the parties.

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

The Council welcomed the vote in the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 15 November. The adoption of the constitutional provisions of the Framework Agreement and the announcement of the new constitution mark a major milestone. The Council urges all parties involved to continue along this route and faithfully to apply the Framework Agreement in its entirety without delay, with particular reference to the launching of the process of legislative and regulatory reform.

The ceasefire must be strictly observed. No one may commit any act of violence, for any reason. The return of FYROM security forces must take place in close cooperation with the international community.

The European Union is willing to lend its total support for the full implementation of the Framework Agreement of 13 August. In this connection, the Union is prepared to step up its efforts to bring about the rapprochement provided for in the Stability and Association Agreement and to play its full part in the context of the donors' meeting, once the conditions are met.

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- STABILITY PACT - Conclusions

1. The European Union will continue to play a leading role in the Stability Pact. Recalling the political role of the Stability Pact, the Council agreed that its activities ought to be based on the principles of concentration/refocusing and regional appropriation and has stressed the importance of enhancing the complementarity between the Stability Pact and the Stabilisation and Association Process. The pursuit of stability in the entire south-eastern region of Europe is a shared task which will continue, through the Stability Pact, to involve all countries in the region.

2. The Council recognised that the main added value of the Stability Pact lay in its ability to promote greater regional cooperation and thereby contribute to the prevention of conflicts in the region. The Stability Pact should therefore concentrate its efforts on securing political agreement among the countries in the region on clearly defined regional cooperation issues enabling the countries concerned to move closer to European and Euro-Atlantic structures. The Pact's three Working Tables ought to contribute to the implementation of those activities in a flexible and comprehensive fashion.

3. In the light of the above, the Council calls on the future Special Coordinator, in collaboration with the chairmen of the three Tables and the other participants, to assess the current activities and working methods of the Pact and, with a view to the next Regional Table, to suggest improvements at the Council meeting on 11March2002. In this context. the Council has also invited the Special Coordinator - in the light of the priorities defined by the Regional Table in June2001 - to identify a number of priority objectives (five or six at most) to be achieved by the end of 2002.

4. For its part, the European Union has set itself the task of promoting, via the SAP, the integration of the Western Balkan countries into European structures. The Stability Pact will have to play an important role here by underpinning and promoting the objectives of this process. The Pact's activities and structures will have to take account of the progress made in developing the SAP, reflecting the essential part played by the Stability Pact in the transition from a conflict situation to irreversible integration of the SAP countries into Euro-Atlantic structures.

5. In order to ensure optimum coordination between Pact and SAP activities, an informal Consultative Committee should be set up, comprising the Presidency of the EU, the High Representative, the Commission and the Special Coordinator. A representative of the region, preferably designated by the South Eastern Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP), could be involved in the discussions.

6. The Council emphasises that the impetus for regional cooperation must come from the region itself. The SEECP is gradually showing itself to be the voice of the region and should be called upon to contribute towards achieving the objectives of the Stability Pact. Accordingly, the Council requests the Special Coordinator to develop closer links with the SEECP and to seek every possible synergy with the other regional initiatives.

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AFRICA – Conclusions

Great Lakes Region

The Council discussed the imminent ministerial troika mission to the Great Lakes Region, which underlines the European Union's firm commitment to supporting the Lusaka and Arusha peace processes and its solidarity with the hard hit peoples of the region. In the capitals which it visits the troika will examine the progress made and the issues still unresolved, will endeavour to capitalise on the continuing end-of-crisis dynamic and will inform its partners of the support measures decided and those envisaged in the Union context.

DRC (Lusaka Process)

The Council confirmed its support for the Lusaka process and for the holding of the Congolese dialogue under the Lusaka Agreement. It confirmed the EU's political and financial support for facilitation. The Council called for the plenary meeting provided for by the Lusaka Agreement to begin as soon as possible. In that connection the Council welcomed initiatives which could bring the parties to the dialogue closer together.

The Council welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1376 and endorsed the requests made to States which have still not begun to withdraw their forces from the DRC in accordance with Resolution 1304. The Council recalled its serious concern about the support being given to the armed groups in the east of the DRC and about the human rights situation throughout DRC territory, in particular in the east of the country. Demilitarisation of Kisangani and increased freedom of movement for people and goods in the DRC were further priorities stressed by the Council.

The Council recalled the importance of the planned disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration measures for combatants (DDR) and encouraged coordination between MONUC, the World Bank and all the United Nations agencies concerned. The Council expressed keen interest in the joint approach being developed by the World Bank and United Nations to set up a regional trust fund for all DDR actions in the region.

The Council welcomed the donor information conference for the DRC to be held in Brussels on 20 December on the initiative of the World Bank, further to the donor information conference held in Paris in July. It welcomed the meeting to be held in Brussels on 21 December, which will in particular give impetus to the establishment of a regional trust fund for DDR.

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Burundi (Arusha process)

The Council welcomed the swearing in on 1 November 2001 of a transitional government of national unity in Burundi and called for other transitional institutions to be set up as soon as possible. The Council is convinced that the new government will now have the necessary legitimacy and determination to negotiate a ceasefire and to rise to the major challenges, notably ensuring justice for all and combating poverty. The Council expressed its deep concern about the recent upsurge of violence and strongly condemned the attacks on health centres and the kidnapping of schoolchildren by armed groups.

Firmly believing that the peace process can and must succeed, the Council has adopted a Joint Action and released EUR 9,5 million to support the deployment of a special protection unit, provisionally composed of a South African battalion (see p. III of this document). It further appealed to the international community to contribute to the funding of that unit. The Council commended the Commission's intention to continue supporting other core components of the peace process. The Council urged the combatants to return to the negotiating table and confirmed the Union's undertaking to provide financial support for a DDR programme. The Council welcomed the Commission's signing of the National Indicative Programme. The Council will see to it that the Union takes an active part in the forthcoming follow-up conference to the Paris conference on Burundi.

Rwanda – Uganda

The Council welcomed the agreement between Presidents Museveni and Kagame brokered by the United Kingdom, which aims to reduce the sources of tension between the two countries and therefore contributes to the region's stability. The Council also adopted a common position on Rwanda updating its earlier common position of September 2000 (see p. II of this document).

A more regional approach

The forthcoming meeting of the ministerial troika will also provide an opportunity to sound out the States of the region on whether consideration should be given to organising a Great Lakes Conference under United Nations and African Union sponsorship once the two peace processes have progressed sufficiently. The Council will consider later the question of updating the common positions on the Lusaka process and the Arusha process, in the light of the ministerial troika's visit.

The Council recalled its conclusions of 16 July 2001 regarding consistency in the European Union's approach.

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Eritrea

The Council expressed its deep concern about the persistent infringements of the opposition's rights, the curbs on press freedom and the lack of information on prominent figures who are being detained.

The Council regrets that no solution had yet been found to the problem of the expulsion of the Italian Ambassador to Asmara, the representative of the European Union. It regrets that the Eritrean Head of State, Mr Isayas Afewerki, has so far not received the European Union Heads of Mission.

Noting that the Eritrean authorities wish to continue the dialogue with the EU, the Council considers that that dialogue should take place rapidly, in accordance with the principles of partnership of the Cotonou Agreement, and that it should deal, in particular, with the grave concerns of the European Union referred to above and notably with a firm timetable for the organisation of free and fair elections.

The Council has in the meantime instructed the competent Council bodies to examine the possible practical implications for aid if the current situation in Eritrea were to continue.

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COMBATING TERRORISM – EUROPEAN UNION ACTION FOLLOWING THE ATTACKS IN THE UNITED STATES

Assuming its role of providing coordination and impetus, the Council examined the progress on the different measures taken and considered on the basis of the action plan to combat terrorism. It noted that the measures were continuing at a steady rate, particularly in the areas of the Union's relations with third countries, non-proliferation, disarmament, arms exports and relating to biological and chemical terrorism (an area for which the Presidency had made provisions in terms of the organisation of work in the different working parties so as to avoid efforts being dispersed). The Council stressed that the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1373 was still a priority.

In that context, the Council noted a proposal from the French delegation concerning the establishment of a specific forum for matters relating to the funding of terrorism. It instructed the Permanent Representatives Committee to examine the proposal.

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AFGHANISTAN - Conclusions

The Council welcomes the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1378 and reiterates its full support for the efforts of the Special Representative of the United Nations General Secretariat to set up a transitional administration swiftly. The Council recalls that such efforts are intended to install in Afghanistan a legitimate, broad-based, multi-ethnic government committed to establishing human rights in Afghanistan. The Union will continue to participate in seeking a political solution.

The Council welcomes recent developments on the ground which contribute to achieving the objectives of the international coalition against terrorism. The Council confirms its unreserved support for the coalition's action undertaken in self-defence and in conformity with United Nations Resolution 1368. The Council calls on the Northern Alliance to exercise restraint in the regions under its control and to do its utmost to further the rapid establishment of a new administration which enjoys national and international support. It also calls on all the Afghan forces to respect human rights and international humanitarian law. The responsible behaviour of the new Afghan leaders in this area will constitute a deciding factor for the aid which the European Union is prepared to provide for the country's reconstruction.

The Council stresses the urgency of the Afghan people's humanitarian needs: humanitarian aid remains an absolute priority for the Union. The mobilisation and supply of aid will be subject to closer coordination between the Member States and the Commission, as well as with specialist humanitarian agencies, the Afghanistan Support Group and non-governmental organisations. Developments in the situation on the ground must be turned to advantage to help refugees and displaced persons.

While recognising the primary responsibility of the Afghan people in determining its future, the Council calls on the United Nations and international financial institutions to devise a plan for the economic, social and institutional reconstruction of Afghanistan also enabling the efforts of the international community to be coordinated effectively. This plan must also promote the role of women in Afghan society. Preparation of this plan with all States and organisations concerned, including the Afghans, will underscore the determination of the international community to work towards the long-term recovery of the country. In this context, the Union will participate actively in the meeting in Washington on 20 November.

The Council will step up its dialogue with the countries in the region in order to contribute to the region's stability: peace in Afghanistan is a guarantee of security for the entire region.

The Council has decided to appoint a Special Representative for Afghanistan. He will work under the authority of the High Representative and will assist the latter and the Presidency in their activities.

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ASSOCIATION OF THE OVERSEAS COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY

After prolonged negotiations, the Council reached a political agreement, based on a final compromise by the Presidency, concerning the new Decision on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Community for the period 2001-2007.

The Presidency compromise related in particular to the following questions for which the essential results are indicated between brackets:

- financial allocation (see table)

OCT CURRENT NEW DECISION DECISION 9th EDF 8th EDF INITIAL ALLOCATION INDICATIVE ALLOCATION EUR 000 000 EUR 000 000 TOTAL TOTAL New Caledonia 15,8 13,75 French Polynesia 14,1 13,25 Wallis and Futuna 6,4 11,5 Mayotte 10 15,2 St Pierre and Miquelon 4 12,4 Antilles 26,6 20,0 Falkland Islands 0 3 Turks and Caicos 2,2 8,4 Anguilla 1,8 8 Montserrat 8 11 Saint Helena and dependencies 5,8 8,6 (Ascension, Tristan da Cunha) Pitcairn 0,4 2 Total (in MEUR) 105 127 Non-allocated C reserve -18 (in MEUR)

- phasing out of the sugar quota (single quota of 28 000t for sugar and sugar mixes for the period from 1 January 2001 until 31 December 2007, then annual reductions of 7 000t until 31 December 2010: 21 000t on 1 January 2008, 14 000t on 1 January 2009, 7 000t on 1 January 2010, 0t on 1 January 2011);

- rice quota from the total number of import licences of 35 000t, an initial number of import licenses for a quantity of 10 000t will be reserved for the least developed OCTs);

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- taxation of savings income (Decision of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, whereby the Member States concerned committed themselves to promoting the adoption in all the Caribbean dependent or associated territories of the same measures as the Member States adopt);

- maritime transport (the objective of cooperation in this field shall be to ensure harmonious development of efficient and reliable shipping services on economically satisfactory terms by facilitating the active participation of all parties according to the principle of unrestricted access to the trade on a commercial basis. This provision shall not apply to Greenland);

- transhipment of fish (up to 2 000t of fish – turbot, blue lobster and shrimp – from St. Pierre and Miquelon and 10 000t of specified fish for Greenland).

The Decision would be formally adopted at a forthcoming meeting, before the expiry of the current Decision on 1 December 2001 (this Decision had expired on 28 February 2000 and had already been extended on two occasions, until 28 February 2001 and 1 December 2001).

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MEETING BETWEEN THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND THE TRADE UNION AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS OF THE EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS

The Council was informed by its President on his meetings with the trade unions and professional organisations of the European institutions with regard to their concerns about the reform of staff policy.

For his part, the Vice-President of the Commission, Neil KINNOCK, outlined to the Council the main points of the Commission communication adopted on 30 August, entitled "Reform of the Commission: a global package for the reform of personnel policy".

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ITEMS APPROVED WITHOUT DEBATE The documents whose references are given are available on the Council's Internet site http://ue.eu.int. Acts adopted with statements for the Council minutes which may be released to the public are indicated by an asterisk; these statements may be obtained by following the procedure indicated above or from the Press Office.)

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Promoting the Convention on certain conventional weapons - Conclusions

"The Council expresses its attachment to the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons which may be deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to have Indiscriminate Effects, and to the protocols annexed thereto.

This Convention and its Protocols are an important instrument for reducing the suffering inflicted both on the civilian population and on combatants by the use of these weapons which are considered to be particularly inhumane.

The European Union welcomes the fact that a large number of States are party to that Convention and/or to its Protocols. The European Union calls on the other States that are not yet party thereto to make this most important gesture.

The Council also underscores the importance of strengthening humanitarian principles in this area and welcomes the second conference of States Parties, to be held in Geneva from 11 to 21 December, which has a mandate to study this Convention. This conference will also offer an opportunity to evaluate implementation of the Convention and to enter into new commitments.

The Council supports the principle of extending the scope of the Convention and its protocols to include non-international armed conflicts, in the hope that the Review Conference in December will already be able to incorporate this principle into the Convention and that the amendment in question will have as broad a scope as possible.

The Council is particularly concerned by the humanitarian problems caused by the explosive remnants of war. The European Union considers the topic of "explosive remnants of war" as having the highest priority among the proposals put to the States Parties. It supports the setting up by the Review Conference of a working party on the explosive remnants of war and considers that it is important that this working party should progress to the negotiation stage as quickly as possible.

The EU endorses the elements in the proposal from the United States and Denmark which aims to strengthen the arrangements applicable to land mines other than anti-personnel mines. The proposals concern the ability to detect these mines and the possibility of fitting these remotely-delivered mines, other than anti-personnel mines, with self-destruction or self- neutralisation mechanisms, together with back-up self-deactivation features.

The Council also attaches great importance to the existence of mechanisms to ensure observance of the provisions of legal instruments in general, and emphasises the need for such mechanisms to be incorporated into the Convention." (13412/01)

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European Union Code of Conduct on Arms Exports - Third annual report

The Council noted the third annual report established pursuant to the European Union Code of Conduct on Arms Exports (13657/01). Provision 8 of the Code of Conduct, adopted by the Council on 8 June 1998, provides for an annual review of the functioning of the Code and submission of a summary report to the Council.

The report reviews the Code's third year in operation, which was marked by the achievement of most of the priority objectives identified in the first and second reports and the identification of new issues for consideration and action.

At the same time, the number of denials notified by the Member States' authorities and the number of consultations has continued to increase, demonstrating not only an intensification of the dialogue on interpretation of the Code of Conduct at national level but also the Member States' growing confidence in this instrument, which contributes to the convergence of the policies and procedures on arms exports applicable in the Member States of the European Union.

European Union Special Representative for the Middle East peace process

The Council adopted a Joint Action extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the Middle East peace process (13614/01).

The mandate of Mr Miguel Angel Moratinos as the European Union Special Representative for the Middle East peace process is extended until 31 December 2002.

Rwanda - Common Position

The Council adopted a new Common Position on Rwanda intended to take account of the developments in the country and replacing the Common Position (2000/558/CFSP) of 18 September 2000 (13759/01). The objectives of the European Union in its Common Position are to stimulate and support the process of recovery from genocide and the promotion of national reconciliation, reconstruction and development, protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the transition to democracy.

The Common Position establishes that the European Union will pursue a constructive and critical political dialogue with the Government of Rwanda, particularly on the basis of the following: With regard to the Government of Rwanda's regional foreign and security policy – • reminder of the commitments made in Lusaka, Kampala and Harare in favour of a negotiated settlement of the crisis in the DRC; • call for Rwandan troops present in the DRC to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law.

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With regard to the situation within Rwanda: • support for reconciliation among all Rwandans; • importance of democratisation, in particular the drawing up of a new constitution and the establishment of a voting mechanism that will ensure free and fair elections; • recognition of the role which participatory justice based on traditional courts can play in resolving the consequences of the genocide, but with the need to implement the system as soon as possible and in compliance with international human rights standards; • appeal to the government to promote and take concrete steps to protect the human rights of all Rwandans and to continue its cooperation with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees; • importance of the proper implementation of the poverty reduction strategy programme, and the reintegration into Rwandan society of genocide survivors, demobilised soldiers and all other displaced people.

Burundi – Joint Action

The Council adopted a Joint Action regarding European Union support for the establishment of an interim multinational security presence in Burundi (13816/01). The presence is intended to protect political leaders returning as part of the process of installing a transitional government. The Union's financial support under the Joint Action, for which the reference amount will be EUR 9,5 million, is intended to cover certain expenditure incurred during the deployment phase of the multinational presence.

In October 2001, the mediator for Burundi, Nelson Mandela, had requested the Union's financial support for this initiative.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1375 of 29 October 2001 energetically supported the introduction of this multinational presence in the context of support for the Arusha process.

EU-Croatia

The Council adopted the Regulation on certain procedures for applying the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one side, and the Republic of Croatia, of the other side, and for applying the Interim Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Croatia (13633/01).

The aim of this Regulation is to define a number of procedures for adopting detailed rules for implementing different provisions of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the Interim Agreement.

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Estonia and the Slovak Republic - Implementing rules for State aid

The Council gave its agreement for

• the EU-Estonia Association Council to adopt, by means of the written procedure, a Decision on implementing rules for State aid (13656/01);

• the EU-Slovak Republic Association Council to adopt, by means of the written procedure, a Decision on implementing rules for State aid (13470/01).

Preparation for the Association Councils with Bulgaria, Poland and the Czech Republic

The Council adopted its position with a view to: • the seventh EU-Bulgaria Association Council meeting (cf. Press release, UE-BG 1917/01, Presse 427), • the eighth EU-Poland Association Council meeting (cf. Press release, UE-PL 1428/01, Presse 428, and • the seventh EU-Czech Republic Association Council meeting (cf. Press release, UE-CZ 1728/01, Presse 429).

ECSC – Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan

The Council adopted a Recommendation to authorise the Commission to open negotiations on the renewal of the Agreements between the European Coal and Steel Community and Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan on trade in certain steel products.

ECOFIN

Money laundering *

Upon completion of the conciliation procedure with the European Parliament, the Council adopted a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 91/308/EEC on prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering (PE-CONS 3654/01 + 13239/01). Following this procedure the act is deemed to be definitively adopted.

The aim of the amendment is to widen the scope of the current Directive on money laundering by requiring that Member States in particular combat the laundering of the proceeds of all serious crime (including terrorism and fraud against the Community budget), where the current text refers only to drug-related crime.

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The amendment extends the scope of the current Directive (limited to the financial sector) to various non-financial activities and professions exposed to the risk of laundering. Consequently, the requirements in terms of identifying clients, retaining documents and declaring suspect transactions will also apply to external auditors, real estate agents, notaries, lawyers, dealers in high-value goods, such as precious stones or metals or works of art, auctioneers, money transporters and casinos.

TRANSPARENCY

Public access to Council documents

The Council gave its agreement on the reply to the second confirmatory application made by Mr Steve PEERS in 2001 for access to Council documents. The Danish, Irish, Netherlands, Finnish, Swedish and United Kingdom delegations voted against.

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