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EU Council Conclusions on External Relations

Summary: 11 November 2008, Brussels - Press Release of the Council of the European Union 2903rd meeting of the Council on General Affairs and External Relations, Conclusions on External Relations, 10 and 11 November 2008

Main results of the Council

The Council conducted its half yearly examination of developments and projects in the field of European Security and Defence Policy, in the presence of the Ministers for Defence. It noted a number of real advances, such as:

- the adoption of a Joint Action on a European Union military operation to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast;

- the endorsement of ministerial commitments as regards the development of military capabilities and of civilian capabilities;

- progress on force projection (European airlift fleet, European carrier group interoperability, helicopters), including the signing of declarations of intent;

- the signing by five Member States of a letter of intent relating to space surveillance;

- the adoption of a statement on a European young officers exchange scheme, modelled on Erasmus.
The Council discussed EU Russia relations, with a view to the summit meeting in Nice on 14 November. In a statement, the Presidency reaffirmed in particular the relevance of the Council conclusions of 1 September and 15 and 16 October on the withdrawal of Russian troops from Georgia and the implementation of the agreements of 12 August and 8 September. It noted that an in depth examination of relations between the EU and Russia had been carried out, and that it will continue, in particular in the light of Russia's actions, and will be taken into account in the further negotiations on the new agreement with Russia and in other aspects of EU Russia relations.

The Council also discussed recent events in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It expressed utmost concern at the increase in clashes in North Kivu and the consequences for the population and for the whole region. It urged all the parties involved to respect the ceasefire and emphasised the urgency of finding a political solution, to which the EU stands ready to contribute. It reiterated its support for the MONUC and called for enhanced cooperation between the EU, its Member States and the MONUC. Finally, it welcomed the organisation of a summit on the crisis in Nairobi on 7 November and the final declaration of the Heads of State and the involvement of the States of the region in the quest for a solution.

On development cooperation, the Council approved the position of the EU for the next UN Conference on financing for development to be held in Doha.

CONTENTS: ITEMS DEBATED

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO - Council conclusions

PREPARATION FOR THE EU RUSSIA SUMMIT

EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY - Council conclusions

WESTERN BALKANS - Council conclusions

AFGHANISTAN

IRAQ

FINANCING FOR DEVELOPMENT - DOHA CONFERENCE

REGIONAL INTEGRATION AND THE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS

THE EUROPEAN UNION'S RESPONSE TO THE FOOD CRISIS

OTHER BUSINESS

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED
None

For details, download the complete External Relations Council Conclusions.

  • Ref: CL08-213EN
  • EU source: 
  • UN forum: 
  • Date: 11/11/2008


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See also
 

European Union Member States