Italian EU Presidency Priorities
David Lidington Excerpts(9 years, 10 months ago)
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The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)
I am keen to keep Members fully informed of developments in the European Union, their implications for the United Kingdom and our priorities. I would, therefore, like to draw Members’ attention to a paper on the priorities of the Italian presidency of the Council of the European Union, which has been placed in the Library of the House. I have also deposited a copy of the calendar of ministerial meetings for the duration of their presidency.
Foreign Affairs Council/General Affairs Council
David Lidington Excerpts(9 years, 10 months ago)
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The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs attended the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June, and I attended the General Affairs Council on 24 June. The Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) was chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Ashton of Upholland, and the General Affairs Council (GAC) was chaired by the Greek presidency. The meetings were held in Luxembourg.
Commissioner Füle (Enlargement) was in attendance for some of the discussions at the FAC. Commissioners Šefcovic (Inter-institutional relations and Administration) and Füle were in attendance for some of the discussions at the GAC. President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy was present for the GAC ministerial lunch which discussed preparations for the 26 and 27 June European Council.
Foreign Affairs Council
A provisional report of the meeting and conclusions adopted can be found at: http://www.consilium.europa. eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/143347.pdf.
Introductory remarks
Baroness Ashton updated Ministers on the situation in Kosovo following the elections on 8 June. On Iran, she reminded Ministers that the E3+3 joint plan of action was due to expire on 20 July.
Under AOB, the Foreign Secretary raised the global summit to end sexual violence in conflict, which launched the new international protocol. Implementation was the next step, and the Foreign Secretary looked to the EU to mainstream this into its crisis response and conflict prevention work. In addition under AOB, Croatia highlighted the severity of the recent floods in the Balkans, and Poland argued for broadening the remit of the European Endowment for Democracy’s work.
Ukraine
The newly appointed Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin attended part of the FAC to present President Poroshenko’s peace plan. Mr Klimkin stressed that the peace process should be inclusive, and reflected on the risk of further destabilisation of the situation. He acknowledged the need for social and economic development in eastern Ukraine. On Crimea, he set out the political, economic and humanitarian challenges that faced the Government of Ukraine. Klimkin said Ukraine had begun preparations for implementation of the EU/Ukraine association agreement, and noted that the Government of Ukraine was committed to European integration. He underlined the importance of energy security.
Ministers continued the discussion after Klimkin left. The Foreign Secretary noted the importance of continued diplomacy and of maintaining pressure on Russia to de-escalate, including by being ready to move to further measures. Ministers agreed to establish a civilian common security and defence policy mission, a key UK priority, and decided to prohibit the import into the EU of goods originating in Crimea or Sevastopol without a certificate of origin from the Government of Ukraine. Ministers agreed conclusions which make it clear that preparatory work on sanctions continues so that further steps can be taken should events in eastern Ukraine so require, and restate the Council’s strong condemnation of the illegal annexation of Crimea. The conclusions also welcome President Poroshenko’s inauguration; express support for his peace plan as a major chance for de-escalation, and call on Russia to support the peace plan and adopt measures to stop the flow of illegal fighters, arms and equipment into Ukraine. Ministers also encouraged the Ukrainian authorities in their reforms, expressed concern about the human rights situation in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, and looked forward to an end to the gas dispute.
Southern Neighbourhood
Ministers discussed Libya, and agreed conclusions calling for political dialogue and peaceful elections on 25 June, reaffirming EU support for improving Libya’s border controls and securing arms stockpiles. The Foreign Secretary welcomed the work of international envoys.
On Egypt, Baroness Ashton issued a statement expressing Ministers’ concern about the recent court cases, including the sentences pronounced against the al-Jazeera journalists. After the FAC the Foreign Secretary told the press that he was “absolutely appalled” and said that
“Egypt has taken a major step in the wrong direction”.
Ministers also discussed the importance of the EU providing more support to Tunisia to promote economic growth to underpin Tunisia’s political reforms.
Iraq and Syria
Ministers discussed the latest developments in Iraq, in the presence of Nikolay Mladenov, UN Special Representative for Iraq. Ministers were united in concern about the rapidly deteriorating security situation, strongly condemning the attacks perpetrated by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Mladenov set out his five-point plan for Iraq, including humanitarian assistance, an inclusive political process, and work with the Kurds.
The Foreign Secretary said that Ministers may need to consider a new architecture to handle the transnational threat that ISIL represented, involving regional actors. He called for humanitarian assistance for Iraq, and continued pressure on the Syrian regime for a political solution, humanitarian access and chemical weapons destruction.
Ministers agreed conclusions on Iraq, condemning ISIL’s attacks and human rights abuses. The conclusions call on Iraqi leaders to unite to fight terrorism and underline the need for political reconciliation and more inclusive Government. The conclusions also pledge €5 million of EU humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of internally displaced persons.
On Syria, Ministers agreed to extend sanctions to 12 Ministers.
Kidnap for Ransom
Ministers agreed conclusions on Kidnap for Ransom, a key step in our drive to develop international consensus against paying ransoms. In line with the commitments made at the G8 summit and UN Security Council Resolution 2133, the conclusions condemn the use of Kidnap for Ransom and unequivocally reject the payment of ransoms and political concessions. They reaffirm the EU’s commitment to uphold UN resolutions which require all UN member states to prevent terrorists benefiting directly or indirectly from ransom payments.
Other business
Ministers agreed without discussion a number of other measures, including the following:
The Council adopted conclusions on Thailand; Afghanistan; on the Union’s approach on responsible sourcing of minerals; on the 10th anniversary of the EU guidelines on human rights defenders; and on the role of the private sector in development.
The Council amended EU restrictive measures against the Central African Republic in the light of UN Security Council Resolution 2127 (2013).
The Council extended the restrictive measures against the leadership of the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova until 31 October 2014.
The Council adopted the EU’s annual report on human rights and democracy in the world in 2013.
The Council approved the EU priorities for the 69th UN General Assembly.
The Council extended the mandates of the EU special representative for human rights and of the EU special representative in Afghanistan until 28 February 2015 and agreed on the budget for their activities.
The Council approved the budget for the activities of the EU special representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period from 1 July 2014 until 30 June 2015.
The Council approved the association agendas between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova, and between the European Union and Georgia.
The Council approved the EU position for the first meeting of the Association Council with central America.
General Affairs Council
The 24 June 2014 General Affairs Council (GAC) focused on: the enlargement and stabilisation and association process; a report on following up European Council conclusions; the preparation of the 26 and 27 June European Council; the European semester process; the application of article 10 of protocol 36 to the treaties; the 18-month programme of the Council; the EU maritime security strategy; and the EU strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region. Under any other business, the GAC discussed EU cohesion policy and the flooding in Bulgaria.
A provisional report of the meeting can be found at:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/143363.pdf.
Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Process
The GAC considered Albania. Since the GAC last discussed the issue, Albania has made progress on key justice and home affairs (JHA) reforms, including a seven-fold increase in cocaine seizures and action to dismantle a fraudulent passport factory, tackling illegal migration. The Government therefore agreed candidate status, but only on a clear understanding in the GAC conclusions that Albania still has much work to do and will need to show sustained political commitment to tackling deep-rooted problems, including through concrete and measurable steps. Candidate status is a symbolic step which has no implications for migration, no automaticity for joining the EU and is not a decision to open accession negotiations. The Government will adopt a very rigorous approach at every stage of this long process to ensure that Albania roots out corruption, cracks down on organised crime and firmly institutionalises the rule of law.
In my intervention, I also raised the importance of the GAC returning in December to the issue of reform of transitional controls on free movement for future enlargements, in the context of its consideration of the Commission’s annual enlargement package to be published this autumn.
Report on following up European Council conclusions
The presidency presented its report on the implementation of European Council conclusions covering: economic issues; the European semester process; climate and energy; and justice and home affairs.
Preparation of the June European Council
The GAC discussed the draft conclusions for the 26 and 27 June European Council, which the Prime Minister and other EU leaders will attend. The June European Council will include a dinner in Ypres on 26 June to commemorate the outbreak of the first world war followed by a Council meeting on 27 June in Brussels.
The June European Council is expected to focus on: the future justice and home affairs programme; economic issues, including better regulation; climate and energy including a Commission report on EU energy security; and Ukraine. Association agreements with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine will be signed. The issue of the EU’s strategic priorities and institutional changes is also likely to be discussed.
I reaffirmed the need for clear objectives on job creation, growth and competitiveness; and called for text on the EU’s priorities to be as focused and ambitious as possible.
European Semester
Following discussion at the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council on 19 June and the Economic and Financial Affairs Council on 20 June, the GAC approved the European semester country specific recommendations (CSRs) published by the Commission to all non-programme EU member states.
The advice to the UK is to continue reducing the deficit, tackle youth unemployment, reform the housing market and invest in infrastructure. This is generally in line with the Government’s long-term economic plan and reflects the advice of others.
Application of Article 10 of Protocol 36 to the Treaties
The Council discussed the UK’s decision pursuant to article 10 of protocol 36 to the treaties to opt-out of all pre-Lisbon police and criminal justice measures. The Council noted that the UK Government and the Commission had reached an understanding on the list of non-Schengen pre-Lisbon police and criminal justice measures that the UK Government would seek to rejoin. In respect of the Schengen pre-Lisbon police and criminal justice measures, the Council recalled that it had previously provisionally noted a broad technical agreement on the draft Council decision although at this stage not all reservations could be lifted.
18-month programme of the Council
The new EU presidency trio of Italy, Latvia and Luxembourg presented their programme for the Council for the period of 1 July 2014 to 31 December 2015. This will focus on: growth and jobs; fundamental rights; climate and energy; and the post-2015 development programme.
The EU Maritime Security Strategy
The GAC adopted the EU maritime security strategy (EU MSS). The strategy aims to define the maritime security threats, risks and interests affecting the EU, while also strengthening the EU’s response to them. It will also serve to inform future action plans—due to be produced under the Italian presidency—which incorporate maritime security considerations more widely across EU policies.
The EU MSS is broadly consistent with the UK’s maritime security objectives and we will continue to work with European and other international partners on this global issue.
EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region
The Commission presented its communication and action plan for the EU strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region. Italy confirmed that it would take this forward during their presidency.
Under any other business, the GAC discussed the idea of holding formal sessions of the General Affairs Council dedicated to cohesion policy to allow greater scrutiny at a political level of its implementation over the 2014-20 multi-annual financial perspective, and its contribution to the Europe 2020 strategy. No clear conclusions were reached on this at this stage.
The GAC also considered and expressed sympathy for the recent flooding affecting Bulgaria which has caused considerable damage to infrastructure.
EU-Georgia Association Agreement
David Lidington Excerpts(9 years, 10 months ago)
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The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)
I wish to inform the House that the Government have opted in to the following measures:
Council decision on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and provisional application, of the association agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their member states, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part.
Council decision on the conclusion of the association agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their member states, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part.
The EU-Georgia association agreement constitutes a reform agenda for Georgia, based around a comprehensive programme to more closely align their legislation to EU norms, focusing on support to core reforms including economic recovery and growth, governance and co-operation in a wide range of sectors. This will help to ensure a stable and prosperous region, which is in the UK’s national interest.
The Council decisions approving the EU’s signature and conclusion of the EU-Georgia association agreement give approval to the EU to sign and conclude provisions covered by title V of the TFEU, in particular, in respect of provisions related to the temporary presence of natural persons for business—mode 4—and to the readmission of persons. The UK’s Justice and Home Affairs opt-in has been triggered as a result. The Government have decided that it is in the UK’s best interests to opt in to these Council decisions.
When making this decision, the Government took into consideration that the UK already participates in the existing readmission agreement between the EU and Georgia and as such it is appropriate that we now opt in to the new provisions which require the parties to ensure the full implementation of that agreement.
The mode 4 provisions are in line with the EU’s Doha round offer to the World Trade Organisation and are subject to rigorous safeguards, including minimum skills levels.
EU-Ukraine Association Agreement
David Lidington Excerpts(9 years, 10 months ago)
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The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)
I wish to inform the House that the Government have opted in to the following measure:
Council decision on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and provisional application, of the association agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their member states, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part, as regards titles III, IV, V, VI and VII of the agreement as well as the related annexes and protocols.
On 17 October 2013, Official Report, column 66WS, I informed the House that we had opted in to a previous version of this Council decision. In November 2013 former President Yanukovych decided not to pursue signature of the association agreement. This decision resulted in unrest in Ukraine, and in February 2014 a new interim President was appointed. The political titles of the agreement were signed at a European Council on 21 March 2014. That part of the agreement did not include provisions covered by title V of the TFEU and therefore did not trigger the UK’s JHA opt-in. Following successful presidential elections in May 2014, President Poroshenko confirmed his intention to sign the association agreement. The above new decision has since been brought forward to enable signature of the remaining titles of the agreement.
The EU-Ukraine association agreement constitutes a reform agenda for Ukraine, based around a comprehensive programme to align their legislation more closely to EU norms, focusing on support to core reforms including economic recovery and growth, governance and co- operation in a wide range of sectors. This will help to ensure a stable and prosperous region on the edge of the European Union, which is in the UK’s national interest.
The Council decisions approving the EU’s signature and conclusion of the EU-Ukraine association agreement give approval to the EU to sign and conclude provisions covered by title V of the TFEU, in particular, in respect of provisions related to the temporary presence of natural persons for business—mode 4—and to the readmission of persons. The UK’s Justice and Home Affairs opt-in has been triggered as a result. The Government have decided that it is in the UK’s best interests to opt in to these Council decisions.
When making this decision, the Government took into consideration that the UK already participates in the existing readmission agreement between the EU and Ukraine and as such it is appropriate that we now opt in to the new provisions which require the parties to ensure the full implementation of that agreement.
The mode 4 provisions are in line with the EU’s Doha round offer to the World Trade Organisation and are subject to rigorous safeguards, including minimum skills levels.
EU-Moldova Association Agreement
David Lidington Excerpts(9 years, 10 months ago)
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The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)
I wish to inform the House that the Government have opted in to the following measures:
Council decision on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and provisional application, of the association agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their member states, of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part.
Council decision on the conclusion of the association agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their member states, of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part.
The EU-Moldova association agreement constitutes a reform agenda for Moldova, based around a comprehensive programme to more closely align their legislation to EU norms, focusing on support to core reforms including economic recovery and growth, governance and co-operation in a wide range of sectors. This will help to ensure a stable and prosperous region on the edge of the European Union, which is in the UK’s national interest.
The Council decisions approving the EU’s signature and conclusion of the EU-Moldova association agreement give approval to the EU to sign and conclude provisions covered by title V of the TFEU, in particular, in respect of provisions related to the temporary presence of natural persons for business—mode 4—and to the readmission of persons. The UK’s Justice and Home Affairs opt-in has been triggered as a result. The Government have decided that it is in the UK’s best interests to opt in to these Council decisions.
When making this decision, the Government took into consideration that the UK already participates in the existing readmission agreement between the EU and Moldova and as such it is appropriate that we now opt in to the new provisions which require the parties to ensure the full implementation of that agreement.
The mode 4 provisions are in line with the EU’s Doha round offer to the World Trade Organisation and are subject to rigorous safeguards, including minimum skills levels.
Foreign Affairs Council/General Affairs Council
David Lidington Excerpts(9 years, 10 months ago)
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The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs will attend the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June, and I will attend the General Affairs Council on 24 June. The Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) will be chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Ashton of Upholland, and the General Affairs Council (GAC) will be chaired by the Greek presidency. The meetings will be held in Luxembourg.
Foreign Affairs Council
Introductory remarks
Baroness Ashton is expected to cover the 8 June elections in Kosovo, which took place in an orderly and transparent manner, and to acknowledge a historic moment in Afghanistan’s history, with the second round of the presidential elections having taken place on 14 June. Ministers are expected to agree a new EU civilian strategy for Afghanistan, focused on supporting the Afghan Government over the next three years. We do not expect substantive discussion of these topics.
Ukraine
Ministers will have a substantive discussion on the situation in Ukraine following the presidential elections of 25 May, which were conducted largely in accordance with international standards in the face of great odds. The UK will stress the importance of continued, co-ordinated, political and practical support to President Poroshenko and the Government of Ukraine and, in parallel, continued pressure on Russia to stop provoking instability in eastern Ukraine. The Foreign Secretary will encourage member states, in line with recent G7 statements, to stand ready to intensify targeted sanctions, and implement significant additional restrictive measures to impose further costs on Russia should events so require. Ministers will reaffirm non-recognition of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and endorse the progress already made by the Commission in delivering the package of consequences responding to this illegal annexation: the UK will encourage the Commission to pursue the remaining elements of the package in a timely fashion.
The UK will seek to agree the EU crisis management concept on establishing the civilian common security and defence policy mission that the UK, Sweden and Poland advocated at the April FAC. The mission is intended to address both urgent and longer-term stability-related needs, including in the fields of security sector reform, support of police, and rule of law. Ministers will look forward to signature of the EU/Moldova and EU/Georgia association agreements on 27 June, and their hope to sign the remaining chapters of the EU/Ukraine association agreement. We expect Ministers to emphasise continued support for these countries, and the need for a robust response should Russia take retaliatory action following the signature of these agreements.
Southern Neighbourhood
The UK’s objective is to ensure that member states remain united on a political solution to ending the crisis in Syria. We will emphasise the need to maintain pressure on the regime, support the opposition and address the humanitarian situation. On the political track, the UK strongly believes that the Geneva principles and process are the only viable, internationally agreed mechanism, endorsed by the P5 and Arab League, for a settlement to end the conflict. We will urge member states to hold to the principles of the Geneva process while making a practical effort to change the regime’s calculations, including by using sanctions. On humanitarian aid, in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2139, the UK will encourage member states and the institutions to ensure aid can be delivered across borders to those who most need it. The UK will also seek to discuss the 30 June deadline for the regime to destroy its chemical weapons, and to emphasise the importance of member states working closely together to curb foreign fighters.
Ministers will discuss the situation in Libya ahead of the 25 June elections. The UK will encourage member states to do all they can to support a lasting, inclusive political settlement and fair, transparent and accountable elections. We will encourage member states to support international efforts to respond to the Libyan Government’s request for assistance in addressing the destabilising impact of weapons proliferation.
Iraq
Ministers will discuss the situation in Iraq. The UK is gravely concerned at the deteriorating security and ongoing violence. The UK will emphasise the importance of a united response to this threat from Iraq’s leadership, and call for member states to offer increased humanitarian assistance to Iraq, given the hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the violence. The UK will also call for member states to show solidarity with the Government of Iraq as it combats terrorism, and for member states to make a strong statement about the threat from Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL). Conclusions are expected to express serious concern over the situation, support the fight against terrorism, and call for the rapid formation of a new Government which can work together to address the challenges Iraq faces.
General Affairs Council
The General Affairs Council will focus on: the enlargement and stabilisation and association process; a report on following up European Council conclusions; the preparation of the 26 and 27 June European Council; the European semester process; the EU strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region; the application of article 10 of protocol 36 to the treaties; and the forward-looking 18-month programme of the Council.
Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Process
The GAC will consider the recommendation from the Commission to agree EU candidate status for Albania. The UK remains a strong supporter of EU enlargement to all the countries of the western Balkans, including Albania, once conditions have been met. We are looking very closely at the reforms Albania continues to pursue, including in the areas the Council set out in December 2013. We will take a final view on Albania’s progress just ahead of the June GAC.
Report on following up European Council conclusions
The GAC plays an important role in ensuring that the actions mandated in European Council conclusions are delivered. We expect the Greek presidency to deliver a report on the implementation of European Council conclusions during their presidency. This will likely cover all strands of EU business, from the economic, to energy and climate, and defence, trade and foreign policy. Areas such as the Single Market Act I, are likely to be singled out for their adoption during the Greek presidency.
Preparation of the June European Council
The GAC will prepare the 26 and 27 June European Council, where the Prime Minister and other EU leaders will attend a dinner in Ypres on 26 June to commemorate the outbreak of the first world war, before travelling on to Brussels for the Council meeting on 27 June.
The June European Council agenda is expected to include: the future justice and home affairs programme; economic issues, including conclusion of the European semester and better regulation; climate and energy including a Commission report on EU energy security; and external relations issues (likely to include Ukraine). We also look forward to signature of the EU/Moldova and EU/Georgia association agreements at the European Council, and hope to sign the remaining chapters of the EU/Ukraine association agreement. The issue of the EU’s strategic priorities and institutional changes is also likely to be discussed by leaders.
European Semester
The GAC will consider the country specific recommendations (CSRs), published by the Commission to all non-programme EU member states on 2 June, as part of the European semester process. CSRs will also be considered by the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council on 19 June and the Economic and Financial Affairs Council on 20 June.
The advice to the UK is to continue reducing the deficit, tackle youth unemployment, reform the housing market and invest in infrastructure. This is generally in line with the Government’s long-term economic plan and reflects the advice of others.
EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region
The GAC will receive a presentation by the Commission of its communication and action plan for the EU strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian region. The strategy will be considered in more detail during the Italian presidency.
Application of Article 10 of Protocol 36 to the Treaties
Current plans are for the General Affairs Council to consider an item on protocol 36 of the treaty of the functioning of the European Union. This relates to the UK’s decision to opt out of all police and criminal justice measures adopted before the entry into force of the Lisbon treaty, and subsequent discussions.
18-month programme of the Council
The GAC is expected to take note of the presidency programme for the next 18 months. The new presidency trio of Italy, Latvia and Luxembourg will begin on 1 July with the Italians holding the presidency until 31 December 2014. The Italians are due to publish their presidency programme shortly; the programme is expected to be partly shaped by the inherited Greek agenda.
There is a good degree of convergence between the UK’s priorities and those of Italy. The first six months of the programme will be dominated by institutional refresh of the European Parliament and Commission. Three priorities have been identified for the Italian presidency: “Growth”, “Migration” and “Mediterranean”.
We welcome areas of the anticipated programme that reflect the growth and jobs agenda, such as progress on the digital single market, better regulation and trade agreements.
Latvia and Luxembourg have yet to release details of their presidency programmes.
Under any other business, the presidency will seek views on whether there should be sessions of the General Affairs Council where the agenda is dedicated to cohesion policy in order to allow greater scrutiny at a political level of its implementation over the 2014-20 financial perspective and its contribution to the Europe 2020 strategy.
Oral Answers to Questions
David Lidington Excerpts(9 years, 11 months ago)
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Mr Iain McKenzie (Inverclyde) (Lab)
14. What recent progress has been made on securing a transatlantic trade and investment treaty.
The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)
A successful transatlantic trade deal would be worth up to £10 billion a year for this country alone. Negotiations last month went well and we are now working with European and United States counterparts towards the next round in July with a view to securing an ambitious agreement in 2015.
Mr McKenzie
What steps are the Government taking to promote this deal, especially in our manufacturing industry in the UK?
Mr Lidington
In the conversations that Ministers from all Departments have with representatives of manufacturing, industry and other sectors from all parts of the United Kingdom, we emphasise the opportunities that would be available to them from a successful deal in the transatlantic trade and investment partnership. We are getting a strong, supportive response from all sectors of UK industry.
Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab)
15. What steps he has taken to monitor the human rights record of those countries that attended the DSEI—defence and security equipment international—arms fair in London in September 2013.
The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)
Our arms export control criteria are rigorous and place human rights at the centre of decision making. We do not export equipment where there is a clear risk that it might be used for internal repression.
Sheila Gilmore
I thank the Minister for that reply. My understanding is that last year the Government invited delegations to the DSEI arms fair from countries with poor human rights records such as Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and others. Will he assure the House that such countries will not be invited in future?
Mr Lidington
All countries have under the United Nations charter an inherent right to self-defence, but we judge any application for the export of defence materials from this country in the light of the consolidated criteria. When there is a risk that such exports would be used for internal repression or when such exports would be in breach of United Nations, international or EU embargoes, obviously we do not permit such exports.
James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con)
T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.
Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op)
Mr Speaker, as you know, the next British European Commissioner will have to face scrutiny from the European Parliament before the nomination can be confirmed. Would it not be more appropriate for the British people to scrutinise that appointment first, through this House?
The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)
I am sure that whenever the Prime Minister puts forward the name of the man or woman whom the Government wish to fill that role, there will be ample opportunity for Members of this House to express their various views.
Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)
T2. Last year, the Palestinian Authority paid more than £60 million to Palestinians convicted of terror offences. What is the Foreign Secretary’s assessment of that policy of financially rewarding terrorism? Is he aware of recent reports that the Palestine Liberation Organisation has been mandated by the Palestinian Authority to continue that awful practice on its behalf?
Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op)
T9. Given the far-too-regular incursions of Spanish ships into British territorial waters and the continuing long delays at Spanish border crossings, what further actions are Ministers taking to resolve the issue over Gibraltar? Will they give me a guarantee that a Minister will visit Gibraltar real soon?
Mr Lidington
In answer to the hon. Gentleman’s last question, I am hoping to visit Gibraltar again in the near future, and I remain in regular contact with the Chief Minister and the Gibraltar Government. We make protests to Spain in respect of every illegal incursion into British Gibraltar waters and, now that the deadline has passed, we are pressing the European Commission to take action to ensure that Spain respects her European responsibilities to allow the decent movement of people across the border, subject only to proportionate and fully justified checks.
Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con)
T4. On a visit to Djibouti at the end of last year I saw the enormous investment that is going in there and the opportunities for trade and business links. What have the Government been able to do to reinforce the trade links between the UK and Djibouti, perhaps through UK Trade & Investment?
Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (LD)
On matters European, is there truth in the latest word coming out of Berlin that Chancellor Merkel is firming up in her support behind her preferred European presidency candidate? Where British Government influence upon her is concerned, was that decision assisted, in direct contradiction to the view of the Prime Minister, by the British Conservative MEPs voting to admit to membership of their group the ultra right-wing German Conservatives, who are the thorn in the flesh of the self-same Chancellor Merkel?
Mr Lidington
As the Prime Minister made clear, he regards the CDU/CSU as a sister party with whom we continue to enjoy close and positive relations. In respect of the proposals for the new President of the European Commission, we are of the view that it is important that the Commission is led by a man or woman who has energy, drive and a determination to take through an agenda of economic and political reform to face the serious challenges that Europe confronts, not least getting back to work the millions of jobless youngsters in Europe.
Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP)
Has the Secretary of State emphasised to the Israeli Government that travel restrictions or other constraints that would prevent Ministers in the technocratic Government from meeting will mean only that they are unable to meet their responsibilities not just to all Palestinians but to the peace process?
Foreign Affairs Council/General Affairs Council
David Lidington Excerpts(10 years ago)
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The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs will attend the Foreign Affairs Council on 12 May, and I will attend the General Affairs Council on 13 May. The Foreign Affairs Council will be chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Ashton of Upholland, and the General Affairs Council will be chaired by the Greek presidency. The meetings will be held in Brussels.
Foreign Affairs Council (FAC)
Ukraine
Ministers will discuss Ukraine against the backdrop of a continued deterioration in the security situation in the east of the country. As the FAC takes place less than two weeks before 25 May Ukrainian presidential elections the Council is an important opportunity for the EU and member states to underline their commitment to supporting Ukraine to deliver free and fair elections in the face of great odds. The UK will emphasise the importance of the rapid establishment of a civilian common security and defence policy (CSDP) mission that we, together with Sweden and Poland, advocated at the April FAC, which is intended to address urgent, stability-related needs, including in the fields of security sector reform, support of police, and rule of law. The UK also expects the Council to reaffirm support for the organisation for security and co-operation in Europe (OSCE) special monitoring mission and to encourage all participating states to contribute to the expansion of the mission. Finally, there will be a discussion of sanctions, including the possibility of further measures in response to recent—and to deter further—Russian actions to destabilise eastern and southern Ukraine.
Middle East Peace Process
Ministers will discuss the latest developments in the middle east peace process. Conclusions should focus on urging both sides to avoid any steps which would make a return to talks more difficult and find the common ground and political strength to resume negotiations. This should include reiterating support for Secretary Kerry’s efforts, and highlighting the dividends of peace, such as the EU’s offer of special privileged partnerships. Trying to apportion blame for the breakdown in talks would be unhelpful. On the subject of the reconciliation deal, the EU should stand ready to engage with any Palestinian Government which upholds the principle of non-violence, remains committed to achieving a negotiated two-state solution, and accepts all previously accepted agreements and obligations, including recognising Israel’s legitimate right to exist.
European Neighbourhood Policy
Over lunch Ministers will discuss the future direction of the European neighbourhood policy (ENP). The UK’s view is that the implementation of the ENP could be improved, and that there is a need for a thorough review, taking account of member states’ views and looking at the long-term outcomes that the EU wants to deliver. The UK wants an ENP that is focused on the EU’s strategic goals—sustainable and long-term economic and political reform, within a strengthened democratic system, with a greater degree of differentiation between partners, and a continued emphasis on conditionality.
General Affairs Council (GAC)
The General Affairs Council on 13 May will focus on preparation for the 26 and 27 June European Council, which the Prime Minister will attend. A draft agenda for the European Council has been circulated. At this stage the European Council looks likely to cover: the future justice and home affairs programme; economic issues, including better regulation; climate and energy including a Commission report on EU energy security; and external relations issues (likely to include Ukraine). Leaders will also attend a dinner in Ypres on 26 June to commemorate the outbreak of the first world war.
Foreign Affairs Council/Defence Foreign Affairs Council
David Lidington Excerpts(10 years, 1 month ago)
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The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs will attend the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 April. The Minister for International Security Strategy will attend the European Defence Agency Steering Board and the Defence Foreign Affairs Council on 15 April. Both Councils will be chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Ashton of Upholland. The meetings will be held in Luxembourg.
Foreign Affairs Council
Introduction
Baroness Ashton is expected to cover a number of topics in her introductory remarks, including the outcomes of the EU/US summit which took place on 26 March in Brussels; her meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jinping in Brussels on 1 April; the outcomes of the EU/Africa summit which took place on 2 and 3 April in Brussels; the first round of the presidential elections in Afghanistan which took place on 5 April; and the talks between the E3+3 and Iran on a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme on 8 and 9 April in Vienna. We do not expect substantive discussion on any of these topics.
Ukraine
Ministers will discuss the situation in Ukraine. The UK will focus on how to support Ukraine in the crucial pre-election period and also longer term. Free and fair elections are crucial to build confidence in a new Government that will carry out the deep reforms Ukraine needs to become the prosperous and stable independent country that it aspires to be. The presidential elections on 25 May represent both opportunity and risk for Ukraine. The election process is likely to be fraught with difficulty; Russia will seek to undermine and possibly even delay the process. The UK will be proposing ideas to mitigate the risks and help the new Government engage with the Ukrainian people including those regions which have concerns about protecting their cultural and linguistic rights. We will also be stressing the importance of further preparatory work on restrictive measures against Russia to ensure EU preparedness for any further escalation.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ministers will discuss the latest developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). They will also adopt conclusions urging Bosnian leaders to address immediately the legitimate socio-economic grievances of their population, making clear the EU’s strong commitment to supporting BiH in implementing the wide range of reforms needed for the country to progress, should BiH’s leaders demonstrate their commitment to immediate reform. The UK supports a broadened and reinvigorated EU effort in BiH, in response to the recent protests and the political and economic stalemate which they reflect. The UK will emphasise strongly the need for BiH’s leadership to respond rapidly and comprehensively to the population’s legitimate demands for change. The UK will also emphasise its continued commitment to BiH’s territorial integrity as a united sovereign country, and make clear that it regards recent secessionist rhetoric as entirely unacceptable.
Syria
Ministers will discuss the situation in Syria, focusing on humanitarian access, elections, sanctions and humanitarian aid.
The UK will emphasise the importance of the Syrian regime complying with all the demands of the UN Security Council Resolution 2139 on humanitarian access, in particular allowing cross-border and cross-line humanitarian access. We will also stress the importance of the UN and other international aid agencies, including EU aid agencies, scaling up their cross-border and cross-line aid deliveries, given the legitimacy of carrying out cross-border work without regime consent in these circumstances. The UK will stress its support for the political track, including delegitimising the regime-held presidential elections. In support of the political and humanitarian efforts, the UK will ask member states to consider putting pressure on the regime through further sanctions measures, and to contribute more funding for humanitarian aid.
European Defence Agency Ministerial Steering Board
The EDA Ministerial Steering Board is likely to focus on work to date developing the policy framework for systematic and long-term co-operation, called for in the December 2013 European Council conclusions. The UK supports efforts to encourage EU member states to invest in defence capabilities and co-ordinate requirements where appropriate, to help deliver efficiencies and address critical shortfalls. Any EU framework must not duplicate existing NATO defence planning activities and must not cross the UK’s established defence red lines.
Defence Foreign Affairs Council
Maritime security
Ministers will discuss the recent joint communication on maritime security from the Commission and Baroness Ashton, which sets out elements that could be incorporated in an EU maritime security strategy. We support developing a more co-ordinated and coherent approach to existing Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) work in this field, and will seek to ensure the final strategy, expected in June, takes full account of the roles of other international organisations, particularly NATO.
Central African Republic
Ministers will receive an update on the deployment of the EU’s operation in the Central African Republic, EUFOR RCA. The UK is concerned about the ongoing security and humanitarian situation in the Central African Republic, and EUFOR RCA will contribute to security in Bangui until a successful hand-over to the African Union mission or a possible UN peacekeeping operation can be completed. We would like to see the operation deployed and having effect on the ground quickly, and are examining in detail possible logistic support to help achieve this. The UK has provided a staff officer to the operation headquarters in Larissa, but will not be contributing any combat troops.
Eastern Partnership
In the context of recent events in Ukraine, Baroness Ashton is likely to provide an update on the EU’s support to its eastern partners, including Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova. We will continue to encourage co-operation with eastern partners in the context of the EU’s common security and defence policy (CSDP), building on existing EU work to support and facilitate eastern partners’ contributions to CSDP missions and operations.
EU Foreign Ministers (Informal Meeting)
David Lidington Excerpts(10 years, 1 month ago)
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The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs attended the informal Foreign Ministers meeting on 4 to 5 April in Athens, Greece.
The informal format of the Gymnich allows EU Foreign Ministers to engage in a free-ranging discussion on a number of issues. In contrast to arrangements in the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), Ministers do not agree any formal written conclusions. The next FAC is due to be held on 14 April.
The Gymnich was chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Ashton of Upholland. Discussion centred on issues in the EU’s eastern and southern neighbourhoods.
Commissioners Füle (enlargement and European neighbourhood policy) and Georgieva (international co-operation, humanitarian aid and crisis response) were in attendance for some of the discussions. Elmar Brok MEP, chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, attended lunch with the Foreign Ministers.
Foreign Affairs Council
Ukraine
Ministers discussed the situation in the eastern neighbourhood countries, focusing in particular on Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova. The Foreign Secretary emphasised the importance of support for Ukraine, in particular in this crucial pre-election period. He also stated the importance of rebalancing the EU’s relationship with Russia and over the long term reducing our energy dependency; the immediate tasks were to continue the preparatory work on the possible next phase of sanctions, and on the consequences of annexation for Crimea. Discussion among Ministers ranged widely over these topics.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ministers discussed the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Foreign Secretary made a strong case for increasing EU engagement, aimed at supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s development into a fully functioning state. Baroness Ashton ranked Bosnia and Herzegovina alongside Ukraine and Syria as one of the EU’s main external policy challenges.
Syria
Ministers discussed the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Syria, and the regime’s non-compliance with UN Security Council resolution 2139. They underlined the importance of the resolution being fully implemented. Ministers also discussed progress on the destruction of Syrian chemical weapons.