On 25 April, the Council of Ministers of the European Union approved the annual report for 2004 on the main aspects of and fundamental choices for CFSP. Out of a total of 159 pages, this European Parliament report retraces the different Union events and action undertaken last year and provides an insight into future priorities. We have selected Chapter 5 on prospects for action. The complete text on this subject is provided below.
Chapter V
PERSPECTIVES FOR FUTURE ACTION
In many ways, the future priorities of the CFSP define themselves - the Near and Middle East, the Balkans, Eastern Europe, China and conflict situations in Africa and Asia and of course the transatlantic relationship are all of major importance. So too are the ongoing fight against terrorism and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The EU has an unyielding determination to combat the continuing terrorist threat through a comprehensive and integrated approach reinforcing both internal and international cooperation, in accordance with the principles on which the European Union is founded. The Union is convinced that in order to be effective in the long run its response to terrorism must address the root causes of terrorism. The Council is working towards the establishment of a long-term strategy and action plan on both of these and will, in cooperation with the Commission, submit proposals to this effect. Progress on external policies through counter-terrorism clauses in agreements with third countries will be made operational as soon as possible as will the implementation of the 2004 EU-US Declaration on combating terrorism. The strengthening of cooperation with priority third countries through dialogue and assistance as well as fostering regional cooperation has begun.
The European Union is determined to work against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and will continue to implement the strategy endorsed by the Brussels European Council of December 2003 in this respect. The Union is committed to use all instruments at its disposal to counter the threat of proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery. It is essential that a sustained full suspension of all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities continues while agreement on long-term arrangements is sought. The Union remains ready to explore ways to further develop political and economic cooperation with Iran, following action by Iran to address other areas of concern of the EU including the fight against terrorism, human rights and Iran's approach to the Middle-East Peace Process.
The implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy remains a central target for the EU in 2005 too. The near and middle East are to the forefront of European concerns not least because of the proximity to the Union and also because of their importance for the inhabitants of the Union. The Barcelona Process will continue to be the main tool of the EU for partnership, cooperation and dialogue with the Mediterranean Region. The 10th anniversary of the Barcelona Declaration is an opportunity to strengthen the Euromed process. The Union will continue the work of strengthening relations with the third countries involved in the process in all relevant political, economic, social and cultural fields. Joint ownership of the process, based on the awareness of shared values and common interests, is essential. In this context we will reiterate the importance of the commitment of our partners to engage in reform, recognising that the EU's relations with these countries have distinct characteristics that merit a differentiated approach.
At the same time, the EU also looks forward to working together with its Eastern European neighbours to implement reforms and other agreed priorities, and to start adopting Action Plans for the countries in the Southern Caucasus during the coming year. The EU will take steps to communicate and demonstrate the benefits of the European Neighbourhood Policy to the people of Belarus and will support the strengthening of civil society and the process of democratisation.
The Union will continue to conduct intensive dialogue with key partners and organisations. To that end, it is committed to strengthening the strategic dialogue with its transatlantic partners. It is recalled that, as stated in the European Security Strategy, the transatlantic partnership is irreplaceable. The EU will continue to develop its strategic partnership with NATO. The initiation of a yearly Justice and Home Affairs ministerial troika with the US and the broad participation of the stakeholders on both sides of the ocean in the consultations on the further deepening of transatlantic relations are welcome developments.
To promote effective multilateralism, the Union will continue its efforts towards enhanced multilateral cooperation, notably within the UN. Particular attention will be paid to the UNSG's Report “In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All.”
There has been a growing recognition that human security and human rights are frequently at the root of conflicts. The EU has strengthened its commitment to the spread of good governance and support for fundamental freedoms and will continue to engage China and Iran on human rights. The Union recently opened a new phase of consultations with Russia on the same subject. The High Representative's personal representative for human rights issues will contribute to increased coherence and consistency of human-rights policy in the CFSP.
In 2005, the development of EU military capacities will be a key priority. In this respect the Council will approve the Requirements Catalogue and the Battle-Group concept will be developed to improve the EU rapid-response capacity. Simultaneously, work will continue to strengthen the civilian crisis-management capacity as a follow-up to the Capabilities Conference in November 2004.
Institutionally, the Union is in a brief period of consolidation and preparation for the implementation of the Constitution. Our greatest challenge in this context will be to meet the needs and expectations of the Union's citizens and governments in the creation of an External Action Service which is flexible and responsive to the challenges faced. Through much of this year, preparations will go on to address this question.
1. FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM
This year the EU will build on the substantial work carried out in 2004. Implementation of the documents adopted in 2004 (on integrating the fight against terrorism into all aspects of EU external relations policy, the overall strategy for the fight against terrorist financing and the Conceptual Framework on the ESDP dimension in the fight against terrorism) will be a priority for the coming months. The EU will also engage in developing a long-term strategy and action plan on the issues of radicalisation and recruitment, as requested by the December European Council.
EU efforts will continue to focus on enhancing cooperation at international level and supporting the international legal framework in the fight against terrorism.
The EU will continue to mainstream counter-terrorism into political dialogue with its partners. In these dialogues, special attention will be paid to the protection of and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law in the fight against terrorism. The issue of terrorist financing will also feature high on the EU counter-terrorism agenda. Dialogue will be continued with key partners such as the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Enhanced cooperation with priority countries will also remain a major objective for EU external action against terrorism. Existing aid and assistance programmes will also need to be coordinated, both within the EU and with other international donors.
2. NON-PROLIFERATION
In December 2004 the Council endorsed a list of priorities for non-proliferation, including:
Support for multilateralism and universal accession to international treaties and agreements.
The EU will continue to promote the role of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). It will also work to foster universalisation and strengthen the main treaties and conventions, while urging all UN Member States to implement Security Council Resolution 1540.
The EU is currently preparing a coordinated position in the run-up to the NPT Review Conference to be held in May. It will take care that the NPT is preserved in full.
Over and above its political and diplomatic moves, the EU could provide practical support for the workshops and conferences organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and workshops designed to encourage accession to the Convention on the Prohibition of Biological and Toxin Weapons (BTWC) and The Hague International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC) but also workshops and conference organised by the UN Office or UNIDIR in Geneva as part of the Disarmament Conference.
Implementation of effective export controls
The EU will continue to act in a concerted and determined manner to encourage all its new Member States to accede to export control regimes soon.
The EU will continue to promote tougher export control regimes and compliance with their guidelines, even by States who have not signed up to them. The importance of export controls has been especially highlighted in the context of the new neighbourhood policy. The EU could provide technical assistance to third countries in that area. The expert group set up for EU peer evaluation could also aim to coordinate and/or participate in these assistance programmes. The priority regions for the EU might be the Balkans and its partners in the European neighbourhood policy in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Ukraine, but also China.
China is one of the countries with which the EU should, under the terms of the European Security Strategy, develop a strategic partnership. It has recently published a security concept and a non-proliferation white paper, which are broadly consistent with the European Security Strategy and the WMD Strategy. Cooperation on export controls could be developed initially on the basis of the findings of the ad hoc meeting held on the subject in Beijing in January 2005.
The necessary financial resources should be made available to implement assistance programmes on export controls and appropriate human resources should be mobilised in the Member States.
Strengthening the control of WMD-related equipment and materials in transit and/or in transhipment
Controlling the transit of WMD-related equipment and materials remains a major challenge for the implementation of an effective non-proliferation policy. Means should be explored in order to strengthen the ability of Member States to inspect and, where appropriate, to intercept cargoes, which are in transit through their territory and might carry WMD-related equipment and materials. If necessary, the advisability of a new legal instrument could be studied at EU level with the objective of empowering all Member States to inspect and seize suspicious cargoes.
Criminal sanctions for the proliferation of sensitive goods and technologies
In the light of the European Council's declaration of 18 June 2004, Council bodies are to review the appropriate political and legal instruments, including possible actions within the framework of Justice and Home Affairs, that would further the adoption of concrete measures. Existing sanctions under Member States' current legislation or regulations will be evaluated and, if necessary, recommendations will be made to bring them into line.
Tightening up nuclear security
The Joint Action in support of the IAEA should be renewed in order to cover other nuclear installations and other countries where a need has been identified to improve nuclear security and national capabilities to combat illegal trafficking.
Tightening up the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention
The Union could promote debate in the UN Security Council on tightening up the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. A UN roster of experts could be compiled on which the UNSC and/or the UN Secretary-General could draw.
Promotion of challenge inspections under the Chemical Weapons Convention
The EU will continue to commit itself and promote discussions on this subject in the relevant OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) bodies. In the medium-term, EU action could also provide for the funding of such inspections through the OPCW.
Contributing to disarmament and dismantlement of WMD
The experience gained through the implementation of the Joint Actions on disarmament in the Russian Federation means that it is worth continuing EU action in these fields. At the same time, additional activities could be envisaged in order to cover a wider geographical scope: other states of the former Soviet Union, such as Ukraine, but also states in North Africa and the Middle East. In this area, cooperation with the IAEA and the OPCW is crucial. Another priority might be to support the destruction of chemical weapons in Albania.
Facilitating the conversion of WMD expertise.
The EU could study the potential for channelling the scientific expertise of those previously employed on WMD programmes, in Libya and Iraq, for example, towards peaceful applications.
Developing an approach to other regions
(a) India and Pakistan
The EU should urge India and Pakistan to adopt, in parallel, transparency measures designed to improve their proliferation credibility vis-à-vis the international community. To that end, it might be useful to pursue action aimed at implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540, an enhanced dialogue with export control regimes and the adoption of other transparency measures. EU action could be undertaken to help these two countries to develop and introduce appropriate systems for nuclear material accountancy. Systems of this type would reduce the risk of nuclear materials being diverted to third countries. Assistance on export controls should cover both the nuclear field and the chemical, biological and missiles areas.
(b) Developing the security aspects of the Barcelona process
The Union has consistently been in favour of a WMD-free-zone as part of a broader effort to promote security and stability in the Middle East and the Mediterranean (Barcelona process). Following the decision of principle taken by the Euromed Foreign Ministers in December 2004, an ad hoc workshop/meeting on non-proliferation and disarmament should be organised in the context of the security section of the Barcelona Process.
(c) Middle East/Gulf
In the context of implementation of the EU Strategy against WMD proliferation, Iran, Iraq and the Gulf Cooperation Council states could be of major interest. Cooperation and assistance programmes tailored to each country's specific needs could be put in place. The EU affirmed its objective of a secure, stable, unified, prosperous and democratic Iraq that will make a positive contribution to the stability of the region.
(d) ASEAN Regional Forum (ASF)
The EU is a participant in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which is a political and security forum in which both ASEAN countries and their 14 dialogue partners take part. Exchanges of views on non-proliferation issues constitute a major part of such work. Practical cooperation with the ARF countries could be envisaged in the areas of non-proliferation and disarmament.
Mainstreaming non-proliferation policies into the EU's contractual relations with third countries
The following should be pursued:
Inclusion of a non-proliferation clause in ongoing negotiations on the interregional association agreement with Mercosur, the free-trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council and revision of the Cotonou Agreement with the 78 ACP countries;
Inclusion of a non-proliferation clause in future partnership and cooperation agreements with the countries of South-East Asia, in particular Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei;
Inclusion of a non-proliferation clause in other stabilisation and association agreements in the Balkans, on the Albanian model;
Conclusion of a "parallel" instrument under Article 24 of the EU Treaty, containing a non-proliferation clause with Pakistan;
and possibly with China in the context of a new cooperation agreement.
3. EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY
Civilian aspects
Building on the progress made in 2004, the European Union Police Mission (EUPM) will continue implementation of its 7 general programmes in 2005. This process will be supplemented by guidance, surveillance and on-the-spot inspection activities. In addition, the development of the SIPA and local police capabilities to combat organised crime will remain a priority objective for the Mission.
Following the Chairman of the Police Restructuring Commission's report, the EUPM will take an active role in promoting the recommendations contained in the report, in particular through communication campaigns. The Mission will also continue to assist the EUSR with advice on the police restructuring process.
Lastly, the Mission, whose mandate is due to expire on 31 December 2005, will prepare its exit strategy, taking into account developments in policing in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the evolving presence of the international community.
Since 15 December 2004, EUPOL PROXIMA has adapted its organisation in line with the decision of the EU. PROXIMA is now present in seven new field locations thus covering all regions of fYROM. To ensure focus on the middle and senior management of the police PROXIMA has in 2005 implemented a total of seven projects under the three overarching programmes. These cover border police, organised crime and public peace and order based on a two-pronged approach. Two thirds of PROXIMA's activities focus on management capacities and one third on improving general skills of the fYROM police service.
The mandate of the mission expires on 15 December 2005, and the mission will prepare its exit strategy by taking into account the developments in the police service of fYROM, as well the evolution of the presence of the international community.
As laid down in Joint Action 2004/523/CFSP, EUJUST THEMIS is planned to end in twelve months. In his mid-term review of the Mission, the Secretary-General/High Representative called on the Special Representative to explore, together with the Head of Mission, ways in which the objectives and goals of the EUJUST THEMIS Mission could be developed. The Council will decide in July 2005 which have been achieved.
As decided in Joint Action 2004/847/CFSP, a new Police Mission (EUPOL KINSHASA), designed to monitor, mentor and advise a Congolese Integrated Police Unit (IPU) will start in Kinshasa (DRC) early in 2005. This new mission will follow on from consolidation of the EDF project, which provided equipment and training for the IPU. EUPOL KINSHASA is scheduled for launch in the first half of 2005; its mandate is for one year. This will be the ESDP's first civilian mission in Africa, showing the EU's growing determination to play an active role in maintaining peace and stability on the continent.
On 21 February 2005, the Council has decided to launch an Integrated Rule of Law Mission for Iraq, EUJUST LEX, which should be operational as soon as possible. The EU started planning the operation following consultations with the Iraqi interim authorities and on the basis of the report by the team of experts. The Mission falls under the scope of the ESDP. It will consist of integrated training in the fields of management and criminal investigation, to be given to a representative group of senior officials and executive staff, mainly from the judicial, police and prison sectors. The Council agreed that training activities would take place in the EU or in the region and that the Mission should have a liaison office in Baghdad. Depending on developments in the security conditions in Iraq and on the availability of appropriate infrastructure, the Council will be called upon to examine the possibility of training within Iraq and, if necessary, will amend the relevant joint action accordingly. The arrangements for the Mission, which is to complement international efforts under way, will be determined in consultation with the Iraqi authorities.
CIVILIAN HEADLINE GOAL 2008
On 17 December 2004 the European Council endorsed the Civilian Headline Goal 2008, believing it important to increase the EU's ability to react more rapidly and effectively in the field of civilian crisis management, since it is now the EU's aim to be able to conduct several concurrent civilian missions at different levels of engagement and calling on different capabilities, including at least one large civilian substitution mission at short notice in a non-benign environment. The EU also intends to improve its ability to deploy at short notice, including its ability to deploy civilian means simultaneously with military means from the outset of an operation.
The Civilian Headline Goal will be developed under the aegis of the Council and with the aid of a project team set up at the General Secretariat of the Council. The following key steps have been identified:
Step 1: Elaboration of key planning assumptions and illustrative scenarios (to be completed by April 2005);
Step 2: Elaboration of Capabilities Requirements List (to be completed by July 2005);
Step 3: Assessment of national contributions to the Capabilities Requirements List and identification of capability shortfalls (to be completed by the end of 2005, when Member States are due to confirm their commitments at a civilian capabilities improvement conference);
Step 4: Civilian Headline Goal 2008 follow-up process.
Military aspects
As regards the development of military capabilities, the next stage in the Headline Goal 2010 process will be the definition of the military requirements necessary to implement the Goal and Council approval of the 2005 Forces Catalogue. A Forces Catalogue based on contributions notified by the Member States will be prepared subsequently, on the basis of a questionnaire. Other ongoing issues include the evaluation of the European Capability Action Plan (ECAP) and the introduction of a systematic and comprehensive capability development process that looks from today's urgent operational requirements to longer-term needs.
As regards rapid response, detailed arrangements will need to be adopted so that the Council's ambitious decision-making objective (five days between approval of the crisis management concept and launch of the operation) can be achieved. An SG/HR report will be drawn up for the purpose.
The first half-yearly review of the ALTHEA operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is due in May this year. The exercise should make it possible to set the course for the force's activities until the end of 2005.
As part of the follow-up to operation Artemis, the first ESDP operation outside Europe, the relevant bodies (PSC, Military Committee, Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management and the Africa Working Party) started discussions designed to evaluate what extra capabilities (civilian and military) available under the ESDP could be envisaged to contribute to the EU's integrated approach to the prevention and management of conflicts in Africa. They covered the following ground: an early-warning capability; autonomous EU operational resources for civilian and military crisis management; strengthening African operational capabilities in support of peace; disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR); reform of the security sector (army and police); the fight against arms trafficking and mine clearance.
Exercises will continue to be conducted. There is a military exercise (CPX 05) currently in preparation which will serve primarily to test the interaction between an Operation and Force Headquarters in the context of EU management of a fictional crisis.
The conceptual framework approved by the Council in 2004 for the ESDP role in combating terrorism provides for a number of specific, pragmatic actions scheduled for implementation in 2005. The chief innovations include development of a rapid response capability concept in the field of protection, including force protection, support for the development of a centre of NRBC expertise, work on the interoperability of civilian and military resources and identification of appropriate support measures for third countries. An ISS seminar on the ESDP contribution to the fight against terrorism is planned for March 2005. Discussions are also being held with NATO on civil emergency planning as part of crisis management.
As regards EU-UN relations, regular meetings between secretariats will continue in the framework approved by the Council, with the aim of developing practical cooperation between the two organisations on military crisis management. A seminar on EU/UN crisis management cooperation (EST 05) is planned for April. In addition, there will be a workshop with the Mediterranean partners - also planned for the first half of 2005 - on the same topic. EU-NATO relations are now deep-rooted and well established, proof of a real strategic partnership on crisis management; they will continue to form an essential part of the ESDP, especially in the post-SFOR context.
Implementation of the ESDP Training Concept approved by the Council in 2004 will continue, the chief development being establishment of a European Security and Defence College, in the form of a coordinated network of existing national institutes, each conducting specific training modules.
4. CFSP GEOGRAPHICAL PRIORITIES
Turkey
On the basis of a report and a recommendation from the Commission, the European Council held on 16 and 17 December 2004 decided that Turkey sufficiently satisfied the Copenhagen political criteria for accession negotiations to be opened. On that occasion, the European Council recalled the need to ensure that the political reform process was irreversible and fully implemented. Consequently, the European Union will continue to monitor closely the progress of the political reforms on the basis of an Accession Partnership setting out priorities for the reform process. Such monitoring will then be at the centre of the discussions with Turkey in the various political-dialogue fora. The question of Cyprus, concerning which the Council remains committed to the aim of a comprehensive UN settlement, will also continue to be covered in this dialogue. In accordance with the Council conclusions of 26 April 2004, the European Union is expected to pursue its efforts to facilitate reconciliation between the two communities on the island.
Western Balkans
The Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP) will remain the basic framework for the development of the EU's relations with the Western Balkans all the way to their future accession. The Council will consider the application for membership by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the basis of the Commission's assessment. The Council will continue supporting Albania's reform efforts in order to create the conditions necessary for the successful conclusion of the negotiations for an SAA. The Council will also review and consider extension of the EU's autonomous trade measures towards the region.
The Council will pursue implementation of the jointly agreed Thessaloniki agenda, involving in particular the establishment of a regional School for Higher Education on Public Administration Reform, preparations for the participation of Western Balkan countries in individual Community programmes, improvement of regional cooperation and updating of European Partnerships with individual Western Balkans countries.
The Council will pay close attention to political developments and continuing stabilization throughout the region. Developments in Kosovo - governed by UNSCR Resolution 1244 - will be particularly important, in light of the review of implementation of standards by mid-2005.
Middle East Peace Process
The major projects planned for 2005 are the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza and parts of the Northern West Bank as well as the Palestinian legislative elections, both scheduled to take place in mid-July. The EU intends to work closely with its partners in the Quartet and the International community so as to permit the maintenance of security as well as rehabilitation and reconstruction in Gaza. These steps are part of the effort, as laid down in the Roadmap, towards a negotiated two- State-solution agreed between the parties which would result in a viable, contiguous, sovereign, democratic and independent Palestinian State living side by side with Israel, within recognised and secure borders.
Euro-Mediterranean Partnership
The meeting in The Hague was the second ministerial meeting held between the meeting in Naples (Barcelona VI) and the meeting scheduled to take place in Luxembourg on 30 and 31 May 2005 (Barcelona VII). In that context, preparations for the 10th anniversary of the Barcelona Process (expected to take place in Barcelona in November 2005) have already begun. Moreover, the ministers agreed to conduct a comprehensive review of the Process and to declare 2005 the Year of the Mediterranean.
In June 2005 the European Council will make an initial evaluation of the implementation of the Strategic Partnership between the EU and the Mediterranean Region and the Middle East. The Council's scrutiny will be based on a report drawn up by the Presidency, the Secretary-General/High Representative and the Commission. Consultations on the Mediterranean dimension of the Strategic Partnership will be held with our Mediterranean neighbours, within existing structures, in order to highlight the fact that the initiative is being conducted in a spirit of partnership and is helping to strengthen the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.
Eastern Europe and Central Asia
As envisaged at the fourteenth EU-Russia Summit in The Hague on 25 November 2004, activities during the first half of 2005 will focus on finalising the Road Maps for the four common areas. Moreover, in March, consultations between the EU and Russia will be launched on human rights, including minority rights and fundamental freedoms.
For Ukraine, a special Cooperation Council should adopt the Action Plan in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy. The Council should also study the proposals from the Secretary-General/High Representative and the Commission on ways of strengthening relations between the EU and Ukraine. As Ukraine makes genuine progress in carrying out internal reforms and adopting European standards, relations between the EU and Ukraine will become deeper and stronger.
In relation to Moldova, the priority for 2005 will be the adoption (by the EU-Moldova Cooperation Council in February) and implementation of the Action Plan in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy. The EU and Moldova will also continue dialogue on the Transnistrian conflict. On 22 February 2005, the EU and Moldova reaffirmed their willingness to work together fully to exploit the new opportunities presented by European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) based on the shared values which underpin the policy. Mr A. Jacobovits was appointed Special Representative of the EU for Moldova.
As regards Belarus, in 2005 the EU will continue its efforts to coordinate assistance for democratisation and civil society.
In relation to the south Caucasus, in its conclusions of 13 December, the Council noted that the Commission and the Secretary-General/High Representative intended to present reports on Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia in March 2005 to allow the Council to decide on opening consultations on establishing action plans. The Council is expected to adopt conclusions in March/April 2005.
In Central Asia, the main development with regard to EU relations in 2005 will be the follow-up to the recommendations on Central Asia, including, if appropriate, the issue of regional political dialogue.
An interim agreement on trade-related issues, which was signed at the same time as the EU-Tajikistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, is expected to enter into force in 2005.
Africa
The EU will continue to contribute to the settlement of conflicts within democratic institutions and procedures, wherever possible together with the African Union (AU), the UN, international institutions and Groups of friends. In this context, it will continue to stress the need to address the root causes of crises.
A major aim for the EU is to intensify the dialogue with African partners with the intention of pushing African issues up the EU's agenda. The EU will continue the dialogue with the AU initiated in 2003. Linked to this dialogue will be the EU's support to an Africa - led peacekeeping capacity. This will in particular take the form of support for the AU in its efforts to assume greater responsibility for conflict prevention and peacekeeping on the continent as well as further developing the Peace Facility for Africa.
The EU will also continue its dialogue with the sub-regional institutions, the building blocks of the AU. During 2004 meetings at Ministerial level have taken place with ECOWAS and SADC. These high level exchanges on important African issues of development, conflict prevention and crisis management will continue with a view to strengthening the existing links with these organizations The EU is also supporting other Africa - wide and regional initiatives on development with a particular emphasis on support for NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa's Development) and its peer review mechanism.
The EU will continue to follow closely the situation in the Great Lakes region. After the first Summit in the International Conference on the Great Lakes in November 2004 focus will be on the preparation of the second Summit towards the end of 2005 through a series of preparatory meetings. The EU will also continue its efforts in the Security Sector Reform, the police training and election preparation in the DRC.
The EU together with the AU is following closely the developments in Sudan and elsewhere on the Horn of Africa. Funds from the Peace Facility have been used to deploy observers and soldiers in Sudan. Following the peace agreement in the South, efforts will continue together with the AU and the UN to find a solution to the problems in Darfur.
Asia-Oceania
On 31 January 2005, the Council adopted an Action Plan for a comprehensive EU response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami disaster. In addition to the EU's CFSP response, action in other policy areas will continue to have implications for EU Foreign and Security Policy. The EU is conscious of the need to ensure a smooth transition from emergency to longer term assistance. At the same time, the EU will be reviewing lessons learnt for CFSP mechanisms as a result of EU reaction to the Tsunami.
Despite recent successes, enormous challenges remain for Afghanistan after more than 20 years of war. Sustained international engagement will be required to prevent Afghanistan from lapsing into insecurity. This will be particularly important with parliamentary elections due to be held in 2005, and issues such as drugs and migration still needing very serious attention.
As regards India, the focus of action in 2005 will be the adoption of an Action Plan for Strategic Partnership by the EU-India Summit and start of work on its implementation.
Following agreement by India and Pakistan on significant confidence-building measures, such as bus services across the Kashmir line of control, the EU will continue its efforts to enhance relations with both India and Pakistan, each according to its own dynamic.
The EU is keen to encourage Pakistan to play a full and active role in its neighbourhood. After the visit to Brussels in January 2005 of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, the EU will continue to seek early conclusion of a readmission agreement with Pakistan. The EU will continue to press for a return to democratic government in Nepal and a restoration of fundamental rights suspended under the state of emergency declared on 1 February 2005.
The EU will hold its biannual Ministerial meeting with ASEAN on 10 March in Jakarta (Indonesia). The emphasis will be put on bilateral cooperation, especially further to the earthquake and tsunami disaster. The EU will negotiate Trade and Cooperation Agreements with Singapore and Thailand, and will explore the possibilities of negotiating similar agreements with Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei, on the basis of the mandate obtained further to the Commission's communication "a New Partnership for South-East Asia". The EU will also ensure the success of the next ARF ministerial meeting, to take place in Vientiane (Laos) in July. The EU also intends to follow the situation in the individual countries. The EU will hold a meeting at ministerial level with Indonesia in Jakarta in March, in the margins of the ASEAN Ministerial.
After the 2004 enlargement, 2005 will be the year for taking stock and reflecting on the functioning and the future of the forum. The theme of the “future of ASEM” will be one of the main themes for reflection at the ASEM Foreign Ministers meeting, which is due to take place in Kyoto, Japan, on 5 and 6 May 2005. As a follow up to the “Hanoi Declaration on Closer Economic Partnership”, an Economic Ministers and Finance Ministers meeting are scheduled to take place during 2005. The EU will continue to promote democracy, national reconciliation and human rights in Burma/Myanmar. To this end, it will remain in close contact with China, Japan, India and the ASEAN, and it will lend its support to UN efforts in the country. The EU will continue to seek the liberation of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners from house arrest or prison. The EU will also call for the inclusiveness and transparency of the National Convention. The General Affairs Council in April will decide on the renewal of the Common Position.
The EU will ensure the success of the EU-China Summit to take place in Beijing in the second half of the year. During 2005, the EU will seek to obtain, inter alia, a Re-admission Agreement with China, and will consider starting negotiations for a new Framework Agreement to replace the 1985 Cooperation Agreement. As requested by the European Council of December 2004, the Luxembourg Presidency will continue the well-advanced work on the question of the arms embargo. The EU will follow closely the development of relations across the Taiwan Straits.
The forthcoming summit EU-Japan, scheduled for the first half of 2005 in Luxembourg, will address specific areas for future action and cooperation, notably on the basis of the 2001 EU-Japan Action Plan. 2005 will see the organisation of a host of joint initiatives within the framework of the Year for EU-Japan people-to-people contacts.
Regarding the Korean Peninsula, all attention will be focussed for 2005 on a possible resumption of the Six-Party talks between the DPRK, the RoK, the US, Russia, China and Japan. The EU strongly regretted the recent February 2005 statement on suspension of the DPRK's participation in the talks for an indefinite period and urged the DPRK to rethink its decision and to return to the talks as soon as possible. The EU does not participate in the talks, but has repeatedly expressed its readiness, when the time is ripe, to contribute to international efforts aimed at moving matters forward.
The EU will continue active cooperation with Australia and New Zealand. Successful EU-Australia and EU-New Zealand Troikas took place during the first trimester of 2005.
5. MULTILATERAL AND GLOBAL QUESTIONS
United Nations: The EU wishes to play an active part in preparations for the 60th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations and during the proceedings, and also in the work of the other UN bodies, agencies and conferences. The EU is determined to ensure that an effective outcome is achieved in the September Summit, both in respect of setting a course for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and in strengthening the UN's system of collective security. The EU intends to participate actively in the UN reform process. Moreover, the EU plans to strengthen its ties with the various UN bodies. In that context, the continued implementation of the "Joint Declaration on UN-EU Cooperation in Crisis Management" of 24 September 2003 will be especially important. Between now and next summer, the EU will draft the EU Priorities Paper for the 60th session of the General Assembly of United Nations.
International Criminal Court (ICC): The EU intends to pursue and increase its support for ICC activity. Particular emphasis will be placed on defending the principles of the universality and the integrity of the Rome Statute. The EU will continue to implement the revised EU Action Plan on the ICC. The EU also intends to participate actively in the fourth Assembly of the States Parties, which will take place in November 2005. A further priority will be continued efforts towards the conclusion of a cooperation and assistance agreement between the EU and the ICC.