D R A F T

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PRESIDENCY CONCLUSIONS

HELSINKI EUROPEAN COUNCIL

10 AND 11 DECEMBER 1999

INTRODUCTION

1. The European Council met in Helsinki on 10 and 11 December 1999. = It=20 adopted the Millennium Declaration. It has taken a number of decisions = marking a=20 new stage in the enlargement process. Steps have also been taken to = ensure that=20 the Union itself will have effective, reformed institutions, a = strengthened=20 common security and defence policy and a competitive, job-generating,=20 sustainable economy.

2. At the start of proceedings, the European Council and the = President of the=20 European Parliament, Mrs Nicole Fontaine, exchanged views on the main = items=20 under discussion, in particular enlargement, institutional reform and=20 employment.

I. PREPARING FOR ENLARGEMENT

The enlargement process

3. The European Council confirms the importance of the enlargement = process=20 launched in Luxembourg in December 1997 for the stability and prosperity = of the=20 entire European continent. An efficient and credible enlargement process = must be=20 sustained.

4. The European Council reaffirms the inclusive nature of the = accession=20 process, which now comprises 13 candidate States within a single = framework. The=20 candidate States are participating in the accession process on an equal = footing.=20 They must share the values and objectives of the European Union as set = out in=20 the Treaties. In this respect the European Council stresses the = principle of=20 peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations = Charter=20 and urges candidate States to make every effort to resolve any = outstanding=20 border disputes and other related issues. Failing this they should = within=20 a reasonable time bring the dispute to the International Court of = Justice.=20 The European Council will review the situation relating to any = outstanding=20 disputes, in particular concerning the repercussions on the accession = process=20 and in order to promote their settlement through the International Court = of=20 Justice, at the latest by the end of 2004. Moreover, the European = Council=20 recalls that compliance with the political criteria laid down at the = Copenhagen=20 European Council is a prerequisite for the opening of accession = negotiations and=20 that compliance with all the Copenhagen criteria is the basis for = accession to=20 the Union.

5. The Union has made a firm political commitment to make every = effort to=20 complete the Intergovernmental Conference on institutional reform by = December=20 2000, to be followed by ratification. After ratification of the results = of that=20 Conference the Union should be in a position to welcome new Member = States from=20 the end of 2002 as soon as they have demonstrated their ability to = assume the=20 obligations of membership and once the negotiating process has been = successfully=20 completed.

6. The Commission has made a new detailed assessment of progress in = the=20 candidate States. This assessment shows progress towards fulfilling the=20 accession criteria. At the same time, given that difficulties remain in = certain=20 sectors, candidate States are encouraged to continue and step up their = efforts=20 to comply with the accession criteria. It emerges that some candidates = will not=20 be in a position to meet all the Copenhagen criteria in the medium term. = The=20 Commission's intention is to report in early 2000 to the Council on = progress by=20 certain candidate States on fulfilling the Copenhagen economic criteria. = The=20 next regular progress reports will be presented in good time before the = European=20 Council in December 2000.

7. The European Council recalls the importance of high standards of = nuclear=20 safety in Central and Eastern Europe. It calls on the Council to = consider how to=20 address the issue of nuclear safety in the framework of the enlargement = process=20 in accordance with the relevant Council conclusions.

8. The European Council notes with satisfaction the substantive work=20 undertaken and progress which has been achieved in accession = negotiations with=20 Cyprus, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia.

9. (a) The European Council welcomes the launch of the talks aiming = at a=20 comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem on 3 December in New York = and=20 expresses its strong support for the UN Secretary-General=92s efforts to = bring the=20 process to a successful conclusion.

(b) The European Council underlines that a political settlement will=20 facilitate the accession of Cyprus to the European Union. If no = settlement has=20 been reached by the completion of accession negotiations, the = Council=92s decision=20 on accession will be made without the above being a precondition. In = this the=20 Council will take account of all relevant factors.

10. Determined to lend a positive contribution to security and = stability on=20 the European continent and in the light of recent developments as well = as the=20 Commission's reports, the European Council has decided to convene = bilateral=20 intergovernmental conferences in February 2000 to begin negotiations = with=20 Romania, Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Malta on the = conditions for=20 their entry into the Union and the ensuing Treaty adjustments.

11.

In the negotiations, each candidate State will be judged on its own = merits.=20 This principle will apply both to the opening of the various negotiating = chapters and to the conduct of the negotiations. In order to maintain = momentum=20 in the negotiations, cumbersome procedures should be avoided. Candidate = States=20 which have now been brought into the negotiating process will have the=20 possibility to catch up within a reasonable period of time with those = already in=20 negotiations if they have made sufficient progress in their = preparations.=20 Progress in negotiations must go hand in hand with progress in = incorporating the=20 acquis into legislation and actually implementing and enforcing = it.

12. The European Council welcomes recent positive developments in = Turkey as=20 noted in the Commission's progress report, as well as its intention to = continue=20 its reforms towards complying with the Copenhagen criteria. Turkey is a=20 candidate State destined to join the Union on the basis of the same = criteria as=20 applied to the other candidate States. Building on the existing European = strategy, Turkey, like other candidate States, will benefit from a = pre-accession=20 strategy to stimulate and support its reforms. This will include = enhanced=20 political dialogue, with emphasis on progressing towards fulfilling the=20 political criteria for accession with particular reference to the issue = of human=20 rights, as well as on the issues referred to in paragraphs 4 and 9(a). = Turkey=20 will also have the opportunity to participate in Community programmes = and=20 agencies and in meetings between candidate States and the Union in the = context=20 of the accession process. An accession partnership will be drawn up on = the basis=20 of previous European Council conclusions while containing priorities on = which=20 accession preparations must concentrate in the light of the political = and=20 economic criteria and the obligations of a Member State, combined with a = national programme for the adoption of the acquis. Appropriate = monitoring=20 mechanisms will be established. With a view to intensifying the = harmonisation of=20 Turkey's legislation and practice with the acquis, the Commission is = invited to=20 prepare a process of analytical examination of the acquis. The European = Council=20 asks the Commission to present a single framework for coordinating all = sources=20 of European Union financial assistance for pre-accession.

13. The future of the European Conference will be reviewed in the = light of=20 the evolving situation and the decisions on the accession process taken = at=20 Helsinki. The forthcoming French Presidency has announced its intention = to=20 convene a meeting of the conference in the second half of=20 2000.

The Intergovernmental Conference on institutional reform

14. The European Council welcomes the Presidency's report on the = issues=20 raised in relation to the Intergovernmental Conference and setting out = the main=20 options the Conference will be confronted with.

15. Appropriate steps will be taken to enable the Intergovernmental=20 Conference to be officially convened in early February. The Conference = should=20 complete its work and agree the necessary amendments to the Treaties by = December=20 2000.

16. Following the Cologne Conclusions and in the light of the = Presidency's=20 report, the Conference will examine the size and composition of the = Commission,=20 the weighting of votes in the Council and the possible extension of = qualified=20 majority voting in the Council, as well as other necessary amendments to = the=20 Treaties arising as regards the European institutions in connection with = the=20 above issues and in implementing the Treaty of Amsterdam. The incoming=20 Presidency will report to the European Council on progress made in the=20 Conference and may propose additional issues to be taken on the agenda = of the=20 Conference.

17. Ministers who are members of the General Affairs Council will = have=20 overall political responsibility for the Conference. Preparatory work = shall be=20 carried out by a Group composed of a representative of each Member = State's=20 Government. The representative of the Commission shall participate at = the=20 political and preparatory level. The General Secretariat of the Council = will=20 provide secretariat support for the Conference.

18. The European Parliament will be closely associated and involved = in the=20 work of the Conference. Meetings of the preparatory Group may be = attended by two=20 observers from the European Parliament. Each session of the Conference = at=20 ministerial level will be preceded by an exchange of views with the = President of=20 the European Parliament, assisted by two representatives of the European = Parliament. Meetings at the level of Heads of State or Government = dealing with=20 the IGC will be preceded by an exchange of views with the President of = the=20 European Parliament.

19. The Presidency will take the necessary steps to ensure that = candidate=20 States are regularly briefed within existing fora on the progress of = discussions=20 and have the opportunity to put their points of view on matters under=20 discussion. Information will also be given to the European Economic=20 Area.

Effective institutions

20. Substantial changes in the Council's working methods are = necessary and=20 must be gradually introduced starting now so that by the time of = enlargement,=20 the Council can smoothly accommodate a larger membership. The European = Council=20 approves the operational recommendations attached in Annex III. The = Council, the=20 Presidency and the Secretary-General/High Representative will be = responsible for=20 ensuring that these recommendations are observed and enforced in = practice,=20 without calling into question arrangements and programming already made = by the=20 incoming Presidency.

21. The European Council recalls its commitment in support of = reforming the=20 Commission's administration, especially financial and personnel = management, in=20 order to enhance efficiency, transparency and accountability and thus = ensure the=20 highest standards of public administration. The Commission will present = a=20 comprehensive programme of administrative reforms in early 2000. The = European=20 Council calls for rapid implementation of these administrative=20 reforms.

Transparency

22. Transparency of the European institutions is an important element = in=20 bringing the Union closer to its citizens and improving efficiency. = Progress has=20 been achieved during the Finnish Presidency, especially in the area of = access to=20 documents and rapid communication using modern information technologies. = The=20 European Council welcomes the Commission's intention to table in January = 2000=20 the proposal on general principles governing the right of access to = European=20 Parliament, Council and Commission documents.

Subsidiarity and better lawmaking

23. The European Council welcomes the Commission's report entitled = "Better=20 law-making" which confirms the priority attached to the principles of=20 subsidiarity and proportionality and to full application of the relevant = Treaty=20 Protocol.

Combating Fraud

24. The establishment of the Union's Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) marks = an=20 important new step in the fight against fraud. The Commission will = present by=20 June 2000 a communication with a view to further developing a = comprehensive=20 strategy for the protection of the financial interests of the = Community.

II.

common European policy on security and defence

25. The European Council adopts the two Presidency progress = reports=20 (see Annex IV) on developing the Union's military and non-military = crisis=20 management capability as part of a strengthened common European policy = on=20 security and defence.

26. The Union will contribute to international peace and security in=20 accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter. The Union=20 recognises the primary responsibility of the United Nations Security = Council for=20 the maintenance of international peace and security.

27. The European Council underlines its determination to develop an=20 autonomous capacity to take decisions and, where NATO as a whole is not = engaged,=20 to launch and conduct EU-led military operations in response to = international=20 crises. This process will avoid unnecessary duplication and does not = imply the=20 creation of a European army.

28. Building on the guidelines established at the Cologne European = Council=20 and on the basis of the Presidency's reports, the European Council has = agreed in=20 particular the following:

- cooperating voluntarily in EU-led operations, Member States = must be=20 able, by 2003, to deploy within 60 days and sustain for at least = 1 year=20 military forces of up to 50,000-60,000 persons capable of the full range = of=20 Petersberg tasks;

- new political and military bodies and structures will be = established=20 within the Council to enable the Union to ensure the necessary political = guidance and strategic direction to such operations, while respecting = the single=20 institutional framework;

- modalities will be developed for full consultation, = cooperation and=20 transparency between the EU and NATO, taking into account the needs of = all EU=20 Member States;

- appropriate arrangements will be defined that would allow, = while=20 respecting the Union's decision-making autonomy, non-EU European NATO = members=20 and other interested States to contribute to EU military crisis=20 management;

- a non-military crisis management mechanism will be = established to=20 coordinate and make more effective the various civilian means and = resources, in=20 parallel with the military ones, at the disposal of the Union and the = Member=20 States.

29.

The European Council asks the incoming Presidency, together with the=20 Secretary-General/High Representative, to carry work forward in the = General=20 Affairs Council on all aspects of the reports as a matter of priority, = including=20 conflict prevention and a committee for civilian crisis management. The = incoming=20 Presidency is invited to draw up a first progress report to the Lisbon = European=20 Council and an overall report to be presented to the Feira European = Council=20 containing appropriate recommendations and proposals, as well as an = indication=20 of whether or not Treaty amendment is judged necessary. The General = Affairs=20 Council is invited to begin implementing these decisions by establishing = as of=20 March 2000 the agreed interim bodies and arrangements within the = Council,=20 in accordance with the current Treaty provisions.

III. A COMPETITIVE, JOB-GENERATING, SUSTAINABLE = ECONOMY

Policy coordination for economic growth and job creation

30. Economic recovery in the Union has gathered momentum and become=20 increasingly widespread. It is based on sound fundamentals: investment=20 conditions are favourable, inflation remains low and public finances = have=20 improved. New jobs are being created and unemployment, while at an = unacceptably=20 high level, is on a downward trend. This favourable outlook is supported = by the=20 successful introduction of the euro, and should continue to be = underpinned by=20 Member States' efforts geared to fiscal consolidation and economic = reform, in=20 particular liberalisation and tax reform, as well as wage developments=20 consistent with price stability and job creation.

31. Demographic changes will require policies on active ageing and = increased=20 efficiency in the public and private sectors to manage the economic = burden of=20 such changes. The ongoing globalisation process intensifies competition = and the=20 need to foster innovation and structural reform. The Union and the = Member States=20 must actively promote more widespread use of new technologies and = develop the=20 information society to support competitiveness, employment and social = cohesion.=20 The link between economic and social development underlines the = importance of=20 guaranteeing the existence of adequate social safety nets.

32.

The European Council welcomes the report on economic policy = coordination by=20 the Council and stresses its major importance in reinforcing = coordination of=20 economic, employment and structural policies in order to exploit fully = the=20 potential of the single market and the single currency. Emphasis should = now be=20 placed on effectively applying and streamlining existing processes and=20 arrangements and on closely monitoring policy implementation. The Broad = Economic=20 Policy Guidelines provide the framework for the definition of overall = policy=20 objectives and orientations. The synergy between these Guidelines, the=20 Employment Guidelines and the monitoring of structural reform should be = further=20 developed under the political guidance of the European Council. While = ensuring=20 coherence between the different formations of the Council, the role of = the=20 ECOFIN Council in economic policy coordination should be enhanced. = Cooperation=20 related to the shared responsibilities for the single currency should be = further=20 developed within Euro 11, respecting the conclusions of the December = 1997=20 Luxembourg European Council.

33. The special meeting of the European Council in Lisbon on 23/24 = March 2000=20 will provide an opportunity to further develop these issues by examining = the=20 objectives of the existing processes and instruments aimed at = strengthening=20 employment, economic reform and social cohesion in the framework of a=20 knowledge-based economy.

The tax package

34. All citizens resident in a Member State of the European Union = should pay=20 the tax due on all their savings income.

35. In examining how best we in Europe can pursue the application of = this=20 principle, the European Council has agreed that a High Level Working = Group will=20 consider specifically how the principle can be implemented most = effectively and=20 whether, as a starting point for these considerations, the paper of 7 = December=20 1999 put forward by the Presidency and the Commission offers a way = forward.

36. It shall also consider the proposals put forward by the UK, = including=20 exchange of information.

37. In its consideration the Working Group will take account of all = decisions=20 of the Council including the approaches set out in the paper of 29 = November=20 1999.

38. It will provide a report to the Council with possible solutions = on the=20 issues set out above and on the Code of Conduct and the Directive on = Interest=20 and Royalties as a package, and the Council will report to the European = Council=20 in June 2000 at the latest.

Employment

39. Under the Luxembourg process, Member States have, for the past = two years,=20 been transposing the Employment Guidelines into national action plans. = The=20 positive results are apparent. The European Council welcomes the = Commission=92s=20 proposal for Employment Guidelines for 2000 as well as the = recommendations to=20 individual Member States which provide support for addressing employment = challenges in their National Action Plans. It endorses the outcome of = the joint=20 meeting of the Council (ECOFIN and Labour and Social Affairs) on these=20 Guidelines and Recommendations. In this process, the increased = involvement of=20 both the social partners and the European Parliament, which has been = formally=20 consulted on the Employment Guidelines for the first time, is of a = particular=20 importance.

40. In undertaking labour market reforms, Member States should pay = particular=20 attention in their National Action Plans to the tax and benefit systems, = service=20 sector employment, organisation of work, life-long learning and equal=20 opportunities for women and men.

41. Progress has been made in drawing up and using employment = performance=20 indicators and related data. The European Council invites the Member = States and=20 the Commission to develop further their work in this=20 field.

The internal market, competitiveness, innovation and the information=20 society

42. An internal market that operates at the optimal level is of vital = importance for the competitiveness of Europe=92s companies, and for = growth and=20 employment. Improving the functioning of product, services and capital = markets=20 is a key element in the process of comprehensive economic reform. The=20 Commission=92s Communication on a Strategy for Europe=92s Internal = Market is=20 welcomed as an important contribution to this end. The Commission and = the=20 Council are invited to develop and clarify the role, objectives and = measures of=20 a comprehensive competitiveness policy for the European Union, within = the area=20 of co-ordination of economic policies.

43. Effective application of information and communication = technologies plays=20 a crucial role in global competition. The Cologne European Council has = set the=20 objective for Europe to take a leading role in the information society = which=20 calls for further investment in innovation, research and education. = Particular=20 emphasis must be placed on the need to meet the growing demands placed = on labour=20 markets by the information society.

44.

A well-functioning electronic market requires an open and competitive = telecommunications market and legislation that supports electronic = business=20 while taking into account the interests of both enterprises and = consumers. The=20 European Council notes the recent progress achieved in creating = legislation on=20 electronic commerce and urges the Council to conclude unfinished work in = this=20 area. The Commission is invited to prepare without delay proposals on = necessary=20 changes to Community legislation on communications brought about by = technical=20 and market development.

45. The European Council welcomes the e-Europe initiative launched by = the=20 Commission as a way of turning Europe into a genuine information society = for=20 all. The European Council invites the Commission, together with the = Council, to=20 prepare the e-Europe Action Plan, to provide a progress report to the = Lisbon=20 Special European Council on 23/24 March 2000 and to conclude = the=20 Action Plan by June 2000.

Environment and sustainable development

46. The strategies for integrating the environmental dimension into=20 agriculture, transport and energy sectors have been agreed. Work on = similar=20 strategies has started in the Internal Market, Development and Industry=20 Councils, which have already made initial reports available, as well as = in the=20 General Affairs, ECOFIN and Fisheries Councils. The Council is asked to = bring=20 all of this work to a conclusion and submit to the European Council in=20 June 2001 comprehensive strategies with the possibility of = including a=20 timetable for further measures and a set of indicators for these = sectors.

47. The completion of sectoral strategies should be followed by their = immediate implementation. Regular evaluation, follow-up and monitoring = must be=20 undertaken so that the strategies can be adjusted and deepened. The = Commission=20 and the Council are urged to develop adequate instruments and applicable = data=20 for these purposes.

48. Preparations in relation to policies and measures, including = national and=20 Community law, should continue in a manner that would enable the = prerequisites=20 to be established for ratifying the Kyoto Protocol both by the European=20 Community and the Member States before 2002. The European Council urges = all=20 parties to the Convention to achieve ratification by 2002 so it can = enter into=20 force. Integrating environmental issues and sustainable development into = the=20 definition and implementation of policies is a central factor in = fulfilling the=20 Community's commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. Every effort will be = made so=20 that the Hague Conference reaches coherent and credible decisions.

49.

The European Council takes note of the Global Assessment of the=20 5^th Environmental Action Programme and the Report on = Environmental=20 and Integration Indicators presented by the Commission and invites the=20 Commission to prepare by the end of 2000 a proposal for the=20 6^th Environmental Action Programme.

50. The Commission is invited to prepare a proposal for a long-term = strategy=20 dovetailing policies for economically, socially and ecologically = sustainable=20 development to be presented to the European Council in June 2001. This = strategy=20 will also serve as a Community input for the ten year review of the Rio = Process=20 scheduled for 2002.

IV. OTHER INTERNAL POLICIES WITH A DIRECT IMPACT ON=20 CITIZENS

Public health and food safety

51. The European Council recalls the need to ensure a high level of = human=20 health protection in the definition of all Community policies. = Particular=20 attention must be given to ensuring healthy and high quality food for = all=20 citizens by improving quality standards and enhancing control systems = covering=20 the whole of the food chain, from the farm to consumers. The European = Council=20 asks the Council to examine as a matter of urgency the forthcoming = Commission=20 White Paper on food safety, which will also provide for the possible=20 establishment of an independent food agency and support for national = food safety=20 measures, as well as its communication on the precautionary principle. = The=20 incoming Presidency will present to the Feira European Council a report = on the=20 progress already accomplished.

Fight against organised crime and drugs

52. The European Council has taken note of the report on the = finalisation and=20 evaluation of the Action Plan to combat organised crime adopted at its = meeting=20 in Amsterdam in 1997. In the light of the Tampere conclusions, it calls = upon the=20 Council to follow up this Action Plan with an EU Strategy for preventing = and=20 combating organised crime.

53. The European Council takes note of the European Union Drugs = Strategy=20 2000-2004. It invites the institutions and bodies concerned by the = strategy to=20 proceed rapidly with implementation and report on the initial results by = the end=20 of 2002.

V.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

54. New momentum has been injected into the Union's common foreign = and=20 security policy with the arrival in office of the Secretary-General/High = Representative, Mr Javier Solana. Further possibilities for action are = now=20 afforded by Common Strategies which will enable maximum coherence, added = value=20 and efficiency in the Union's external action, including appropriate use = of the=20 provisions of the Amsterdam Treaty on qualified majority voting on = matters of=20 common foreign and security policy implementation. The European Council = invites=20 the Council, on the basis of input from the Secretary-General/High=20 Representative and the Commission, to take the necessary steps to ensure = that=20 optimum use is made of all the various means at the Union's disposal for = more=20 effective and comprehensive external action by the = Union.

Chechnya

55. The European Council adopted on 10 December 1999 a separate = Declaration=20 on Chechnya (see Annex II).

Common strategies

56. The European Council has decided on a Common Strategy of the = European=20 Union on Ukraine (see Annex V). In so doing, the European Council = underlines the=20 importance it attaches to the emergence of a democratic, stable, open, = and=20 economically successful Ukraine as a prominent actor in the new Europe. = The=20 Common Strategy takes account of Ukraine's European aspirations and = pro-European=20 choice.

57. The European Council has undertaken a general review of the = Union's=20 common strategies. It recalled that in its Declaration on Chechnya it = decided=20 that the implementation of the common strategy on Russia should be = reviewed. It=20 took note of the advanced state of preparation of the common strategy on = the=20 Mediterranean region and the need to continue work on the common = strategy on the=20 Western Balkans. It encourages the Council to continue its preparations = and to=20 develop the concept of common strategies, as well as the subjects, = notably=20 thematic, and timing of further common strategies.

Stability for South-Eastern Europe

58. The Union is determined to have a leading role in promoting = stability,=20 security and economic development in South-Eastern Europe in close = partnership=20 with the countries of the region and with others under the overall aegis = of the=20 Stability Pact. The European Council welcomes the joint report by the = Presidency=20 and the Commission emphasising key areas for future work. It invites the = Secretary-General/High Representative, together with the Commission, to = present=20 to the Council for further urgent consideration a political and economic = analysis of future prospects of the region. The European Council also = underlines=20 the need for a single regulatory framework for financial assistance = which should=20 contribute to more effective action on the ground and cooperation in the = region.=20 The European Council expresses its gratitude for the work being = undertaken by=20 Mr. Bodo Hombach.

59. The prospect of stabilisation and association agreements should = enable=20 closer relations to be developed between all of the states in the region = in all=20 areas. Support from the Union will depend on the clear and visible = commitment of=20 the states of South Eastern Europe to cooperate in order to achieve the = common=20 political priorities. The European Council stresses the major importance = of=20 improving relations and removing trade barriers and barriers to the = movement of=20 people between the countries concerned. It recalls the importance of = rapid=20 action on clearing the Danube.

60. The Union wishes to assist the democratisation of the Federal = Republic of=20 Yugoslavia (FRY) as part of its efforts to stabilise South-Eastern = Europe. It=20 will intensify dialogue with Serbian democratic forces, as well as the=20 democratically elected government of Montenegro. The Union will pursue = further=20 ways of supporting Montenegro's political and economic reform = programme.

61. The Union is committed to rehabilitation and reconstruction in = Kosovo.=20 The European Council welcomes the Reconstruction and Recovery Programme = for=20 Kosovo and the Union's pledge of 500 million euros starting = from year=20 2000 for reconstruction, in addition to the national contributions from = the=20 Member States. UN Security Council resolution 1244 must be fully = implemented in=20 all its aspects by all the parties. Non-compliance with UNMIK's mandate = and lack=20 of cooperation with KFOR will have serious consequences for the EU's = commitment=20 in Kosovo. In this context, the European Council expresses its gratitude = for the=20 work being undertaken by Mr Bernard Kouchner.

The Northern Dimension

62. The European Council welcomes the conclusions of the Foreign = Ministers'=20 Conference on the Northern Dimension held on 11 and 12 November 1999 in = Helsinki=20 and the intention of the future Swedish Presidency to organise a = high-level=20 follow-up. The European Council invites the Commission to prepare, in=20 cooperation with the Council and in consultation with the partner = countries, an=20 Action Plan for the Northern Dimension in the external and cross-border = policies=20 of the European Union with a view to presenting it for endorsement at = the Feira=20 European Council in June 2000.

Mexico

63. The European Council welcomes the conclusion of negotiations on a = Free=20 Trade Agreement with Mexico.

Human Rights

64. The European Council takes note of the Presidency's report on = human=20 rights and welcomes the follow-up to the measures suggested in the = European=20 Union declaration of 10 December 1998. The European Council = invites=20 the Council, the Commission and the Member States to continue actively = to pursue=20 these measures and further develop the format and the contents of the = Annual=20 Report on Human Rights and the Annual Human Rights Discussion Forum and = examine=20 the need for strengthening analysis and evaluation in the area of human = rights.=20 In this context regular dialogue with civil society on human rights is=20 encouraged.

65. The European Council reaffirms the importance of equal enjoyment = of human=20 rights by all individuals. Special attention should be paid to the = improvement=20 of the situation of those groups which do not form a majority in any = State,=20 including the Roma. The European Union is committed to working to = achieve this=20 objective together with the Council of Europe and the=20 OSCE.

Middle East Peace Process

66. The European Council welcomes the renewed momentum towards just,=20 comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East and reaffirms the = Union's=20 full support for it.

67. The European Council particularly welcomes the courageous = decision of=20 President Assad and Prime Minister Barak to resume negotiations on the = Syrian=20 track in Washington in mid-December. It looks forward to early agreement = between=20 Israel and Syria which should pave the way for resuming negotiations and = for a=20 solution also on the Lebanese track.

68. The European Council emphasises the importance of the measures = taken so=20 far by Israel and the Palestinians to implement the Sharm El-Sheikh=20 Understanding. Steady progress should be secured with timely = implementation of=20 all the obligations taken by the parties to the agreement. The European = Council=20 calls on both parties to refrain from all unilateral acts.

69. All parties to the Multilateral Track of the Peace Process are = invited to=20 work for full and early resumption of activities in that field. Parallel = progress on all the tracks should be in the interests of all in the = present=20 phase of the peace process.

WTO

70. The European Council regrets the failure of the WTO Ministerial=20 Conference in Seattle. It reaffirms its commitment to the existing = multilateral=20 trading system and to a comprehensive round of multilateral trade = negotiations.=20 It endorses the conclusions of the General Affairs Council of=20 3 December 1999.

Macao

71. On the eve of the transition in Macao, the European Council = emphasises=20 the importance it attaches to Macao's stability and prosperity as a = Special=20 Administrative Region (SAR) of China, as well as to preserving its = specific=20 identity and its people's rights and freedoms, as set out in the = Sino-Portuguese=20 Joint Declaration of 1987 and the Basic Law of the SAR. Their full=20 implementation offers the best assurance for Macao's future.

VI. NORTHERN IRELAND

72. The European Council welcomes devolution to Northern Ireland and = the=20 establishment of the British-Irish and North-South institutions under = the Good=20 Friday Agreement, recognising that these developments represent very = significant=20 progress towards full implementation of the Agreement. The European = Council=20 congratulates the political parties, the United Kingdom and the Irish=20 Governments and Senator George Mitchell on achieving this progress. The = European=20 Council reaffirms its political and practical support for Northern = Ireland and=20 for cooperation between North and South.

_________________

ANNEXES TO THE

PRESIDENCY CONCLUSIONS

HELSINKI EUROPEAN COUNCIL

10 AND 11 DECEMBER 1999

ANNEXES

Annex I The Millennium Declaration

Annex II Declaration on Chechnya

Annex III An effective Council for an enlarged Union =96 = Guidelines for=20 reform and Operational Recommendations

Annex IV Presidency reports on

=96 strengthening the common European policy on security and = defence

=96 non-military crisis management of the European Union

Annex V Common Strategy of the European Union on Ukraine

Annex VI List of documents submitted to the Helsinki European = Council

ANNEX I

MILLENNIUM DECLARATION

The quest for peace and prosperity has been the driving force of = European=20 integration. In fifty years we have come a long way towards these goals. = We live=20 in a Union where citizens and businesses can freely move and settle = regardless=20 of national borders. People from all walks of life benefit from the = Single=20 Market, Economic and Monetary Union and common policies fostering=20 competitiveness and social inclusion.

The European Union is based on democracy and the rule of law. The = Union's=20 citizens are bound together by common values such as freedom, tolerance, = equality, solidarity and cultural diversity.

The European Union is a unique venture, with no model in history. = Only=20 together, through the Union, can we and our countries meet tomorrow's=20 challenges.

* * *

On the threshold of a new century and the third millennium, the Union = should=20 focus on tasks which are central to its peoples=92 security and = welfare.

Europe faces the realities of the information society and = globalisation.=20 There is a need to provide for an ageing population and respond to the=20 expectations of young people. We shall develop our human resources = through=20 life-long learning and innovation and we shall promote a dynamic and = open=20 knowledge based European economy to secure growth and to bring down = unemployment=20 on a permanent basis.

Europe is acutely aware of the need to combat local and world-wide=20 environmental degradation. We shall act together to achieve sustainable=20 development and guarantee a better quality of life for future = generations.

People expect to be protected against crime and to be able to = exercise their=20 legal rights everywhere in the Union. We shall make the Union a genuine = area of=20 freedom, security and justice.

The Union shares a growing global responsibility for promoting = wellbeing,=20 preventing conflicts and securing peace. We shall strengthen stability = and=20 prosperity in Europe by enlarging the Union and cooperating with partner = countries. We shall work for a more open and stable international = economy=20 benefiting also people in less favoured parts of the world. We shall = create=20 Union military and civil capabilities in order to manage international = crises,=20 and to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need.

* * *

Only an open, democratic and efficient Union can fulfil these = pledges.

The Union needs the confidence and active involvement of its citizens = and=20 civic organisations. The Union also needs the full support of its Member = States=20 in promoting the common interest.

We must rejuvenate the idea of a Europe for all =96 an idea on which = each new=20 generation must make its own mark.

__________________

ANNEX II

DECLARATION ON CHECHNYA

1. The European Council condemns the intense bombardments of Chechen = cities,=20 the threat levelled at the residents of Grozny and the ultimatum set by = the=20 Russian military commanders, as well as the treatment of the internally=20 displaced persons as totally unacceptable.

2. The European Council does not question the right of Russia to = preserve its=20 territorial integrity nor its right to fight against terrorism. However = the=20 fight against terrorism cannot, under any circumstances, warrant the = destruction=20 of cities, nor that they be emptied of their inhabitants, nor that a = whole=20 population be considered as terrorist.

3. This behaviour is in contradiction with the basic principles of=20 humanitarian law, the commitments of Russia as made within the OSCE and = its=20 obligations as a member of the Council of Europe. This war increases the = gap=20 between the Chechen people and the rest of Russia, and threatens to = destabilise=20 the whole region. Only a political solution can put an end to this = crisis. The=20 European Council is deeply concerned at the threat the continuing = conflict poses=20 to the stability of the Caucasus region and possible spill-over from the = fighting in Chechnya to Georgia and the effects on her territorial=20 integrity.

4. The European Council calls upon the Russian authorities:

- not to carry out the ultimatum against the civilian populations of=20 Grozny;

- to end the bombing and the disproportionate and indiscriminate use = of force=20 against the Chechen population;

- to allow for the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and the security = of the=20 international relief agencies;

- to start forthwith political dialogue with the elected Chechen=20 authorities.

5. The European Council urged the Chechen authorities to respect the = rules=20 and principles of humanitarian law, to condemn terrorism and to aim at = the=20 renewal of a political dialogue.

6. The European Council expects Russia to fully honour and implement = the=20 commitments made in Istanbul. It pays special attention to the = forthcoming visit=20 of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office to the region. The European Council urges = Russia=20 to use this visit for a dialogue with the elected leaders of the North = Caucasus=20 including Chechnya. A field office of the OSCE Assistance Group in = Chechnya=20 should be opened forthwith in Nazran, Ingushetia.

7. In the light of the above, the European Council decides to draw = the=20 consequences from this situation:

- for the implementation of the European Union's Common Strategy on = Russia,=20 which should be reviewed;

- for the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, some of the = provisions of=20 which should be suspended and the trade provisions applied strictly;

- for TACIS, the budgetary authority is asked to consider the = transfer of=20 some funds from TACIS to humanitarian assistance. Finance in the budget = for 2000=20 should be limited to priority areas, including human rights, the rule of = law,=20 support for civil society and nuclear safety.

It invites the Presidency with the Secretary-General/High = Representative to=20 notify this decision and the contents of this declaration urgently at = the=20 highest level to the Russian authorities.

It invites the OSCE and the Council of Europe to review, in their = field of=20 competence, the modalities of their cooperation with Russia.

8. Russia is a major partner for the European Union. The Union has = constantly=20 expressed its willingness to accompany Russia in its transition towards = a modern=20 and democratic state. But Russia must live up to its obligations if the=20 strategic partnership is to be developed. The European Union does not = want=20 Russia to isolate herself from Europe.

__________________

ANNEX III

AN EFFECTIVE

COUNCIL FOR AN

ENLARGED UNION

GUIDELINES FOR REFORM

AND

OPERATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

GUIDELINES FOR REFORM

Reforming the functioning of the Council is an important component of = the=20 broader institutional reform process to prepare the Union for = enlargement. The=20 scale of the coming enlargements coupled with the wider scope of the = Union's=20 action could well slow the Council down, and ultimately even paralyse = it. That=20 risk is already perceptible now and represents a threat to the smooth = operation=20 of the Union, given the Council's central role in Union decision-making. = Hence=20 the need for a comprehensive review of the Council's working methods, as = highlighted in the report submitted by the Secretary-General in March = 1999(=20 1).

The Council must have an overview of all Union policies. For it to do = so,=20 there has to be at the heart of the system a single chain of = coordination=20 capable of ensuring that Union action is consistent with the will of its = political leaders. This chain of command starts in the Member States = themselves=20 with effective interdepartmental coordination and arbitration, and = extends=20 through COREPER, the General Affairs Council to the = European Council. The=20 Council's ability to meet the challenges ahead largely depends on = strengthening=20 the effectiveness of this channel =96 the backbone of the system. Action = to=20 preserve the Council's ability to act decisively therefore needs to be = taken at=20 all levels.

The European Council must remain an effective forum for policy=20 leadership in providing necessary impetus for the Union's = development and=20 defining general political guidelines. It must preserve the flexible way = in=20 which it is prepared at present, the restricted format of its meetings = and the=20 practical impact of the Presidency conclusions.

The General Affairs Council's central responsibility for general = horizontal=20 issues, including overall policy coordination, means that it will have = to manage=20 an increasingly complex external and internal agenda, dealing = with major=20 multidisciplinary and interpillar dossiers. Effectively handling all = aspects of=20 its work by better agenda management and suitable Member State = representation is=20 essential if the General Affairs Council is to continue to play its role = in=20 ensuring overall coordination and policy consistency, and in preparing = European=20 Council meetings.

Given the diversification of the Union's activities and broadening of = the=20 areas covered by the Treaties, it is important to prevent fragmentation = of the=20 Union's activities and decision-making by limiting the number of = Council=20 formations, and by avoiding artificial activities to fill up = agendas. This=20 will help focus the Union's action and improve overall policy = coordination and=20 consistency by the Council's preparatory bodies.

Efficient legislative practices must be followed. This means = ensuring=20 that the correct legislative instruments are used, that texts are = drafted in a=20 high quality and legally watertight manner, that the codecision = procedure, given=20 its increasing application, operates smoothly and effectively and that = the=20 Council's legislative work is more transparent and open to public = scrutiny.

While internal coordination in the Member States is, and must = remain,=20 the exclusive preserve of each government, effective coordination has a = direct=20 bearing on the functioning and coherence of the Council. Therefore = Member States=20 have a common and genuine interest in endeavouring to ensure that their = internal=20 organisation allows the Council to deliberate more effectively.

Effective Council decision-making requires preparatory work to be = undertaken=20 as rationally and cost-effectively as possible while ensuring overall = policy=20 consistency. This implies planning all programmable activities, a clear=20 definition of the role of COREPER and Council Working = Parties, and=20 improved working methods designed to ensure optimum use of = infrastructure and=20 resources. Already now, and all the more so in an enlarged Union, full = use must=20 be made of the limited time available in meetings. Without suitable = preparation=20 upstream and greater discipline in plenary debates at all levels, = discussions=20 risk becoming completely ineffective. At meetings, delegations should be = able to=20 react and negotiate on clear options, drafted solutions to known = difficulties or=20 clearly identified problems. Therefore it is of the utmost importance = that clear=20 and well-structured papers are provided. The Presidency, as part of its=20 particular responsibilities for managing and conducting discussions, = should have=20 the means to ensure suitable working methods.

The Presidency must retain overall political responsibility = for=20 managing Council business. Over the years its burden has increased=20 substantially, and will continue to do so as the Union enlarges. Optimum = use=20 must therefore be made of the various forms of support available, such = as the=20 incoming Presidency, the Tro=EFka and the General Secretariat, in order = to ease=20 the Presidency's workload. The increasing number of Council members, = along with=20 the increase in the Presidency's responsibilities, will also require = greater and=20 more upfront support for the Council and the Presidency from the General = Secretariat.

Finally, practical issues such as the layout of rooms, = translation,=20 interpretation and document production are crucial to the smooth = operation of=20 the Council. New imaginative and pragmatic solutions are needed on these = issues,=20 while respecting basic principles, if the Council is to continue to = operate=20 effectively.

The following operational recommendations will, for the most part, be = implemented as soon as possible. Some will require more detailed work = before=20 being implemented over the medium-term in connection with enlargement. = They are=20 designed to meet the Cologne European Council's call for specific = proposals to=20 be made for improving the operation of the Council with a view to = enlargement.=20 It is imperative that these recommendations are applied using effective = means of=20 enforcement through the Council's rules of procedure( 2) and are coupled = with=20 the practical measures already being implemented by the Presidency and = the=20 Secretary-General, which must be consolidated over the coming years. The = combined impact of these measures should ensure that the Council is = properly=20 equipped to welcome new members in the near future with minimum=20 upheaval.

________

OPERATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

A. THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL AND THE GENERAL AFFAIRS = COUNCIL

1. The European Council's primary purpose must be to continue to = provide the=20 Union with the necessary impetus for its development and define general=20 political guidelines. One means of helping it better fulfil these tasks = is to=20 make the Presidency conclusions more concise (maximum 15 pages( 3)) = thereby=20 focusing them on the political decisions taken on the items actually = discussed=20 at the meeting.

2. The General Affairs Council must be in a position to deal = effectively with=20 horizontal internal issues including overall policy coordination. The = General=20 Affairs Council agenda shall accordingly be divided into two distinct = parts.=20 Member States shall ensure that they are suitably represented at = ministerial=20 level at both parts of the session.

3. The General Affairs Council is responsible for the overall = coordination of=20 European Council preparatory work.

B. EXTERNAL RELATIONS( 4)

Role of the Secretary-General/High Representative

4. Subject to the requirement laid down in Article 3 of the TEU for = the=20 Council and the Commission to ensure consistency in external relations, = and in=20 accordance with their respective responsibilities under the Treaties, = the=20 Presidency, the Secretary-General/High Representative and the = Commissioner for=20 external relations, will cooperate closely in order to ensure overall = continuity=20 and coherence of action by the Union in external relations.

5. The Secretary-General/High Representative shall, in accordance = with the=20 Treaties:

(i) assist the Presidency in coordinating work in the = Council=20 to ensure coherence on the various aspects of the Union's external=20 relations;

(ii) contribute to preparing policy decisions and formulating options = for the=20 Council on foreign and security policy matters, so that it constantly = focuses on=20 the major political issues requiring an operational decision or = political=20 guidance;

(iii) contribute to the implementation of foreign and security policy = decisions in close coordination with the Commission, Member States and = other=20 authorities responsible for effective application on the ground.

6. The Secretary-General/High Representative may = receive=20 specified mandates from the Council.

Regular meetings / contacts with third countries =

7. Given the increasing administrative burden of organising = ministerial level=20 meetings with third countries, in particular under cooperation and = association=20 agreements, more effective management of such meetings will be achieved = by:

(i) drawing up systematic schedules of ministerial meetings = with third=20 countries covering the current and the next two Presidencies, adjusted = on a=20 rolling basis, to enable an appropriate shareout of the administrative = burden=20 and ensure adequate preparation;

(ii) seeking the consent of third parties to including provisions = under=20 existing or future cooperation and association agreements:

- which, as far as timing of meetings is concerned, do = not=20 specify a given periodicity, but allow ministerial meetings to be = convened when=20 warranted by a substantive agenda after proper preparation;

- and which, as far as the level of representation is=20 concerned, provide that the Council will as a rule be represented at = ministerial=20 level by the Presidency, assisted by the Secretary-General/High = Representative,=20 and the incoming Presidency. Other members of the Council may designate=20 representatives at official level;

(iii) ensuring that, as far as political dialogue meetings are = concerned, the Presidency and the High Representative make the most = effective=20 use of both possibilities offered under the Treaty for conducting such = meetings=20 (i.e. the Presidency, assisted by the Secretary-General/High = Representative or=20 the High Representative at the request of the Presidency on the = Council's=20 behalf) in order to streamline the Union's political dialogue = arrangements, in=20 full association with the Commission.

Optimum use of diplomatic networks

8. The Secretary-General/High Representative is invited to draw up a = report=20 for the Council examining ways and means of using the networks of Member = States'=20 embassies and Commission delegations throughout the world to strengthen=20 implementation of the Union's action and assist him in carrying out his=20 tasks.

C.

COUNCIL FORMATIONS

9. In order to improve the coherence and consistency of the Council's = work,=20 the number of Council formations shall be reduced to a maximum of 15. = The=20 General Affairs Council shall take the necessary steps to achieve this = objective=20 as soon as possible by merging certain Council formations, by handling = certain=20 matters in other relevant Council formations and by making maximum use = of "back=20 to back" arrangements when convening closely-related Council=20 formations.

10. In convening Council sessions, particular attention shall be paid = to the=20 management and organisation of the agenda in order to allow Member = States to be=20 represented in each Council formation as they deem appropriate on the = basis of=20 their own internal organisation. The Presidency shall endeavour to = ensure as a=20 rule that each Council formation has a single President.

11. Without prejudice to Article 1(1) of the Council's rules of = procedure,=20 Council formations and sessions shall only be convened when a = substantive agenda=20 exists (e.g. when policy decisions are to be taken or political = orientations are=20 to be given) or when required by objective deadlines. Failure to meet = these=20 criteria would imply not convening the Council formation or session in=20 question.

*12. No new formations of the Council may be convened unless the = General=20 Affairs Council so decides.

13. Joint sessions of different Council formations shall no longer be = convened, save in exceptional circumstances.

14. Each Member State will keep under permanent review its internal=20 coordination arrangements for EU matters so that they are tailored to = ensuring=20 the optimum functioning of the Council. On the basis of a contribution = from each=20 Member State giving a practical description of internal coordination = procedures=20 on EU matters, a summary of coordination systems in the different Member = States=20 will be compiled by December 2000.

D.

THE COUNCIL'S LEGISLATIVE ROLE

Proper use of legislative instruments and improved drafting = quality

*15. Delegations shall ensure that proposed textual amendments are = properly=20 drafted, including during the first reading of a text by a Working = Party.

*16. The Council shall refrain from adopting resolutions, = declarations, or=20 any other non-standard form of act when dealing with legislative = matters.

Improved codification procedures

17. In order to speed up work on the codification of legislative = texts and=20 increase the amount of legislation available in a codified and more = readable=20 form:

(i) a strict deadline of 30 days shall be imposed within the Council = for=20 delegations to comment on proposals. The European Parliament should be=20 approached in order to agree on procedural deadlines for giving its = opinion on=20 codification proposals;

(ii) the Council will seek a further Interinstitutional agreement = with the=20 European Parliament and the Commission as soon as possible on the use of = a=20 fast-track method for the "recasting" technique (i.e. using the = opportunity=20 offered by an amendment to a basic act to codify all of it), subject to = ensuring=20 that the principles and spirit of the codification technique (i.e. = codification=20 of texts as published without substantive amendment) are respected.

Making the co-decision procedure more effective

18. The Presidency shall, as an integral part of its programming, = take due=20 account of the requirement to schedule conciliation and preparatory = meetings,=20 bearing in mind the deadlines applicable for codecision procedures. = Contacts=20 with the European Parliament at the first and second reading stages must = be=20 undertaken with the aim of bringing the procedure to a successful = conclusion as=20 swiftly as possible.

19. The Presidency and the General Secretariat are invited to propose = by the=20 end of 2000 further changes in the Council's working methods in dealing = with=20 codecided acts in the light of experience acquired in implementing the = Joint=20 Declaration of 4 May 1999.

E.

INFORMAL MINISTERIAL MEETINGS

20. Informal meetings of Ministers are designed to permit as free as = possible=20 an exchange of views on topics of general scope. They are not Council = sessions=20 and cannot replace the Council's normal activities. Such meetings are = subject to=20 the following rules:

(i) A maximum of 5 informal Ministerial meetings may be held during = any=20 Presidency;

(ii) No official agenda shall be drawn up;

(iii) The presence of assistants shall be limited to a maximum of two = per=20 minister;

(iv) Discussions must in no circumstances require Council documents = to be=20 prepared, either before or after the meeting;

(v) Meetings cannot arrive at formal conclusions or decisions. Any = press=20 communication must make this point explicitly clear.

F. COREPER

21. Given that COREPER has responsibility for the final preparation = and=20 presentation of all agenda items to the Council( 5), it shall be = responsible for=20 assembling all preparatory work undertaken by different vertical bodies = for both=20 multidisciplinary and interpillar dossiers. In order to = carry out=20 effectively this role:

(i) the Presidency, assisted by the General Secretariat, shall ensure = effective forward planning of all multidisciplinary and = interpillar=20 dossiers;

(ii) all evaluations, assessments or contributions from other bodies = must be=20 available for the COREPER meeting preparing the Council where a final = decision=20 is to be made( 6);

(iii) as a rule, a single Presidency or Secretariat paper = shall be=20 prepared for the Council encompassing all contributions and aspects of = the=20 dossier;

(iv) the Antici, Mertens or "Friends of the Presidency" groups may be = called=20 on to assist COREPER in this task.

*22. Preparatory work by COREPER for a legislative item on the = Council=20 agenda must be completed by the end of the week preceding the week prior = to the=20 Council. Failure to do so will, as a general rule, result in such items=20 automatically being removed from the Council agenda unless = considerations of=20 urgency require otherwise.

*23. For any dossiers where substantive preparation is undertaken in = other=20 fora, COREPER must in any case be in a position to verify that the = following=20 principles and rules are respected:

(i) the principle of legality in the light of Community law, = including the=20 principles of subsidiarity, proportionality and of providing reasons for = acts;

(ii) the powers of Union institutions;

(iii) budgetary provisions;

(iv) rules on procedure, transparency and the quality of drafting of=20 legislation;

(v) consistency with other Union policies and = measures.

24. Ad hoc meetings of COREPER may be convened by the = Presidency at=20 short notice in order to discuss specific urgent matters.

G. THE COUNCIL PRESIDENCY

*25. The incoming Presidency shall assist the Presidency, while = preserving=20 fully the Presidency's powers and overall political responsibility for = managing=20 Council business in conformity with the Treaties and the Council's rules = of=20 procedure. The incoming Presidency, acting under the Presidency's = instructions,=20 shall replace the Presidency as and when required, relieve the = Presidency, when=20 needed, of some of its administrative burden and enhance continuity of = work in=20 the Council. The Presidency and the incoming Presidency will take all = the=20 necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition from one Presidency to the = next.

H. TRANSPARENCY

Access to documents

*26. Procedures for public access to Council documents should be = streamlined=20 and automated as far as possible using modern technology, including the=20 Internet, without prejudice to general principles governing the right of = access=20 to documents to be decided in accordance with Article 255 of the=20 Treaty.

Greater openness by the Council when acting in a legislative=20 capacity.

*27. The General Affairs and ECOFIN Councils shall each hold a public = debate=20 every six months on the Presidency's work programme.

*28. At least one public Council debate should be held on important=20 legislative proposals. COREPER shall decide on public debates by=20 qualified majority.

29. In order to ensure more interesting public debates, discussion = shall be=20 organised as follows:

(i) delegations shall be invited, in time before the Council, to = communicate=20 to the Presidency and the Secretariat their views on the proposal or the = item to=20 be publicly debated;

(ii) the Presidency, on the basis of the written statements, shall = draw up a=20 one page note containing a brief questionnaire;

(iii) this note shall be circulated to delegations before the start = of the=20 meeting and will constitute the basis on which the debate shall be=20 conducted.

I. INFORMATION POLICY

30. The European Parliament, the Council and the Commission are urged = to take=20 steps to pool as far as possible efforts to provide coordinated general=20 information about the Union, in particular by optimising use of existing = resources; in this context, it might be useful to examine the = feasibility of=20 setting up in Brussels a joint European Parliament, Council and = Commission=20 information centre for receiving visitors to the institutions and = coordinating=20 publications on EU matters for the general public.

31. The Commission is invited to study the general question of the = Union's=20 information policy, including improving coordination with its = information=20 offices in the Member States and links with national information = offices.

J. ORGANISATION AND CONDUCT OF MEETINGS

Programming of Council work

32. Each Presidency shall, in cooperation with the Commission, the = General=20 Secretariat and the future Presidency, programme all legislative = activities as=20 well as all other aspects of the Council's work not dependent on the = latest=20 political developments.

*33. Seven months before the beginning of each Presidency, the = incoming=20 President of the Council shall make known the dates envisaged for all = Council=20 sessions where it is clear that legislative work needs to be undertaken = or=20 operational policy decisions need to be made. The final Presidency = programme may=20 provide for additional Council sessions, provided they are warranted for = operational reasons. If a programmed session proves to be no longer = warranted,=20 it shall be cancelled.

*34. The Presidency programme, in the form of indicative Council = provisional=20 agendas indicating operational decisions and legislative work, shall be=20 finalised at the latest one week before the beginning of the = Presidency.

Working Parties

35. When deemed useful, the Presidency may invite delegations to = submit=20 preliminary comments and positions in writing by a specified deadline = before the=20 Working Party begins its work on a new proposal. On the basis of the = written=20 contributions, a working paper will be produced setting out in an = ordered way=20 the main issues arising in order to guide and structure the initial = debate in=20 the Working Party.

36. A list of all Council preparatory bodies( 7) shall be updated = regularly=20 by the General Secretariat as a result of decisions to establish such = bodies by=20 COREPER or the Council.

37. The Council and COREPER shall refrain from setting up new high = level=20 working parties.

*38. All Working Party meetings preparing a legislative item = for=20 COREPER must complete their work at least 5 working days prior to the = COREPER=20 meeting in question. Failure to do so will, as a general rule, result in = the=20 item automatically being postponed to the following COREPER meeting, = unless=20 considerations of urgency require otherwise.

Agendas and documents

39. Without prejudice to Article 2 of the Council's rules of = procedure, the=20 Presidency and Secretariat shall ensure that items are only proposed for = inclusion on Council provisional agendas when decisions or political = guidance=20 are necessary.

40. Council discussions shall be based on clear guidelines, options = or=20 suggested solutions prepared by COREPER for the key issues under=20 examination.

Conduct of meetings

41. Council and COREPER discussions shall focus on reacting to = options or=20 solutions presented in the Presidency or Secretariat paper. Well-known = arguments=20 or positions should be developed in written statements.

42. Full table rounds shall be proscribed in principle; they may only = be used=20 in exceptional circumstances on specific questions, with a time limit on = interventions set by the Presidency.

43. Where a good prospect exists of proposing a compromise for = resubmission=20 the same day, the Presidency shall convene a working party in the = margins of=20 COREPER or Council meetings. If a compromise emerges in the course of a = Council=20 or COREPER debate, the agreed decision shall be framed in parallel with = the=20 meeting.

*44. Decisions may only be taken in formal sessions of the Council. = The=20 General Secretariat shall verify that a quorum exists for a decision to = be=20 taken. The Presidency shall provide for more restricted and = super-restricted=20 sessions during formal meetings (which include Ministerial conclaves) in = order=20 to discuss politically sensitive or classified subjects, instead of = dealing with=20 such matters over lunch.

*45. The Presidency may, inter alia:

(i) fix in advance the time to be allocated for agenda items in = COREPER and=20 Council where no objective need exists for a decision to be reached;

(ii) organise the time allotted for discussion of a particular = item;

(iii) determine numbers per delegation present in the meeting room = (i.e.=20 whether to hold restricted or super-restricted sessions);

(iv) make use of points of order each time it is necessary to ensure = the=20 conditions imposed regarding the conduct of a discussion are = respected.

K. THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT AND THE PRACTICAL FRAMEWORK

Role of the General Secretariat

46. The General Secretariat's supporting role as advisor to the = Council and=20 the Presidency shall be strengthened by being continually and closely = associated=20 in programming, coordinating and ensuring the coherence of the Council's = work.=20 In particular, it is encouraged to play a more active role, under the=20 Presidency's responsibility and guidance, in assisting it in its "good = offices"=20 function and searching for compromise solutions.

47. Documents issued by the General Secretariat and used as a basis = for=20 negotiations in the Council and its preparatory bodies must be concise = and set=20 out clearly the issues to be decided including, where appropriate, = options or=20 avenues for compromise. Lengthy records of meetings describing = delegations'=20 positions should be avoided.

*48. The Secretary-General/High Representative shall have full = responsibility=20 for managing the Council budget.

Organisation of the General Secretariat

49. The Secretary-General/High Representative is invited to take = steps to=20 adapt the General Secretariat rapidly to the changing requirements of = the=20 Council, in particular by:

(i) tailoring its structures to the operational requirements of the = Council,=20 in particular by reorganising work in larger administrative units;

(ii) strengthening internal auditing to ensure the best possible = match=20 between the Council's requirements and the human and material resources=20 available in the General Secretariat;

(iii) introducing a flexible and dynamic staff policy designed to = provide=20 greater staff motivation. This will involve ensuring adequate staff = training so=20 that the Secretariat is able to fulfil effectively an enhanced = supporting role.=20 The possibility of short-term exchanges with national administrations = should be=20 considered as part of this training.

50. The Secretary-General/High Representative is urged to review the=20 Council's and the General Secretariat's working methods in order to = improve=20 efficiency by making optimum use of modern technology, including = improved use of=20 data processing and electronic means, adapting procedures and the = document=20 production and transmission circuit and targeting staff training at the = needs of=20 modernisation.

Material aspects of the Council's work

51. The Secretary-General/High Representative is invited to undertake = a=20 detailed examination of the technical and methodological = means=20 available for increasing the translating and interpreting capability at = the=20 disposal of the Council.

52. In the light of the above study, an examination should be = undertaken to=20 see how, at the preparatory level, the necessary efficiency of the = Council can=20 be ensured while respecting the provisions on the principles of equality = of and=20 non-discrimination among the Union's official languages( 8).

Building requirements and configuration of meeting rooms

53. While keeping the Council duly informed, the = Secretary-General/High=20 Representative shall have full responsibility for evaluating the = building=20 requirements for a substantially enlarged Council and how these = requirements can=20 be satisfied, so that detailed proposals can be made to the Council in = due=20 course in the light of that evaluation.

54. In order to allow effective deliberations and negotiations after=20 enlargement, it will be essential to reduce numbers present in meeting = rooms and=20 at the main table. For meetings of the European Council, each delegation = shall=20 have no more than two seats at the table. For meetings of Council = preparatory=20 bodies (Committees and Working Parties), each delegation shall have one = seat at=20 the table, unless stipulated otherwise. The Secretary-General/High=20 Representative is requested to study the appropriate configuration of = meeting=20 rooms for Council sessions and make appropriate proposals. This study = shall take=20 account of the various constraints linked to work in different Council=20 formations.

L. REVIEW

55. The Secretary-General/High Representative shall evaluate = implementation=20 of these recommendations and, if appropriate, make further practical = suggestions=20 by July 2001 for improving the Council's working methods.

________________

ANNEX IV

PRESIDENCY REPORTS TO THE HELSINKI EUROPEAN COUNCIL = ON

"STRENGTHENING THE COMMON EUROPEAN POLICY ON SECURITY = AND=20 DEFENCE" AND ON "NON-MILITARY CRISIS MANAGEMENT

OF THE EUROPEAN UNION"

The Presidency has responded as a matter of priority to the mandate = given by=20 the Cologne European Council to strengthen the common European policy on = security and defence by taking the work forward in military and = non-military=20 aspects of crisis management. The work has been based on the provisions = of the=20 Treaty on European Union and the guiding principles agreed at Cologne, = which=20 have been reaffirmed by the Member States.

Work has yielded two separate progress reports to the European = Council, which are intended to be complementary. The reports propose = concrete=20 measures and provide guidance for further work to take the necessary = decisions=20 by the end of the year 2000 towards the objectives set at Cologne. = During the=20 Portuguese Presidency, consideration will be given as to whether or not = Treaty=20 amendment is judged necessary.

To assume their responsibilities across the full range of conflict = prevention=20 and crisis management tasks defined in the EU Treaty, the Petersberg = tasks, the=20 Member States have decided to develop more effective military = capabilities and=20 establish new political and military structures for these tasks. In this = connection, the objective is for the Union to have an autonomous = capacity to=20 take decisions and, where NATO as a whole is not engaged, to launch and = then to=20 conduct EU-led military operations in response to international = crises.

Also in order to assume these responsibilities, the Union will = improve and=20 make more effective use of resources in civilian crisis management in = which the=20 Union and the Members States already have considerable experience. = Special=20 attention will be given to a rapid reaction capability.

All these measures will be taken in support of the Common Foreign and = Security Policy and they will reinforce and extend the Union's = comprehensive=20 external role. With the enhancement and concertation of military and = civilian=20 crisis response tools, the Union will be able to resort to the whole = range of=20 instruments from diplomatic activity, humanitarian assistance and = economic=20 measures to civilian policing and military crisis management = operations.

NATO remains the foundation of the collective defence of its members, = and=20 will continue to have an important role in crisis management.

The development of the common European policy on security and defence = will=20 take place without prejudice to the commitments under Article 5 of the=20 Washington Treaty and Article V of the Brussels Treaty, which will be = preserved=20 for the Member States party to these Treaties. Nor shall the development = of the=20 common European policy on security and defence prejudice the specific = character=20 of the security and defence policy of certain Member States.

Further steps will be taken to ensure full mutual consultation, = cooperation=20 and transparency between the EU and NATO.

The Union will contribute to international peace and security in = accordance=20 with the principles of the United Nations Charter. The Union recognises = the=20 primary responsibility of the United Nations Security Council for the=20 maintenance of international peace and security. Following up the = principles and=20 objectives of the OSCE Charter for European Security, the Union will = cooperate=20 with the UN, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and other international=20 organisations in a mutually reinforcing manner in stability promotion, = early=20 warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict=20 reconstruction.

=B0

=B0 =B0

ANNEX 1 to ANNEX IV

PRESIDENCY PROGRESS REPORT TO THE HELSINKI EUROPEAN = COUNCIL

ON STRENGTHENING THE COMMON EUROPEAN POLICY

ON SECURITY AND DEFENCE

Introduction

Recalling the guiding principles agreed at Cologne, the European = Union should=20 be able to assume its responsibilities for the full range of conflict = prevention=20 and crisis management tasks defined in the EU Treaty, the Petersberg = tasks.

The European Union should have the autonomous capacity to take = decisions and,=20 where NATO as a whole is not engaged, to launch and then to conduct = EU-led=20 military operations in response to international crises in support of = the Common=20 Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). The action by the Union will be = conducted in=20 accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and the principles and=20 objectives of the OSCE Charter for European Security. The Union = recognises the=20 primary responsibility of the United Nations Security Council for the=20 maintenance of international peace and security.

For this purpose, the following has been agreed:

A common European headline goal will be adopted for readily = deployable=20 military capabilities and collective capability goals in the fields of = command=20 and control, intelligence and strategic transport will be developed = rapidly, to=20 be achieved through voluntary co-ordinated national and multinational = efforts,=20 for carrying out the full range of Petersberg tasks.

New political and military bodies will be established within the = Council to=20 enable the Union to take decisions on EU-led Petersberg operations and = to=20 ensure, under the authority of the Council, the necessary political = control and=20 strategic direction of such operations.

Principles for cooperation with non-EU European NATO members and = other=20 European partners in EU-led military crisis management will be agreed, = without=20 prejudice to the Union's decision-making autonomy.

Determination to carry out Petersberg tasks will require Member = States to=20 improve national and multinational military capabilities, which will at = the same=20 time, as appropriate, strengthen the capabilities of NATO and enhance = the=20 effectiveness of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) in promoting European=20 security.

In presenting this report, the Presidency has taken note of the fact = that=20 Denmark has recalled Protocol no 5 to the Amsterdam Treaty on the = position of=20 Denmark.

Military capabilities for Petersberg tasks

Member States recall their commitment made at Cologne and their = determination=20 to give the EU appropriate capabilities, without unnecessary = duplication, to be=20 able to undertake the full range of Petersberg tasks in support of the = CFSP.=20 Such capabilities will enable them to conduct effective EU-led = operations as=20 well as playing, for those involved, their full role in NATO and = NATO-led=20 operations. More effective European military capabilities will be = developed on=20 the basis of the existing national, bi-national and multinational = capabilities,=20 which will be assembled for EU-led crisis management operations carried = out with=20 or without recourse to NATO assets and capabilities. Particular = attention will=20 be devoted to the capabilities necessary to ensure effective performance = in=20 crisis management: deployability, sustainability, interoperability, = flexibility,=20 mobility, survivability and command and control, taking account of the = results=20 of the WEU audit of assets and capabilities and their implications for = EU-led=20 operations.

To develop European capabilities, Member States have set themselves = the=20 headline goal: by the year 2003, cooperating together voluntarily, they = will be=20 able to deploy rapidly and then sustain forces capable of the full range = of=20 Petersberg tasks as set out in the Amsterdam Treaty, including the most=20 demanding, in operations up to corps level (up to 15 brigades or = 50,000-60,000=20 persons). These forces should be militarily self-sustaining with the = necessary=20 command, control and intelligence capabilities, logistics, other combat = support=20 services and additionally, as appropriate, air and naval elements. = Member States=20 should be able to deploy in full at this level within 60 days, and = within this=20 to provide smaller rapid response elements available and deployable at = very high=20 readiness. They must be able to sustain such a deployment for at least = one year.=20 This will require an additional pool of deployable units (and supporting = elements) at lower readiness to provide replacements for the initial = forces.

Member States have also decided to develop rapidly collective = capability=20 goals in the fields of command and control, intelligence and strategic=20 transport, areas also identified by the WEU audit. They welcome in this = respect=20 decisions already announced by certain Member States which go in that=20 direction:

- to develop and coordinate monitoring and early warning military = means;

- to open existing joint national headquarters to officers coming = from other=20 Member States;

- to reinforce the rapid reaction capabilities of existing European=20 multinational forces;

- to prepare the establishment of a European air transport = command;

- to increase the number of readily deployable troops;

- to enhance strategic sea lift capacity.

The General Affairs Council, with the participation of Defence = Ministers,=20 will elaborate the headline and capability goals. It will develop a = method of=20 consultation through which these goals can be met and maintained, and = through=20 which national contributions reflecting Member States=92 political will = and=20 commitment towards these goals can be defined by each Member State, with = a=20 regular review of progress made. In addition, Member States would use = existing=20 defence planning procedures, including, as appropriate, those available = in NATO=20 and the Planning and Review Process (PARP) of the PfP. These objectives = and=20 those arising, for those countries concerned, from NATO=92s Defence = Capabilities=20 Initiative (DCI) will be mutually reinforcing.

The European NATO members who are not EU Member States, and other = countries=20 who are candidates for accession to the European Union will be invited = to=20 contribute to this improvement of European military capabilities. This = will=20 enhance the effectiveness of EU-led military operations and will, for = those=20 countries concerned, contribute directly to the effectiveness and = vitality of=20 the European pillar of the NATO.

Member States welcome the recent progress made towards the = restructuring of=20 European defence industries, which constitutes an important step = forward. This=20 contributes to strengthening the European industrial and technological = defence=20 base. Such developments call for increased efforts to seek further = progress in=20 the harmonisation of military requirements and the planning and = procurement of=20 arms, as Member States consider appropriate.

Decision-making

The Council decides upon policy relevant to Union involvement in all = phases=20 and aspects of crisis management, including decisions to carry out = Petersberg=20 tasks in accordance with Article 23 of the EU Treaty. Taken within the = single=20 institutional framework, decisions will respect European Community = competences=20 and ensure inter-pillar coherence in conformity with Article 3 of the EU = Treaty.

All Member States are entitled to participate fully and on an equal = footing=20 in all decisions and deliberations of the Council and Council bodies on = EU-led=20 operations. The commitment of national assets by Member States to such=20 operations will be based on their sovereign decision. Member States will = participate in the ad hoc committee of contributors in accordance with = the=20 conditions provided for by paragraph 24.

Defence Ministers will be involved in the common European security = and=20 defence policy (CESDP); when the General Affairs Council discusses = matters=20 related to the CESDP, Defence Ministers as appropriate will participate = to=20 provide guidance on defence matters.

The following new permanent political and military bodies will = be=20 established within the Council:

a) - A standing Political and Security Committee (PSC) in = Brussels=20 will be composed of national representatives of senior/ambassadorial = level. The=20 PSC will deal with all aspects of the CFSP, including the CESDP, in = accordance=20 with the provisions of the EU Treaty and without prejudice to Community=20 competence. In the case of a military crisis management operation, the = PSC will=20 exercise, under the authority of the Council, the political control and=20 strategic direction of the operation. For that purpose, appropriate = procedures=20 will be adopted in order to allow effective and urgent decision taking. = The PSC=20 will also forward guidelines to the Military Committee.

b) - The Military Committee (MC) will be composed of the = Chiefs of=20 Defence, represented by their military delegates. The MC will meet at = the level=20 of the Chiefs of Defence as and when necessary. This committee will give = military advice and make recommendations to the PSC, as well as provide = military=20 direction to the Military Staff. The Chairman of the MC will attend = meetings of=20 the Council when decisions with defence implications are to be = taken.

c) - The Military Staff (MS) within the Council structures = will=20 provide military expertise and support to the CESDP, including the = conduct of=20 EU-led military crisis management operations. The Military Staff will = perform=20 early warning, situation assessment and strategic planning for = Petersberg tasks=20 including identification of European national and multinational=20 forces.

As an interim measure, the following bodies will be set up = within the=20 Council as of March 2000:

a) - Fully respecting the Treaty provisions, the Council will = establish a=20 standing interim political and security committee at = senior/ambassadorial level=20 tasked to take forward under the guidance of the Political Committee the = follow=20 up of the Helsinki European Council by preparing recommendations on the = future=20 functioning of the CESDP and to deal with CFSP affairs on a day-to-day = basis in=20 close contacts with the SG/HR.

b) - An interim body of military representatives of Member States=92 = Chiefs of=20 Defence is established to give military advice as required to the = interim=20 political and security committee.

c) - The Council Secretariat will be strengthened by military experts = seconded from Member States in order to assist in the work on the CESDP = and to=20 form the nucleus of the future Military Staff.

The Secretary General/High Representative (SG/HR), in assisting the = Council,=20 has a key contribution to make to the efficiency and consistency of the = CFSP and=20 the development of the common security and defence policy. In conformity = with=20 the EU Treaty, the SG/HR will contribute to the formulation, preparation = and=20 implementation of policy decisions.

In the interim period, the SG/HR, Secretary General of the WEU, = should make=20 full use of WEU assets for the purpose of advising the Council under = Article 17=20 of the EU Treaty.

Consultation and cooperation with non-EU countries and with = NATO

The Union will ensure the necessary dialogue, consultation and = cooperation=20 with NATO and its non-EU members, other countries who are candidates for = accession to the EU as well as other prospective partners in EU-led = crisis=20 management, with full respect for the decision-making autonomy of the EU = and the=20 single institutional framework of the Union.

With European NATO members who are not members of the EU and other = countries=20 who are candidates for accession to the EU, appropriate structures will = be=20 established for dialogue and information on issues related to security = and=20 defence policy and crisis management. In the event of a crisis, these = structures=20 will serve for consultation in the period leading up to a decision of = the=20 Council.

Upon a decision by the Council to launch an operation, the non-EU = European=20 NATO members will participate if they so wish, in the event of an = operation=20 requiring recourse to NATO assets and capabilities. They will, on a = decision by=20 the Council, be invited to take part in operations where the EU does not = use=20 NATO assets.

Other countries who are candidates for accession to the EU may also = be=20 invited by the Council to take part in EU-led operations once the = Council has=20 decided to launch such an operation.

Russia, Ukraine and other European States engaged in political = dialogue with=20 the Union and other interested States may be invited to take part in the = EU-led=20 operations.

All the States that have confirmed their participation in an EU-led = operation=20 by deploying significant military forces will have the same rights and=20 obligations as the EU participating Member States in the day-to-day = conduct of=20 such an operation.

In the case of an EU-led operation, an ad-hoc committee of = contributors will=20 be set up for the day-to-day conduct of the operation. All EU Member = States are=20 entitled to attend the ad-hoc committee, whether or not they are = participating=20 in the operation, while only contributing States will take part in the=20 day-to-day conduct of the operation.

The decision to end an operation will be taken by the Council after=20 consultation between the participating states within the committee of=20 contributors.

Modalities for full consultation, cooperation and transparency = between the EU=20 and NATO will be developed. Initially, relations will be developed on an = informal basis, through contacts between the SG/HR for CFSP and the = Secretary=20 General of NATO.

Follow-up for the Portuguese Presidency

The Portuguese Presidency is invited, together with the Secretary=20 General/High Representative, to carry forward the work within the = General=20 Affairs Council on strengthening the common European security and = defence=20 policy. The Portuguese Presidency is also invited to report to the = European=20 Council in Feira on the progress made, including:

a) - recommendations on the institutional development of the new = permanent=20 political and military bodies related to the CESDP within the EU, taking = into=20 account the paper on "Military bodies in the European Union and the = planning and=20 conduct of EU-led operations" and other contributions made;

b) - proposals on appropriate arrangements to be concluded by the = Council on=20 modalities of consultation and/or participation that will allow the = third States=20 concerned to contribute to EU military crisis management;

c) - proposals on principles for consultation with NATO on military = issues=20 and recommendations on developing modalities for EU/NATO relations, to = permit=20 co-operation on the appropriate military response to a crisis, as set = out in=20 Washington and at Cologne;

d) -an indication of whether or not Treaty amendment is judged = necessary.

=B0

=B0 =B0

ANNEX 2 to ANNEX IV

Presidency Report on Non-Military Crisis = Management

of the European Union

The Presidency was mandated by the European Council in Cologne to = continue=20 the work on all aspects of security including the enhancement and better = coordination of the Union's and the Member States' non-military crisis = response=20 tools. Developments inter alia in Kosovo have for their part underlined = the=20 importance of this task. To this end, a thorough discussion has been = carried out=20 within the Council instances.

Work listing all available resources of the Member States and the = Union has=20 been initiated and has led to inventories of the tools available to the = Union=20 and to Member States, which are contained respectively in doc. 11044/99 = REV 1=20 for the Union and in doc. 12323/99 for the Member States.

The inventories which have been drawn up clearly show that Member = States, the=20 Union, or both have accumulated considerable experience or have = considerable=20 resources in a number of areas such as civilian police, humanitarian = assistance,=20 administrative and legal rehabilitation, search and rescue, electoral = and human=20 rights monitoring, etc. This inventory should be pursued further. = Regular=20 updating will be necessary to better identify lacunae as well as=20 strongpoints.

In order to be able to respond more rapidly and more effectively to = emerging=20 crisis situations, the Union needs to strengthen the responsiveness and=20 efficiency of its resources and tools, as well as their synergy.

It is therefore appropriate to draw up an Action Plan which would = show the=20 way ahead and indicate the steps the Union has to undertake to develop a = rapid=20 reaction capability in the field of crisis management using non-military = instruments.

ACTION PLAN

A. The Union should aim at:

- strengthening the synergy and responsiveness of national, = collective and=20 NGO resources in order to avoid duplication and improve performance, = while=20 maintaining the flexibility of each contributor to decide on the = deployment of=20 assets and capabilities in a particular crisis, or via a particular = channel;

- enhancing and facilitating the EU's contributions to, and = activities=20 within, other organisations, such as the UN and the OSCE whenever one of = them is=20 the lead organisation in a particular crisis, as well as EU autonomous=20 actions;

- ensuring inter-pillar coherence.

B. To that end:

Member States and the Union should develop a rapid reaction = capability by=20 defining a framework and modalities, as well as by pre-identifying = personnel,=20 material and financial resources that could be used in response to a = request of=20 a lead agency like the UN or the OSCE, or, where appropriate, in = autonomous EU=20 actions.

An inventory of national and collective resources should be pursued = to give=20 an overview of resources that could be marshalled within such a rapid = reaction=20 framework. In this process Member States and the EU institutions could, = if they=20 wish, highlight sectors in which they find that they have acknowledged=20 expertise.

A database should be set up to maintain and share information on the=20 pre-identified assets, capabilities and expertise within all areas = relevant to=20 non-military crisis management. The availability and quality of these = assets=20 would need to be clearly defined.

A study should be carried out, taking into account lessons learned, = to define=20 concrete targets for EU Member States' collective non-military response = to=20 international crises (e.g. the ability to deploy at short notice and = sustain for=20 a defined period a set number of civilian police as a contribution to = civpol=20 missions; to deploy a combined search and rescue capability of up to 200 = people=20 within twenty-four hours). This work should be taken forward by the = Portuguese=20 Presidency together with the SG/HR.

The inventory, the database project and the study should help = identify areas=20 of relative strength and weakness and could promote improved training = standards,=20 sharing of experience and best practice, as well as bilateral or = multilateral=20 projects between Member States (e.g. 'pairing' one Member State's = helicopter=20 lift with a specialist medical team from another).

A coordinating mechanism, fully interacting with the Commission = services,=20 should be set up at the Council Secretariat. It would run the database = project=20 and the different capabilities initiatives. In particular crises, = depending on=20 the EU's role, it may set up an ad hoc centre to coordinate the = effectiveness of=20 EU Member States' contributions. This should be a lean, efficient,=20 non-bureaucratic structure permitting close interaction with the = Commission=20 (ECHO in particular).

In establishing a rapid reaction capability urgent consideration will = be=20 given to developing civil police capabilities.

Rapid financing mechanisms such as the creation by the Commission of = a Rapid=20 Reaction Fund should be set up to allow the acceleration of the = provision of=20 finance to support EU activities, to contribute to operations run by = other=20 international organisations and to fund NGO activities, as=20 appropriate.

DECISION-MAKING AND IMPLEMENTATION

The Union should develop a comprehensive approach with a view to = marshalling=20 national and collective non-military instruments within the time limits = called=20 for by the situation on the ground.

For the coordination of civilian crisis management tools, the = co-ordinating=20 mechanism for a civilian crisis management will be established. This = mechanism,=20 which will be of inter-pillar nature, will provide expert advice in = support of=20 the management of crises. Decision-making and implementation of = non-military=20 crisis management tools under the first pillar will remain subject to=20 institutions and procedures of the EC Treaty.

As an interim practice, this work to develop the co-ordinating = mechanism for=20 civilian crisis management may draw on experts from the Member = States.

If appropriate, the Union will lay down general guidelines ensuring=20 inter-pillar coherence and setting out the means which should be made = available.=20 Arrangements for rapid financing mechanisms for a prompt response to = crisis=20 situations could be devised in this context.

__________________

ANNEX V

EUROPEAN COUNCIL COMMON STRATEGY 1999/ /CFSP

on Ukraine

THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, in particular Article = 13(2)=20 thereof,

Whereas the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) between = the=20 European Communities, their Member States and Ukraine entered into force = on 1=20 March 1998,

HAS ADOPTED THIS COMMON STRATEGY:

PART I

VISION OF THE EU FOR ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH = UKRAINE

1. The strategic partnership between the European Union (EU) and = Ukraine,=20 based on shared values and common interests, is a vital factor enhancing = peace,=20 stability and prosperity in Europe. The freedom, independence and = stability of=20 Ukraine rank among the greatest achievements in the new Europe rid of = old=20 dividing lines. Geography as well as size, the resources of its = population as=20 well as its location along the North-South and East-West axes give = Ukraine a=20 unique position in Europe and makes it a determinant regional actor.

2. Ukraine enjoys today excellent relations with all its neighbours = and has=20 taken important steps in nation-building and towards consolidating its=20 democracy. The fact that Ukraine has since independence been a source of = regional stability, despite its domestic difficulties and diversities, = is a=20 laudable achievement. The EU welcomes the close involvement of Ukraine = in the=20 stabilisation of its region and encourages the strengthening of = Ukraine's role=20 in regional cooperation fora. The EU also welcomes Ukraine's commitment = to=20 nuclear disarmament as well as its cooperation in the maintenance of = European=20 and international peace and security, namely through the Organisation = for=20 Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the United Nations.

3. The strategic partnership between the EU and Ukraine has been = continuously=20 reinforced since the independence of Ukraine. In this context, the = Partnership=20 and Cooperation Agreement is a significant achievement. Ukraine was the = first of=20 the Newly Independent States to sign such an agreement, thus marking the = EU's=20 and Ukraine's wish to strengthen cooperation. Through macro-financial=20 assistance, the Tacis-programme, as well as through bilateral = programmes,=20 valuable support is provided by the EU to help Ukraine in her transition = and=20 reform process.

4. Following the current enlargement process, some future EU Member = States=20 will share an external border with Ukraine. The enlargement of the Union = will=20 further enhance economic dynamism and political stability in the region, = thus=20 increasing the possibilities for cooperation with Ukraine.

5. The European Union has the following strategic goals with regard = to=20 Ukraine:

=96 to contribute to the emergence of a stable, open and pluralistic = democracy=20 in Ukraine, governed by the rule of law and underpinning a stable = functioning=20 market economy which will benefit all the people of Ukraine;

=96 to cooperate with Ukraine in the maintenance of stability and = security in=20 Europe and the wider world, and in finding effective responses to common = challenges facing the continent;

=96 to increase economic, political and cultural cooperation with = Ukraine as=20 well as cooperation in the field of justice and home affairs.

6. The EU acknowledges Ukraine's European aspirations and welcomes = Ukraine's=20 pro-European choice. The EU remains firmly committed to working with = Ukraine at=20 national, regional and local levels, in order to support a successful = political=20 and economic transformation in Ukraine, which will facilitate Ukraine's = further=20 rapprochement with the EU. The EU and its Member States offer to share = with=20 Ukraine their various experiences in building modern political, = economic, social=20 and administrative structures, fully recognising that the main = responsibility=20 for Ukraine's future lies with Ukraine itself.

7. The European Council therefore adopts this Common Strategy to = strengthen=20 the strategic partnership between the EU and Ukraine. The European = Council=20 recognises that a successful, stable and secure Ukraine is in the best = of=20 interests of the EU. The legal basis of the relationship between the EU = and=20 Ukraine is the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). The full=20 implementation of this agreement is a prerequisite for Ukraine's = successful=20 integration into the European economy and will also help Ukraine assert = its=20 European identity.

8. The EU and its Member States will develop the coordination, = coherence and=20 complementarity of all aspects of their policy towards Ukraine. The = Union, the=20 Community and its Member States will also work together with and within = regional=20 and international organisations as well as with like-minded partners to = meet the=20 objectives set out in the PCA and this Common Strategy. The positions = taken by=20 the Community and its Member States in all relevant fora will conform to = this=20 Common Strategy. The European Council invites Ukraine to work with the = EU on the=20 basis of this Common Strategy to the benefit of both.

PART II

PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES

The European Council has identified the following principal = objectives:

I. Support for the democratic and economic transition process in = Ukraine

II. Ensuring stability and security and meeting common challenges on = the=20 European continent

III. Support for strengthened cooperation between the EU and Ukraine = within=20 the context of EU enlargement

I. Support for the democratic and economic transition process in=20 Ukraine

The EU and Ukraine have a common interest in accelerating the = democratic and=20 economic transition process in Ukraine. The successful transformation in = Ukraine=20 will bring prosperity not only to Ukraine but to the entire region. In = order for=20 this transition process to be successful, reforms must take place to = consolidate=20 democracy and the rule of law as well as economic and social reform in = view of=20 establishing a functioning market economy.

The EU proposes to strengthen cooperation with Ukraine in the = following=20 priority areas:

I.i. The consolidation of democracy, the rule of law and public = institutions=20 in Ukraine.

9. The EU welcomes Ukraine's achievements in laying the foundations = of a=20 democratic system namely in establishing a multiparty system and = adopting a=20 parliamentary constitution. The EU acknowledges Ukraine's achievements = in=20 maintaining its unity despite the country's diverse make up.

10. The EU supports Ukraine in all its efforts aiming at the = consolidation of=20 democracy and good governance, human rights and the rule of law. The = Union=20 considers that the rule of law is a prerequisite for the development of = a=20 functioning market economy which offers opportunities and benefits to = all the=20 citizens of Ukraine. The EU supports Ukraine's efforts to reform the = legal=20 system in the framework of the PCA. A properly functioning independent=20 judiciary, a professional police-force, the development of a = meritocratic,=20 well-trained public administration at national, regional and local = levels are=20 all key elements in the effective implementation of government = decisions. The EU=20 encourages Ukraine's efforts to develop the efficiency, transparency and = democratic character of its public institutions, including the = development of=20 free media. These are prerequisites for economic and social development = and=20 contribute to the building of a modern civil society.

11. The EU attaches importance to the development of civil society = and a=20 competitive, investor friendly business environment in Ukraine and = encourages=20 closer links between the peoples and non governmental organisations of = the Union=20 and Ukraine. The EU welcomes Ukraine's agreement of a Memorandum of=20 Understanding with the OSCE and strongly recommends Ukraine to work in = close=20 cooperation with the OSCE project-coordinator in Ukraine. The EU = supports=20 Ukraine's efforts aiming at the protection and promotion of rights of = minorities=20 and calls upon Ukraine to continue its good work in this domain, = including in=20 cooperation with the High Commissioner for National Minorities.

12. The EU attaches particular importance to close cooperation with = Ukraine=20 in the framework of the Council of Europe and the OSCE. In this context, = the EU=20 urges Ukraine to fulfil its commitments and to adapt its legislation to = meet the=20 norms and standards of the Council of Europe, in particular the = obligations to=20 which Ukraine signed up on its accession to the Council of Europe in = 1995. The=20 EU takes note of the findings of the OSCE/Office for Democratic = Institutions and=20 Human Rights (ODIHR) election monitoring mission on the conduct of the = 1999=20 presidential elections in Ukraine, to the effect that the conduct of = these=20 elections failed to meet a number of OSCE commitments and calls on = Ukraine to=20 heed the recommendations made by the OSCE monitoring mission in its = report with=20 a view to future elections.

I.ii. Support for the economic transition process in Ukraine

13. The EU is committed to supporting Ukraine's efforts in = establishing an=20 environment that is conducive to economic activity and will support = Ukraine in=20 its economic and social reforms.

14. The EU encourages Ukraine to establish macro-economic policies = aiming at=20 price stability, sound public finances and a sustainable current account = position. In order to proceed further to price stability it is important = that=20 the central bank is allowed to operate independently of political = interference.=20 Existing prudential regulations for financial sector supervision need to = be=20 strengthened. Tax collection must be improved, and ad hoc tax amnesties = and tax=20 exemptions for specific sectors of the economy should be avoided.

15. The EU strongly encourages Ukraine to intensify its efforts to = build a=20 functioning market economy through greater structural, economic and=20 administrative reforms in the context of a comprehensive reform = programme agreed=20 with the International Monetary Fund. This should include establishing = and=20 enforcing clear property rights, further privatisation, further = liberalisation=20 of prices, the raising of communal tariffs for energy, water and rents = to full=20 cost recovery levels, restructuring of business, and encouraging the = growth of=20 small and medium size enterprises. The overall pace of these reforms = needs to be=20 accelerated. As far as sectoral reform is concerned, the agriculture, = energy and=20 transport sectors deserve particular attention.

16. The introduction of a land reform process is required to = facilitate,=20 inter alia, the long term lease of land as collateral for loans, paving = the way=20 for more investment in the agriculture sector.

17. Attracting and protecting domestic and foreign investment also = plays a=20 key role in Ukraine's development. In this context, the EU notes that=20 allegations of corruption and poor governance are damaging to Ukraine's = economic=20 reputation. The Union will support Ukraine in developing and adopting = the=20 economic policies needed to increase domestic and foreign investment and = to meet=20 the requirements of international lenders.

18. In view of Ukraine's heavy debt service obligations, Ukraine's = economic=20 recovery will require the continued involvement of private creditors.=20 Collaborative solutions to Ukraine's debt service problems must be = found.

19. The EU is fully aware of the fact that Ukraine's economic reforms = sometimes have to be pursued in a difficult external environment. EU=20 macro-financial assistance would be pursued as appropriate, in = accordance with=20 established criteria and procedures, aiming at supporting macro-economic = stabilisation and comprehensive structural reform, consistent with = programmes of=20 the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The EU will continue = to=20 stand ready to support economic reforms in Ukraine in those = circumstances. EU=20 macro-financial assistance helps Ukraine to open up its economy, improve = economic adjustment, enhance competition, and further integrate the = Ukrainian=20 economy into the European and global economy.

20. The EU will support Ukraine through the promotion of progressive=20 approximation of legislation towards that of the EU, especially in such = areas as=20 competition policy, standards and certification, intellectual property = rights,=20 data protection, customs procedures and environment.

21. In implementing a programme that establishes a functioning market = economy, a well targeted social security system must be put in place, so = that=20 the social aspects of the transition to a market economy are taken into = account.=20

II. Ensuring stability and security and meeting common challenges = on the=20 European continent

The EU and Ukraine have a common interest in the maintenance of = stability and=20 security in a free and democratic Europe. The geopolitical situation of = Ukraine,=20 situated along the North-South and East-West axes gives Ukraine a unique = position in Europe. The EU recognises Ukraine's regional importance. In = this=20 context, the EU proposes to strengthen cooperation with Ukraine paying=20 particular attention to nuclear safety and to the strengthening of = political=20 dialogue, as provided for in the framework of the PCA, with a view of = making it=20 more coherent and operational.

The EU wishes to deepen cooperation with Ukraine in order to find = effective=20 responses to common challenges facing the continent on the following = issues:=20

II.i. Cooperation to strengthen stability and security in = Europe

22. The EU supports Ukraine's efforts to promote cooperation and = stability in=20 its region, including in the context of the Black Sea Economic = Cooperation=20 Organisation, the Council of Baltic Sea States and Georgia, Ukraine, = Uzbekistan,=20 Azerbaijan and Moldovo. The EU welcomes the positive development of = Ukraine's=20 relationship with all its neighbours and believes it has an interest in = those=20 relationships remaining strong and stable. The EU also notes Ukraine's=20 contribution to European stability through its role as an observer to = the=20 Stability Pact for South-East Europe.

23. The EU and Ukraine share a common interest in the maintenance of=20 stability and security in a free and democratic Europe. Strengthened = mechanisms=20 for consultations between the EU and Ukraine in the framework of the = PCA,=20 Council of Europe and United Nations, and strong cooperation between the = OSCE=20 and Ukraine, are needed to respond jointly and effectively to European = and=20 global security challenges.

24. The EU congratulates Ukraine on its election to the United = Nations=20 Security Council (2000/1). This fact reinforces the need for the EU = further to=20 deepen and broaden its political dialogue with Ukraine at official and=20 ministerial level, bilaterally and through EU mechanisms. The adoption = of the=20 European Security Charter will enhance the cooperation between the = Member States=20 of the OSCE.

25. The EU promotes and supports the dialogue on general and specific = issues=20 relating to crisis management and security building as developed over = the past=20 years between the Western European Union and Ukraine as well as the=20 intensification of practical cooperation in this field, in particular = through=20 the implementation of the action plan recently drawn up between the = Western=20 European Union and Ukraine.

26. The EU is also interested in strengthening cooperation with = Ukraine in=20 the field of export-controls and non-proliferation of weapons of mass=20 destruction and their delivery vehicles, and encourages Ukraine to = fulfil its=20 obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention.

27. Moreover, the EU encourages Ukraine to achieve the goals of the=20 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and = Transfer=20 of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. The EU also encourages = Ukraine=20 to develop a strategy to combat the destabilising accumulation and the = spread of=20 small arms and light weapons.

II.ii. Cooperation in the field of environment, energy and nuclear = safety

28. The EU will seek to enhance European stability and work with = Ukraine in=20 the fields of energy and nuclear safety, by supporting a comprehensive = energy=20 sector reform, inter alia, by continued cooperation with Ukraine on the=20 implementation of the financial Recovery Plan for the energy sector, = including=20 price liberalisation, improved cash collection and privatisation of = distribution=20 companies. In this context, the EU will promote the efficient and=20 environmentally responsible use of energy in Ukraine and the = strengthening of=20 new energy institutions and authorities and their policy-making = capacity.

29. Nuclear safety and the decommissioning of the Chernobyl Nuclear = Power=20 Plant are a priority in EU-Ukraine relations. The EU encourages the = development=20 of an independent nuclear regulatory authority in Ukraine and urges = Ukraine to=20 stand by its commitment to implement the G7/Ukraine Memorandum of = Understanding=20 of 1995 on the closure of Chernobyl. In return, the EU will support = Ukraine in=20 financing replacement energy generating capacity in Ukraine.

30. The EU is also interested in enhancing cooperation with Ukraine = on such=20 issues as radiation protection, waste management, decontamination and=20 dismantling of nuclear installations, and studies in the field of fusion = technology. The recently signed cooperation agreements in the fields of = nuclear=20 safety and thermonuclear fusion between EURATOM and Ukraine will = facilitate this=20 cooperation.

31. Moreover, the EU encourages Ukraine to take resolute measures in = the=20 field of environmental protection. The protection of public health = against=20 pollution of drinking water, air and soil, and the sustainable and = responsible=20 use of natural resources as well as the limitation of transboundary = pollution of=20 air and water are priorities in this area.

III. Support for strengthened cooperation between the EU and = Ukraine=20 within the context of EU enlargement

Following the current enlargement process, some future EU Member = States will=20 share an external border with Ukraine. The EU wishes to contribute to = the mutual=20 benefit of the Union and Ukraine in this process. In this context, the = EU=20 proposes strengthened cooperation with Ukraine, paying particular = attention to=20 cooperation in the field of justice and home affairs. The EU also = encourages=20 Ukraine's participation in regional, European and world structures.

The EU could strengthen cooperation with Ukraine in the following = fields:

III.i. Support for Ukraine's integration into European and world = economy

32. The Union supports Ukraine and urges it to redouble its efforts = to meet=20 the requirements of World Trade Organisation membership. The Union = encourages=20 Ukraine to take full advantage of the possibilities offered by the PCA = to=20 facilitate two-way trade and investment. The Union will also examine the = circumstances which might, in addition to the World Trade Organisation = (WTO)=20 accession, allow for the future establishment of an EU-Ukraine Free = Trade Area,=20 as foreseen in the PCA.

33. In order to facilitate a favourable investment climate in = Ukraine, the EU=20 encourages Ukraine to negotiate and ratify further bilateral investment=20 protection agreements with EU Member States so as to stimulate foreign = direct=20 investment. The EU also encourages local, regional and national = Ukrainian=20 authorities to avail themselves of the opportunities of the new law on = public=20 concession to attract investment in public infrastructure and = services.

III.ii. Cooperation in the field of justice and home affairs

34. The EU and Ukraine have a common interest in developing = cooperation to=20 combat illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings. The EU and = Ukraine=20 also have a common interest in developing their cooperation in the area = of=20 border security and the fight against the common scourges of organised = crime,=20 including money laundering and illegal trafficking in weapons and = drugs.

35. In view of the current EU enlargement process, the EU will seek = to=20 intensify dialogue with Ukraine on the adjustment of Ukraine's visa = policy with=20 the EU through the introduction of visa requirements in accordance with = EC=20 provisions and introduction of travel documents which are sufficiently=20 non-forgeable.

III.iii. Regional and cross-border cooperation with neighbouring=20 countries

36. The EU encourages the development and strengthening of regional = and=20 cross-border cooperation initiatives involving Ukraine and its = neighbouring=20 countries. In this context, the EU will put increased emphasis on border = management issues.

37. As to the development of infrastructure networks, especially in = the=20 fields of transport, telecommunications, electricity and = energy-pipelines, the=20 EU, through TACIS, pays particular attention to regional initiatives, = such as=20 INOGATE (Interstate Oil and Gas Transport to Europe) and TRACECA = (Transport=20 Corridor Europe Caucasus Central Asia), with the aim of improving = economic=20 cooperation in the region. The EU will explore the scope for working = towards=20 linking the Ukrainian transportation systems (road and rail) with the=20 Trans-European networks and will seek mutually satisfactory ways to = address=20 transport issues. In so doing so, special care will be taken to = reinforce=20 coordination with other donors and with international financial = institutions, as=20 well as to stimulate the involvement of the private sector, which will = be=20 crucial to the success of this endeavour.

INSTRUMENTS AND MEANS

General provisions

38. This Common Strategy shall be implemented in accordance with the=20 applicable procedures of the Treaties. The Council and the Commission = shall in=20 accordance with Articles 3 and 13 of the Treaty on European Union ensure = the=20 unity, consistency and effectiveness of the Union's actions in = implementing this=20 Common Strategy.

39. The EU will contribute to the cited objectives of this Common = Strategy by=20 making appropriate use of all relevant instruments and means available = to the=20 Union, the Community and to the Member States.

40. In accordance with Articles 18 and 26 of the Treaty on European = Union,=20 the Secretary-General of the Council, High Representative for the Common = Foreign=20 and Security Policy (CFSP), in the framework of his obligations under = the=20 Treaties, shall assist the Council and the Presidency in implementing = this=20 Common Strategy with regard to those objectives and initiatives falling = under=20 the CFSP. The Commission shall be fully associated in accordance with = Articles=20 18 and 27 of the Treaty on European Union.

The Council, the Commission and Member States

41. The Council, the Commission and Member States shall:

=96 review, according to their powers and capacities, existing = actions,=20 programmes, instruments, and policies to ensure their consistency with = this=20 Common Strategy, based on the principal objectives in Part II and taking = due=20 account of the specific initiatives in Part III;

=96 make full and appropriate use of existing instruments and means, = in=20 particular the PCA, as well as all relevant EU and Member States = programmes, and=20 to develop and maintain to this end an indicative inventory of the = resources of=20 the Union, the Community and Member States through which the Common = Strategy=20 will be implemented.

Coordination

42. Member States shall make additional efforts to coordinate their = actions=20 vis-=E0-vis Ukraine, including in regional and international = organisations such as=20 the Council of Europe, the UN, the OSCE, the OECD and the International=20 Financial Institutions (IFIs), and including coordination with the = Community=20 where it has competencies.

43. Coordination between the Member States and the Commission shall = also be=20 consolidated, including through regular consultations between their = respective=20 representatives in Ukraine.

44. The Council, the Commission and Member States shall work towards = more=20 effective cooperation with regional and international organisations, and = will=20 seek with other like-minded countries to achieve the objectives of the=20 Strategy.

45. The European Union will invite the candidate countries in the = accession=20 process launched in the Luxembourg European Council in December 1997 to=20 associate themselves within the framework of this Common Strategy. =

Implementation and review

46. The Council shall:

=96 ensure that each incoming Presidency presents to the Council, in = the=20 framework of its general programme, a work plan for the implementation = of this=20 Common Strategy, based on the principal objectives in Part II and taking = due=20 account of the specific initiatives in Part III;

=96 review and evaluate the EU's action under this Strategy and = report to the=20 European Council on progress towards its objectives not less than = annually;

=96 review the situation in Ukraine and the state of Ukraine's = cooperation in=20 the implementation of this Strategy, including through periodic reports = by the=20 Heads of Mission, and make an assessment in its report to the European=20 Council;

=96 where necessary, submit recommendations for amendments to Part II = and III=20 of this Strategy to the European Council.

47. The Commission will contribute to the above within its powers. =

Cooperation with Ukraine

48. The EU and its Member States will work closely together with = Ukraine to=20 implement this Common Strategy, in particular through the PCA and its=20 institutions.

Specific initiatives

49. The EU shall pursue the specific initiatives set out in Part III = of this=20 Common Strategy which are based on the principal objectives identified = in Part=20 II. These initiatives shall be adapted when necessary and do not = preclude=20 possible new initiatives during the duration of this Common Strategy. = The=20 Council, the Commission and the Member States shall, in accordance with = their=20 respective powers and capacities, support and work towards the = achievement of=20 these specific initiatives.

PART III

SPECIFIC INITIATIVES

The following specific initiatives shall be pursued not precluding = possible=20 new initiatives:

The consolidation of democracy, the rule of law and public = institutions in=20 Ukraine

50. The EU will undertake efforts to foster democracy, good = governance, human=20 rights and the rule of law in Ukraine, by:

=96 supporting Ukraine's efforts to observe its international = democratic and=20 human rights obligations in accordance with the Dublin conclusions, in=20 particular with regard to the abolition of the death penalty, the = promotion of=20 good governance, and an effective and transparent legal system as well = as=20 democratic local self-government, inter alia, in cooperation with the = Council of=20 Europe and the OSCE;

=96 establishing a regular dialogue between the = ombudsman-institutions of the=20 EU Member States and Ukraine in order to strengthen the role of this = institution=20 in Ukraine;

=96 encouraging Ukraine to sign, ratify and implement the relevant=20 international instruments in the field of Human Rights, especially the = second=20 Optional Protocol of the United Nations Convention on Civil and = Political Rights=20 and the sixth Additional Protocol of the European Convention on Human = Rights and=20 Fundamental Freedoms as well as the United Nations Convention on the = Status of=20 Refugees;

=96 increasing cooperation among journalists and relevant authorities = in order=20 to contribute to the development of free media. The Commission in = cooperation=20 with the Member States will investigate the possibility of assisting in = the=20 transmission of a programme, such as Euronews, on Ukrainian = television.=20 Work will begin by June 2000.

Support of the economic transition process in Ukraine

51. The EU will help Ukraine advance the process of economic reform = by=20 enhancing the impact of economic policy advice, including through = appropriate=20 high-level dialogue, in the framework of the PCA, so as to promote the=20 development of a modern, liberal market economy.

52. The EU stands ready to provide technical assistance in support of = Ukraine's economic and social reform process provided that Ukraine takes = steps=20 designed to establish the necessary conditions to make reform possible. = The EU=20 will examine the possibility of providing technical assistance to = Ukraine with a=20 view to:

=96 supporting the development of a transparent and stable legal, = regulatory=20 and institutional framework in Ukraine designed to promote increased = economic=20 activity and domestic and foreign investment. The Commission in = cooperation with=20 Member States and other competent bodies will prepare a report with = regard to=20 this initiative by December 2000;

=96 promoting the progressive approximation of Ukrainian legislation = to that of=20 the EU and its implementation, in particular in the areas of competition = policy,=20 financial services, standards and certification, fiscal policy as well = as=20 employment and intellectual property rights. The Commission is invited = to make=20 adequate proposals to this end by June 2000;

=96 supporting the development of the health system, in particular = public=20 health awareness and education with a view to restricting the spread of=20 communicable diseases. The Commission in cooperation with the Member = States and=20 other competent bodies will prepare a report with regard to this = initiative by=20 June 2001;

53. The Member States will consider means to assist Ukraine in:

=96 supporting the development of a well-targeted social security = system, in=20 particular addressing the social assistance and pension systems;

=96 supporting social dialogue and the adherence to and = implementation of the=20 International Labour Organisation Labour Standards, in particular the = seven core=20 Labour Standards. As far as ratification and implementation of = legislation in=20 the employment field is concerned, particular attention will be paid to = gender=20 equality.

Cooperation to strengthen stability and security in Europe

54. The EU will consider ways to give more continuity, flexibility = and=20 substance to the cooperation with Ukraine on stability and security in = Europe=20 and to render it more operational and effective, within the framework of = the=20 existing political dialogue, as instituted under the PCA, by:

=96 exploring the possibilities of establishing regular expert level = Troika=20 dialogue meetings with Ukraine in the margins of CFSP working groups on=20 disarmament, non-proliferation, export of conventional arms with a view = to=20 organising the first meetings during the year 2000/first semester 2000. = The=20 dialogue within these groups will aim to set up cooperation between the = EU and=20 Ukraine in the following fields: non-proliferation of weapons of mass=20 destruction, including chemical weapons and small arms and light weapons = on the=20 basis of the joint action on small arms (1999/34/CFSP);

=96 considering the possibility of intensifying the dialogue between = the EU and=20 Ukraine to promote responsibility and transparency in transfers of = conventional=20 arms, making full use of the EU Code of Conduct where appropriate;

=96 exploring the possibilities for closer cooperation in conflict = prevention=20 and crisis management, inter alia, in the framework of relevant = international=20 organisations, such as the United Nations and the OSCE, and in seeking a = political settlement to conflicts in the region. Periodic meetings = between=20 Ukraine and the Troika of the OSCE Working Group would help achieve = this. One of=20 the aims would be to work with Ukraine to develop joint foreign policy=20 initiatives in the area of conflict prevention and crisis management = with regard=20 to specific third countries and regions, especially in areas adjacent to = Ukraine.

55. The EU will, as soon as the year 2000, take up the following = specific=20 initiatives concerning the strengthening of security and stability in = Europe:=20

=96 consider facilitating the participation of Ukraine when the EU = avails=20 itself of the Western European Union for missions within the range of = the=20 Petersberg tasks;

=96 consider means to assist Ukraine in fulfilling the obligations of = the=20 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and = Transfer=20 of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction;

=96 consider means to initiate cooperation between the EU and Ukraine = on=20 prevention of trafficking of small arms, which is a source of = instability for=20 Ukraine and other States of the region. The EU could after = identification and=20 analysis of the situation and needs in the region, draw up a Joint = Action on=20 this subject with a view to:

(1) reinforce control capacities of police and/or local custom = services;=20

(2) tackle this specific type of criminality in training courses;

(3) develop exchanges of information between the EU and Europol = Member States=20 in order to improve the analysis on criminal activity concerning small = arms.=20

Cooperation in the field of environment, energy and nuclear = safety

56. The Community stands ready to support the efforts of the special = Task=20 Force established to support the Ukrainian authorities in their effort = to reform=20 the energy sector.

57. The Community support to the G7 Action Plan includes a = contribution to=20 financing the short term safety improvements of Chernobyl via the = Nuclear Safety=20 Account managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development = before=20 closure, decommissioning, addressing the social consequences of closure, = contributing to the Shelter Implementation Plan and participating in the = financing of substitution facilities in line with previous commitments=20 compensating for Ukraine's energy losses, provided that all necessary = due=20 diligence procedures can be concluded satisfactorily, including the=20 establishment of an agreed position regarding the loan conditionality = and the=20 wording of the loan and guarantee agreement and provided that Ukraine = stands by=20 its commitment to implement the 1995 Memorandum of Understanding.

58. The EU will seek to support Ukraine in its effort to reduce the = negative=20 impact on public health of the environmental situation in Ukraine - = notably as=20 regards the quality of drinking water, waste water treatment, waste = collection=20 and disposal as well as air pollution. The EU will support institutional = reform=20 in the public utilities responsible for environmental services, other = technical=20 assistance projects and environmental investments.

59. The next "Environment for Europe" conference will be held in = September=20 2002 in Kyiv and will provide the opportunity to increase awareness in = Ukraine=20 of environmental issues. Member States and the Commission will consider = the=20 possibility of offering technical assistance/support to the Ministry of=20 Environmental Protection and Nuclear Safety with the preparation and = planning of=20 the conference.

Support for Ukraine's integration into European and world = economy

60. The EU remains ready to maintain and, if appropriate, to enhance = its=20 support for Ukraine's efforts to meet the requirements of WTO accession. = Special=20 attention will be given to removing obstacles to trade and investment in = Ukraine, starting with the elimination of trade measures incompatible = with PCA=20 and WTO.

61. The EU will examine the circumstances which might, in addition to = WTO=20 accession, allow for the future establishment of an EU-Ukraine Free = Trade Area=20 as provided for in Article 4 of the PCA. The on-going joint economic = feasibility=20 study of the Free Trade Area will provide important input to evaluate = the=20 situation.

62. The Commission will examine ways to deepen the investment = dialogue with=20 Ukraine in the framework of the PCA Sub-Committee on trade and = investment and=20 will report to the Council by June 2000.

Cooperation in the field of justice and home affairs

63. In view of the EU's current enlargement process, also taking into = account=20 Ukraine's position as an important transit country providing a conduit = for the=20 cross-border flow of a wide range of non-legal activities, the EU and = Ukraine=20 have a particular interest in stepping up cooperation in the field of = justice=20 and home affairs. The EU proposes to concentrate its efforts with a view = to:=20

=96 assessing the scale of illegal immigration via Ukraine. The = Member States=20 in association with the Commission will produce a=20 strengths/weaknesses/opportunities/threats ("SWOT") analysis of the = existing=20 mechanisms to combat these problems by the end of 2000; where weaknesses = are=20 identified, the EU will consider remedial action;

=96 improving cooperation regarding the readmission of own nationals, = persons=20 without nationality and third country nationals, including the = conclusion of a=20 readmission agreement;

=96 supporting a full application of the Geneva Convention, including = the right=20 to seek asylum and respect for the principles of non-refoulement;

=96 establishing a regular dialogue between the judicial authorities = of the=20 Member States and Ukraine in civil and criminal matters, including by=20 encouraging Ukraine to sign, ratify and implement key conventions, such = as the=20 United Nations Convention on Transnational Organised Crime;

=96 offering to provide practical help to Ukraine in implementing its = legislation on money laundering as soon as it is enacted;

=96 establishing cooperation between EU Member States' law = enforcement=20 agencies, Europol and Ukrainian law enforcement = authorities.

64. An informal network will be established in Kyiv consisting of EU = Member=20 States Embassies, Commission and relevant international organisation=20 representatives in order to improve the exchange and analysis of = information in=20 justice and home affairs. A dialogue, within the framework of the PCA, = between=20 the Member States, the Commission, including the liaison officers in = Kyiv and=20 competent Ukrainian bodies will make it possible to analyse Ukraine's=20 requirements in this area more precisely. A report will be submitted to = the=20 Council by the end of 2000.

Regional and cross-border cooperation with neighbouring = countries

65. The EU will seek to encourage the development and strengthening = of=20 regional and cross-border cooperation initiatives involving Ukraine and = its=20 neighbouring countries, by:

=96 making targeted use of existing cross-border cooperation, = regional and=20 inter-State programmes. In this context, special attention will be = devoted to=20 border management issues, including the technical modernisation of = border=20 crossing points on Ukraine's borders with Hungary, Poland, Romania and = Slovakia;=20

=96 further developing Tacis programmes aimed at improving the = development of=20 infrastructure networks, such as INOGATE and TRACECA in order to improve = economic cooperation in the region.

Cooperation in the fields of culture, twinning and exchange=20 programmes

66. The EU will support the fostering of closer links between public=20 institutions, civil society and non governmental organisations of the = Union and=20 Ukraine, by:

=96 promoting educational and scientific exchange programmes between = schools,=20 universities and research institutes, also paying due attention to the = Science=20 and Technology Centre in Ukraine;

=96 promoting twinning programmes between national, regional and = local=20 administrations as well as professional associations, trade unions,=20 non-governmental organisations and the media.

The Commission and the Member States will coordinate their = programmes. The=20 Commission will study the possibility of bringing Community programmes = into play=20 for this purpose (Tacis, Tempus and Democracy). The Member States' = bilateral=20 instruments will also be used.

On the basis of an inventory of existing instruments (to be drawn up = by the=20 Commission in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Council) = and an=20 identification mission to Ukraine, the Commission will report to the = Council by=20 June 2000 and will thereafter submit proposals for action as = appropriate.=20

PART IV

Duration

67. This Common Strategy shall apply from the date of its publication = for an=20 initial period of four years. It may be prolonged, reviewed and, if = necessary,=20 adapted by the European Council on the recommendation of the Council. =

Publication

68. This Common Strategy shall be published in the Official Journal. =

Done at Helsinki,

For the European Council

The President

__________________

European Council Declaration

on the Common Strategy on Ukraine

The Council acts by qualified majority when adopting joint actions, = common=20 positions or any other decisions within the scope of Title V of the = Treaty on=20 European Union (Common Foreign and Security Policy), on the basis of the = Common=20 Strategy.

Acts adopted outside the scope of Title V of the Treaty on European = Union=20 shall continue to be adopted according to the appropriate = decision-making=20 procedures provided by the relevant provisions of the Treaties, = including the=20 Treaty establishing the European Community and Title VI of the = Treaty on=20 European Union.

__________________

ANNEX VI

DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL IN = HELSINKI

=B7 Commission composite paper on=20 enlargement
(12053/99)

=B7 Report on the European = Conference
(13764/99=20 REV 1)

=B7 Efficient institutions after = enlargement:=20 Presidency report on options for the Intergovernmental=20 Conference
(13636/99)

=B7 An effective Council for an enlarged = Union:=20 Guidelines for reform and operational = recommendations
(13863/99)

=B7 Presidency reports on strengthening = the common=20 European policy on security and defence and on non military crisis = management of=20 the European Union
(13619/1/99 REV 1)

=B7 Presidency report on the implementation of the common = strategy on=20 Russia
(13860/99)

=B7 Common strategy on Ukraine
(13523/1/99 REV 1+ REV 2 = (en) +=20 13871/99)

=B7 Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe : Report on EU = action in=20 support of the Stability Pact and South-Eastern=20 Europe
(13814/99)

=B7 Presidency report "Reinforcement of European Union action = in the=20 field of Human rights"
(13557/99)

=B7 Council report (ECOFIN) on Economic = policy=20 coordination; review of instruments and experience in Stage 3 of=20 EMU
(13123/1/99 REV 1

=B7 Council report (ECOFIN) on reinforced = tax policy=20 cooperation
(13140/1/99 REV 1)

=B7 Council report (ECOFIN) on the fight = against=20 fraud
(13329/1/99 REV 1)

=B7 Joint Employment = report
(13607/99 + ADD=20 1)

=B7 Council report on employment = guidelines in=20 2000
(13606/99)

=B7 Commission Recommendation for Council=20 recommendations on the implementation of Member States' employment=20 policies
(10994/99)

=B7

Council recommendation on the implementation of Member States' = employment=20 policies
(13608/99)

=B7 Commission communication: Proposal for Guidelines for = Member States'=20 Employment policies 2000
(10992/99)

=B7 Council report: Strategy for integrating environmental = aspects and=20 sustainable development into energy = policy
(13773/99)

=B7 Council report on Transport and=20 Environment
(11717/99)

=B7 Council report: Integration of environmental protection = and=20 sustainable development into the Internal Market=20 policy
(13622/99)

=B7 Council report: Integrating sustainable development into = the=20 industry policy of the European Union
(13549/1/99 REV=20 1)

=B7 Council report: Strategy on the environment integration = and=20 sustainable development in common agriculture policy established by the=20 Agriculture Council
(13078/99)

=B7 Integration of environment in the Community's = development=20 policies
(13644/99)

=B7 Commission report on integrating environment and = sustainable=20 development into Community policies
(13572/99)

=B7 Commission coordinated report on environmental=20 indicators
(13573/99)

=B7 Commission communication on the global evaluation of the = 5th=20 action programme for the environment
(13598/99)

=B7 Commission report on Better Law Making 1999, including=20 subsidiarity
(13725/99)

=B7 Report on the finalisation and evaluation of the Action = Plan on=20 Organised Crime
(9917/3/99 REV 3+ REV 4 (s))

=B7 European Union Action Plan on Russian Organised Crime: = Basic=20 Principles
(13009/1/99 REV 1)

=B7 European Strategy against Drugs = (2000-2004)
(12555/3/99 REV=20 3)

=B7 Commission report on safeguarding current sport structures = and=20 maintaining the social function of sport within the Community = framework

__________________

Footnotes:

( 1) See doc. SN 2139/99.

( 2) Asterisks denote recommendations which will = require a=20 revision of the Council's rules of procedure.

( 3) Save in very exceptional circumstances such as = Agenda=20 2000.

( 4) The recommendations in this section are without = prejudice=20 to developments on preparatory/implementing bodies for the CFSP which = might=20 result from ongoing discussions in the Council.

( 5) See Article 207 of the TEC and Article 17 (1) of = the Rules=20 of Procedure.

( 6) The Political Committee may provide updates on = CFSP items=20 prepared for the Council in order to take account of the latest = political=20 developments.

( 7) See document 13406/99.

( 8) As they are set out in Regulation No. 1 = determining the=20 languages to be used by the European Community

(OJ of 6.10.58) and in the Council's rules of=20 procedure.