the fyrom name issue (ministry of foreign affairs of the hellenic republic)

8/20/2019 The FYROM Name Issue (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic)

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FYROM Name Issue

The issue of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is not just a dispute

over historical facts or symbols. It concerns the conduct of a UN member state, the Former

Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which contravenes the fundamental principles of

international law and order; specifically, respect for good neighbourly relations, sovereignty

and territorial integrity.

The name issue is thus a problem with regional and international dimensions, consisting in the

promotion of expansionist territorial ambitions on the part of the Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia, mainly through the counterfeiting of history and usurpation of Greece’s national,

historical and cultural heritage.

The name issue arose in 1991, when the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia seceded

from Yugoslavia and declared its independence under the name “Republic of Macedonia”.

Historically, the term “Macedonia”, which is a Greek word, refers to the Kingdom and culture

of the ancient Macedonians, who belong to the Hellenic nation and are unquestionably part of

Greek historical and cultural heritage.

Geographically, the term “Macedonia” refers to a wider region extending into the current

territory of various Balkan countries, with the largest part of the region being in Greece and

smaller sections in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria and Albania. The

core of what was ancient Macedonia lies within contemporary Greek borders, comprises the

northern portion of the Greek state, and is called Macedonia. Some 2.5 million Greeks reside

in this region today and they and their forebears have considered and called themselves

Macedonians through the centuries.

The roots of the name issue go back to the mid-1940s, when, in the aftermath of the Second

World War, Commander in Chief Tito separated from Serbia the region that had been known

until that time as Vardar Banovina (today’s Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), giving

it the status of a federal unit of the new Socialist Federal Republic of Macedonia, renaming it,

initially, the “People’s Republic of Macedonia”, and, later, the “Socialist Republic of

Macedonia”. At the same time, he started to cultivate the idea of a separate and discrete“Macedonian nation”.

Tito of course had many reasons for making these moves, the main one being to lay the

foundations for future Yugoslavian territorial claims in the wider region of Macedonia and

secure an opening on the Aegean. Tito’s intentions in the wider Macedonian region had been

confirmed as early as 1944, when he declared publicly that his goal was to reunify “all the

sections of Macedonia that were broken up in 1912 and 1913 by the Balkan imperialists.”

A December 1944 State Department dispatch to the U.S. authorities, signed by the US

Secretary of State at the time, Stettinius, noted, among other things, that “This [US]

Government considers talk of Macedonian "nation", Macedonian "Fatherland", or

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Macedonian "national consciousness" to be unjustified demagoguery representing no ethnic,

nor political reality, and sees in its present revival a possible cloak for aggressive intentions

against Greece.”

Against this historical background, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia declared its

independence in 1991, basing its existence as an independent state on the artificial and

spurious notion of the “Macedonian nation”, which was cultivated systematically through the

falsification of history and the exploitation of ancient Macedonia purely for reasons of

political expediency.

Greece reacted strongly to the theft of its historical and cultural heritage and the treacherous

expansionist territorial intentions of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and the

issue came before the UN Security Council, which, in two resolutions [817(1993) and

845(1993)] recommended that a settlement be found quickly, for the sake of peaceful relations

and good neighbourliness in the region.

In 1993, following a recommendation from the Security Council, the Former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia was accepted, by decision of the General Assembly, into the United

Nations under this provisional name, until such time as an agreed solution is reached.

In 1995, Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia concluded an Interim

Accord, which imposed a binding “code of conduct”.

Based on the Interim Accord, the two sides began negotiations under the auspices of the UN.

These negotiations have continued to this day.

In the time that has elapsed since the signing of the Interim Accord, the Former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia has systematically violated the letter and spirit of the Accord, as well

as the obligations deriving from it:

• by promoting territorial designs against Greece through the portrayal on maps, in school

books, in history books, etc., of Greek territory as being within the territory of a “greater”

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in violation of articles 2, 3, 4 and 7.1;

• by supporting expansionist claims and inciting nationalistic feeling within Greece, inviolation of article 6.2;

• by using the name “Republic of Macedonia” in international organizations – including the

United Nations – that it has joined under the condition that it use the provisional name

“ Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”, in violation of the relevant commitments

provided for in article 11.1 (even from the podium of the 62nd UN General Assembly, the

then-president of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Branko Crvenkovski, stated

that “the name of my country is and shall remain the Republic of Macedonia”);

• by using symbols – including the Vergina Sun and other symbols that are part of Greece’s

historical and cultural heritage – the use of which is prohibited under article 7.2 of the Interim

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Accord. Other instances of this violation include the renaming Skopje’s airport “Alexander

the Great”, the raising of statues of Alexander the Great and Philip II, and naming the section

of Corridor X that passes through the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia “Alexander

the Macedonian”, construction of the “Porta Macedonia” arch, the surface of which bears

carved reliefs depicting scenes from ancient Greek history and the Vergina Sun, as well as

express reference to “Aegean Macedonia”, raising of monuments in Katlanovo and Tetovo

adorned with the Vergina Sun, raising of monuments in Gevgelija, in the municipality of Gazi

Baba, Skopje, with depictions of the Vergina Sun and maps of “Great Macedonia”.

• by taking or tolerating provocative actions that incite hostility and fanaticism, including

desecration of the Greek flag and substitution of the Nazi swastika for the Christian cross,

harassment of Greek businesses, businesspersons and tourists, etc., in violation of article 7.1,

expansionist slogans shouted by Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia supporters at

international sporting events, actions both provocative and insulting to Greece at the Carnival

of Vevčani, which is funded by the Culture Ministry of the Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia.

A fundamental principle of every negotiation between states is that the involved parties must

negotiate in good faith and a constructive spirit, and exhaust every possibility of reaching a

compromise solution.

Greece is firm in its sincere will to achieve a viable solution of the issue of the name of the

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The Greek government has proposed a realistic and

viable settlement framework that is aimed at the finding of a definitive solution to the issue of

the name. Our position is clear: a compound name with a geographical qualifier before the

word “Macedonia”, which will be used in relation to everyone (erga omnes), for all uses

domestic and international.

In October 2012, the Greek government took a major initiative aimed at imparting momentum

to the negotiation process for the resolution of the name issue. The Greek Foreign Minister

sent a letter to his Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia counterpart, proposing that the

two countries sign a Memorandum of Understanding that would set out the framework and

basic parameters for the definitive resolution of the name issue. Specifically, this letter

proposed that in order to provide a fresh impetus to the substance of the negotiations under

the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, it is necessary to proceed on the basis of an agreedframework on the basic parameters of a solution which should include an agreement on the

fact that any proposal should contain a clear and definitive qualifier regarding the name,

which will leave no ambiguities as to the distinction between the territory of the Former

Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and regions in neighbouring countries, in particular, the

region of Macedonia in northern Greece, and that the name agreed upon will be used by all

erga omnes and for all purposes. The international response to this proposal was positive.

In its response, the side of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, while thanking the

Greek side for its proposal, reiterated its longstanding positions, essentially dismissing the

Greek proposal.


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The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has so far not responded to Greece’s moves and

insists intransigently on its initial position, which it is attempting to impose de facto

internationally, with the result that substantial progress has not been made in the 19 years of

negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations.

It is clear that through this stance the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is failing to

respect the principle of good neighbourly relations.

Within this framework, at the Bucharest NATO Summit in April 2008, the members of the

Alliance decided in a collective and unanimous decision that an accession invitation will be

extended to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia only if the name issue has been

resolved in a mutually acceptable manner. This decision has been reaffirmed and reiterated at

all subsequent NATO Summits, including those in Strasbourg (2009), Lisbon (2010), and

Chicago (2012). The Wales Summit Meeting (2014) did not have an enlargement tone.

On 17 November 2008, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia applied to theInternational Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague against Greece, alleging that Greece raised

objection to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s accession to NATO at the

Bucharest Summit in 2008.

In this case, the International Court of Justice in The Hague did not go into the substance of

the name dispute, noting that it does not have the relevant jurisdiction, and that the dispute

must be resolved within the framework determined by the resolutions of the UN Security

Council: through negotiations under the auspices of the UN. The ICJ also called on the two

sides to engage in substantial negotiations under the auspices of the UN.

The Ruling does not concern and could not concern the NATO decision-making process or the

criteria and requirements the Alliance sets for countries aspiring to NATO membership.

At the June 2008 European Council the EU decided, in a collective and unanimous decision,

that the resolution of the name issue in a mutually acceptable manner is a fundamental

necessity if further steps are to be taken on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s EU

accession course.

In December 2012, the European Council decided, in a collective and unanimous decision,

that the opening of EU accession negotiations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia hinges on implementation of the necessary reforms, promotion of and respect for

good neighbourly relations, and the resolution of the name issue within the framework of the

negotiations under the UN. The resolution of the name issue is thus set as a prerequisite for

the opening of accession’s negotiations between the EU and the Former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia, and as a criterion for the maintaining of good neighbourly relations with Greece.

In December 2013, the European Council, in a collective and unanimous decision, did not

accept the European Commission’s recommendation to grant a date for the opening of

accession negotiations. The Council decided that it would re-examine this prospect within

2014, based on a new briefing from the Commission on the progress of reforms and the taking

of tangible steps by Skopje to promote good neighbourly relations and the finding of a

mutually acceptable solution to the issue of the name, within the framework of the

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negotiations under the auspices of the UN.

Greece supports rather than opposes the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s European

and Euroatlantic perspective. It was also with Greece’s consent that the visa requirement for

citizens of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was abolished. But the basic

objective prerequisite for the continuation and completion of the European and Euroatlantic

courses of every candidate country is adoption of and respect in practice for the fundamental

principles of the organization they want to join, and particularly the principle of good

neighbourly relations, which is the basis for a partnership or alliance between states.

Instead of acknowledging and appreciating Greece’s support for its European and Euroatlantic

course, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia usually answers Greece’s gestures of

support with fresh provocations and a hardened stance.

A compound name with a geographical qualifier for use in relations to everyone (erga omnes)

is the best possible basis for finding an honest, mutually beneficial compromise that will notcreate winners and losers, but will lay the foundations for the development of a healthy and

stable bilateral relationship based on the principle of respect for good neighbourly relations,

and will strengthen peace and stability in the wider region.

Greece desires and is pursuing the mutually acceptable, clear and definitive resolution of the

name issue – through a solution that will not create tensions in the future – at the soonest

possible time

The Greek government is making every effort towards this direction. Greece remains

steadfastly dedicated to the negotiation process under UN special envoy Matthew Nimetz.

Despite the existence of this serious issue, which impacts the relations between the two

countries, Greece continues to have a prominent economic presence in the Former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia, contributing substantially and significantly to development, job

creation, infrastructure construction, etc., in our neighbouring country.

The resolution of the name issue will remove a major point of friction from the relations

between the two countries and will allow for full realization of the great potential for

cooperation between the two countries.


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U.S. Secretary of State Edward Stettinius to U.S. Missions

(Washington, Dec.26, 19441

!he Secretary of State to "ertain Di#$o%atic and "onsu$ar &fficers

!he fo$$owing is for your infor%ation and genera$ guidance, 'ut not for any #ositieaction at this ti%e.

!he De#art%ent has noted with considera'$e a##rehension increasing #ro#aganda

ru%ors and se%i)officia$ state%ents in faor of an *autono%ous Macedonia+,

e%anating #rinci#a$$y fro% u$garia, 'ut a$so fro% -ugos$a artisan and other

sources, with the i%#$ication that /ree0 territory wou$d 'e inc$uded in the #roected

state.

!his /oern%ent considers ta$0 of *Macedonian nation+, *Macedonia ather$and+, or

*Macedonian nationa$ consciousness+ to 'e unustified de%agoguery re#resenting no

ethnic or #o$itica$ rea$ity, and sees in its #resent reia$ a #ossi'$e c$oa0 foraggressie intentions against /reece.

!he a##roed #o$icy of this /oern%ent is to o##ose any reia$ of the Macedonian

issue as re$ated to /reece. !he /ree0 section of Macedonia is $arge$y inha'ited 'y

/ree0s, and the /ree0 #eo#$e are a$%ost unani%ous$y o##osed to the creation of a

*Macedonian state.+ 3$$egations of serious /ree0 #artici#ation in any such agitation

can 'e assu%ed to 'e fa$se. !his /oern%ent wou$d regard as res#onsi'$e any

/oern%ent or /rou# of /oern%ents to$erating or encouraging %enacing or

aggressie acts of *Macedonian forces+ against /reece. !he De#art%ent wou$d

a##reciate any infor%ation #ertinent to this su'ect which %ay co%e to your attention.

Stettinius

1 Source U.S. State De#art%ent, oreign 5e$ations o$.ii, Washington, D.". "ircu$ar 3irgra%(6.714826 Dec.1944.


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Bucharest Summit Declaration

Issued by the Heads of State and Government

participating in the meeting of the North AtlanticCouncil in Bucharest on 3 April !!"

1. We, the Heads of State and Government of the member countries of the North

Atlantic Alliance, met today to enlarge our Alliance and further strengthen our

ability to confront the existing and emerging 21st century security threats. We

revieed the significant !rogress e have made in recent years to transform

NA"#, agreeing that this is a !rocess that must continue. $ecognising the

enduring value of the transatlantic lin% and of NA"# as the essential forum

for security consultations beteen &uro!e and North America, e reaffirmed

our solidarity and cohesion and our commitment to the common vision andshared democratic values embodied in the Washington "reaty. "he !rinci!le

of the indivisibility of Allied security is fundamental. A strong collective

defence of our !o!ulations, territory and forces is the core !ur!ose of our

Alliance and remains our most im!ortant security tas%. We reiterate our faith

in the !ur!oses and !rinci!les of the 'nited Nations (harter.

2. "oday, e have decided to invite Albania and (roatia to begin accession tal%s

to )oin our Alliance. We congratulate these countries on this historic

achievement, earned through years of hard or% and a demonstrated

commitment to our common security and NA"#*s shared values. "he

accession of these ne members ill strengthen security for all in the &uro+

Atlantic area, and bring us closer to our goal of a &uro!e that is hole, free,and at !eace.

. We loo% forard to the -th Anniversary Summit in 2/, hich ill

underscore the enduring im!ortance of the transatlantic lin%. We continue to

transform our Alliance ith ne members0 better res!onses to security

challenges, ta%ing into account lessons learned0 more de!loyable ca!abilities0

and ne relationshi!s ith our !artners. "he Summit ill !rovide an

o!!ortunity to further articulate and strengthen the Alliance*s vision of its role

in meeting the evolving challenges of the 21st century and maintaining the

ability to !erform the full range of its missions, collectively defending our

security at home and contributing to stability abroad. Accordingly, e reuest

the (ouncil in ermanent Session to !re!are a 3eclaration on AllianceSecurity for ado!tion at the Summit to further set the scene for this im!ortant

tas%.

4. We have elcomed to 5ucharest a number of our !artner nations0 6r. 5an 7i+

moon, the Secretary+General of the 'nited Nations0 and !rominent

re!resentatives of other international organisations. 6any of today*s security

challenges cannot be successfully met by NA"# acting alone. 6eeting them

can best be achieved through a broad !artnershi! ith the ider international

community, as !art of a truly com!rehensive a!!roach, based on a shared

sense of o!enness and coo!eration as ell as determination on all sides. We

are resolved to !romote !eace and stability, and to meet the global challenges

that increasingly affect the security of all of us, by or%ing together.


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8. "he success of this common effort de!ends greatly on individual commitment.

We !ay tribute to the !rofessionalism and bravery of the more than sixty

thousand men and omen from Allied and other nations ho are involved in

NA"#*s missions and o!erations. We extend our dee!est sym!athies to the

families and loved ones of those ho have died or been in)ured during the

course of their duties. "heir sacrifices ill not be in vain.-. &uro+Atlantic and ider international security is closely tied to Afghanistan*s

future as a !eaceful, democratic state, res!ectful of human rights and free from

the threat of terrorism. 9or that reason, our 'N+mandated :nternational

Security Assistance 9orce ;:SA9< mission, currently com!rising 4 nations, is

our to! !riority. Wor%ing ith the Afghans, e have made significant

!rogress, but e recognise that remaining challenges demand additional

efforts. Neither e nor our Afghan !artners ill allo extremists and terrorists

to regain control of Afghanistan or use it as a base for terror that threatens all

of our !eo!le. With our :SA9 !artners, and ith the engagement of resident

7ar=ai, e ill issue a statement on Afghanistan. "his statement sets out a

clear vision guided by four !rinci!les> a firm and shared long+termcommitment0 su!!ort for enhanced Afghan leadershi! and res!onsibility0 a

com!rehensive a!!roach by the international community, bringing together

civilian and military efforts0 and increased coo!eration and engagement ith

Afghanistan*s neighbours, es!ecially a%istan. We elcome announcements

by Allies and !artners of ne force contributions and other forms of su!!ort

as further demonstration of our resolve0 and e loo% forard to additional

contributions. We elcome as ell the a!!ointment of Ambassador 7ai &ide,

the 'nited Nations* Secretary+General*s S!ecial $e!resentative for

Afghanistan and Head of the 'nited Nations Assistance 6ission in

Afghanistan ;'NA6A


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/. NA"# stands ready to !lay its !art in the im!lementation of future security

arrangements. $ecalling 'NS($ 1244, e note the necessity of maintaining

international !resences throughout 7osovo, hose efforts contribute to

freedom of movement and the flo of !eo!le and goods, including border

monitoring. We call on all actors of the region to engage constructively and to

avoid any actions or rhetoric that could undermine the security situation in7osovo or in any other !art of the region. 79#$ ill continue close security

dialogue ith all !arties.

1. "oday*s information environment, in !articular ith regard to our o!erations

in Afghanistan and 7osovo, underlines the need for a!!ro!riate, timely,

accurate and res!onsive communication ith local and international audiences

in relation to NA"#*s !olicies and engagement in international o!erations.

We elcome the !rogress made in enhancing NA"#s strategic

communications ca!ability, as demonstrated by the ra!id res!onse 6edia

#!erations (entre. We also elcome the launching at our Summit of a ne

NA"# "B channel on the internet hich ill include regular nes u!dates

and video re!orts, in !articular from the various regions of Afghanistan. Weunderscore our commitment to su!!ort further im!rovement of our strategic

communications by the time of our 2/ Summit.

11. &x!eriences in Afghanistan and the 5al%ans demonstrate that the international

community needs to or% more closely together and ta%e a com!rehensive

a!!roach to address successfully the security challenges of today and

tomorro. &ffective im!lementation of a com!rehensive a!!roach reuires the

coo!eration and contribution of all ma)or actors, including that of Non+

Governmental #rganisations and relevant local bodies. "o this end, it is

essential for all ma)or international actors to act in a coordinated ay, and to

a!!ly a ide s!ectrum of civil and military instruments in a concerted effort

that ta%es into account their res!ective strengths and mandates. We have

endorsed an Action lan com!rising a set of !ragmatic !ro!osals to develo!

and im!lement NA"#*s contribution to a com!rehensive a!!roach. "hese

!ro!osals aim to im!rove the coherent a!!lication of NA"#*s on crisis

management instruments and enhance !ractical coo!eration at all levels ith

other actors, herever a!!ro!riate, including !rovisions for su!!ort to

stabilisation and reconstruction. "hey relate to areas such as !lanning and

conduct of o!erations0 training and education0 and enhancing coo!eration ith

external actors. We tas% the (ouncil in ermanent Session to im!lement this

Action lan as a matter of !riority and to %ee! it under continual revie,

ta%ing into account all relevant develo!ments as ell as lessons learned.12. We elcome over a decade of coo!eration beteen the 'nited Nations and

NA"# in su!!ort of the or% of the 'nited Nations in maintaining

international !eace and security. We have develo!ed o!erational coo!eration

in !eace%ee!ing through the 'N+mandated NA"#+led o!erations in the

5al%ans and Afghanistan. "hese shared ex!eriences have demonstrated the

value of effective and efficient coordination beteen the to organisations.

9urther coo!eration ill significantly contribute to addressing the threats and

challenges to hich the international community is called u!on to res!ond.

NA"# reaffirms its faith in the !ur!oses and !rinci!les of the (harter of the

'nited Nations including the exercise of the inherent right of individual or

collective self+defence recognised by Article 81 of the 'N (harter, as stated inthe Washington "reaty. "he !rimary res!onsibility for the maintenance of


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international !eace and security rests ith the 'nited Nations Security

(ouncil.

1. NA"# is also !laying its role in contributing to the im!lementation by nations

of 'NS($ 1? and related 'NS($s in the fight against terrorism, and is

lending its su!!ort to non+!roliferation of Wea!ons of 6ass 3estruction by

!laying its role in contributing to the im!lementation by nations of'NS($ 184.

14. NA"#+&' relations cover a ide range of issues of common interest relating

to security, defence and crisis management, including the fight against

terrorism, the develo!ment of coherent and mutually reinforcing military

ca!abilities, and civil emergency !lanning. #ur successful coo!eration in the

Western 5al%ans, including ith &' o!eration Althea through the 5erlin lus

arrangements, is contributing to !eace and security in the region. :n the light

of shared common values and strategic interests, NA"# and the &' are

or%ing side by side in %ey crisis management o!erations and ill continue to

do so. We recognise the value that a stronger and more ca!able &uro!ean

defence brings, !roviding ca!abilities to address the common challenges both NA"# and the &' face. We therefore su!!ort mutually reinforcing efforts to

this end. Success in these and future coo!erative endeavours calls for

enhanced commitment to ensure effective methods of or%ing together. We

are therefore determined to im!rove the NA"#+&' strategic !artnershi! as

agreed by our to organisations, to achieve closer coo!eration and greater

efficiency, and to avoid unnecessary du!lication in a s!irit of trans!arency,

and res!ecting the autonomy of the to organisations. A stronger &' ill

further contribute to our common security.

18. We condemn in the strongest terms all acts of terrorism, hatever their

motivation or manifestation. #ur nations remain determined to fight this

scourge, individually and collectively, as long as necessary and in accordance

ith international la and 'N !rinci!les. "errorists are using a variety of

conventional ea!ons and tactics, including asymmetric tactics, and may see%

to use Wea!ons of 6ass 3estruction ;W63< to threaten international !eace

and security. We attach great im!ortance to the !rotection of our !o!ulations,

territories, infrastructure and forces against the conseuences of terrorist

attac%s. We ill continue to develo! and contribute to !olicies to !revent and

counter !roliferation, ith a vie to !reventing terrorist access to, and use of,

W63. We ill also continue to su!!ort our !rogramme of or% to develo!

advanced ca!abilities to hel! defend against terrorist attac%s, including

through the continuing develo!ment of ne technologies. We remaincommitted to strengthening the Alliance*s ability to share information and

intelligence on terrorism, es!ecially in su!!ort of NA"# o!erations. #ur

Alliance !rovides an essential transatlantic dimension to the res!onse against

terrorism and our nations ill continue to contribute to the full im!lementation

of 'NS($ 1? and related 'NS($s, in !articular 'NS($ 184, and to the

ider efforts of the international community in this regard. 3ialogue and

coo!eration ith other international organisations, as a!!ro!riate, and ith

our !artners are essential, and e elcome efforts toards revitalising the

im!lementation of the artnershi! Action lan against "errorism. We

reiterate our commitment to #!eration Active &ndeavour, our maritime

o!eration in the 6editerranean, hich continues to ma%e a significantcontribution to the fight against terrorism.


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1-. We remain dee!ly concerned by the continued violence and atrocities in

3arfur and call on all !arties to cease hostilities. NA"# remains ready,

folloing consultation ith and the agreement of the 'nited Nations and the

African 'nion ;A'


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intero!erability beteen our forces and those of !artner nations0 to further

enhance information+sharing and consultations ith nations contributing to

NA"#+led o!erations0 and to offer !artner countries NA"#*s advice on, and

assistance ith, the defence+ and security+related as!ects of reform.

2. We elcome our &uro+Atlantic artners at the 5ucharest Summit and reiterate

the enduring value of the &uro+Atlantic artnershi! (ouncil ;&A(< and theartnershi! for eace ;f< !rogramme. We remain committed to substantive

!olitical discussions and effective coo!eration ithin these frameor%s. We

elcome 6alta*s return to the f and loo% forard to its active engagement

in the &A(. We elcome the strengthening of !olitical dialogue through the

&A( Security 9orum. We ill give !riority to several ne !ractical

initiatives, hich include building integrity in defence institutions and the

im!ortant role of omen in conflict resolution as outlined in 'NS($ 128.

We value the &uro+Atlantic 3isaster $es!onse (oordination (entre*s

successes over the !ast ten years in coordinating NA"# and !artner countries*

contributions to disaster relief. We ill continue to ma%e full use of the

NA"#Cf "rust 9unds and of their o!ening to other !artner countries. Weelcome and ill continue to su!!ort the engagement of all interested

artners across the &uro+Atlantic area in !rogrammes to su!!ort defence and

broader reforms, including the :ndividual artnershi! Action lan. $ecalling

our :stanbul Summit decision, e are committed to engage our artners in the

strategically im!ortant regions of the (aucasus and (entral Asia, including by

strengthening liaison arrangements in these regions, and ill continue

dialogue ith our (entral Asian artners on Afghanistan. We a!!reciate the

significant contributions !rovided by our &A( artners to Alliance

o!erations and loo% forard to or%ing ith them to address the security

challenges of the 21st century.

. We are !leased to note the significant !rogress achieved in the frameor% of

our 6editerranean 3ialogue since the :stanbul and $iga Summits. olitical

consultations ith our 6editerranean 3ialogue !artners have gained both in

freuency and substance, and the meeting held beteen our 9oreign 6inisters

and their seven 6editerranean 3ialogue !artners last 3ecember contributed to

a further dee!ening of our !artnershi!. We therefore !lan to !ursue this

momentum through dee!ening our liaison arrangements, on a voluntary basis,

ith the region. #ur !ractical coo!eration has gron in several areas, and

ne o!!ortunities have been created es!ecially in training and education. We

elcome the !rogress made in the im!lementation activities of the NA"#

"raining (oo!eration :nitiative, in the s!irit of )oint onershi! and in the vieof launching the NA"# $egional (oo!eration (ourse at the NA"# 3efense

(ollege, here to !ilot courses ere successfully conducted. We encourage

our 6editerranean 3ialogue !artners to or% ith us to develo! this :nitiative

further. "he conclusion of :ndividual (oo!eration rogrammes ;:(< ith

&gy!t and :srael ill hel! in establishing long+term, structured and effective

coo!eration ith those countries. We encourage our other 6editerranean

3ialogue !artners to develo! their on :( in the near future. We elcome

the im!lementation of the first ever 6editerranean 3ialogue "rust 9und

!ro)ect to assist Eordan ith the dis!osal of unex!loded ordnance and

ammunitions, and the launching of the feasibility study for the "rust 9und

!ro)ect to assist 6auritania ith the dis!osal of ammunitions. We than% our


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6editerranean 3ialogue !artners for their various contributions to our

o!erations and missions.

4. We elcome the res!onse of four countries in the Gulf region to our offer of

coo!eration in the frameor% of the :stanbul (oo!eration :nitiative ;:(:< and

encourage other countries of the region to ta%e u! that offer. "o that end, e

!lan to develo! our liaison arrangements, on a voluntary basis, ith thisregion. We are !leased to see their increased interest and !artici!ation in

NA"# training and education activities, and stand ready to enhance our

coo!eration in this and other fields. We elcome the !rogress made in the

im!lementation activities of the NA"# "raining (oo!eration :nitiative, in the

s!irit of )oint onershi! and in the vie of launching the NA"# $egional

(oo!eration (ourse at the NA"# 3efense (ollege, here to !ilot courses

ere successfully conducted. We encourage our :(: !artners to or% ith us

to develo! this :nitiative further. We encourage our :(: !artners to develo! an

:( ith a vie to better structuring our coo!eration. We very much

a!!reciate the su!!ort !rovided by our :(: !artners to Alliance o!erations and

missions.8. "he Alliance !laces a high value on its ex!anding and varied relationshi!s

ith other !artners across the globe. #ur ob)ectives in these relationshi!s

include su!!ort for o!erations, security coo!eration, and enhanced common

understanding to advance shared security interests and democratic values. We

have made substantial !rogress in building !olitical dialogue and develo!ing

individual "ailored (oo!eration ac%ages ith a number of these countries.

We !articularly elcome the significant contribution by Australia, Ea!an, Ne

ealand and Singa!ore to NA"#+led efforts in Afghanistan. We also

elcome the valuable contributions by the $e!ublic of 7orea to efforts hich

su!!ort the NA"#+led mission in Afghanistan. $ecognising that each of these

countries ishes to !ursue a uniue degree of relations ith NA"#, and that

other countries may ish to !ursue dialogue and coo!eration ith NA"# as

ell, e reiterate our illingness to further develo! existing, and o!enness to

ne, individual relationshi!s, sub)ect to the a!!roval of the North Atlantic

(ouncil, and at a !ace that res!ects mutual interests in so doing.

-. We reaffirm the continued im!ortance of the 5lac% Sea region for &uro+

Atlantic security. :n this regard, e elcome the !rogress in consolidation of

regional onershi!, through effective use of existing initiatives and

mechanisms. "he Alliance ill continue to su!!ort, as a!!ro!riate, these

efforts guided by regional !riorities and based on trans!arency,

com!lementarity and inclusiveness, in order to develo! dialogue andcoo!eration among the 5lac% Sea states and ith the Alliance.

?. 5allistic missile !roliferation !oses an increasing threat to Allies* forces,

territory and !o!ulations. 6issile defence forms !art of a broader res!onse to

counter this threat. We therefore recognise the substantial contribution to the

!rotection of Allies from long+range ballistic missiles to be !rovided by the

!lanned de!loyment of &uro!ean+based 'nited States missile defence assets.

We are ex!loring ays to lin% this ca!ability ith current NA"# missile

defence efforts as a ay to ensure that it ould be an integral !art of any

future NA"#+ide missile defence architecture. 5earing in mind the

!rinci!le of the indivisibility of Allied security as ell as NA"# solidarity, e

tas% the (ouncil in ermanent Session to develo! o!tions for a com!rehensivemissile defence architecture to extend coverage to all Allied territory and


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!o!ulations not otherise covered by the 'nited States system for revie at

our 2/ Summit, to inform any future !olitical decision.

@. We also commend the or% already underay to strengthen NA"#+$ussia

missile defence coo!eration. We are committed to maximum trans!arency

and reci!rocal confidence building measures to allay any concerns. We

encourage the $ussian 9ederation to ta%e advantage of 'nited States missiledefence coo!eration !ro!osals and e are ready to ex!lore the !otential for

lin%ing 'nited States, NA"# and $ussian missile defence systems at an

a!!ro!riate time.

/. We reaffirm that arms control, disarmament and non+!roliferation ill

continue to ma%e an im!ortant contribution to !eace, security, and stability

and, in this regard, to !reventing the s!read and use of Wea!ons of 6ass

3estruction and their means of delivery. We too% note of the re!ort !re!ared

for us on raising NA"#*s !rofile in this field. As !art of a broader res!onse to

security issues, NA"# should continue contributing to international efforts in

the area of arms control, disarmament and non+!roliferation, and e tas% the

(ouncil in ermanent Session to %ee! these issues under active revie.4. "he Alliance has reduced both its conventional forces significantly from (old

War levels and has reduced nuclear ea!ons assigned to NA"# by over /.

Allies have also reduced their nuclear arsenals. 9rance has reduced the ty!es

of its nuclear systems to to, the number of its nuclear delivery vehicles by

over half, and has announced it ill reduce the number of its nuclear arheads

to feer than , ith no other ea!ons beside those in its o!erational

stoc%!ile. "he 'nited 7ingdom has reduced to one nuclear system, and has

reduced the ex!losive !oer of its nuclear stoc%!ile by ?8, and its number

of o!erationally available nuclear arheads to feer than 1-. "he 'nited

States has reduced its nuclear ea!on stoc%!ile to less than 28 of its si=e at

the height of the (old War, and decreased tactical nuclear ea!ons assigned

to NA"# by nearly /.

41. We remain dee!ly concerned about the !roliferation ris%s of the :ranian

nuclear and ballistic missile !rogrammes. We call on :ran to fully com!ly

ith 'NS($s 1-/-, 1??, 1?4? and 1@. We are also dee!ly concerned by

the !roliferation activities of the 3emocratic eo!le*s $e!ublic of 7orea and

call on it to fully com!ly ith 'NS($ 1?1@. Allies reaffirm their su!!ort for

existing multi+lateral non+!roliferation agreements, such as the Nuclear Non+

roliferation "reaty, and call for universal com!liance ith the Nuclear Non+

roliferation "reaty and universal adherence to the Additional rotocol to the

:nternational Atomic &nergy Agency ;:A&A< Safeguard Agreement and fullcom!liance ith 'NS($ 184. Allies agree to redouble their efforts to fully

im!lement the non+!roliferation agreements and relevant 'NS($s to hich

Allies reaffirm their su!!ort and by hich they are bound.

42. We fully endorse the statement of the North Atlantic (ouncil of 2@ 6arch

2@ and reaffirm the Alliance*s commitment to the (9& "reaty $egime, as

ex!ressed in the Alliance*s !osition contained in !aragra!h 42 of the 2-

$iga Summit 3eclaration, the final statement by Allies at the (9&

&xtraordinary (onference in Bienna and Alliance statements reflecting

subseuent develo!ments. We !lace the highest value on the (9& "reaty

regime ith all its elements and underscore the strategic im!ortance of the

(9& "reaty, including its flan% regime, as a cornerstone of &uro+AtlanticSecurity. We are dee!ly concerned that the $ussian 9ederation has continued


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its unilateral Isus!ensionJ of its legal obligations under the (9& "reaty. "his

action does not contribute to our common ob)ective of !reserving the long+

term viability of the (9& regime and e urge the $ussian 9ederation to

resume its im!lementation. "he current situation, here NA"# (9& Allies

im!lement the "reaty hile $ussia does not, cannot last indefinitely. We have

offered a set of constructive and forard+loo%ing !ro!osals for !arallel actionson %ey issues, including ste!s by NA"# Allies on ratification of the Ada!ted

(9& "reaty and by the $ussian 9ederation on outstanding commitments

related to Georgia and the $e!ublic of 6oldova. We believe these !ro!osals

address all of $ussia*s stated concerns. We encourage $ussian authorities to

or% coo!eratively ith us and other concerned (9& States arties to reach

agreement on the basis of the !arallel actions !ac%age so that together e can

!reserve the benefits of this landmar% regime.

4. We are concerned ith the !ersistence of regional conflicts in the South

(aucasus and the $e!ublic of 6oldova. #ur nations su!!ort the territorial

integrity, inde!endence and sovereignty of Armenia, A=erbai)an, Georgia and

the $e!ublic of 6oldova. We ill continue to su!!ort efforts toards a !eaceful settlement of these regional conflicts, ta%ing into account these

!rinci!les.

44. We have already done much to transform our forces and ca!abilities in line

ith our !olitical ob)ectives, in !articular the !riorities laid out in the

(om!rehensive olitical Guidance, and our o!erational ex!erience. We ill

continue this !rocess to ensure the Alliance remains able to meet its

o!erational commitments and !erform the full range of its missions. #ur

o!erations highlight the need to develo! and field modern, intero!erable,

flexible and sustainable forces. "hese forces must be able to conduct, u!on

decision by the (ouncil, collective defence and crisis res!onse o!erations on

and beyond Alliance territory, on its !eri!hery, and at strategic distance, ith

little or no host nation su!!ort. We ill also ensure that e have the right

%ind of ca!abilities to meet the evolving security challenges of the 21st

century, and to do so, e ill transform, ada!t and reform as necessary.

48. "ransformation is a continual !rocess and demands constant and active

attention. We therefore su!!ort our 3efence 6inisters* efforts as they oversee

the management of the defence as!ects of transformation to ensure NA"#

remains effective and efficient, es!ecially by !ursuing ongoing efforts in the

folloing areas>

o We must ensure that e !rovide the forces reuired for our o!erations

and other commitments. "o that end e ill continue efforts to be ableto de!loy and sustain more forces. We are committed to su!!ort the

NA"# $es!onse 9orce by !roviding the necessary forces, and to

im!roving the availability of o!erational and strategic reserve forces

for our o!erations. We ill see% greater domestic su!!ort for our

o!erations, including through im!roved !ublic di!lomacy efforts.

o We ill further develo! the ca!abilities reuired to conduct the full

range of our missions and to remedy s!ecific shortfalls. We ill or%

!articularly at im!roving strategic lift and intra+theatre airlift,

es!ecially mission+ca!able helico!ters and elcome national initiatives

in su!!ort of this or%, as ell as addressing multinational logistics.

We ill further strengthen information su!eriority through netor%edca!abilities, including an integrated air command and control system0


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increased maritime situational aareness0 and timely delivery of the

Alliance Ground Surveillance ca!ability. We ill continue to enhance

the ca!ability and intero!erability of our s!ecial o!erations forces.

Su!!orted by the defence !lanning !rocesses, e ill enhance our

efforts to develo! and field the right ca!abilities and forces, ith the

greatest !racticable intero!erability and standardisation. "his ill befurthered by im!roving trans+Atlantic defence industrial coo!eration.

o We are committed to develo! !olicies and ca!abilities to deal ith

emerging challenges and threats. "his includes the develo!ment of a

com!rehensive !olicy for !reventing the !roliferation of W63 and

defending against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear

threats.

o We are !ursuing the ada!tation and reform of the Alliance*s structures

and !rocesses. :n this context e are revieing the !eacetime

establishment of the NA"# (ommand Structure to ma%e it leaner,

more effective and efficient, and reforming defence !lanning !rocesses

in order to !romote timely delivery of the ca!abilities sought by the(om!rehensive olitical Guidance.

4-. "ransformation is not !ossible ithout sufficient, !ro!erly !rioritised

resources. We are committed to continuing to !rovide, individually and

collectively, the resources necessary for our Alliance to !erform the tas%s e

demand from it. "herefore e encourage nations hose defence s!ending is

declining to halt that decline and to aim to increase defence s!ending in real

terms.

4?. NA"# remains committed to strengthening %ey Alliance information systems

against cyber attac%s. We have recently ado!ted a olicy on (yber 3efence,

and are develo!ing the structures and authorities to carry it out. #ur olicy on

(yber 3efence em!hasises the need for NA"# and nations to !rotect %ey

information systems in accordance ith their res!ective res!onsibilities0 share

best !ractices0 and !rovide a ca!ability to assist Allied nations, u!on reuest,

to counter a cyber attac%. We loo% forard to continuing the develo!ment of

NA"#*s cyber defence ca!abilities and strengthening the lin%ages beteen

NA"# and national authorities.

4@. We have noted a re!ort INA"#*s $ole in &nergy SecurityJ, !re!ared in

res!onse to the tas%ing of the $iga Summit. Allies have identified !rinci!les

hich ill govern NA"#*s a!!roach in this field, and outlined o!tions and

recommendations for further activities. 5ased on these !rinci!les, NA"# ill

engage in the folloing fields> information and intelligence fusion andsharing0 !ro)ecting stability0 advancing international and regional coo!eration0

su!!orting conseuence management0 and su!!orting the !rotection of critical

energy infrastructure. "he Alliance ill continue to consult on the most

immediate ris%s in the field of energy security. We ill ensure that NA"#*s

endeavours add value and are fully coordinated and embedded ithin those of

the international community, hich features a number of organisations that are

s!ecialised in energy security. We have tas%ed the (ouncil in ermanent

Session to !re!are a consolidated re!ort on the !rogress achieved in the area

of energy security for our consideration at the 2/ Summit.

4/. 3emands on our Alliance have gron in com!lexity in the last tenty years,

as the security environment has changed and both the sco!e of our missionsand o!erations and our membershi! have ex!anded. "his reuires continual


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ada!tation and reform of NA"# Headuarters* structures and !rocesses. We

note the !rogress that has been made in this field, as !art of NA"#*s overall

transformation0 but more remains to be done, including to get full benefit from

our move to a ne Headuarters building. :n evaluating here e need to

change, e need to ma%e fuller use of lessons dran from our ex!erience in

delivering our core functions, including meeting o!erational, ca!abilitydevelo!ment, !artnershi! and strategic communications reuirements.

5uilding on our 3efence 6inisters* or% to ta%e forard the defence as!ects

of transformation, Allies ill also need to consider ho to achieve the fastest

and most coherent flo of sound !olitical, military and resource advice to

su!!ort our consensual decision+ma%ing, and to enhance our res!onsiveness to

time sensitive o!erational needs, including those of NA"# (ommanders. We

have reuested the Secretary General to chart a !ath forard, in time for the

2/ Summit, on ho to meet these ob)ectives.

8. We ex!ress our sincere a!!reciation for the gracious hos!itality extended to us

by the Government of $omania. "he city of 5ucharest has been the venue of

NA"#*s largest ever Summit meeting, highlighting the Alliance*sdetermination to or% closely ith the :nternational (ommunity as ell as its

on uniue contribution to !romoting security and stability in a fast+changing

strategic environment. At our meeting e have ta%en decisions and given

further direction for NA"#*s on ongoing ada!tation to that environment,

through its missions and o!erations, the modernisation of its structures and

ca!abilities, closer engagement of other nations and organisations, as ell as

its continuing o!enness to the inclusion of additional member states. We have

strengthened our dialogue and coo!eration ith countries and organisations

vital to our security. We ill meet again next year in Strasbourg and 7ehl to

celebrate NA"#*s -th anniversary, ta%e stoc% of its ada!tation, and give

further direction for the modernisation of our Alliance to meet the security

challenges of the 21st century.

"el> K2 ; K2 ;CC.nato.int

1. "ur%ey recognises the 9ormer Fugoslav $e!ublic of 6acedonia ith its

constitutional name.


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11018/08

EN

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 20 June 2008

11018/08

CONCL 2

COVER NOTE

from : Presidency

to : Delegations

Subject : BRUSSELS EUROPEAN COUNCIL

19/20 JUNE 2008

PRESIDENCY CONCLUSIONS

Delegations will find attached the Presidency Conclusions of the Brussels European Council

(19/20 June 2008).

________________________


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Presidency Conclusions – Brussels, 19/20 June 2008

11018/08 1

EN

The meeting of the European Council was preceded by an exposé by Mr Hans-Gert Pöttering,

President of the European Parliament, followed by an exchange of views.

LISBON TREATY

1. The European Council took note of the preparatory work carried out in line with its

December 2007 conclusions.

2. The European Council noted the outcome of the referendum in Ireland on the Lisbon Treaty

and took stock of the situation on the basis of an initial assessment provided by the TaoiseachBrian Cowen.

3.

The European Council agreed that more time was needed to analyse the situation. It noted that

the Irish government will actively consult, both internally and with the other Member States,

in order to suggest a common way forward.

4. Recalling that the purpose of the Lisbon Treaty is to help an enlarged Union to act more

effectively and more democratically, the European Council noted that the parliaments in

19 Member States have ratified the Treaty and that the ratification process continues in other

countries1.

5. The European Council agreed to Ireland's suggestion to come back to this issue at its meeting

of 15 October 2008 in order to consider the way forward. It underlined the importance in the

meantime of continuing to deliver concrete results in the various policy areas of concern to

the citizens.

1 The European Council noted that the Czech Republic cannot complete their ratification

process until the Constitutional Court delivers its positive opinion on the accordance of theLisbon Treaty with the Czech constitutional order.


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FREEDOM, SECURITY AND JUSTICE

6. Strengthening the EU as an area of freedom, security and justice is a key priority for citizens.

The European Council calls on the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission to

make every effort to ensure the rapid adoption of important legislative proposals still pending

in this field before the end of the year or, as appropriate, before the end of the current

legislature.

7. Last December the European Council underlined the need for a renewed political commitment

for the purpose of developing a comprehensive European migration policy. Since then,

important progress has been achieved, in particular on the development of an integrated

border management strategy and the enhancement of cooperation with third countries. Effortsin this area should be strengthened in the coming months, in order to increase the efficiency

and coherence of migration policies. In this context the European Council welcomes the

presentation by the Commission of its Communication "A common immigration policy for

Europe: principles, actions and tools" and looks forward to the forthcoming proposal of a pact

on immigration and asylum by the incoming French Presidency.

8. The European Council emphasises the interlinkages between migration, employment and

development as well as the importance of combating the major pull factors of illegal

migration. It calls on the Council to intensify work with a view to adopting the proposals on

the admission of third country nationals for the purpose of highly qualified employment, on

sanctions against employers of illegal immigrants, and on a single application procedure and a

common set of rights for third country nationals.

9. The European Council welcomes the conclusions of the Council of April 2008 on practical

cooperation in the field of asylum and the Commission Communication "Policy Plan on

asylum, an integrated approach to protection across the EU". It underlines the need to

continue with progress on the future Common European Asylum System with a view to its

realisation by 2010.


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EN

10. The European Council underlines the importance of continuing work on the further

development of the integrated border management strategy, including addressing particular

pressures faced by some Member States and promoting a fair sharing of responsibilities.

Rapid progress is needed on the future development of FRONTEX, including through the

enhancement of operational coordination. Modern technologies must be harnessed to improve

the management of external borders. The Commission is invited to present proposals for an

entry/exit and registered traveller system by the beginning of 2010. The European Council

looks forward to the forthcoming studies and possible legislative proposals on an electronic

system for travel authorisation and on the creation of a European Border Surveillance System.

The European Council invites the Commission to step up efforts on these issues and to rapidly

report back on progress achieved and further possible steps, with a view to the development

and implementation of the overall strategy as soon as possible.

11. The European Council reiterates the need for an effective return and readmission policy. It

welcomes the progress made on the proposal on common standards in this area and underlines

the importance of enhancing cooperation on readmission with third countries, including

through the implementation of obligations under existing instruments, and consequently

stresses the need to conclude readmission agreements urgently with all major countries of

origin and transit.

12. Endorsing the Council's conclusions of 16 June on enhancing the Global Approach to

Migration, the European Council underlines the importance of continuing the dialogue,

partnership and cooperation with third countries on migration issues in a geographically

balanced manner. The Global Approach needs to be further developed, in particular through

the development of concrete instruments such as migration missions, cooperation platforms,

mobility partnerships and migration profiles. In this respect, the European Council welcomes

the launching of Pilot Mobility Partnerships with Cape Verde and the Republic of Moldova

and looks forward to the opening of the dialogue on such Partnerships with Georgia and

Senegal. The Commission is invited to evaluate the Pilot Mobility Partnerships and report on

the results by no later than June 2009.


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EN

13. Noting the important progress achieved over recent months in implementing the Union's

Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the European Council stresses that efforts to fight terrorism must

be stepped up, while fully respecting the rule of law and human rights. In this context the

European Council welcomes the new impetus given to the implementation of the EU Counter-

Terrorism Strategy by the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator with his recent report and

recommendations. It invites the Commission to continue its work on the prevention of

radicalisation and recruitment for terrorism as soon as possible. In its cooperation with third

countries the Union should usefully contribute to the prevention of recruitment for terrorism,

particularly through the delivery of technical assistance in the fields of education, human

rights, rule of law, civil society and governance. The Commission is invited to focus efforts in

particular on countries in the North African region and the Sahel, as well as countries in the

South Asia region.

14. Access to relevant information by the competent authorities of the Member States and EU

agencies is a necessity for efficient prevention of terrorism and serious crime. The European

Council therefore stresses the need for a coordinated and coherent approach to the

implementation of the principle of availability, aiming for effective use of information

technology and information networks. Agreement has been reached on the integration of the

provisions on exchange of information in the Prüm Treaty into the Union's legal framework,

but further initiatives to enhance the exchange of information should be examined, taking due

account of the protection of personal data.

15. In March 2008, the enlargement of the Schengen area by 9 Member States was finalised with

the abolition of controls at internal air borders. This contributes to a higher level of mobility

without affecting the security of EU citizens. The European Council welcomes the entry into

force of the Schengen association agreement with Switzerland and the signature of the

Protocol with Liechtenstein. It urges the Member States and the Commission to work closely

together and to allocate sufficient resources to ensure that SIS II becomes operational in

September 2009. It invites the Commission to present possible solutions for the long-term

management of large-scale IT systems in the area of Freedom, Security and Justice.


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16. The European Council welcomes an initiative to progressively establish a uniform EU

E-justice portal by the end of 2009.

17. Recalling the European Council conclusions of June 2007 on the overall agreement on the

Framework Decision on combating certain forms of racism and xenophobia, the European

Council welcomes the first European hearing on crimes committed by totalitarian regimes and

acknowledges the need to continue the process.

18. The European Council welcomes the agreement reached on the Directive on the protection of

the environment through criminal law and the progress made with regard to the Directive

against ship source pollution. The European Council reiterates the importance of achieving a

high level of environmental protection throughout the EU. It also welcomes the rapidadoption of the framework decision for enhancing procedural rights in trials in the absence of

the person, thus strengthening the procedural guarantees in this area.

19. Efforts to enhance judicial cooperation in civil law matters, including family law, need to

continue, considering the positive impact such cooperation can have on citizens in their

everyday lives. Important legal acts concerning mediation in civil and commercial matters,

the law applicable to contractual obligations and parental responsibility and the protection of

children have been adopted; nevertheless, further work is needed. The European Council

therefore calls for the Regulation on maintenance obligations to be adopted before the end

of 2008 and for a political solution concerning the Regulation on jurisdiction and applicable

law in matrimonial matters to be found promptly. The Commission is invited to submit its

proposal on succession and wills before the end of 2008.

20. The European Council underlines the need to rapidly follow up on the project to establish a

common frame of reference for European contract law.


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21. The roles of Eurojust and Europol need to be strengthened, and the cooperation between these

two agencies enhanced, with a view to reinforcing the fight against serious cross-border

crime. The European Council stresses the importance of the agreement reached at the

April 2008 Council on the Decision on establishing Europol and calls for its swift formal

adoption in line with the timetable agreed in June 2007. The European Council calls on the

Council to rapidly conclude its work with a view to formally adopting before the end of 2008

the draft Council Decision on strengthening Eurojust.

22. The European Council emphasises the need to strengthen cooperation with third countries and

international organisations (especially the Hague Conference on Private International Law,

the Council of Europe and the United Nations).

23. The European Council strongly supports the aim of having all EU Member States

participating as quickly as possible in the U.S. Visa Waiver Programme in order to ensure full

reciprocal visa-free travel and equal treatment for all EU citizens as is already the case for

U.S. citizens entering the territory of the Member States.

24. The European Council welcomes ongoing efforts to reinforce the Union's

disaster-management capacities and stresses the need for a coordinated approach to managing

disasters. It invites the Council, the Commission and Member States to take this work forward

rapidly.


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POLICY IMPLICATIONS OF HIGH FOOD AND OIL PRICES

25. The recent surge in commodity prices raises concerns both internally, especially as regards

low-income households, and abroad, particularly for developing countries which are net food

and/or oil importers. It is a complex phenomenon with many root causes and consequences,

affecting EU policies across the board. The European Council welcomes the two Commission

Communications on these issues.

26. In the agricultural sector the Union has already acted to moderate the pressure on food prices

through the sale of intervention stocks, the reduction in export refunds, the removal of the

set-aside requirement for 2008, the increase in milk quotas, and the suspension of import

duties for cereals, thus improving supply and helping to stabilise agricultural markets.

27. Successive reforms of the CAP have enhanced its market orientation, reduced the number of

supply management measures and made EU farmers more responsive to price developments.

It is important to continue to improve the market orientation of agriculture and thus enable EU

farmers to better respond to market signals, while ensuring fair competition and fostering

sustainable agriculture across the EU and ensuring an adequate food supply. In the context of

the CAP Health Check, the Council will consider further steps to address these issues.

28. There is a need to pursue work on innovation, research and development of agricultural

production, notably to enhance its energy efficiency, productivity growth and ability to adapt

to climate change.

29. A number of Member States are introducing short-term measures to alleviate the impact of

recent food price developments on low-income households. In order to avoid distorting price

signals and causing broad-based second-round effects on wages and prices, such measures

should be short-term and targeted.


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30. The European Council welcomes the Commission's initiative to examine the issue of

restrictive regulation in the retail sector in the context of the Single Market Review. The

European Council also welcomes the Commission's intention to closely monitor activities in

commodity-related financial markets, including speculative trade, and their impact on price

movements as well as any policy implications. It invites the Commission to report back on

this issue in advance of the December 2008 European Council and to consider proposing

adequate policy responses, including measures aimed at improving market transparency.

31. It is important to ensure the sustainability of bio-fuel policies, by setting sustainability criteria

for the production of first-generation bio-fuels and by encouraging the development of the

second-generation bio-fuels made from by-products. There is also a need to rapidly assess

possible impacts on agricultural products for food and to take action, if necessary, to addressshortcomings. Further assessment should also be made of the environmental and social

consequences of the production, and consumption of bio-fuels, both within the Union and

outside. The European Council stresses the importance of fostering coordination with the

EU's international partners in that respect.

32. High food prices are putting a particular strain on developing countries. They are severely

affecting the situation of the world's poorest populations and are putting at risk progress

towards all MDGs. Action is therefore required from the European Union from a development

and humanitarian assistance perspective. The European Council welcomes the Commission's

intention to come forward with a proposal for a new fund to support agriculture in developing

countries, within the framework of the current Financial Perspectives. In its efforts, the Union

will work in close liaison with the United Nations and other international organisations and in

the framework of partner countries' own policies and strategies.

33.

The EU is already providing important food aid and humanitarian assistance in many of the

most critical areas and will mobilise resources to finance, beyond food aid, safety nets for

poor and vulnerable population groups.


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34. The EU will promote a more coordinated and longer-term international response to the current

food crisis, in particular in the UN, in international financial institutions and in the context of

the G8. It accordingly welcomes the establishment by the UNSG of the High-Level Task

Force on the Global Food Security Crisis. The EU is determined to play its full part in

implementing the Declaration agreed in Rome on 5 June 2008 at the FAO High Level

Conference on World Food Security.

35. The EU will use its policy dialogue with third countries in a transparent manner to discourage

food export restrictions and export bans. It will also raise this issue in the WTO and other

relevant international fora. Furthermore, the EU will continue to strive for a comprehensive,

ambitious and balanced conclusion of the Doha Round.

36. The EU will support a strong agricultural supply response in developing countries, providing

in particular the necessary financing for agricultural inputs and assistance in using

market-based risk management instruments. It will significantly enhance its support to public

and private investments in agriculture and more generally encourage developing countries to

develop better agriculture policies, especially to support food security and reinforce regional

integration. Particular attention will be paid to small-scale farmers and enhancing energy

efficiency.

37. The European Council expresses concern in regard to the continued surge in oil and gas

prices and their social and economic consequences. Measures can be considered to alleviate

the impact of higher oil and gas prices on the poorer sections of the population, but should

remain short-term and targeted . The European Council welcomes the Commission's intention

to propose some short term measures targeted to underpin the long term process of

restructuring the fisheries sector. Distortionary fiscal and other policy interventions should be

avoided as they prevent the necessary adjustment by economic agents. The European Council

invites the incoming Presidency in cooperation with the Commission to examine the

feasibility and impact of measures to smooth the effects of sudden oil and gas price increases

and report before the October European Council.


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45. In order to maintain international leadership and credibility the European Union must rapidly

reach an agreement on its climate and energy package. The European Council therefore

welcomes the progress achieved to date on the different proposals in the climate and energy

legislative package and urges the Council to work in close cooperation with the European

Parliament towards an agreement in line with the principles and time targets set at its

March 2008 meeting. The European Council calls on the Commission to bring forward as

soon as possible a mechanism to incentivise Member State and private sector investment to

ensure the construction and operation by 2015 of up to 12 demonstration plants of commercial

power generation with carbon capture and storage, as agreed by the European Council in

spring 2007. In this context the European Council reaffirms the need for coherent policies and

instruments exploiting the synergies relating to Energy and Climate Change, in all economic

sectors concerned, i.a., the transport sector.

46. The European Council welcomes broad agreement reached on essential elements of the

internal energy market legislative package, in particular on the issue of effective separation of

supply and production activities from network operations in the gas and electricity sectors.

The European Council urges the Council and the European Parliament to reach final

agreement on the package before the end of the current legislative term.

47. The European Council welcomes the successful outcome of the 9th

meeting of the Conference

of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity as a fundamental step towards

achieving the 2010 target.

48. Further to the political agreements reached by the Council on the Directive on working time

and on the Directive on working conditions for temporary workers, the European Council

calls on the Council and the European Parliament to reach a balanced final agreement on both

Directives before the end of the current legislative term.


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49. The European Council looks forward to the results of the Commission's evaluation of existing

policies and instruments aimed at improving the inclusion of the Roma population as well as

to the forthcoming conference on this issue to be held in September. It invites the Council to

take this into account in its examination of the revised Social Agenda. The European Council

will return to this issue before the end of the year.

50. European Council underlines the importance of closing the gap in health and in life

expectancy between and within Member States and stresses the importance of prevention

activities in the field of major chronic non-communicable diseases. In this respect it welcomes

the Council Conclusions on reducing the burden of cancer, which can contribute to the

achievement of these goals.

51. The European Council welcomes the decision to establish the EIT in Budapest. This will

allow the Institute to rapidly begin its work with a view to promoting European innovation. In

that context, the European Council recalls the conclusions of the representatives of the

Member States, meeting at Head of State or Government level in Brussels on

13 December 2003, that give priority to newly Acceding States in the distribution of the seats

of community offices or agencies to be set up in the future. Seats of future offices or agencies

should be primarily located in the Member States that acceded to the Union in or after 2004,

while appropriate priority should be given to the Member States that do not already host an

EU office or agency.


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WESTERN BALKANS

52. The European Council reaffirms its full support for the European perspective of the Western

Balkans, as set out in the Thessaloniki Agenda and the Salzburg Declaration. Recalling its

conclusions of December 2006, the European Council stresses that by making solid progress

in economic and political reform and by fulfilling the necessary conditions and requirements,

the remaining potential candidates in the Western Balkans should achieve candidate status,

according to their own merits, with EU membership as ultimate goal. The EU perspective

remains essential for the stability, reconciliation and the future of the Western Balkans.

53. The Stabilisation and Association Process remains the framework for the European course of

the Western Balkans. The progress achieved in recent years in this context, in particularthrough the conclusion of Stabilisation and Association Agreements (SAAs), now needs to be

further consolidated.

54. The European Council welcomes the significant progress in facilitating people-to-people

contacts for the countries of the region. In this regard the European Council welcomes the

successful launching of the dialogue on visa liberalisation with Serbia, the former Yugoslav

Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on the

roadmaps containing clear and realistic benchmarks. The European Council also endorses the

Declaration on the Western Balkans as set out in the Annex.

55. The European Council stresses again the importance of regional cooperation and good

neighbourly relations. It welcomes the transition from the Stability Pact to the Regional

Cooperation Council and encourages the region to further enhance regional ownership as

discussed at the recent South-Eastern Europe Cooperation Process ministerial meeting in

Sofia and summit meeting in Pomorie.


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56. The European Council underlines that further steps by the former Yugoslav Republic of

Macedonia in its progress towards the EU are possible by the end of this year, provided that

the conditions set out in the December 2005 European Council conclusions, the Copenhagen

political criteria and the key priorities of the February 2008 accession partnership are met. In

this context the European Council takes note of the conclusions of the GAERC of 16 June

2008. Maintaining good neighbourly relations, including a negotiated and mutually acceptable

solution on the name issue, remains essential. The EU welcomes Albania's commitment to

ensure the conditions for free, fair and democratic elections which must take place in 2009.

Further efforts with regard to institutional capacities in public administration, the fight against

corruption and organised crime as well as in the judiciary will be of similar importance. The

European Council takes note of the progress Montenegro has made and encourages the

country to further focus on building administrative capacity, pursuing the fight againstcorruption and organised crime, consolidating the institutions as well as reforms of the

judiciary in accordance with the Constitution. To reach the next stage in their respective

relations with the EU, Albania and Montenegro must also establish a convincing track record

of successful SAA implementation. The European Council welcomes the recent signature of

the SAA with Bosnia and Herzegovina, which constitutes an important step in that country's

European course. Bosnia and Herzegovina must continue with the implementation of the

reform process without delay, particularly with a view to fulfilling the objectives and

conditions for the transition from the Office of the High Representative to the European

Union Special Representative. The European Council looks forward to a new Government in

Belgrade with a clear European agenda to push forward with necessary reforms. Building on

the recent signature of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, Serbia can

accelerate its progress towards the EU, including candidate status, as soon as all necessary

conditions are met in accordance with the GAERC conclusions of 29 April 2008. Recalling

the European Council's conclusions of December 2007 and the GAERC conclusions of

18 Feb

the fyrom name issue (ministry of foreign affairs of the hellenic republic)

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