2761st Council Meeting General Affairs and External Relations External Relations Brussels, 13 November 2006

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noted the Force Catalogue 2006, which presents the Member States' contributed military forces and capabilities against the required capabilities as defined in the Requirements Catalogue 2005; noted with satisfaction that Member States have fulfilled the required commitments up to and including 2008 concerning EU Battlegroups, for which the EU will reach full operational capability by 1 January 2007; noted with satisfaction the civilian capabilities improvement conference held in the margins of the Council meeting and its ministerial declaration and welcomed the Progress Report 2006; noted the report submitted by the Head of the European Defence Agency on its activities and welcomed the results achieved, including the endorsement of "an Initial Long-Term Vision for European Defence Capability and Capacity Needs", the inauguration of the voluntary regime on defence procurement and its successful implementation, and the adoption of a Defence R&T Joint Investment Programme on Force Protection.

CONTENTS1

PARTICIPANTS4

ITEMS DEBATED

EU- RUSSIA RELATIONS7

EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY - Council conclusions7

THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO - Council conclusions12

WESTERN BALKANS - Council conclusions13

MIDDLE EAST14

–Middle East Peace Process - Council conclusions14

–Lebanon - Council conclusions15

–Border assistance mission at Rafah16

IRAN16

OTHER BUSINESS17

–Afghanistan17

EVENTS IN THE MARGINS OF THE COUNCIL17

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

See press release 14779/06.

PARTICIPANTS

The Governments of the Member States and the European Commission were represented as follows:

Belgium:

Mr Karel DE GUCHTMinister for Foreign Affairs

Mr André FLAHAUTMinister for Defence

Czech Republic:

Mr Alexandr VONDRAMinister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Jiří ŠEDIVÝMinister for Defence

Denmark:

Mr Per Stig MØLLERMinister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Søren Gade JENSENMinister for Defence

Germany:

Mr Frank-Walter STEINMEIERFederal Minister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Franz Josef JUNGFederal Minister for Defence

Estonia:

Mr Urmas PAETMinister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Jürgen LIGIMinister for Defence

Greece:

Ms Dora BAKOYANNIMinister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Evangelos MEIMARAKISMinister for Defence

Spain:

Mr José Antonio ALONSO SUÁREZMinister for Defence

Mr Alberto NAVARRO GONZÁLEZState Secretary for the European Union

France:

Ms Catherine COLONNAMinister with responsibility for European Affairs

Ms Michèle ALLIOT-MARIEMinister for Defence

Ireland:

Mr Noel TREACYMinister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs (with special responsibility for European Affairs)

Mr Tom KITTMinister of State, Ministry of Defence

Italy:

Mr Arturo PARISIMinister for Defence

Mr Famiano CRUCIANELLIState Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Cyprus:

Mr Yiorgos LILLIKASMinister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Nicos SYMEONIDESMinister for Defence

Latvia:

Mr Artis PABRIKSMinister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Janis KARLSBERGSDeputy State Secretary, Ministry of Defence

Lithuania:

Mr Petras VAITIEKŪNASMinister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Antanas VALYSDeputy Minister for Defence

Luxembourg:

Mr Jean ASSELBORNDeputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration

Mr Nicolas SCHMITMinister with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and Immigration

Mr Jean-Louis SCHILTZMinister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Action, Minister for Communications, Minister for Defence

Hungary:

Ms Kinga GÖNCZMinister for Foreign Affairs

Mr József BALIState Secretary (with special responsibility), Ministry of Defence

Malta:

Mr Michael FRENDOMinister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Anthony ABELAParliamentary Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister

Netherlands:

Mr Ben BOTMinister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Henk KAMPMinister for Defence

Austria:

Ms Ursula PLASSNIKFederal Minister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Günther PLATTERFederal Minister for Defence

Poland:

Ms Anna Elżbieta FOTYGAMinister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Radoslaw SIKORSKIMinister for Defence

Portugal:

Mr Luís AMADOMinistro de Estado, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Nuno SEVERIANO TEIXEIRAMinister for Defence

Mr Manuel LOBO ANTUNESState Secretary for Defence and Maritime Affairs

Slovenia:

Mr Božo CERARState Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Mr Janez LENARČIČState Secretary at the Government Office for European Affairs

Mr Franci ŽNIDARŠIČState Secretary at the Ministry of Defence

Slovakia:

Mr Ján KUBIŠMinister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Jaroslav BAŠKAState Secretary, Ministry of Defence

Finland:

Mr Erkki TUOMIOJAMinister for Foreign Affairs

Ms Paula LEHTOMÄKIMinister for Foreign Trade and Development

Mr Seppo KÄÄRIÄINENMinister for Defence

Sweden:

Mr Carl BILDTMinister for Foreign Affairs

Ms Cecilia MALMSTRÖMMinister for European Affairs

Mr Mikael ODENBERGMinister for Defence

United Kingdom:

Ms Margaret BECKETTSecretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

Mr Des BROWNESecretary of State for Defence

Commission:

Ms Benita FERRERO-WALDNERMember

Mr Olli REHNMember

Mr Louis MICHELMember

General Secretariat of the Council:

Mr Javier SOLANASecretary-General/High Representative for the CFSP

The Governments of the Acceding States were represented as follows:

Bulgaria:

Mr Ivailo KALFINDeputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Vesselin BLIZNAKOVMinister for Defence

Romania:

Mr Mihai-Răzvan UNGUREANUMinister for Foreign Affairs

Mr Sorin FRUNZĂVERDEMinister for Defence

ITEMS DEBATED

EU- RUSSIA RELATIONS

The Council discussed draft directives for the negotiation with Russia of a new agreement to provide a comprehensive framework for EU-Russia relations after the current partnership and cooperation agreement, which expires in 2007. It requested the permanent representatives committee to examine further the draft directives so that the Council could approve them ahead of an EU-Russia summit to be held in Helsinki on 24 November.

The Council also took note of preparations for the summit, the eighteenth to be held under the current partnership and cooperation agreement.

The summit is likely to cover the following issues:

the launch of negotiations on the new EU-Russia agreement; work on the four EU-Russia "common spaces"[1]; the situation in the EU and in Russia; international and regional issues (Iran, the Middle East, the Western Balkans, North Korea); the "northern dimension" initiative.

EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY - Council conclusions

The Council held its six-monthly review of developments under the European Security and Defence Policy, in the presence of defence ministers. They discussed operations, including the following:

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ministers were briefed by the High Representative and the Commander of the EU military operation EUFOR Althea. The High Representative, underlining the EU's continued commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina, indicated that a decision to reduce troop strength was under consideration, which would be based on an evaluation of the security situation in BiH. He recommended that the decision in principle to start the transition towards a reduction of the level of forces be taken in December but that the actual implementation of the transition starts in February, subject to confirmation by the Council at that time.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Ministers were briefed by the High Representative and the EUFOR Operation Commander, General Viereck, on the state of play regarding the EU military operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, EUFOR RD Congo, as well as on the security sector reform mission EUSEC RD Congo, which, together with the police mission EUPOL Kinshasa, will continue to work in the DRC after the redeployment of EUFOR.

Ministers highlighted EUFOR's important contribution towards a satisfactory conclusion of the DRC transition process, including its crucial and successful intervention during the August incidents. They looked forward to a conclusion of the operation in an equally successful manner.

Ministers acknowledged the crucial role played by EUSEC in the framework of the overall approach to Security Sector Reform that is being developed and discussed the mission's prospects for the future[2].

Sudan

Ministers were briefed on the situation regarding the African Union mission in Sudan/Darfur (AMIS) and EU support therefore, as well as on prospects concerning a UN supporting package.

The Council adopted the following conclusions on ESDP developments:

"Civilian Capabilities

1.The demand for civilian ESDP missions continues to grow. The Council therefore attached great importance to the continued efforts under the Civilian Headline Goal 2008 to enhance and update the EU civilian ESDP crisis management capabilities. In this context, the Council noted with satisfaction the Civilian Capabilities Improvement Conference and its Ministerial Declaration and welcomed the Progress Report 2006.

Military Capabilities

2.The Council noted with satisfaction the progress achieved in the qualitative approach to capability planning called for by the Headline Goal 2010.

3.The Council noted the Force Catalogue 2006 (FC 06), which presents the Member States' contributed forces and capabilities against the required capabilities as defined in the Requirements Catalogue 2005 (RC 05).

4.Acceding States’ contributions are presented in a supplement to the FC 06. The Council looked forward to their scrutinised contributions being incorporated as MS contributions in a revised version of the FC 06. It also looked forward to the contributions of non-EU European NATO members, and of other countries which are candidates for accession to the EU. These contributions will be presented in another supplement to the FC 06.

5.The Council looked forward to the further steps implementing the Scrutinising, Assessing and Evaluating (SAE) methodology, including the Assessment process based on the agreed Assessment Handbook which will examine the totality of MS scrutinised contributions for the year 2010 and identify capability shortfalls in qualitative and quantitative terms. Further steps will also include the Evaluation process, based on an Evaluation Methodology which is being developed.

6.The Council looked forward to the finalisation in 2007 of the Progress Catalogue which will contain a comprehensive assessment of the EU military capabilities and capacity needed to fulfil the requirements set in the Requirement Catalogue 2005.

7.The Council noted the Single Progress Report on military capabilities. Concerning the European Capabilities Action Plan, the Council noted the continued migration of former ECAP Project Groups into a more integrated process associated with the EDA.

8.The Council noted that the EU-NATO Capability Group had continued to address issues of coherent and mutually reinforcing development of military capabilities in the EU and NATO where requirements overlap. All EU Member States were informed of these issues.

9.The Council noted the clarification on the release of NATO Unclassified Information to all EU Member States.

Rapid Response

10.By January 2007, the EU will have the Full Operational Capability to undertake two battlegroup size operations of rapid response, including the ability to launch two such operations nearly simultaneously. The Council welcomed the Seminar "Approaching EU's Battlegroups Full Operational Capability - State Of Play And Way Ahead" organised by the Presidency on Battlegroups on 19-20 October in Helsinki, and the successful outcome of the Battlegroups Co-ordination Conference on 27 October. The Council noted with satisfaction that Member States have fulfilled the required commitments up to and including 2008 and looks forward to additional offers, in particular to solve the vacant slot in the first half of 2009.

11.The Council welcomed the introductory workshop on the Study for the Rapid Response Air Initiative in ESDP held on 25 and 26 October. This workshop aimed at elaborating the scope of the study and conducting initial discussions on a successful use of air power for Rapid Response within the whole spectrum of EU crisis management tasks.

12.With regard to the Maritime Dimension in ESDP, the Council noted the ongoing work on the contribution of EU maritime forces in ESDP missions/operations and their use in a rapid response capacity. Beyond the framework of Rapid Response, the Council welcomed the ongoing work on the interlinked issues of mission spectrum and future structures and tasks of maritime forces in the context of ESDP missions/operations and looks forward to the conclusions of the Maritime Dimension Study to be issued by the end of the year.

European Defence Agency

13.The Council noted the report submitted by the Head of the Agency on its activities and welcomed the results achieved.

14.In particular, the Council welcomed the achievements in the areas targeted in the Council guidelines for the EDA 2006 Work Programme, noting:

the endorsement of ‘an Initial Long-Term Vision for European Defence Capability and Capacity Needs’- established with strong contributions from the EUMC and the ISS (extensively discussed with and broadly supported by participating Member States, but without word-for-word agreement) - as a reasonable foundation for the Agency’s medium-to-long term agendas; the inauguration of the voluntary regime on defence procurement and its successful implementation, including the Code of Best Practice in the Supply Chain - notably with the launch of the Electronic Bulletin Board; and the decisions on Security of Supply between subscribing Member States in Circumstances of Operational Urgency, and Security of Information; the agreed description of characteristics of a strong future European Defence Technological and Industrial Base; the adoption of a Defence R&T Joint Investment Programme on Force Protection; the good progress on the Agency’s management of a growing number of collaborative ad hoc projects, including those successfully taken over from the WEAO Research Cell. In particular, the Council welcomed projects in relation to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Armoured Fighting Vehicles.

15.The Council also took note of progress in the area of Command and Control, in particular Software-Defined Radio and the project on a Tactical Imagery Exploitation System (TIES) demonstrator for EU Battlegroups. It also noted the positive work on developing a cooperative process designed to encourage possibilities for collaboration in development and procurement of systems and components.

16.The Council noted with satisfaction efforts to ensure good coordination and complementarity between the EDA and the Commission. The Council also noted the importance of achieving coordination with NATO, OCCAR and the LoI Framework, in accordance with the provisions of the Joint Action on the establishment of the European Defence Agency.

17.The Council agreed to postpone by another year the setting of the Agency's three-year financial framework and adopted by unanimity the Agency's budget for 2007.

Strengthening Civil-Military Co-ordination

18.The Council welcomed the ongoing work, building on the work carried out under previous Presidencies, on improving effective co-ordination of the civilian and military crisis management instruments the EU has at its disposal. The Council noted recent work on improving situational awareness in theatre, and recalled that the PSC had noted a document on improving information sharing in support of EU crisis management operations. The goal is to achieve a high degree of common situational awareness among EU actors as this constitutes an important element in ensuring that EU crisis management efforts are coherent and effective. The Council underlined the importance of ensuring a comprehensive approach with regard to the work on the Information Exchange Requirements. Taking account of the importance of CMCO to ensuring that the EU achieves maximum impact with the resources at its disposal, the Council underlined the need to continue work on improving civil-military co-ordination. In this regard, effective practical co-operation with other actors, as appropriate, is also important.

Using military assets in support of EU disaster relief: getting assistance quickly where it is needed

19.The Council welcomed work to improve the EU´s ability to respond to disasters, notably on military support to EU disaster response. This work is taking place in the context of the Hampton Court follow-up and the proposals put forward by the SG/HR in March 2006.

20.The Council recalled that helping citizens in an emergency, crisis or disaster, whether natural or man-made, requires rapid and effective delivery of assistance. Military means may be essential to complement civilian capabilities in order to save lives and allow for speed of action.

21.In this framework, the Council noted the document on "Military support to EU disaster relief - Identification and coordination of available assets and capabilities" (doc. 9462/3/06 REV 3) as a living document, and agreed on its way ahead. The arrangements set out therein are designed to enhance the rapidity and effectiveness of the EU's response to disasters with military support. They will be subject to review, as necessary, in the light of experience gained".

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The Council also adopted, without discussion, conclusions on:

an EU concept for strengthening African capabilities; gender equality and gender mainstreaming in crisis management.

(See "General Affairs" press release 14779/06)

THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO - Council conclusions

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1.The European Union welcomes the fact that the second round of the presidential election, and the elections for the provincial assemblies, were held on 29 October in a generally peaceful and orderly manner.

2.The EU further welcomes the joint communiqué by President Joseph Kabila and Vice-President Jean-Pierre Bemba of 7 November regarding their conduct following the elections, which is an important step in ensuring that the electoral process is successfully concluded in calm and secure conditions. Any disagreements must be resolved peacefully, within the legal framework laid down for complaints and appeals. The Council therefore calls on the candidates to take all possible steps to prevent any acts of violence, to refrain from any provocation, as well as to use their influence to maintain law and order in case of disturbances. In that respect, the Council condemns the 11 November incidents in Kinshasa.

3.The Council commends the efforts of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in ensuring that the electoral process remains credible and transparent, recalling that the IEC is the sole authority entitled to announce the results of the elections.

4.The Council underlines how important a constructive relationship between the newly elected democratic institutions is, stressing the essential role of the National Assembly as well as the need to complete the electoral process through senatorial and local elections. Well functioning relationships between central and regional levels are also important.

5.The Council highlights the role played by the international community in supporting these elections, notably by the United Nations, including MONUC, and by the African countries through their bilateral commitments as well as by SADC and the African Union.

6.The Council recalls the support provided by the EU to the DRC to lay the groundwork for the elections to take place and to facilitate the process leading up to the elections including the positive role played by EUFOR in support of MONUC. It confirms the readiness of the EU to support the DRC and its new democratically elected leaders in their future efforts to develop their country for the benefit of the Congolese people.

7.The Council underlines the regional importance of the elections, which will contribute to promoting stability and development throughout the region of the Great Lakes and of Central Africa".

WESTERN BALKANS - Council conclusions

The Council was briefed by United Nations status envoy Marti Ahtisaari on the process underway regarding the status of Kosovo and it held an exchange of views.

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"VISA FACILITATION AND READMISSION AGREEMENTS

1.Recalling the European Council conclusions of June 2006, the Council adopted the negotiation mandates for visa facilitation and readmission agreements with Bosnia and Herzegovina, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. The Council also adopted the negotiation mandate for a visa facilitation agreement with Albania, recalling that the EU already has a readmission agreement with Albania.

2.The Council urged the Commission to start the negotiations in the course of November, and expressed its confidence that the negotiations could be concluded as soon as possible. The conclusion of these agreements will be important in fostering people to people contacts between the Western Balkan countries and the EU.

3.Recalling the Thessaloniki agenda, the Council reiterated that the EU is aware of the particular importance the peoples in the Western Balkans attach to the visa issue. It underlined that visa facilitation and readmission agreements will be an important and necessary step forward. The Council also noted that further progress will depend on implementing relevant reforms and encouraged the countries of the Western Balkans to step up their efforts in implementing reforms in the area of rule of law, combating organised crime, corruption and illegal migration, and strengthening their administrative capacity in border control and security of documents.

4.In this regard, the Council welcomed the holding of the EU-Western Balkans JHA Forum in Tirana on 17 November, 2006. The meeting will be organised for the first time in the region, which also highlights the importance of regional cooperation in fostering reforms in the field of Justice and Home Affairs.

REGIONAL CO-OPERATION

5.The Council welcomed the progress achieved so far in the negotiations on the enlarged and amended Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), which was on 9 November initialled by eight Parties. It noted that the door was open for the two countries that were not yet in a position to initial the agreement to sign it with all the other countries in December. The new CEFTA agreement, which was facilitated by the Stability Pact and the European Commission, will be a substantial step economically and politically. Recalling the key importance of the regional co-operation in the framework of the Stabilisation and Association Process and the April Declaration of SEE Prime Ministers, the Council expressed its hope that all Parties will work to ensure that the new CEFTA agreement to be signed before the end of the year will be a truly inclusive one".

MIDDLE EAST

Middle East Peace Process - Council conclusions

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"The Council expressed its deep concern at the escalating violence in Gaza and in the West Bank. The Council strongly deplores the Israeli military action in Gaza resulting in a growing number of civilian casualties, including women and children, and deplores the unacceptable military operation in Beit Hanoun on 8 November 2006. While recognising Israel’s legitimate right to self-defence, the Council urged Israel to exercise utmost restraint and underlined that action should not be disproportionate or in contradiction to international humanitarian law. The Council called on Israel to cease its military operations that endanger the Palestinian civilian population in the Palestinian Territory. The Council also strongly deplores the firing of rockets on Israeli territory and called on the Palestinian leadership to bring an end to such acts. The deterioration of the situation will only aggravate the already grave circumstances in the region where a return to a comprehensive peace process with a clear political perspective is urgently needed. To achieve this, an immediate cessation of violence is needed.

The Council reiterated its call for the immediate release of the abducted Israeli soldier and commended efforts including by partners in the region to that effect. It repeated its call for immediate release of Palestinian ministers and legislators detained in Israel.

The Council urged the Palestinians to work for national unity and to form a government with a platform reflecting the Quartet principles and allowing for early engagement. Such a government of national unity would also be a partner for the international community to support the re-launching of the peace process.

The Council reiterated the EU's intention to actively contribute to the work within the Quartet to get the Middle East Peace Process urgently back on track in order to make progress towards a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the Roadmap, relevant UNSC resolutions and the commitments made at Sharm el-Sheikh in 2005. This should be done in close cooperation with Arab partners.

The Council reiterated the necessity of a political perspective and reinvigorating the peace process through re-launching negotiations. To support the objective of a future independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state based on the rule of law, the Council underlined the importance of preserving and strengthening the capacity of the institutions of the Palestinian Authority. To that end, the Council underlined the work already undertaken by the EU and continued in the current circumstances to help building Palestinian institutions and expressed its readiness to provide enhanced support to a Palestinian Government that the EU can engage with. Further efforts in this respect will take into account useful experiences of the EU missions in this area, EU BAM Rafah and EU POL COPPS as well as the results of technical assistance provided to Palestinian institutions.

The Council emphasised the importance of the implementation of the Agreement of Movement and Access of November 2005. It called on Israel to also respect previous agreements and to fulfil its obligations under them. It insisted on the particular importance of regular operations at Gaza crossings, notably Rafah and called on Israel to do its utmost to ensure that the crossings be opened and remain open. The Council decided to extend the EU Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point for a further six months[3].

The Council called on Israel to desist from any action that threatens the viability of an agreed two-State solution. Of particular concern are settlement activities in and around East Jerusalem as well as in the Jordan Valley. The European Union will not recognise any change to the pre-1967 borders other than those agreed by both parties.

The Council remains deeply concerned at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, as also highlighted in recent reports by UN agencies. The Council recalled its commitment to help the Palestinian people and noted that the EU’s combined assistance in 2006 exceeds EUR 650 million. The Council reiterated its call on Israel for the immediate resumption of transfers of withheld Palestinian tax and customs revenues. The Council encouraged donors and others to make full use of the Temporary International Mechanism".

Lebanon - Council conclusions

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"The Council encouraged all Lebanese parties to reach consensus and to resume the process of national dialogue. The EU continues to be committed to supporting the legitimate and democratically elected Lebanese government and its efforts to stabilise the situation in the country, and to maintain its unity. In this regard, the EU fully supports the reconstruction process in the perspective of the Paris Conference in January 2007.

The Council renewed its determination to support the full implementation of UNSCR 1701. The Council called on all parties in the region to comply with the resolution, notably the arms embargo. Lebanon's sovereignty over its land, sea and airspace must be respected by all. The Council urged Israel to stop violations of Lebanese airspace by the Israeli Air Force. The Council welcomed the deployment of UNIFIL troops and the Lebanese armed forces which is progressing well.

The Council reiterated its call for the immediate release of the two abducted Israeli soldiers.

The Council called on countries in the region to refrain from any interference in Lebanon's internal affairs, in accordance with UNSC resolutions and to provide firm support to Lebanon's Government in reconstruction efforts".

Border assistance mission at Rafah

The Council adopted without discussion a joint action amending and extending joint action 2005/889/CFSP on the European Union's border assistance mission at Rafah crossing point between Egypt and the Gaza strip (EU BAM Rafah) (13571/06).

Both the Palestinian and Israeli parties having expressed approval of the extension of EU BAM Rafah, the Council decided to extend the mission for a further period of six months. The joint action will be reviewed again by 31 March 2007 at the latest.

IRAN

Over lunch Ministers discussed Iran and the current state of play, including discussions at the United Nations Security Council on a draft resolution.

At its October meeting, the Council considered that Iran’s continuation of enrichment-related activities had left the EU no choice but to support consultations on appropriate measures under article 41 of the UN Charter, as envisaged by UN Security Council Resolution 1696. It noted that the door to negotiations nevertheless remained open.

OTHER BUSINESS

Afghanistan

The Council held an exchange of views on the situation in Afghanistan, on the EU's current engagement in Afghanistan and on actions that could be undertaken in order to reinforce the EU's presence on the ground.

In particular it noted the situation concerning a possible civilian mission to Afghanistan under the European security and defence policy.

The EU's longstanding commitment to Afghanistan was recalled. The EU, a key donor (EUR 3,7 billion over 5 years), played a major role in reconstruction and stabilisation efforts, working with international partners.

The Presidency indicated that the Council would discuss Afghanistan in greater depth at its meeting on 11 December.

EVENTS IN THE MARGINS OF THE COUNCIL

The following meetings were held in the margins of the Council:

civilian capabilities improvement conference; European Defence Agency steering board meeting; defence troika meeting with Croatia, Iceland, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Norway and Turkey; EU-OSCE troika meeting; EU-Armenia cooperation council meeting; EU-Azerbaijan cooperation council meeting; EU-Georgia cooperation council meeting; EU-South Africa cooperation council meeting; EU-Jordan association council meeting.

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

See press release 14779/06.

[1]Common economic space, common space of freedom, security and justice, common space for external security, common space for research and education, including cultural aspects.

[2] See also Council conclusions on the DRC, page 13.

[3] See below.