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Council of the 
EN 
 European Union 
 
 
 
 
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(OR. en) 
 
PRESSE 20 
PR CO 19 
OUTCOME OF THE COUNCIL MEETING 
3460th Council meeting 
Foreign Affairs 
Luxembourg, 18 and 19 April 2016 
President 
Federica Mogherini 
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security 
Policy 
 
 
 
 
P R E S S  
 
 
Rue de la Loi 175  B – 1048 BRUSSELS  Tel.: +32 (0)2 281 9773 / 6319  Fax:  +32 (0)2 281 8026 
xxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxxxxx.xx  http://www.consilium.europa.eu/press 
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18 and 19 April 2016 
 
CONTENTS1 
ITEMS DEBATED 
FOREIGN AFFAIRS ITEMS .............................................................................................................. 4 
External aspects of migration ............................................................................................................... 4 
Eastern Partnership .............................................................................................................................. 5 
Libya .................................................................................................................................................... 6 
DEFENCE ITEMS ............................................................................................................................... 9 
European Defence Agency Steering Board ......................................................................................... 9 
Hybrid threats ..................................................................................................................................... 10 
Capacity building in support of security and development................................................................ 11 
Other business .................................................................................................................................... 12 
– 
Afghanistan ........................................................................................................................................................... 12 
Meetings in the margins of the Council ............................................................................................. 13 
– 
EU-Tunisia Association Council ........................................................................................................................... 13 
– 
Exchange of views with Colombian High Commissioner for Peace in Colombia, Sergio Jaramillo .................... 13 
– 
Lunch ..................................................................................................................................................................... 13 
– 
Dinner .................................................................................................................................................................... 13 
1  Where declarations, conclusions or resolutions have been formally adopted by the Council, this is indicated 
in the heading for the item concerned and the text is placed between quotation marks. 
   Documents for which references are given in the text are available on the Council's Internet site 
(http://www.consilium.europa.eu). 
   Acts adopted with statements for the Council minutes which may be released to the public are indicated by 
an asterisk; these statements are available on the Council's Internet site or may be obtained from the Press 
Office. 
 
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18 and 19 April 2016 
 
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED 
FOREIGN AFFAIRS 
– 
Mission Support Platform ...................................................................................................................................... 14 
– 
ACP-EU Council of Ministers ............................................................................................................................... 14 
– 
European Union Special Representative - Middle East Peace Process.................................................................. 14 
– 
European Union Special Representative - Central Asia ........................................................................................ 15 
– 
Temporary reception of certain Palestinians ......................................................................................................... 15 
– 
Iran sanctions ......................................................................................................................................................... 15 
– 
Force Catalogue 2015 ............................................................................................................................................ 15 
COMMON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY 
– 
EUTM Central African Republic .......................................................................................................................... 15 
– 
EU crisis management exercise MULTILAYER 2016 ......................................................................................... 16 
AGRICULTURE 
– 
Milk products - Ceilings for buying in skimmed milk powder and butter ............................................................ 16 
 
 
 
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18 and 19 April 2016 
 
ITEMS DEBATED 
FOREIGN AFFAIRS ITEMS 
External aspects of migration 
The Council discussed the EU's activities relating to the external aspects of migration. It agreed on 
the need to put more focus on both the Eastern and the Central Mediterranean routes. It assessed 
progress in implementing the EU’s agreement with Turkey, and also reviewed EU measures and 
initiatives taken on the Central Mediterranean route.  
 
Ministers underlined actions on the fight against traffickers and smugglers, notably with the EU 
naval operation EUNAVFOR MED Sophia, the EU's support to Africa through the Emergency 
Trust Fund, the launch of a series of comprehensive high level dialogues on migration with African 
countries and the work with countries of the G5 Sahel.  
The High Representative informed the Council that over the last six months, the EU's naval 
operation in the Mediterranean Sea had saved 13000 lives, arrested 68 smugglers and neutralised 
100 vessels. 
 
 
 
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Eastern Partnership 
The Council  discussed political developments in the Eastern partner countries and how best to take 
forward the EU's Eastern Partnership (EaP), ahead of the annual EaP ministerial meeting on 23 May 
2016.  
To prepare the ministerial meeting, the Council assessed the EaP framework in the context of 
increased differentiation of bilateral relations; ways to support EaP countries to continue reforms; 
and how the EaP can contribute to strengthening stability in the region. It emphasized the 
importance of implementing reform commitments. 
The fourth Eastern Partnership summit was held in Riga on 21-22 May 2015. It reconfirmed the 
strategic importance the EU attaches to the EaP and demonstrated strong engagement and a firm 
determination to pursue closer, tailor-made relations with the six partner countries.  
Since the 2015 Summit, and with a view to the next EaP Summit in 2017, cooperation in the EaP 
has been focusing on implementation of commitments across the key areas of cooperation agreed at 
Riga, namely the strengthening of institutions and good governance; mobility and people-to-people 
contacts; taking advantage of market opportunities; and enhancing interconnections, notably in the 
areas of transport and energy. The EU has continued consolidating its differentiated and tailor-made 
relations with the EaP partners, as also provided for by the European Neighbourhood Policy review, 
which also focuses on stability. 
 
 
 
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Libya 
The Council approved the following conclusions: 
"1. 
The EU welcomes the arrival of the Presidency Council in Tripoli on 30 March 2016 and 
commends the courage and determination of Prime Minister Serraj, the other members of the 
Presidency Council and supporting actors on the ground. This move helps pave the way for 
the effective government of the country by the Government of National Accord (GNA) and 
for addressing the needs of the Libyan people. 
 
2. 
The success of the GNA will depend on the collective efforts and cooperation of the Libyan 
people and their leaders. The EU underlines the Libyan ownership of the political process and 
the importance of its inclusiveness, notably through the continued participation of political 
and local actors, women and civil society. The EU, alongside Libya's neighbouring countries, 
the UN and the international community, stands ready to support the GNA, at its request, to 
help it restore peace and stability in Libya. 
 
3. 
The Libyan Political Agreement, signed in Skhirat on 17 December 2015, endorsed by the 
UN Security Council through Resolution 2259 adopted unanimously on 23 December 2015, 
remains the basis for political progress in Libya. The Libyan Political Agreement has been 
fully supported by the EU, which considers the GNA as the sole legitimate government in 
Libya. The EU calls upon all stakeholders, particularly those in the region, to continue to urge 
all parties in Libya to engage constructively with the GNA and all other institutions included 
in the Libyan Political Agreement. The EU stresses that UNSCR 2259 includes a call to cease 
support to and official contact with parallel institutions that claim to have legitimate authority 
but are outside the Agreement. 
 
4. 
The EU welcomes the acknowledgement of the authority of the GNA by various national 
institutions, including the Central Bank, the National Oil Company, and the Libyan 
Investment Authority, as well as Libyan municipalities. It looks forward to the immediate, 
orderly and peaceful transfer of power to the GNA, and urges existing militias and armed 
groups to respect its authority. In this respect, the EU urges the House of Representatives and 
other institutions, including the nascent State Council, to fulfil the roles assigned to them 
under the Libyan Political Agreement. 
 
5. 
The EU reaffirms its full support to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) 
and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General Martin Kobler in their efforts to 
ensure the full implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement by all parties, and will 
continue to actively support their work. 
 
 
 
 
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6. 
The EU has implemented restrictive measures against three individuals who have obstructed 
the implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement and the political transition. The EU 
will review its restrictive measures should their behaviour change and, if necessary, may 
introduce additional restrictive measures against other individuals who threaten the peace, 
stability or security in Libya, or who undermine its political transition. 
 
7. 
The EU reiterates its commitment to fully provide a package of immediate and substantial 
measures in support of the GNA and the Libyan people totalling €100m in a number of 
different areas, to be defined and prioritised in close cooperation with the GNA and in 
coordination with UNSMIL. The EU welcomes the meeting co-chaired in Tunis on 12 April 
by UNSMIL and the UK on how the international community can support the priorities set 
out by the GNA to bring peace, security, stability and prosperity to the Libyan people. In this 
respect, the newly established Stabilisation Facility for Libya will be an important tool. The 
EU continues to provide short-term assistance through various funding instruments, including 
via support to municipalities and the provision of essential services to the Libyan population 
in need. Improved security conditions on the ground would facilitate the effective delivery of 
EU assistance. The EU stands ready to support the GNA in managing migration and asylum, 
in close coordination with UNHCR and IOM, taking into account the outcome of the Valletta 
Summit. 
 
8. 
The EU strongly condemns all attempts to disrupt the stabilization of Libya and reiterates its 
grave concern at the growing threat of terrorism including by Daesh and affiliates. This threat 
highlights the urgent need for the GNA to unite Libyan forces from all regions as the only 
way for Libya to take the path of peace, stability and prosperity, while preserving its unity and 
territorial integrity. 
 
9. 
The EU stands ready to offer security sector support in response to possible GNA requests. 
Should a Libyan request be forthcoming and following consultations with the Libyans, a 
possible civilian CSDP mission could support Libyan efforts inter alia through advice and 
capacity building in the fields of police and criminal justice including on counter-terrorism, 
border management, countering irregular migration and smuggling of migrants and trafficking 
of human beings, as part of broader Security Sector Reform support. This possible mission 
could draw upon the existing planning capacity of EUBAM Libya. In addition to the possible 
civilian mission, further consideration will also be given to support that can be provided 
through EUNAVFOR MED Sophia, by enhancing  its capacity to disrupt the business model 
of human smugglers and trafficking networks and to contribute to broader security in support 
to the legitimate Libyan authorities, for example through potential capacity building for the 
Libyan Coastguard, and the implementation of international law. The EU will ensure that its 
contribution responds to the requests and needs of the Libyan authorities guaranteeing full 
Libyan ownership, and is coordinated and coherent with other international support under the 
overall coordination of UNSMIL. Furthermore, the EU recognises the importance of the 
security of Libya's borders for regional and European security. In this regard, the EU will 
consider ways of enhancing its regional support, including through existing CSDP activities 
in the Sahel. 
 
 
 
 
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10.  The EU reaffirms its strong condemnation of all human rights violations and abuses in Libya. 
The EU will strongly support the GNA in the protection and the promotion of human rights. 
 
11.  The EU is deeply concerned with the deteriorating humanitarian situation and calls for urgent 
efforts to address the situation in the most affected areas, including Benghazi. In this regard, 
the EU welcomes the UN humanitarian response plan and stands ready to provide further 
assistance. The EU calls on all parties in Libya to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and 
security of humanitarian aid workers in order to facilitate the assistance and protection of 
civilians in need." 
 
 
 
 
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DEFENCE ITEMS 
European Defence Agency Steering Board 
Defence ministers met in the format of the European Defence Agency (EDA) steering board, under 
the chairmanship of Federica Mogherini as the head of the agency. All member states except 
Denmark participate. 
Ministers discussed the implementation of the policy framework for long-term and systematic 
cooperation, endorsed by member states in November 2014, on the basis of an interim report 
prepared by the EDA. A full report will be conducted by the agency and the EEAS in autumn 2017. 
The interim report was compiled by the EDA on the basis of questionnaires sent to and completed 
by member states. It highlights that they in general support the policy framework and its objective 
to provide a coherent basis for defence cooperation in Europe, from priority setting through to in-
service support. 
Ministers also discussed strategic autonomy considerations based on an EDA food for thought 
paper on implications of Europe’s strategic autonomy on CSDP.   
The agency updated ministers on the progress achieved on a number of topics including the four 
key capability programmes (air-to-air refuelling, governmental satellite communications, cyber 
defence and remotely piloted aircraft systems RPAS), research, incentives for defence cooperation 
and efforts aimed at countering hybrid threats.  
Finally, ministers adopted a range of recommendations for the implementation of key tasking and 
next steps in defence capabilities cooperation.  
 
 
 
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18 and 19 April 2016 
 
Hybrid threats 
The Council approved the following conclusions: 
"1. 
The increasing use of hybrid strategies and operations by state and non-state actors in the 
immediate and wider EU neighbourhood requires swift and appropriate action to prevent and 
counter hybrid threats to the Union and its Member States as well as partners. The Council 
underlines the need to mobilise EU instruments to this end, in line with the Conclusions by 
the European Council of June 2015 and the Council Conclusions on CSDP of May 2015, 
while recognising the primary responsibility of Member States for security and defence and 
taking into account relevant ongoing work as regards both internal and external policies. 
 
2.  
In this context, the Council welcomes the Joint Communication on countering hybrid threats 
and fostering resilience of the EU and its Member States as well as partners. It invites the 
relevant Council instances, the European Defence Agency and other relevant bodies to 
examine, in a timely and coherent manner, the proposed actions, with due respect for 
respective procedures and the competences of the Member States, the Commission and the 
High Representative, ensuring a cross-sectoral approach and appropriate follow-up. The 
Council also invites Member States to consider establishing a European Centre of Excellence. 
 
3. 
The Council welcomes the intention of the High Representative to create an EU Hybrid 
Fusion Cell, and highlights the possible CSDP contributions to countering hybrid threats and 
the need for closer dialogue, cooperation and coordination with NATO, respecting the 
principles of inclusiveness and autonomy of decision-making of each organisation, as well as 
with other partner organisations. 
 
4. 
The Council invites the Commission and the High Representative to provide a report by July 
2017 to assess progress." 
 
 
 
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Capacity building in support of security and development  
The Council discussed the EU's efforts to build capacities in support of security and development, 
in order to enable partner countries and regional organisations to prevent and manage crises by 
themselves.   
The High Representative highlighted the political support in both the Council and the Commission 
for a legislative proposal on the funding modalities. She called for outstanding legal issues to be 
resolved as soon as possible, so that a proposal could be presented. 
The High Representative informed ministers on progress in developing this policy, concrete 
projects and funding options. A public consultation launched on 1 April 2016 and ending on 
27 May 2016 is expected to lead to a legislative proposal addressing these issues. The High 
Representative also outlined her plans towards a new EU-wide strategic framework for supporting 
security sector reform, in light of the tasking by the FAC in May 2015. 
The Council discussion focused on the security-development nexus and on the question of a 
sustainable solution regarding the defence sector and the financing of equipment and infrastructure 
in third countries.  
 
 
 
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18 and 19 April 2016 
 
Other business 
– 
Afghanistan 
Under "other business", the High Representative informed the Council that the EU will continue to 
support the Afghan civilian police beyond the end of this year. 
 
 
 
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18 and 19 April 2016 
 
Meetings in the margins of the Council 
– 
EU-Tunisia Association Council 
Joint statement by High Representative Federica Mogherini and Minister of Foreign Affairs of 
Tunisia, Khemaies Jhinaoui. 

– 
Exchange of views with Colombian High Commissioner for Peace in Colombia, Sergio 
Jaramillo  

The Council started with an exchange of views with Colombian High Commissioner for Peace in 
Colombia, Sergio Jaramillo.  EU Special Envoy for the peace process in Colombia, Eamon 
Gilmore, was also present. Member states pledged strong support for the peace process and 
emphasized the need for implementation of the peace agreement to lead to a sustainable peace. All 
member states were invited to participate in an EU trust fund established to help Colombia in its 
transition to peace. 
– 
Lunch  
For lunch, ministers were joined by UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi for a 
discussion on the refugee and migration crisis. 
– 
Dinner 
Ministers of foreign affairs and ministers of defence held an informal joint dinner to discuss the 
situation in Libya.  
 
 
 
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18 and 19 April 2016 
 
OTHER ITEMS APPROVED 
FOREIGN AFFAIRS 
Mission Support Platform 
The Council approved the following conclusions: 
"A stronger and more effective Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) remains essential in 
today's increasingly unpredictable and rapidly changing security environment. Recalling its CSDP 
conclusions of 18 May 2015, the Council welcomes the efforts to further enhance the effectiveness 
and responsiveness of civilian CSDP through the establishment of a Mission Support Platform 
(MSP), aimed at improving the management, rapid deployment and efficient conduct of civilian 
crisis management missions. The MSP will be established in coordination between the Commission 
and the European External Action Service to provide support and bring forward greater efficiencies, 
flexibility and economies of scale to civilian CSDP missions. 
The Council emphasises that the establishment of the MSP is a part of an effort to take forward a 
Shared Services Centre concept. The results that the MSP is expected to deliver shall be presented 
to the Council through regular reports on the impact of the MSP on improving the effectiveness of 
CSDP missions and financial benefits for the CFSP budget. The Council will reassess the 
performance of the MSP and its possible further evolution after two years at the latest." 
ACP-EU Council of Ministers 
The Council approved the agenda of the 41st session of the ACP-EU Council of Ministers, which 
will take place in Dakar (Senegal) on 28-29 April 2016. 
European Union Special Representative  - Middle East Peace Process 
The Council adopted a decision extending the mandate of Fernando Gentilini as the European 
Union Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process until 28 February 2017. His 
mandate was set to expire on 30 April 2016. 
 
 
 
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18 and 19 April 2016 
 
European Union Special Representative  - Central Asia 
The Council adopted a decision extending the mandate of Peter Burian as the European Union 
Special Representative for Central Asia until 28 February 2017. His mandate was set to expire 
on 30 April 2016. 
Temporary reception of certain Palestinians 
The Council adopted a decision extending by 24 months, as of 31 January 2016, the validity of 
national permits for entry and stay granted by member states for the temporary reception of certain 
Palestinians. 
Iran sanctions 
The Council adopted a decision supplementing the statement of reasons for its restrictive measures 
against Bank Saderat Iran. 
Force Catalogue 2015 
The Council took note of the Force Catalogue 2015 and of its supplement agreed by the EU 
Military Committee. 
COMMON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY 
EUTM Central African Republic  
The Council adopted a decision approving the launch of a military training mission in the Central 
African Republic (EUTM RCA) to contribute to the country's defence sector reform.  
The mission will be based in Bangui and operate for an initial period of two years. Following up an 
EU military advisory mission (EUMAM RCA), it will work towards a modernised, effective and 
democratically accountable Central African Armed Forces (FACA). It will provide strategic advice 
to the CAR's Ministry of Defence, military staff and armed forces, as well as education and training 
to the FACA. 
For details, see press release. 
 
 
 
 
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18 and 19 April 2016 
 
EU crisis management exercise MULTILAYER 2016 
The Council agreed the exercise specifications for the EU crisis management exercise 
MULTILAYER 2016, which involves the exercising of different layers of the EEAS crisis response 
system and its interaction with other EU crisis response structures. 
AGRICULTURE 
Milk products - Ceilings for buying in skimmed milk powder and butter 
On 15 April the Council adopted by written procedure a regulation doubling the current quantitative 
ceilings for buying in skimmed milk powder (SMP) and butter in the context of public intervention 
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The new measure increases to 218 000 tonnes for SMP and to 100 000 tonnes for butter, the 
quantitative limitations for the buying-in at a fixed price in 2016. 
The regulation, which amends regulation 1370/2013, seeks to help the milk sector in the prevailing 
severe market situation. 
This measure is part of a broader package of support measures to European farmers announced at 
the Agriculture Council of 14 March (7611/16)
The regulation is published in the EU's Official Journal of 19 April. 
 
 
 
 
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