Delivering solutions for Europe - the Council's
work in 2017
Europe is facing unprecedented challenges, both global and domestic.
Our future lies in our own hands and the European Union is the best instrument to achieve our objectives.
Here are some of the solutions that the Council has delivered in 2017 to help Europe meet the challenges.
A year of challenges and progress
2017 has been a year of challenges for Europe:
- the ongoing threat of terrorism in European cities and abroad
- shifts on the global stage requiring new action and initiatives
- continued migratory pressures
- working out the implications of the decision by the United Kingdom to leave the EU in 2019.
The Council's work throughout 2017 has focused on four key objectives corresponding to these new challenges:
- securing Europe's borders
- increasing prosperity
- promoting citizen's rights and benefits
- ensuring that Europe is a confident and active global actor where leadership and partnership is needed.
"Never before have I had such a strong belief that things are going in a better direction… but we cannot be complacent."
A leader's eye view of attending an EU summit at the Council's new permanent HQ, the Europa building in Brussels
A leader's eye view of attending an EU summit at the Council's new permanent HQ, the Europa building in Brussels
In March this year, EU leaders gathered in Rome to mark the 60th anniversary of Treaty of Rome.
They marked the occasion by renewing their pledge to work for a safe and secure Europe where all citizens feel safe and can move freely.
Securing EU borders
The European Union is facing unprecedented challenges, from nuclear proliferation and state-sponsored cybercrime to the ever-present threat of terrorism, which became a reality on Europe’s streets again this year.
In each case, the Council has played its part in building a Union where citizens can move freely and feel safe, where external borders are protected, migration is managed efficiently and terrorism is combatted with full force.
Migrants and asylum seekers
The unprecedented movement of people towards Europe in the past few years has posed a challenge to the security of Europe’s borders and has tragically cost the lives of many of those who undertook perilous journeys.
It has been driven by criminal traffickers who have traded on people’s hopes, exploited them and recklessly sent them into danger.
Several EU maritime operations are patrolling the Mediterranean Sea. Their goal is to conduct border control and surveillance of the EU’s borders, identify people-smuggling operations, disrupt smugglers' business models, seize their vessels, divert suspicious boats, and apprehend traffickers.
Almost 160,000 people have been rescued from the sea since 2016.
The EU is also providing training and support to the Libyan coastguard and navy. In addition, it works with Libya and its neighbours to improve border controls and support local communities along the migratory routes.
The EU is also working to strengthen cooperation with countries of origin and transit and to improve reception conditions in Libya. It also supports measures to increase voluntary returns and resettlement.
In November, the EU decided to further reinforce its action by setting up a joint migration task force together with the African Union and the United Nations. It aims to save and protect lives of migrants and refugees along the routes and in particular inside Libya.
The action taken has played a crucial role in disrupting the routes across the Mediterranean. The number of migrants using the Eastern Mediterranean Route has long been significantly reduced. Similarly, irregular arrivals along the Central Mediterranean Route dropped by 67% between July and November 2017 compared to the same period last year. Although a lot remains to be done, Europe’s borders are stronger and more secure than before.
The charts below illustrate some of the progress which has been made.
In 2017 the Council has also been working to modernise the European asylum system. The new rules under discussion would reform many aspects of the asylum system, from the moment an application is made by an asylum seeker to the final decision. For example, the Council is now negotiating new rules for the qualification of asylum applicants and better living conditions for asylum seekers across the EU.
At their December summit, EU leaders said they would work to reach agreement on the reform of the asylum system by June 2018.
Reinforcing European defence
2017 was a defining year for the future of European defence. In December, 25 EU countries agreed to step up their defence cooperation to better protect European citizens and strengthen the EU's role as a global security provider.
Together they will develop capabilities and support operations to make Europe and the world a safer place. Participating countries have already agreed on 17 joint projects. The projects cover areas such as training, capability development and operational readiness in the field of defence. They include for example a European Medical Command, a rapidly deployable Crisis Response Operation Core and Cyber Rapid Response Teams.
Counter-terrorism
As the string of terror attacks striking Europe continues, fighting terrorism remains a top priority for the EU and its member states. In 2017, the Council adopted new measures to tackle terrorism, and in particular foreign terrorist fighters.
For instance, the Council adopted new rules to criminalise a large range of terrorist offences. It also adopted new measures to reinforce checks at external borders and to enhance firearm controls.
The fight against online radicalisation remained a priority in 2017. At the EU summit of June 2017, EU leaders called on the tech industry to improve the automatic detection and removal of terrorist-related content posted online.
Other action the Council has taken in 2017 includes:
- the EU is working more closely with NATO, through 42 concrete measures
- the EU imposed sanctions against the Syrian regime, Russia (over the Ukraine crisis) and North Korea (over its nuclear programme)
- the EU agreed new multi-annual priorities for its fight against organised crime.
Major General Riho Terras, Chief of General Staff of the Estonian Defence Forces, and Donald Tusk, President of the European Council
Major General Riho Terras, Chief of General Staff of the Estonian Defence Forces, and Donald Tusk, President of the European Council
Fighting terrorism is a top priority for the EU and its international partners
Fighting terrorism is a top priority for the EU and its international partners
In 2017 economic growth returned to all 28 member states. Significant progress has been made towards creating a prosperous Europe for everyone.
Europe grows and adds jobs
Economic growth reached 2.6% in the EU in the 3rd quarter of 2017. The 19-country eurozone grew at the fastest rate since 2011.
That has translated into over 11 million more people being in work in the EU than in 2013. Public finances became healthier and deficits were reduced.
"There is a renewed hope in the European project, which positively impacts on our economy. This confidence translates into strong growth, more consumption, more investments, and above all, more jobs."
This positive development needs to be consolidated using the potential of the EU's single market and of trade and industry. At the same time, the EU is working to ensure that these developments benefit all parts of society.
This year also saw a reaffirmation by the EU of the principles of free and fair trade in the face of pressures for a return to protectionism. Free and fair trade benefits everyone, and to that end the EU has been active in extending agreements with other countries.
Relations with Canada
CETA, the trade agreement between the EU and Canada, came into force this year. One of its benefits: CETA removes customs duties and helps make European firms more competitive in Canada. At the same time, the EU negotiated to protect some of its more sensitive sectors, like regional food products.
Relations with Japan
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Donald Tusk announce the EU-Japan accord
In July, the EU and Japan sealed a political accord on an ambitious free trade deal. In December, both sides finalised the details of the agreement which will remove 99% of the tariffs applied on EU exports to Japan. The agreement will create sizeable new opportunities for the EU's agricultural sector: processed food exports are expected to increase by 180% thanks to the deal.
Relations with the United Kingdom
German Chancellor Angela Merkel with UK Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron
The United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU in 2019 creates significant uncertainties. The EU27 welcome and share the UK's desire to establish a close partnership. However, as EU27 leaders outlined in their guidelines for the negotiations, such a relationship cannot offer the same benefits as membership, as the UK will become a third country after its exit.
The first phase of the negotiations focused on the terms of the financial settlement, how to find solutions for the Irish border, and the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and British citizens living in the EU. Negotiations are ongoing, with talks on the terms of the transition and on an understanding of the framework for the future relationship due to start in early 2018.
The two EU agencies currently based in London have to be relocated in the context of the UK's withdrawal from the EU. In June 2017, EU27 leaders endorsed a specific procedure for their relocation and in November they selected the new seats of the agencies accordingly:
- The European Medicines Agency (EMA) will be relocated to Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- The European Banking Authority (EBA) will be relocated to Paris, France
Other actions the Council has taken in 2017 include:
- an agreement on how to proceed with the taxation of digital companies
- the publication of an EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions to prevent tax fraud and to promote good governance worldwide
- new anti-dumping measures
- the promotion of the use of e-signatures to support the digital single market
- new rules to support the single market in professional services.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Donald Tusk announce the EU-Japan accord
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Donald Tusk announce the EU-Japan accord
German Chancellor Angela Merkel with UK Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron
German Chancellor Angela Merkel with UK Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron
The EU also exists to support its citizens' well-being and their collaboration with the member states, promote equality between women and men, and uphold rights and equal opportunities for all.
Digital benefits for everyone
The pace of developments in the modern world can be overwhelming. Just consider the speed at which technological innovations are adopted.
And yet citizens who enjoy using new tools and services have to be able to do so securely, easily and in full trust. This issue is more present than ever, as technological transformation currently affects all areas of life, from education and jobs to the welfare system – in some job categories, as many as 90% of roles require digital skills.
The 'new digital revolution' prompted the Council to accelerate work on setting up a well-functioning digital single market and ensuring cybersecurity across the EU.
Perhaps the biggest single change EU citizens will have noticed this year was the end to roaming charges. Since summer 2017, mobile phone operators have had to offer their EU customers the same rates abroad as they get at home. This is rightly called "a true European success story".
Now you can "roam like at home" within the EU
Now you can "roam like at home" within the EU
The Council also took action this year to prepare for the post-2020 era of widespread and very high-speed connectivity. This will bring next-generation technologies such as 5G.
The Council also adopted new 'portability' rules which will allow consumers who have paid for access to online content such as films, sports broadcasts, music or e-books to use them when they are visiting another country within the EU. Linked to this, the Council prepared the ban of unjustified geo-blocking which will strengthen e-commerce in the internal market.
Together with the abolition of roaming charges, these measures mark a big progress in creating a digital single market which benefits everyone.
Other actions the Council has taken in 2017 include:
- supporting e-health and the provision of new and more effective rights for all EU citizens - as stated in the European Pillar for Social Rights
- increasing consumer protection in the digital age
- preparing new rules to ensure transparent prices and more choice in cross-border parcel delivery
- reforming the system which controls car emissions in the EU
- agreeing to help set up fast wifi hotspots in public places, under the banner WiFi4EU.
The EU is working to remove barriers to e-commerce
The EU is working to remove barriers to e-commerce
Since 15 June 2017, roaming charges in the EU no longer apply
Since 15 June 2017, roaming charges in the EU no longer apply
65% of children entering school at present will work in completely new job types in the future
65% of children entering school at present will work in completely new job types in the future
The EU takes its responsibilities on the global stage seriously.
We have demonstrated that we will lead on reaffirming the importance of global trade, and on many other issues too – including, most importantly, on climate change.
Stepping up the fight against climate change
Climate change is an important global issue. A confident EU has been stressing the importance of global action. In 2017 the Council has put great effort into preparing the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
The world needs strong climate leaders. The EU is determined to take that lead and drive the global transition to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
"The Agreement remains a cornerstone for global efforts to effectively tackle climate change, and cannot be renegotiated".
The EU has always been a pioneer and front-runner in climate action. It is our duty and responsibility to future generations to act now and together to prevent further damage being done to our planet. The EU does its share to restrict the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and will pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C.
Under the Paris Agreement, EU countries committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% between 1990 and 2030. Currently, EU emissions are 23% lower than in 1990. The year 2017 was a major step forward in delivering on those promises. The EU has agreed on an emissions-trading reform that will decrease emissions while ensuring more competitive industry and promoting low-carbon technologies.
In a landmark move, this year the EU and China agreed to step up cooperation on climate change.
The EU believes in working together. Strengthening existing global partnerships and supporting vulnerable and developing countries are crucial to tackling climate change. As part of that, in 2017, the EU has committed to scale up its public finance contributions for the coming years.
But that’s not all. The EU is actively working on concrete measures to provide clean energy for all Europeans and thus consolidate a more stable, competitive and sustainable energy sector.
Defending the rules-based international order
The EU fiercely defends the rules-based global order as the best approach to respond to global crises, challenges and threats. One of the EU's key priorities for 2017 and 2018 is to strengthen and reform the United Nations as the backbone of global governance.
In line with its commitment to the rules-based international order, the EU has continued to call for the peaceful denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. On top of implementing the United Nations' sanctions regime, the Council adopted new autonomous measures in 2017 to further increase pressure on North Korea to comply with its international obligations.
As the Syrian conflict entered its sixth year in 2017, the Council adopted an EU strategy on Syria in April. The strategy urges for the war to be brought to an end through genuine political transition, and condemns human rights violations. The same month, the Council hosted a conference to raise funds to meet the needs of the Syrian people. Over €5 billion was pledged in aid by the EU and other international donors.
The EU also remained strong and united in its support to Ukraine's territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty. The Council extended the restrictive measures against Russia over the illegal annexation of Crimea and continued to call for the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements. The Council also extended in April the sanctions in place since 2011 against Iran, which are related to violations of human rights.
Yes, Europe is in a better place, on the right track, and – despite the challenges it faces – it remains united.
The decisions the Council has taken this year have demonstrated that it is a body which is focused firmly on the future development of Europe.
While the negotiations about the UK’s withdrawal from the EU continue, the 27 remaining member states of the EU are united and in agreement on the importance of acting together.
Building our future together
EU leaders have re-stated their commitment to the European project and decided to build their future together within a strengthened European Union. They underlined their unity and their willingness to take the fate of the Union in their own hands, working together in the European Council. Since then, optimism has risen, and ambition has returned.
Looking ahead, President Donald Tusk presented a concrete work programme to deal with the current challenges and priorities while also drawing on new ideas. This Leaders' Agenda was drawn up in consultation with all 28 EU heads of state or government.
The aim of this concrete work programme is to guide EU action over the next two years.
"Our guiding principles are clear. First and foremost, I will do everything in my power to keep the unity of the EU. Secondly, I will concentrate on finding real solutions to the real problems of our citizens, who are concerned about security, migration and unemployment. We will all make sure that Europe is making progress."
Photos/Credits
Intro
- Animated map: Harpoon Productions/Footage Firm, Inc
- Europa building: AFP. Photographer: Aurore Belot
A safe and secure Europe
- Migrant boat (small photo): Photographer: Massimo Sestini
- Two navy sailors: AFP. Photographer: Daniel Reinhardt
- Members of Spanish humanitarian NGO, Proactiva Open Arms help a woman during a rescue operation: AFP. Photographer: Aris Messisnis
- Border police: AFP. Photographer: Pascal Guyot
A Europe focused on citizens
- Group of people: Footage Firm, Inc/Harpoon Productions
- Tablet e-commerce: AFP. Photographer: Monika Skolimowska
- Youth talking on a mobile phone: AFP. Photographer: Karl- Josef Hildebrand
- Youth playing video games: AFP. Photographer: Monika Skolimowska
A confident Europe
- Plane over a rift: AFP. Photographer: John Sonntag
- Icebergs: Footage Firm, Inc/Harpoon Productions
Looking forward
- Woman with the EU flag: AFP. Photographer: Benjaming Furst / Hans Lucas
Other photos and videos: © European Union
All images subject to copyright
Last updated 20 December 2017
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