Helping Europe rise to the challenges ahead

2018 brought domestic and global challenges for the European Union.

Europe’s leaders stood together to face these challenges and threats. They confirmed that the EU was the best instrument to shape their common future.

This story shows examples of how the Council helped Europe to respond to its challenges.

Throughout 2018 the EU has continued to take action in support of the protection, well-being and prosperity of its citizens. It has also played a leadership role on pressing global issues such as climate change, promoted values such as democracy and respect for human rights, and worked to uphold the rules-based international system.

The Council has played a vital role in promoting this agenda. It is the forum where EU countries' governments collectively decide on policy and express their collective view on a wide range of issues. It has worked to ensure that the EU has delivered policies which respond to the concerns of EU citizens and the interests of the member states.

From championing the Paris Agreement on climate change to promoting the rules-based international order with free and fair trade at its centre, Europe remains a positive point of reference for the world.

Ensuring a safe and secure Europe

Tighter military cooperation

2018 has seen new levels of cooperation in security and defence, with 25 EU countries signing up to new joint military projects aimed at strengthening Europe’s ability to deal with an ever-changing array of threats. These will help EU countries' armed forces to work more seamlessly together, improve operational and intelligence capabilities, and share information on potential threats.

This permanent cooperation aims to plug gaps in Europe's military power. It allows EU member states to join forces to, for example, develop military vehicles or systems, set up an intelligence training school, establish a multinational medical task force or develop shared excellence in disaster relief.

More secure borders

Recent years have brought unprecedented pressures on EU borders from illegal migration and people-smuggling operations. However, sustained cooperation has brought the situation under control. Irregular arrivals to the EU have dropped by well over 95% since the height of the migration crisis in 2015.

The EU has continued its crackdown on migrant smuggling networks both inside and outside the EU. By patrolling the Mediterranean, EU operations help authorities in third countries to control and prevent irregular migration. In addition, the Council has agreed a number of extra measures to intensify the fight against smugglers. By improving information sharing and coordinating with third countries, the EU wants to ensure that smugglers have no space to act.

At the same time, EU operations in the Mediterranean have saved over 450 000 people since 2015.

Last week, a Frontex plane noticed a large fishing boat heading to Italy, towing another empty boat. Hour later the smaller boat was on its way to Italy, packed w/ 68 people. The larger one headed in the opposite direction. Frontex alerted Italy of suspected people smuggling pic.twitter.com/xY4l4V9aSQ
— Frontex (@Frontex) November 26, 2018

Safer Europe

Alongside the persistent threat of terrorism, both at home and abroad, 2018 brought us continued conflict in Europe’s immediate neighbourhood and an attempted murder using a nerve agent on British soil. Add to that the growing threat from cyber attacks, and it’s clear the world is a dangerous place.

The protection of citizens remains the EU’s top priority. We continue to work with representatives of the online industry to stop terrorists using the internet to radicalise, recruit and incite to violence. This year, the Council has agreed its position on new rules that require hosts to remove or disable access to terrorist content within an hour of being given an order by authorities.

The EU has also stepped up efforts to keep consumers safe online. On 25 May, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect, giving individuals more control over the way organisations hold information about them.

The EU new data privacy law helps to protect your data

Further online safety measures promoted by the EU this year, include new rules to make video-sharing platforms take responsibility for protecting internet users – particularly children – from violent or harmful content, including hate speech.

Other steps taken during 2018 include:

• New rules against money laundering and terrorist financing

• Collaboration with NATO, increasing our ability to deal with hybrid threats, confront disinformation and exchange intelligence on cyber threats

• New rules for European cybersecurity certification schemes for ICT products and services

Supporting world order

The EU strongly believes in the United Nations’ role as the bedrock of the rules-based global order and its role in responding to conflicts, famine, forced displacement and terrorism. That is why the EU and member states provide approximately one third of UN funding, make one third of UN peacekeeping contributions and give half of all voluntary contributions to UN funds and programmes.

Tackling global challenges

The EU has not shied away from its responsibilities on the world stage.

Following the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, the EU reiterated its commitment for a deal that is good for European and global security. The EU remains committed to it as long as Iran abides by all its nuclear-related commitments.

Donald Tusk welcome UN Secretary General Antonio Guterrez to Brussels

Donald Tusk welcome UN Secretary General Antonio Guterrez to Brussels

2018 brought new challenges in relation to Russia. Whether responding to disinformation campaigns or cyberattacks, EU leaders have shown unity. And they continue to stand by the people of Ukraine in the face of continuing Russian aggression, extending sanctions against key sectors and individuals.

Why did the EU impose sanctions on Russia?

It was also quick to move and condemn widespread and systematic grave human rights violations in Burma, in particular in Rakhine State, which were committed by the country’s army and security forces. In 2018 the EU extended embargo on arms and equipment that can be used for internal repression. The Council also prohibited the provision of military training to and military cooperation with the Myanmar/Burma army.

Defending the global order

The EU strived to strengthen bonds with players across the globe. Amid signs of growing protectionism and trade conflict, EU leaders have made clear their commitment to defending and improving the open, rules-based trading system, with the World Trade Organisation at its core.

At a summit in Beijing in July, President Tusk called on not just China’s Premier Li but America and Russia to avoid destroying this order by suggesting to help modernise these rules instead, to preserve free and fair trade. World leaders supported reforms to the WTO at November’s G20 summit in Buenos Aires.

Other steps taken during 2018 include:

• Signing a memorandum of understanding with the African Union, covering peace, security and governance

• Renewing sanctions against Venezuela, including an embargo on arms aimed at encouraging a democratic way out of its political crisis

Forging partnerships for prosperity

Retuning our relationships

Without doubt, preparing for the withdrawal of the United Kingdom has presented a huge challenge. However, through difficult negotiations, the parties reached an agreement limiting the disruption for citizens, businesses and member states.

The agreement covers the protection of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU, the financial settlement between the UK and the EU and guarantees to avoid a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. It would ensure an orderly exit and includes a transition period for citizens and businesses to adapt to the changes.

Challenges remain before the deal is ratified. The ratification by both sides is needed before the UK leaves on 29 March next year.

From that point, the EU looks forward to negotiating a future relationship that protects jobs and promotes prosperity.

New deals and partnerships

The EU pursued its efforts in building closer ties with other nations to secure mutually beneficial relationships. In May, the EU moved to strengthen ties with the Western Balkan partners. EU leaders confirmed their support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans and agreed to boost support for the region's political, economic, and social transformation. They also agreed to reinforce cooperation, including in the field of security.

The EU abides by the principles of the World Trade Organisation.

Throughout the year, in the context of growing trade tensions across the world, the EU Council consistently supported the need to preserve and deepen the rules-based multilateral system. It also expressed its openness to improve, together with like-minded partners, the functioning of the WTO.

In July, the Council agreed the terms of a trade deal with Japan which will remove 1bn euros in tariffs from EU exports. When this EU's most ambitious bilateral trade enters into force in February 2019, it will create an open trading zone comprising 635 million people and covering a third of global GDP.

The EU and Singapore have also signed free trade and investment agreements. They will remove the remaining tariffs for products and eliminate technical and non-tariff barriers by recognising the EU's standards and safety tests in key areas, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals or car parts. It will also lift restrictions in the services sector.

2018 also saw the EU begin trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand. Deals with both countries would aim to further reduce barriers to trade, remove custom duties on goods, and give better access for services and public procurement in Australia and New Zealand. If adopted, the agreements would increase EU exports to the two countries by about 30% in the long term.

While the EU is open for business, it also wants to protect its citizens and businesses from unfair trading practices. This is why in 2018 we have modernised our trade defence instruments and have made big steps towards effectively screening direct foreign investments.

Boosting our economy

With the latest statistics showing employment at record levels and steady growth, citizens and businesses can enjoy confidence in European economies.

In August, after eight years, Greece exited the financial assistance programme introduced in the wake of the financial crisis. Support from member states and the eurozone institutions, along with a series of reform packages, have seen it emerge with a positive economic outlook.

Strengthening the Economic and Monetary Union has been another key focus. EU member states agreed to boost the banking union and strengthen the bailout fund, the so-called European Stability Mechanism's capability to help countries to weather difficult times. They also agreed to create budget for the eurozone to make it more competitive and to reduce economic differences between the countries. EU governments will decide on the budget’s main features by June 2019.

But the EU must continually strive to create the conditions for business to flourish. During 2018, the Council put deepening its single market, at the top of its agenda. Creating conditions to enhance the digital economy is a top priority and in 2018 the Council adopted rules to allow the free flow of data between states, and to remove barriers to e-commerce.

Other steps taken during 2018 include:

• Approving a digital Europe funding programme to boost investment in crucial areas such as cybersecurity and artificial-intelligence-based innovation

• Continuing negotiations over free trade agreements with Latin America’s Mercosur bloc and countries including Indonesia, Tunisia and Chile

Taking positive action for the environment

Climate change and emissions

The EU reiterated its long-standing commitment to the Paris Agreement. The Council adopted stringent targets meaning that, by 2030, 32% of the EU’s energy must come from renewable sources. This will help Europe meet goals set by the Paris Agreement, which include reducing EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030.

New cars will have to emit on average 37.5% less CO2 in 2030 compared to the current emission standard limits.

And a new regulation saw the Council set new binding emission reduction targets in industries such as agriculture, waste management and transport.

The EU also completed the clean energy package which will help ensure affordable, secure and sustainable energy for Europeans.

The EU agricultural policy is currently being reformed to integrate environmental concerns.

We are switching to clean energy

Waste and circular economy

2018 saw new levels of concern about plastic waste. In December, an agreement was reached to move towards tough new restrictions on single-use plastic products, including banning the use of some throwaway plastic items.

The agreement sets out measures to reduce the use of products that most frequently litter Europe’s beaches. These include banning plastic plates, knives and forks, placing an obligation on producers of tobacco filters to cover clean-up costs of cigarette stubs, and setting a binding 30% target for the incorporation of recycled plastic into plastic bottles.

The Council also agreed rules that aim to combat the dumping into the sea of plastic, broken fishing gear and other rubbish from ships. Under the agreement the countries will provide adequate waste reception facilities in ports and will take measures to encourage fishermen to return their old fishing gear to these reception facilities.

The Council also agreed new legally binding targets for the preparing for reuse and recycling of municipal waste: 65% by 2035. The separate collection according to material will improve recycling rates. Specific recycling targets will apply to packaging by 2030, demanding that – for example: 70% of all packaging is recycled, along with 55% of plastic, 80% of ferrous metals and 75% of glass.