The Council adopted a common position renewing restrictive measures against Burma/Myanmar until 30 April 2009 and updating the lists of persons and enterprises subject to those measures (8391/08).

The new lists take account of changes in the government, the security forces, the State Peace and Development Council and the administration in Burma/Myanmar, as well as in the personal situations of the individuals concerned. It includes other persons associated with the regime in Burma/Myanmar who are deemed responsible for acts of repression, and additional enterprises that are owned or controlled by the regime or by persons associated with the regime.

The restrictive measures, first adopted in 1996, were replaced by new measures under common position 2006/318/CFSP, adopted by the Council in April 2006. They consist of a visa ban and a freezing of assets of members of the military regime and other individuals, groups and undertakings that are impeding Burma/Myanmar's transition to democracy. They also include a ban on making financial loans or credits available to, and on acquiring or extending a participation in, Burmese state-owned enterprises.

Following the repression of peaceful protestors in autumn 2007 and continuing human rights violations by the Burmese authorities. the Council adopted in November 2007 additional measures targeted at the sources of the regime's revenue, such as the logging, timber and mining industries.

RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA

The Council discussed negotiating directives for a new agreement to provide a comprehensive framework for EU-Russia relations.

OTHER BUSINESS

Georgia

The Council had an exchange of views on recent developments in the Georgian conflict areas following the Russian decision announced on 16 April to establish official ties with institutions of the de facto authorities in South Ossetia and Abkhazia without the consent of the government of Georgia, and on ongoing and future contacts aimed at preventing an increase in tensions.

Maritime piracy

Following recent acts of piracy perpetrated in international waters off the Somali coast against French and Spanish vessels, the Council had an exchange of views at Spain's initiative on ways to contribute, notably in the framework of the UN, to an international response to prevent and fight against such acts.

Tibet

Ministers took stock of ongoing contacts regarding the situation in the autonomous Chinese region of Tibet, including during the recent visit of the Commission in China, as a follow-up to the discussion they had at their informal meeting in Brdo (Slovenia) on 29 March.

EVENTS IN THE MARGINS OF THE COUNCIL

The following events took place in the margins of the Council meeting:

28 April 2008:

Association Council with Egypt

EU-ECOWAS Troika (See final communique in doc. 8936/08).

EU-OSCE Troika

EU-Croatia Stabilisation and Association Council (See press release in doc. 4353/08).

29 April 2008:

Signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and of the Interim Agreement with Serbia EU-Russia Troika

OTHER ITEMS APPROVED

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Uzbekistan - Restrictive measures - Council Conclusions

The Council adopted a common position on restrictive measures against Uzbekistan (8416/08), extending the suspension of visa restrictions for a further six months until 13 November 2008, following a review of the situation and with a view to encouraging the Uzbek authorities to take steps to improve the human rights situation.

The restrictive measures were introduced under common position 2005/792/CFSP, adopted by the Council in November 2005 in response to the excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force by the Uzbek security forces during demonstrations in Andijan. Certain restrictive measures were renewed a year later under common position 2006/787/CFSP. In May 2007, the Council extended for six months the restrictions on admission for some individuals (common position 2007/338/CFSP). In November 2007, it adopted common position 2007/734/CFSP renewing certain restrictive measures imposed by common position 2005/792/CFSP.

The Council also adopted the following conclusions:

1. Recalling its previous Conclusions and especially the Common Position 2007/734/CFSP of 13 November 2007, the Council welcomes the progress achieved in Uzbekistan in recent months in the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law, notably the abolition of the death penalty, the introduction of habeas corpus and the ratification of the ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. The Council looks forward to the effective implementation of these measures and stands ready to assist Uzbekistan in that regard. The Council also reiterates its willingness to strengthen cooperation with Uzbekistan in all priority areas outlined in the EU Strategy for Central Asia.

2. The Council welcomes the release by the Uzbek authorities of four human rights defenders in February 2008, namely Saidjahon Zainabitdinov, Ikhtior Khamraev, Ulugbek Kattabaev and Bobomurod Mavlanov, and the cancellation of the probation period of two other human rights defenders, Gulbahor Turaeva and Umida Niazova, who were released from prison last year.

3. The Council was also pleased that the Uzbek government has reached an agreement with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on the resumption of visits by the ICRC to prisons in Uzbekistan. The Council will pay close attention to the effective implementation of this agreement.

4. The Council looks forward to continuing comprehensive and results-oriented dialogue with the Uzbek authorities and in that context welcomes the Uzbek agreement to conduct a second round of the EU-Uzbekistan Human Rights dialogue in May/June this year. The Council also looks forward to the holding of an EU seminar on media freedom in Uzbekistan and encourages the Uzbek authorities to take further steps to guarantee the freedom of expression and to allow further liberalisation of mass media in Uzbekistan.

5. Nevertheless, the Council remains seriously concerned about the situation of human rights and the rule of law in a number of areas in Uzbekistan and urges the authorities to fully implement their international obligations in that regard. In particular, the Council calls on the Uzbek authorities to take the following steps, as requested earlier by the EU: to ensure the early release of the imprisoned human rights defenders and to cease harassment of human rights defenders; to finalise without delay the accreditation of the new Country Director of Human Rights Watch and to allow the unhindered operation of that organisation; to cooperate fully and effectively with the UN Special Rapporteurs on Torture and on Freedom of the Media; and to revoke restrictions on the registration and operation of NGOs in Uzbekistan.

6. With a view to encouraging the Uzbek authorities to take substantive steps to improve the human rights situation and taking into account their commitments, the Council decided that the visa restrictions for individuals listed in the annex of Common Position 2007/734/CFSP would not apply for another period of six months. After three months, the Council will review the progress made by the Uzbek authorities towards meeting the conditions set out in Common Position 2007/734/CFSP and further specified in paragraph 5 of these Conclusions, and in light of any other action that demonstrates the readiness of the Uzbek authorities to adhere to the principles of respect for human rights, rule of law and fundamental freedoms. The Council will assess the outcome of this review and present its recommendations to the Uzbek government on possible further steps to be taken in order to improve the respect of human rights and rule of law in Uzbekistan. The Council will closely and continuously monitor and assess, in light of the conditions set out above, the human rights situation in Uzbekistan and may lift, amend or re-apply the visa restrictions as appropriate.

Review of EU guidelines on torture - Council conclusions

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

1. The Council welcomes the review of the Guidelines on Torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and adopts the updated version of the guidelines as set out in doc. 8590/08.

2. The Council confirms that the promotion and protection of the right not to be submitted to torture is a priority of the EU's human rights policy. To work towards the prevention and eradication of all forms of torture and ill treatment within the EU and worldwide is a strongly held policy view of all EU member states.

3. The Council recalls the EU's firm position to fully comply with obligations in respect of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, in the fight against terrorism, in particular the absolute prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

4. The Council underlines the importance of further strengthening the implementation of the torture guidelines through follow-up of the lessons identified during the review, in particular through strengthening the cooperation with UN mechanisms and regional actors.

5. The Council further stresses the importance of the new implementation measures and underlines that the effective implementation of the guidelines i.a. depends on active awareness raising measures, but also on the cooperation between government bodies and civil society.

6. The Council recalls the importance to complement diplomatic action with financial support for torture prevention and rehabilitation programmes and welcomes efforts aimed at improving the impact of these programmes. The Council acknowledges the important work by the European Commission in this regard and calls on Member States to support torture rehabilitation centres.

Afghanistan - Council conclusions

The European Union warmly welcomes the Afghan Government representative to the EU/Afghan Troika and would like to re-iterate its support to the Government of Afghanistan and for its National Drug Control Strategy (NDCS). It recalls the primary responsibility of the Government of Afghanistan in tackling the narcotics problem. The EU remains committed to assist in tackling the narcotics trade and the diversion of precursors, which threatens both Afghanistan's stability and prosperity, and the security of the wider region.

We strongly welcome the recent Afghanistan Joint Co-ordination Monitoring Board (JCMB) meeting in Tokyo and the Afghan Governments commitment to accelerate and improve implementation of the NDCS through:

(i) provision of force protection for eradication in targeted areas;

(ii) re-structuring and reform of the counter-narcotics trust fund;

(iii) provincial based planning for CN policy implementation based on the Provincial Development Plans;

(iv) expansion and effective delivery of programmes to promote licit development, including economic support for licit cash crops and rural industries;

(v) strengthening of justice and other legal institutions and interdiction efforts;

(vi) further strengthening of cross-border, regional, and international co-operation for CN activities; and

(vii) mainstreaming CN into all government policies.

We consider this implementation vital. Efforts to improve the rule of law with an effective police and justice system are essential. Bringing to justice those involved in narcotics, improving security and provincial governments control, and fighting corruption are also pivotal in tackling the narcotics problem in a long term way.

Afghan leadership and delivery is critical and the EU stands ready to assist by pursuing its comprehensive strategy in combating the opium economy, through a combination of improved economic opportunities, social development and better security and governance. EU assistance 2007-2013 focuses on these issues. Concerning security, the EU fully supports the work of the ESDP police mission, EUPOL, and calls on Member States and international partners to continue the deployment of quality police personnel. The EU also stresses the paramount importance of the programme of measures under the Instrument for Stability to support Afghanistan in promoting rule of law through support to the reform of the Justice Sector. The EU acknowledges there are no quick fixes. The experience of Pakistan and Thailand show that the fight against poppy cultivation takes time and that the application of a comprehensive and co-ordinated approach is essential. In line with the Afghan National Drug Control Strategy, combining the fight against drug trafficking, strengthening rural livelihoods, reducing demand, and strengthening state institutions, particularly criminal justice and law enforcement are priorities. We also welcome the inclusion of the aspect of countering corruption as a complementing element in the fight against drugs in Afghanistan, as put forward in the report to the JCMB on the implementation of the NDCS.

As part of this long-term endeavour UNODC will have to consider broadening and strengthening its range of reporting. This could help the Government of Afghanistan and the international community determine the success of all pillars of the NDCS.

The EU acknowledges and supports the Government of Afghanistan's opposition to licit opium cultivation." Relations with Latin America and the Caribbean

The Council approved draft agendas and draft joint declarations and communiqués, as a basis for further negotiations, for a series of summits to be held in Lima, on 16 and 17 May, namely:

- summit of the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC);

- summits between the EU troika and LAC partners from Chile, Mexico, the Andean Community, Central America, Mercosur and Cariforum.

Relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council

The Council approved a provisional agenda for the 18th EU-GCC Joint Council and ministerial meeting as well as a draft joint communiqué setting out the position of the EU at this meeting, which will take place in Brussels on 26 May.

The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) is a regional organisation regrouping the six Gulf countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates).

DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

ACP-EU Cotonou partnership agreement - Mid-term review

The Council adopted a decision approving the conclusion of an agreement enacting a number of amendments to the partnership agreement signed in Cotonou in June 2000 between the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) and the European Community (6368/1/08).

The amendments cover a variety of provisions, including with regard to the fight against terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, financial provisions and political dialogue on human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.

The Cotonou agreement governs the relations between the ACP countries and the EU. Its main objective is fighting poverty through an enhanced political dimension, new economic and trade partnerships and improved financial cooperation. Concluded for a period of 20 years, the agreement provides for reviews of its provisions every five years.

The agreement concluded by the Council is the outcome of the review carried out at the end of the first five-year period.

TRADE POLICY

Anti-dumping - Bed linen, coumarin and footwear

The Council adopted regulations:

amending regulation 397/2004 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of cotton-type bed linen originating in Pakistan (8030/08);

imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of coumarin originating in China following an expiry review pursuant to regulation 384/96 extended to India, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia (8180/08); extending the definitive anti-dumping measures imposed by regulation 1472/2006 on imports of certain footwear with leather uppers originating in China to imports of the same product consigned from Macao, whether declared as originating in Macao or not (8199/08).

GENERAL AFFAIRS

Proceedings in the Council's different configurations

The Council took note of a report from the presidency on proceedings in its different configurations (8700/08).

Communicating Europe - Council conclusions

The Council adopted conclusions welcoming the Commission communication of 3 October 2007 entitled "Communicating Europe in Partnership" (COM(2007) 569 final) and taking note of the Commission working document containing a “Proposal for an Interinstitutional Agreement” (COM(2007) 568 final).

The text of the conclusions can be found in doc. 8528/08.

TRANSPARENCY

Annual report on public access to documents

The Council adopted its annual report on implementation of regulation 1049/2001 on public access to documents (8475/08).

The report, which covers 2007, indicates that:

More than 67 % of Council documents produced in 2007 i.e. 108 343 of the 161 121 new documents listed in the Council's register - were made directly accessible to the public via the register upon circulation.

As of 31 December 2007, the Council's register referred to 1 010 217 documents (all language versions taken together), of which 724 338 (71,7 % of those registered) were public documents, i.e. either available in a downloadable format or on request.

In 2007, 465 612 different users logged on to the Council's public document register (as against 380 349 in 2006), representing an increase of 22,4 %. The total number of visits increased by 21 % (2 078 602 visits in 2007 against 1 722 354 in 2006), representing more than 5 700 visits per day.

The Council received 1 964 requests for access from the public concerning a total of 7 809 documents and gave access (total and partial access taken together) to 6 123 (78,9 %) of requested documents.

The report highlights key developments in the fifth year of the regulation's implementation and reviews complaints submitted to the European Ombudsman as well as rulings given by Community courts in cases concerning access to Council documents.

In addition, the report presents regulatory, administrative and practical adaptations made by the Council in order to comply with the regulation. It concludes that, as far as the Council is concerned, the aims set by the treaties and by regulation 1049/2001 were achieved in 2007.

Public access to documents

The Council adopted a reply to confirmatory application 02/c/01/08 made by Mr Ottavio MARZOCCHI, the Danish, Slovenian, Finnish and Swedish delegations voting against (doc. 6449/08).

BUDGET

Adjustment to the EU's multiannual financial framework

The Council adopted a decision adjusting the EU's multiannual financial framework via an amendment to the agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (7682/1/08).

The adjustment has become necessary because EUR 2 034 million in current prices could not be committed in 2007 nor carried over to 2008 as a result of delays in the adoption of certain operational programmes under heading 1b (structural funds and cohesion fund) and heading 2 (rural development and European fund for fisheries) of the EU's general budget. Parliament and Council agreed to transfer this amount to subsequent financial years. The decision does not lead to any increase in the overall ceiling for payments.

JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS

SIS II schedule

The Council confirmed presidency conclusions presented in a report on open issues related to the detailed schedule of the second generation of the Schengen Information System (SIS II). The presidency was invited by the Council to report on this issue in conclusions adopted in February (see press release 6796/08, p. 8).

EU Monitoring Centre for drugs and drug addiction - Participation of Turkey

The Council adopted a decision approving an agreement with Turkey on its participation in the work of the European Monitoring Centre for drugs and drug addiction (13649/1/06).

Turkey, as an EU candidate country, can participate in Community programmes and agencies in the context of the accession process.

The monitoring centre, based in Lisbon, was established in 1993 to provide the Community and the member states with factual, objective, reliable and comparable information at European level on drugs and drug addiction and their consequences.

The agreement with Turkey was signed in October 2007.

For more information see: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu.

AGRICULTURE

Reform of the wine sector

The Council adopted a regulation reforming common organisation of the EU's wine market (7292/08, 8317/08 ADD 1).

The reform pursues the following objectives:

increasing the competitiveness of EU wine producers

winning back markets both within and outside the European Union

balancing supply and demand

simplifying rules

preserving the best traditions of European wine production

reinforcing the social fabric of rural areas, and

ensuring respect of the environment.

Its key elements include:

a scheme for grubbing-up premiums. Participation will be on a voluntary basis subject to certain conditions. In addition to the Community funds available for these premiums, member states can grant supplementary national aid up to 75 % of the premium already allocated;

eligibility to the single payment scheme for those who have grubbed up vines, giving rise to the payment of the regional average amount of direct decoupled aid up to a limit of EUR 350/ha;

the abolition of planting rights in 2015 with some derogations until 2018;

the attribution of national envelopes which each member state can allocate to the funding of different measures such as the promotion of European wine in third countries, restructuring and conversion of vineyards, modernisation, green harvesting, mutual funds, the harvest insurance and transitional measures for distillation and must aid;

an evaluation report on the effects of the reform, to be submitted by the Commission in 2012;

the possible indication of grape variety and vintage for all wines, subject to certain conditions;

a procedure for the protection of designations of origin or geographical indications;

criteria for sugar enrichment (chaptalisation).

The reform will apply as from 1 August 2008, with the following exceptions: 30 June 2008 for the grubbing-up scheme and support programmes; 1 August 2009 for arrangements relating to oenological practices, protection of designations of origin, geographical indications and traditional terms, labelling and presentation, the vineyard register, compulsory declarations, accompanying documents and product registers; 1 January 2008 for derogations from the ban on the vinification of grapes from certain areas under article 2 (3) of regulation 1493/1999; 1 January 2009 for a number of amendments to regulation 1782/2003.

The new regulation replaces regulation 1493/1999 on the common organisation of the market (CMO) in wine. Its provisions are aligned as much as possible on the "single CMO" into which it is destined to be incorporated at a later stage.

It is part of a reform of the EU's common agricultural policy that started in 2003 with arable crops and livestock and continued in 2004 with olive oil, tobacco and cotton, in 2006 with sugar and in 2007 with fruit and vegetables. It also takes into account Community policies for sustainable development, greater competitiveness, simplification and better regulation.

Monitoring of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)

The Council decided not to oppose the adoption by the Commission of a regulation incorporating in regulation 999/2001 new criteria for the revision of annual monitoring programmes concerning bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

Annex III of regulation 999/2001 contains rules for the monitoring of animals for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. It will be amended so as to introduce requirements for member states which consider that their BSE situation has improved and merits a revision of their annual BSE monitoring programmes. In particular, the new regulation will lay down epidemiological criteria for demonstrating improvement through a quantitative assessment of the BSE situation.

RESEARCH

Research fund for coal and steel *

The Council adopted a decision establishing a research programme under the EU's research fund for coal and steel, as well as multiannual technical guidelines for the programme (5882/08, 8354/2/08 ADD1). (OJ L 29, 5.2.2003, p. 28).

The aim of the programme is to increase competitiveness and contribute to the sustainable development of the coal and steel sectors, complementing the EU's seventh research framework programme (OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p. 1) in these sectors.

Regarding coal, the programme is aimed at supporting the Community's energy objectives and the competitive and environmentally-friendly use of coal. It promotes research relating to modern techniques and know-how required for further technological progress, mine safety, improved working conditions in mines and enhanced environmental protection.

As for the steel sector, the main emphasis of the programme is on the development of new or improved technologies to guarantee the economic, clean and safe production of steel and steel products, as characterised by steadily increasing performance, suitability to use, customer satisfaction, prolonged service life, easy recovery and recycling.

The maximum total financial contribution from the research fund for pilot and demonstration projects is increased to 50 % of eligible costs.

Multiannual technical guidelines for administration of the programme are modified in order to ensure complementarity with the seventh research framework programme and to take account of the incorporation of the EU's new member states.

ENVIRONMENT

Cartagena protocol on biosafety - Negotiating directives

The Council adopted a decision authorising the Commission to participate, as regards matters falling within the Community's competence, in negotiations on international rules and procedures for liability and redress for damage resulting from transboundary movements of living modified organisms. The negotiations, under the Cartagena protocol on biosafety, will take place at a meeting to be held in Bonn from 12 to 16 May.