§ Mr. RammellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 17 and 18 May; and if he will make a statement. [85240]
§ Ms QuinMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I attended the General Affairs Council and the EU/Russia Co-operation Council on 17 May. There was a meeting of the European Economic Area Council on the 18 May. The Council adopted the A points listed in document 8136/99 and noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its sessions of 12–16 April, listed in document 7187/99. Copies of the documents listing the A points and resolutions will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as they become available.
Western Balkans
The Council adopted conclusions regretting President Milosevic's failure to accept the international community's conditions; reiterating its support for the elected government of Montenegro; welcoming President Ahtisaari's mission; stressing the need for a UN Security Council Resolution; highlighting the need for EU assistance to reach Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro quickly; and agreeing to begin work on an EU Common Strategy on the 24W Western Balkans. The Council also agreed that a Stability Pact for South East Europe should be established, and endorsed a draft text as the basis for further talks between the EU and other parties to the Pact.EU/Charter of Rights
The Council had a preliminary discussion of Presidency proposals for an EU Charter of Rights. There will be further discussion at the 31 May GAC.Institutional reform
The Council discussed the timing, scope and preparation of an inter-governmental conference, as envisaged by the Protocol on reform of the Institutions annexed to the Amsterdam Treaty. Final decisions will be taken by the Cologne European Council.Common European Policy on Security and Defence
Ministers also discussed a draft Presidency report which will be submitted to the Cologne European Council. The report sets out principles to be observed when considering possible new defence arrangements allowing the European Union to take on crisis management, peace-keeping and conflict prevention tasks.EU/US Relations
The Commission reported on the latest developments in the beef hormones dispute. The Council stressed the importance of handling the dispute in a constructive and positive manner and invited the Commission to intensify contacts with the US and Canada. The Council encouraged further efforts to secure agreement on compensation should the US and Canada pursue WTO authorisation for retaliatory measures. The Council welcomed the Commission's intention to evaluate, with Member States, possible next steps and to keep the Council fully informed.EU Assistance to Central America
Council agreed the general outline of a Commission Action Plan to provide assistance to Central America in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch. Ministers welcomed the opportunity to discuss the plan with the beneficiary countries at the EU/Central America Ministerial in Bonn on 20 May. The Council agreed that the indicative amount of 250 meuro in the Commission plan was without prejudice to the overall spending allocations under Category 4 (external expenditure) of the EC budget. The Council invited the Commission to bring forward an assessment of external spending priorities for the period 2000–2006.EU/Egypt
The Council reviewed the progress made in the latest negotiating round with Egypt. The relevant Council bodies will examine the current package further with a view to conclusion at the 31 May GAC if at all possible.Russia Common Strategy
Ministers agreed a Common Strategy on Russia, which will be submitted for adoption to the Cologne European Council. It sets clear objectives for the EU's relations with Russia with the aim of supporting democratic and economic reforms, and enhancing co-operation with Russia on international affairs and on matters of common concern such as organised crime and environmental problems.East Timor
Ministers agreed the need for a substantial EU contribution to the UN Trust Fund for East Timor and asked the Commission to look urgently at options for funding.Belarus
The Council adopted a declaration calling on the Government of Belarus to enter into political dialogue with the opposition.Nigeria
25WIn view of the progress made towards the transition to democracy and the impending installation of civilian Government the Council decided to repeal the EU Common Position on Nigeria (98/614/CFSP) containing the remaining sanctions with effect from 1 June 1999.EU/Russia Co-operation Council
The EU Common Strategy on Russia, and Kosovo, were the main topics discussed at the EU/Russia Co-operation Council on 17 May. Detailed points implementation of the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement will be dealt with at the next meeting of the Co-operation Committee.European Economic Area Council
The 11th EEA Council assessed the 'functioning of the EEA Agreement, reviewed developments in regional issues and European integration, and discussed political issues.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the nature of the social security provision agreed at the Luxembourg General Affairs Council of 26 and 27 April. [83930]
§ Ms QuinFrom time to time it is necessary to amend the EC Regulations, which co-ordinate the operation of Member States' social security schemes, to take account of changes in legislation of the Member States or to effect improvements in the provisions where a deficiency in the existing arrangements comes to light. The social security provisions agreed at the Luxembourg General Affairs Council on 26 and 27 April related to amendments of this type. The only amendment of direct concern to the UK was to an Annex of the co-ordinating Regulations. This was to clarify which is the competent State for payment of UK Family Credit and Irish Family Income Supplement for workers who are resident in Ireland and work in the UK, or vice versa.