PART A

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Grouping of external action articles in the Treaty

The Group agreed that it would be useful to group in a section of the new Treaty the relevant articles of the current Treaties, which cover the different aspects of EU external policy, while keeping different arrangements for different policy areas.

2. Principles and Objectives

There was a very large consensus in the Group on the need to define in the Treaty the underlying principles and general objectives of EU external action, in a manner that would be clear to the public and the EU's partners. The Group reached agreement on the following text defining "principles and objectives" of EU external action:

Principles and Objectives of EU External Action
1. The Union's action on the international stage will be guided by, and designed to advance in the wider world, the values which have inspired its own creation, development and enlargement: democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the principles of human dignity, equality and solidarity, and respect for international law in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The Union will seek to develop relations and build partnerships with countries, and regional or global organisations, who share these values. It will promote multilateral solutions to common problems, in particular in the framework of the United Nations.

2. The European Union will define and pursue common policies and Union actions, and will work for a maximum degree of cooperation in all fields of international relations, in order:
(a) to safeguard the common values, fundamental interests, independence and integrity of the Union;
(b) to consolidate and support democracy, the rule of law, human rights and international law;
(c) to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security, in conformity with the principles of the United Nations Charter;
(d) to foster the durable economic and social development of developing countries, with the primary aim to eradicate poverty, in particular in low income countries;
(e) to encourage the integration of all countries into the world economy, including through the progressive abolition of restrictions on international trade;
(f) to develop international measures to preserve the environment and global natural resources, and ensure sustainable development;
(g) to assist populations , countries and regions confronting man-made or natural disasters;
(h) to promote an international system based on stronger multilateral cooperation and good global governance.

The Group also recommended that, to ensure consistency in EU external and internal action, these principles and objectives should be taken into account when considering external aspects of EU internal policies...

To read the full document see: http://register.consilium.eu.int/pdf/en/02/cv00/00459en2.pdf