Explanatory Memorandum to JOIN(2020)6 - Adoption of a decision identifying the strategic objectives of the Union to be pursued through the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024

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dossier JOIN(2020)6 - Adoption of a decision identifying the strategic objectives of the Union to be pursued through the EU Action Plan on Human ...
source JOIN(2020)6 EN
date 25-03-2020
1.External action by the Union shall pursue the objectives set out in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union as regards democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms.


2.To that end, the Commission and the High Representative propose to the Council to recommend to the European Council the adoption of a European Council Decision identifying the strategic interests and objectives of the Union pursuant to Article 22 (1) of the Treaty on European Union through the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024. This decision shall be without prejudice to the distribution of competences and the decision-making procedures under the Treaties. It shall in particular not affect the qualified majority voting where it currently applies.


3.The Action Plan identifies the objectives to be pursued and the concrete measures that should be taken to implement the Action Plan. The adoption of a Decision by the European Council would provide the framework to enable the identification of concrete proposals for actions or positions to be taken by the Union in the implementation of its objectives on Human Rights and Democracy and facilitate the identification of the means to be dedicated to those objectives by the Union and the Member States.


Joint Proposal for a

RECOMMENDATION OF THE COUNCIL TO THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL

on the adoption of a decision identifying the strategic objectives of the Union to be pursued through the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024


The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security, for the area of common foreign and security policy, and the Commission, for other areas of external action, propose to the Council to recommend to the European Council the adoption of a Decision according to Article 22 (1) of the Treaty on European Union.


It is proposed that the Council recommends to the European Council the adoption of the draft European Council Decision annexed to this proposal