EU Council Conclusions.pdf

The European Council meeting on September 1, 2008, addressed the conflict in Georgia, condemning Russia's actions and calling for a peaceful solution. Key points include:

1. Condemnation of Russia's actions: The European Council strongly condemned Russia's unilateral decision to recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
2. Call for peaceful solution: The Council emphasized the need for a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict, based on respect for international law and the principles of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
3. Support for Georgia: The European Union is ready to commit to supporting every effort to secure a peaceful solution, including a presence on the ground, and has decided to supply aid for reconstruction in Georgia.
4. International monitoring mechanism: The Council called for the finalization of an international monitoring mechanism to replace Russian security measures in the zone adjacent to South Ossetia.
5. EU-Russia relations: The Council considered the crisis in Georgia a crossroads in EU-Russia relations, calling for a strong relationship based on cooperation, trust, and dialogue, and respect for the rule of law and principles recognized by the United Nations Charter and the OSCE.
6. Energy security: The Council invited the Commission to examine initiatives to diversify energy sources and supply routes, intensifying efforts to secure energy supplies.
7. Eastern Partnership: The Council decided to adopt an "Eastern Partnership" in March 2009, aiming to support regional cooperation and step up relations with eastern neighbors.
8. EU Special Representative: The Council decided to appoint a European Union Special Representative for the crisis in Georgia.
9. International conference: The Council decided to convene an international conference to assist reconstruction in Georgia, with preparations to start immediately.
10. Evaluation of EU-Russia relations: The Council requested the Commission to conduct a careful in-depth examination of EU-Russia relations, beginning immediately and continuing in the run-up to the forthcoming summit.