4. Implementation of the Joint Declaration is a key political priority for the EU. It constitutes an essential element of broader efforts aimed at strengthening the Union's ability to act as a security provider, in line with the Council Conclusions on implementing the EU Global Strategy in the area of Security and Defence and the European Defence Action Plan. 5. The Council welcomes the progress achieved in advancing EU-NATO relations, in particular since the signature of the Joint Declaration, including in implementing and operationalising parallel procedures and playbooks for interaction in countering hybrid threats; enhancing operational cooperation and coordination on maritime issues including between EU NAVFOR MED Sophia and Operation Sea Guardian in the Mediterranean in implementing their mandates, building upon the successful cooperation between the EU and NATO in the Aegean; developing parallel and coordinated exercises as well as in the field of strategic communication with a view to building resilience. EU-NATO cooperation in the field of exercises will be conducted in full respect of the EU’s Exercise Policy Framework. 6. With a view to consolidating such progress and ensuring further advances in all areas listed in the Joint Declaration, the Council endorses the common set of proposals attached in the annex. They constitute concrete actions for the implementation of the Joint Declaration developed jointly by the EU (EEAS and Commission services, with the EDA) and NATO. The common set of proposals is not a standalone document and must be read in conjunction with the present Council Conclusions both of which will be implemented in accordance with the principles set out above. 7. The common set of proposals is being endorsed in a parallel process by NATO through the North Atlantic Council. 15283/16 ANNEX FP/as DGC 2B 3 EN