Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 6

Written Answers. - EU External Relations.

Noel Davern

Question:

33 Mr. Davern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions, if any, he has taken to ensure that a co-ordinated approach will be taken in the future by the EU in its relationship with countries outside the EU. [23912/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Florence European Council in June requested the Irish Presidency to prepare a "general outline for a draft revision of the Treaties" for consideration by Heads of State or Government at the European Council in Dublin on 13 and 14 December 1996. As the Deputy is aware, the Presidency last week produced an outline draft treaty reflecting months of intensive negotiations. A copy has been sent to the Oireachtas Library.

The outline draft treaty focuses among other things on enhancing the Union's external action. It recognises that, despite the fact it is the world's largest trading entity, the European Union is not as effective as it should be in using its diplomatic influence and economic capacity in relations with third countries and in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the world. The outline draft treaty makes a number of proposals which are designed to enhance the effectiveness and coherence of the Union's external action. The detailed proposals in the document concern both the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the external economic relations of the Union.

As far as the Common Foreign and Security Policy is concerned the proposals envisage a number of elements which would enable the Union to ensure a more effective and co-ordinated approach. These include: the establishment of a new planning and early warning capability to be established under the responsibility of the Secretary General of the Council; improved decision-making procedures; and association of the Commission in an enhanced way with CFSP policy implementation and representation with a view to ensuring coherence in the overall external action of the Union.

As far as external economic relations are concerned, the outline draft treaty envisages a limited extension of external Community competence in order to make it possible for the Community to act rapidly and decisively in the highly competitive and rapidly changing international trading environment, notably in the World Trade Organisation, in the areas of services, intellectual property and direct foreign investment.

These are, of course, very complex and sensitive areas and unanimous agreement will be required for any treaty changes. Nevertheless we are confident that our proposals in this area will be reflected at the end of the Conference in significant improvements in the Union's external action.