Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Apr 1997

Vol. 478 No. 5

Written Answers. - EU Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Ivor Callely

Question:

40 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position regarding the EU common foreign and security policy; if he will give details of Ireland's input in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11516/97]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) was established under the Maastricht Treaty as the structure for co-operation among EU member states on foreign policy issues. The objectives of the CFSP, as set out in Article J.1 of the Maastricht Treaty, are: to safeguard the common values, fundamental interests and independence of the Union; to strengthen the security of the Union and its member states; to preserve peace and strengthen international security, in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Final Act and the objectives of the Paris Charter; to promote international co-operation; and to develop and consolidate democracy and the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

There has been a significant intensification of the foreign policy activity of the Union under the new arrangements with a particular focus on the major contemporary issues including former Yugoslavia, the Middle East peace process and the Great Lakes region. Under Article J.3 of the Maastricht Treaty, the Union is able to take joint action, covering political, diplomatic and economic action in an organised manner in areas in which there are important common interests. Since the entry into force of the Maastricht Treaty, the Council has adopted Joint Actions,inter alia, in support of the conveying of humanitarian aid in Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the European Union administration of the town of Mostar; the transition towards a democratic and multi-racial South Africa; the Middle East peace process, the dispatch of a team of election observers for the parliamentary elections in the Russian Federation; the preparation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review and Extension Conference and the control of the export of dual-use goods.

The other main instrument for Union action under the CFSP is the common position, which is a less extensive form of action than a Joint Action. Common positions have been adopted,inter alia, on assistance to Rwanda and Burundi; on the Union's objectives and priorities in relation to the Ukraine; in relation to sanctions against Libya and Serbia-Montenegro; and on an arms embargo against Sudan, Burma and Cuba.

I have already reported to the House, both after the European Council and in response to other questions, on the detailed contribution made by Ireland, during its Presidency, to the development of the CFSP. Ireland is also making a positive contribution to the review of the CFSP which is currently under way at the intergovernmental conference (IGC).

Ivor Callely

Question:

41 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position and developments of a European defence policy; the implications, if any, for the State of such an EU common defence policy which may lead to a common defence union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11517/97]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Maastricht Treaty on European Union, ratified by the Irish people in a referendum, provides that the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the Union "shall include all questions relating to the security of the Union, including the eventual framing of a common defence policy, which might in time lead to a common defence." The Maastricht Treaty also provided for the convening of a further intergovernmental conference in 1996 to review, inter alia, this Treaty provision. The current Intergovernmental Conference negotiation are progressing well, although there remain a number of issues to be resolved before the Amsterdam summit in June.

Ireland's strong commitment to the development of the CFSP is reflected in our approach to the IGS negotiations. In the negotiations it has been fully recongnised that EU member states which are not members of military alliances have a constructive role to play in the development of the Union in the security and defence area. I would mention in particular the Petersberg tasks, in which countries such as Ireland, Finland, Sweden and Austria, with their long tradition in UN peacekeeping, could play an important role that is consistent with their non-membership of alliances.

The Government White Paper on Foreign Policy sets out the principles that guide our approach in contributing to discussion of defence policy in the EU context. It also makes clear that the outcome of any future negotiations that would involve Ireland's participation in a common defence policy would be put to the people in a referendum. This will ensure that Ireland's policy of military neutrality remains unchanged, unless the people themselves decide otherwise.