Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 3

Written Answers. - European Union Security Policy.

Ivor Callely

Question:

20 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the EU member states that support Ireland's position in relation to the European Union common foreign and security policy and which have a similar view in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17913/97]

Ivor Callely

Question:

57 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the development of the European Union common foreign and security policy over the next decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17914/97]

Ivor Callely

Question:

93 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the issues of concern, if any, to which his attention has been drawn regarding the EU common foreign and security policy; the views of the other member states on these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17935/97]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 57 and 93 together.

The common foreign and security policy of the European Union (CFSP) is based on Title V of the Maastricht Treaty. The objectives of the policy as defined in the 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 in all ways;

— to preserve peace and strengthen international security, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter as well as the principles of the Helsinki Final Act and the objectives of the Paris Charter;

— to promote international co-operation;

— to develop and consolidate democracy and the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

I do not propose here to address specific foreign policy issues which have been discussed in the framework of the CFSP since they will have been the subject of statements already made in this House, but I would point out that all the member states of the European Union have agreed to the objectives which I have stated. All share a common interest in ensuring that in responding to international developments the Union is able to act in a timely, coherent, and effective manner.

The Maastricht Treaty provided that the Common Foreign and Security Policy provisions would be reviewed at the 1996 Intergovernmental Conference. As a result of this review, the Amsterdam Treaty which was signed on 2 October this year incorporates certain changes in the CFSP. I outlined these changes in some detail in my statement to the Dáil on 16 October on the Amsterdam Treaty. I said then ". the years since the Maastricht Treaty have demonstrated that while the threat of East/West and global conflict has drastically receded, new challenges have emerged in international affairs — as intractable and complex conflicts in the Balkans and Africa have demonstrated. In consequence the essential aim of the review undertaken by the Intergovernmental Conference was to create a more coherent and visible foreign policy which would:

— reflect the importance of the EU on the international stage and maximize its contribution to international peace and security;

— respond to the concern of its citizens that the EU could and should be making a greater contribution in this regard, commensurate with its very considerable economic capacity."

The principles which I have just outlined will continue to apply and will guide the future development of the CFSP.