Vol. 563 No. 1
272 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will use his influence at EU level to bring about unity of purpose within the existing member states and the applicant countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7422/03]
The Government, in common with successive Governments, believes that the European Union is most effective when it acts in harmony and speaks with one voice. Naturally, as the European Union is made up of sovereign states, there can be different views among its members on any given topic. This reflects the very nature of the European Union, in which dialogue among the member states is the means whereby a common EU position is sought and very often achieved, irrespective of the issue at hand.
The European Union plays an increasingly important role in the lives of its citizens, as well as an ever greater role in the wider world. Therefore, it is in the interest of both the citizens of the EU member states and of the international community as a whole when the EU can achieve a common position on key issues. The Government will continue to advocate the importance of solidarity among the member states and applicant countries.
