Vol. 571 No. 2
138 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the policies to be pursued at EU level during Ireland's Presidency on the future development of Europe, the next Intergovernmental Conference, and on Europe's relationship with the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21141/03]
149 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the main themes of the Irish EU Presidency in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21143/03]
185 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his priorities as President of the Council of Foreign Ministers when Ireland holds the Presidency of the EU during the first six months of 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21073/03]
237 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his priorities during Ireland's Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21446/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138, 149, 185 and 237 together.
A key objective in relation to our EU Presidency is, as before, to run an efficient and impartial Presidency. The first half of 2004 undoubtedly presents very particular challenges, and our preparations, including in relation to our programme, will reflect this. Ireland will be the first Presidency to preside over the new enlarged Union of 25 states when the new member states formally accede to the Union on 1 May 2004. How we, as holders of the Presidency, handle this transition and ensure that the Council continues to function effectively, while pursuing the successful integration of the new members, will be an important focus for our Presidency.
While the Presidency programme will be finalised in December, following the last European Council of the Italian Presidency, four main areas of activity have been identified at this stage as likely to be at the core of the Union's activities during our Presidency.
The first of these is enlargement in relation to which, in addition to the integration of the new member states, work will also be ongoing in relation to the accession applications of Romania and Bulgaria, and also of Turkey.
The Lisbon agenda of economic, social and environmental renewal of the Union has been identified by us as a second key Presidency task and will be the focus for the Spring European Council. We will be seeking to revitalise the process and give it greater dynamism as it approaches its crucial mid-term point.
A third priority to feature prominently will be justice and home affairs issues as work to complete the area of freedom, security and justice, in line with the Amsterdam treaty and Tampere conclusions continues with a view to meeting the deadline of 1 May 2004.
The EU's external agenda which we will be required to manage is extensive and challenging and clearly represents a fourth priority. Key areas that we envisage focusing on in particular include EU-UN relations, the transatlantic relationship, the Middle East peace process and EU-Africa relations.
A possible fifth priority area of work relates to institutional reform where it remains unclear whether and, if so, to what extent the Intergovernmental Conference to agree a new constitutional treaty will run into our Presidency. While the Italian Presidency has made it clear that it is determined to conclude the Intergovernmental Conference, which begins in Rome on 4 October with a special meeting of Heads of State and Government, it remains a possibility that final agreement will not be reached in December. If so, Ireland will be asked to take the Intergovernmental Conference forward and this will represent a major Presidency priority.
Turning more specifically to the agenda of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, on EU-UN relations, we will work to contribute to effective multilateralism through a reinvigorated UN. We would particularly like to build on recent progress in the area of EU-UN co-operation in conflict prevention and crisis management.
The transatlantic relationship is a pivotal element of a stable and prosperous international climate. As holder of the Presidency, Ireland is committed to further developing co-operation between the EU and the US on a broad range of issues, including in the foreign policy arena and as regards economic and trade relations. We expect to host an EU-US summit in Ireland and are working closely with the US side to establish dates.
The Middle East peace process will undoubtedly be a key area of focus for the first half of next year. I believe that the roadmap remains the best hope of a peaceful settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict. The parties must act in accordance with their commitments under it and work to give effect to its provisions.
We also plan to devote considerable attention to Africa and to EU-Africa relations. The ongoing situations in Liberia and in the Great Lakes region will continue to be focal points as will the situation in Zimbabwe. I will also be looking at ways of revitalising the EU-Africa dialogue and focusing on building a more effective and comprehensive EU approach to conflict prevention and resolution in Africa.
Development issues will also be given a high priority during our Presidency. In line with the Government's key priority for Ireland's development co-operation programme we will work to ensure maximum effectiveness of the EU's contribution to reducing global poverty and inequality. The fight against HIV-AIDS in developing countries will receive particular attention within the set of development co-operation priorities for Ireland's EU Presidency.
Other issues that will be prominent on the Council's external agenda include relations with Russia, wider Europe and the western Balkans and the issues of human rights and disarmament and non-proliferation.
I was delighted to provide detailed briefing on Ireland's Presidency priorities to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs on 9 September and the Government will continue to keep the Oireachtas fully informed as our Presidency preparations and priorities evolve.
