Ciarán Cuffe
Question:99 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans and priorities for Ireland's EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30503/03]
Written Answers. - EU Presidency.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:133 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his priorities during Ireland's Presidency of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30665/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 133 together.
The Government aims to run an efficient, effective and impartial Presidency. The first half of 2004 presents particular challenges, and our preparations, including those for our Presidency programme, reflect this. Ireland will be the first Presidency to preside over the enlarged Union of 25 states when the new member states formally accede on 1 May 2004. The successful integration of the new members will be an important focus for our Presidency. We will also take forward work in relation to the further enlargement of the Union. The Union's agenda for economic, social and environmental renewal 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.
The focus in the Irish Presidency in the justice and home affairs area will be on the delivery of agreed commitments under the Amsterdam treaty which remain outstanding and the broader Tampere programme, as updated by subsequent European Councils. This will involve a wide ranging agenda including asylum, immigration, police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters and civil law co-operation. The Irish Presidency will also focus on operational co-operation and will place emphasis on the fight against drugs and organised crime and combating illegal immigration.
There are certain key issues which we would like to highlight and progress in relation to the EU's external agenda. These include, support for effective multilateralism through close EU-UN co-operation, the transatlantic relationship, EU-Africa relations, human rights and the further development of ESDP, in particular conflict prevention. Other issues that will be prominent on the Council's external agenda include the Middle East peace process, relations with Russia, wider Europe and the western Balkans as well as the issues of human rights and disarmament and non-proliferation.
Development issues will also be highlighted 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. Ireland's Presidency programme will be finalised after the European Council and the Intergovernmental Conference meeting in Brussels on 12-13 December. It remains to be seen whether the Intergovernmental Conference on a new constitutional treaty will be completed at that meeting. If not, Ireland will work to bring the Intergovernmental Conference to a successful conclusion.