Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2013
59. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he intends to develop a co-ordinated strategy on the Arab Spring and Middle East with his EU counterparts and EU High Representative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8936/13]
View answerThe European Council on 7-8 February took stock of Europe's relations with its southern neighbours, two years after the first democratic uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt in early 2011, and considered how to enhance the EU’s strategic partnership with the countries of the region. Overall, and while there have been difficult days and many setbacks along the way, as evident in Syria, the balance-sheet remains positive. Democratic elections have taken place for the first time in countries such as Libya, Tunisia and Egypt and basic freedoms and foundations of democracy have been advanced in many of the countries undergoing transition.
Ireland welcomes the strong commitment expressed in the European Council Conclusions to continue developing Europe's partnership with those countries. The Conclusions acknowledged that these processes of transition will inevitably take time and should involve a differentiated approach which reflects the progress individual countries are making in implementing democratic reforms. Overall, the EU's relations with the Southern Neighbourhood must be clearly based on the promotion and protection of human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.
The European Council tasked High Representative Ashton and the Foreign Affairs Council to conduct a review of the effectiveness of the EU's current policies in assisting the political and economic transition of the region and to report back by next June. In looking at how the effectiveness of the EU's collective action in the region can be enhanced, Ireland considers it important to ensure that the pace of democratic and economic development is country-led and that there is clear ownership in each country of the overall process of transition.
We also believe it is important for the EU's reputation in the region and for its overall relations with the Arab world that the Union should show leadership to the extent possible on political issues of strong mutual concern, and in particular in seeking to advance the Middle East peace process. These are arguments we will advance in the forthcoming review.
