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European Security Strategy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2013

Thursday, 9 May 2013

Questions (38)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

38. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a review of the European Security Strategy will be taking place in the near future; if he will outline Ireland's participation in the last review; his views on what he anticipates that Ireland's contribution will be at the next review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22113/13]

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Written answers

The European Security Strategy (ESS), which was approved by the European Council in 2003, outlines challenges and threats to European and international security such as terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, regional conflicts, state failure and organised crime. It goes on to focus on strategic objectives for the EU, in particular the need to promote good governance beyond the borders of the Union and to advance the development of effective multilateralism through support for the United Nations. It considers policy implications for the EU in light of these threats and strategic objectives. And it concludes that the EU should become more active, more capable and more coherent. We value also its role in widening the context in which the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operates.

A review of the ESS was carried out in 2008 but made no fundamental changes to it. It did, however, broaden the challenges identified to include threats such as cyber security, climate change and pandemics. In the lead-up to the review, Ireland worked to ensure that the document remained consistent with our values and concerns. In particular, we ensured that there was a prominent reference to the pre-eminent role of the UN in the international system and that CSDP remained situated as an integral part of the EU’s broader Common Foreign and Security Policy.

In 2012 EU Foreign Ministers again looked at the possibility of revising the ESS. It was decided, however, that an examination of particular emerging threats would be more appropriate at this time. Following on from this, and at the initiative of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ministers have discussed a number of such issues, including energy security, water and conflict, space and security and the implications of climate change for international security. In its current Presidency role, Ireland is working to prepare Council Conclusions in support of the ongoing development of a cybersecurity strategy for the EU.

Debate continues about refinement of the ESS and the development of a broader foreign policy vision for the EU which goes beyond strict security concerns. For example, four Foreign Ministers – those of Sweden, Poland, Italy and Spain – are proposing the development of a global foreign policy strategy for the EU. This is being taken forward by four think-tanks in the EU which hope to present proposals this month for a future “European Global Strategy”. Ireland is happy to play its full part in any such debates.

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