Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 July 2013
42. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on progress made during the Irish Presidency on ensuring the EU speaks with one voice to strengthen its role in international organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36188/13]
View answerThe Lisbon Treaty which entered into force on 1 December 2009 restructured the working methods of the EU at a multilateral level in terms of co-ordination and representation. In particular, it called for EU Member States to co-ordinate their actions when participating in international organisations. This responsibility now rests with the European External Action Service, under the authority of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who seeks to coordinate member State positions on all issues, including EU statements, draft resolutions presented by third countries, and EU positions on its own initiatives.
Since the adoption of Resolution A/65/276 in May 2011, the EU has gained enhanced observer status, upgrading the status of the European Union's participation in the United Nations, and allowing EU representatives to present common positions of the Union to the Assembly. This development has significantly increased the EU's profile in international organisations. During its Presidency, Ireland worked closely with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and the EEAS to promote greater effectiveness and coherence in EU external policies, including at the UN and in other international organisations. This included helping to ensure that the EU spoke with one voice in international negotiations, including at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague, and at the negotiations on an Arms Trade Treaty in New York in March. During its Presidency, Ireland also took up its seat on the UN Human Rights Council, and worked closely with the EU delegation in co-ordinating EU positions on key human rights issues.
With our EU partners, we remain committed to ensuring that the EU speaks with one voice with a view to strengthening its international role and profile.
