Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 June 2014
132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has ongoing discussions with his EU colleagues in the context of the European defence and security issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26340/14]
View answerTwice a year Defence Ministers convene at the formal Foreign Affairs Council in Defence Ministers format. These formal Council meetings are held in Brussels or Luxembourg at the invitation of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Catherine Ashton. Ministers of Defence also meet at their informal meetings that are held in the country holding the Presidency of the European Council and again these are held twice per year. These meetings commence with the European Defence Agency Steering Board at which Defence Ministers are briefed on and discuss ongoing issues in the area of defence capability development. The meetings of Defence Ministers then commence and provide an opportunity for Ministers to discuss and make decisions on Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) issues. All Member States are represented at these meetings. However, Denmark does not participate in the decision making process under its general opt-out on decisions with defence or military implications. In addition, EU organisations including the European External Action Service, the Council Secretariat, the European Commission, the European Defence Agency, the Chairman of the EU Military Staff and the Chairman of the EU Military Committee also attend. Operational Commanders may also brief the Ministers on the most recent developments in the various EU missions.
