Brendan Smith
Question:169. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 19 January 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3165/15]
View answerThursday, 22 January 2015
Questions (169)
Written answers
I attended the most recent Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on 19 January. The agenda items for this FAC were Counter Terrorism, EU relations with Russia, and Climate Change Diplomacy.
The first issue discussed was Counter Terrorism, following recent events in France and Belgium. Ministers present re-affirmed the EU’s commitment to preventing and combating terrorism and discussed how our collective efforts, within the EU and in partnership with third countries and organisations in the Middle East and elsewhere, could be strengthened.
Our discussion in particular focused on how foreign policy initiatives can complement action being taken by Justice Ministers. At EU level, the need for the European Parliament to expedite approval of the Directive on Passenger Name Records was emphasised. Ministers agreed to enhance the EU's activities outside of Europe, including through improving our communication efforts, and to place experts in key EU embassies to work on counter terrorism.
It was also agreed that an overview of the EU Counter Terrorism and Foreign Fighters Strategy for Syria and Iraq be published. This strategy had been approved by the FAC in October 2014.
In the course of our discussions I highlighted Ireland’s support for a comprehensive, human rights compliant approach to countering terrorism. An effective approach requires actions such as tackling root causes, outreach to vulnerable communities, promoting a counter narrative, while at the same time necessarily strengthening legal and security measures.
Also in attendance at this discussion were Mr. Dimitris Avramopoulos, the EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, and Mr. Giles de Kerchove the EU's Counter Terrorism Coordinator.
The second item discussed at the FAC was relations between the EU and Russia. The crisis in Ukraine, following Russia's unacceptable actions there, has impacted in a profoundly negative way on EU Russian relations. A notable sense of common purpose and unity were present around the table in discussions. Our approach is to seek to change behaviour and in particular to secure a stronger commitment from Russia to the full implementation of the Minsk agreements. Sanctions remain a key element of the EU approach to the crisis in Ukraine. There can be no question of a return to normal business in the absence of a change in Russia's approach to the crisis in Ukraine.
There was a widespread view in discussion that there is merit in maintaining cooperation with Russia on important global and regional foreign policy issues such as Syria, Libya, Ebola and Iran. Russia is of course a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. It was emphasised that this engagement would be in the perspective of enhancing EU interests and positions. Engagement with Russia is desirable and indeed necessary if progress is to be made in tackling these major challenges. Unity and consistency has been vital to the EU response to the crisis in Ukraine. The European Council will review these matters in March. I believe it is important that we remain resolute and united in our strategic approach to Ukraine and in our efforts to create the conditions which can lead to a peaceful resolution to the crisis that we all wish to see.
Ministers had a working lunch at the FAC with the Secretary General of the League of Arab States (LAS), Dr Nabil Elaraby, and discussed cooperation between the EU and LAS, along with the situation in Europe’s southern neighbourhood, including Libya, Syria, and the Middle East Peace Process. Counter Terrorism was also discussed.
The FAC then discussed an action plan for Climate Change Diplomacy in 2015. The plan sets out proposed contacts with third countries to prepare for the United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Paris in December 2015. The FAC agreed the proposed EU outreach action plan and the need for the coordination of efforts between the EU and Member States.
Council Conclusions were agreed on Tunisia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
A proposed discussion by the Council on Libya was postponed by High Representative Mogherini and will now take place at the February FAC meeting.