Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2015
506. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the situation in Ukraine remains on the agenda at European Union Council meetings; the extent to which positive indications continue to be identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45686/15]
View answerThe situation in Ukraine remains a key concern for the European Union. On Monday, the Foreign Affairs Council considered Ukraine as part of a broader discussion on Eastern Partners and it is expected that Ministers will discuss Ukraine, again, early in the New Year. The European Council meets today and tomorrow in Brussels where Ukraine will feature on the agenda.
As the deadline of 31 December approaches for the implementation of key provisions of the Minsk agreements, it has been widely acknowledged that this deadline will not be fully met. Notable progress has been seen in a number of areas. The security situation in Eastern Ukraine – while remaining tense and volatile – has improved considerably since a ceasefire was agreed on 1 September. This respite in violence has provided an opportunity for progress within the context of the OSCE Trilateral Contact Group and their four working groups and within the framework of Normandy Format discussions (France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine).
The Minsk agreements continue to offer the only basis for a stable and lasting political resolution to this conflict and the European Union will continue to support and facilitate their full implementation as a matter of urgency.
