Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 April 2016
92. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the recent European Union Foreign Affairs Council; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7859/16]
View answerI attended the most recent Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Luxembourg on 18 April, where migration, Libya and the Eastern Partnership were on the agenda. Foreign Ministers also had an informal exchange with the Colombian Government’s High Commissioner for Peace, Dr Sergio Jaramillo.
The Council had a wide-ranging discussion on the ongoing migration crisis, including a detailed exchange on the agreement concluded with Turkey last month, as well as on developments along the main migration routes to Europe. Foreign Ministers noted the successful operation to date of the EU naval operation EUNAVFOR MED Sophia, which has saved some 12,000 lives at sea (this is separate to the Irish naval mission which has rescued 8,592 migrants to date); EU support to Africa through the Emergency Trust Fund, and the launch of a series of comprehensive high level dialogues on migration with African countries and the Sahel. Ministers also had a lunch meeting with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on the migration crisis in Europe, as well as broader global migration issues.
The Council adopted Conclusions on Libya welcoming the arrival of the Presidency Council in Tripoli and commending “the courage and determination of Prime Minister Serraj”. Ministers also had a video-conference discussion with Prime Minster Serraj. The Council underlined “Libyan ownership of the political process and the importance of its inclusiveness, notably through the continued participation of political and local actors, women and civil society”. Ministers agreed to offer security sector support to Libya should a request be made by the Government of National Accord. Should such a request be forthcoming and subject to consultation with the Libyans they agreed that a possible civilian CSDP Mission could offer capacity building support in the fields of police and criminal justice including counter-terrorism, border management countering irregular migration and smuggling of migrants and trafficking of human beings. They also agreed to give further consideration to providing support through EUNAVFOR MED Sophia by enhancing its capacity to disrupt the business model of human smugglers and trafficking networks through potential capacity building for the Libyan Coastguard and the implementation of international law.
The Council discussed the EU’s Eastern Partnership initiative and political developments in the six partner countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine) in preparation for the annual Eastern Partnership ministerial meeting which will take place in Brussels on 23 May 2016. The Eastern Partnership is a vital framework for cooperation and dialogue with the EU’s eastern partners. In line with the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy, the Eastern Partnership takes a tailored approach to EU cooperation with each partner in order to strengthen stability in the region as well as to encourage ongoing reforms.
We had a good discussion on recent developments in the peace process in Colombia with the Colombian Government’s High Commissioner for Peace, Dr Sergio Jaramillo. I reiterated Ireland’s steadfast support for the peace talks between the government and the FARC rebels. These talks are now at a critical stage, and Ireland intends to contribute to the EU Trust Fund for Colombia which will be launched once a peace deal is signed. I also expressed appreciation for the work of Mr. Eamon Gilmore who was present in his role as EU Special Envoy to the Colombian peace process. Mr. Gilmore is tasked with providing visibility for the diverse strands of the EU’s efforts in the country and conveying the EU’s political support for the peace process, bringing to bear his experience in peacebuilding and reconciliation on this island.
Foreign Ministers also briefly discussed the latest developments in the negotiations towards an Association Agreement between the EU and Mercosur. Supported by a number of other Member States, I emphasised the need to proceed with caution in order to ensure a balanced agreement which takes account of the potential impact on the agricultural and other sectors.
