Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 January 2017
173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent of consideration given to European defence and security for the future in the context of a diminution in US support through NATO or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3515/17]
View answerThe EU Global Strategy sets out a vision for the EU’s foreign and security policy, and commits the EU to promoting peace, prosperity, democracy and the rule of law. It provides a timely and welcome framework through which to develop outward-looking policy settings which encompass foreign and security policy and which mobilise all aspects of the EU’s external action in pursuit of concrete and meaningful objectives grounded in the Treaties. These objectives are to be pursued through a comprehensive approach using the range of instruments available to the European Union, including political, diplomatic, economic development, trade, peace-keeping and crisis management tools.
Five priority areas have been identified for implementation of the EU Global Strategy. These include strengthening the EU’s capacity, through its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), to promote international peace and security within a rules-based global order underpinned by the United Nations.
Since the presentation in June 2016 of the EU Global Strategy by the High Representative/Vice-President (HRVP), Federica Mogherini, work has been taken forward in the Council.
The June European Council welcomed the presentation of the Strategy and invited the HRVP, the Commission and the Council to take the work forward. Implementation of the Strategy in the area of security and defence was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council meetings in October, and again in November when Foreign Ministers met in joint session with EU Defence Ministers.
The European Council in December 2016 endorsed the work of Council on implementing the EU Global Strategy in the area of security and defence, and called for comprehensive follow-up by the HRVP and Member States.
Ireland is a strong supporter of initiatives, through the CSDP, which improve the capacity of the Union to contribute to international peace and security, particularly in support of the UN. We support cooperation with international partners where this adds value and contributes to the achievement of these objectives.
The discussion of the Global Strategy, and cooperation with other organisations in this area is grounded within the EU Treaties, and the Lisbon Protocol which protects Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.
