Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 January 2017
76. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement he and his Department have had with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in relation to the Global Strategy for the European Union's Foreign and Security Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2798/17]
View answerThe preparation of the new EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy was led by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini (HRVP). She consulted closely with the Member States, but presented the Strategy on her own responsibility to the European Council in June 2016 which adopted Conclusions welcoming the presentation of the Strategy and invited the HRVP, Commission and Council to take the work forward. These Conclusions make clear that any implementation of the Strategy will be negotiated and agreed with the Member States.
Ireland has been actively engaged in the consultation and follow-up process for the Strategy, including at senior official and ministerial level. We made a written submission to the consultation process. I discussed the Strategy with the HRVP and my EU colleagues at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in May 2016 and again in October 2016.
While supporting the focus of the strategy in promoting peace, security, democracy, prosperity and a rules based global order, I have been clear that any work in the area of security and defence must take place within the scope of the EU Treaties and of the Lisbon Protocol which protects Ireland’s military neutrality. This is reflected in the Conclusions of the FAC meeting in November 2016, attended by the Ministers of State for European Affairs and Defence, which reaffirmed that the specific character of the security and defence policy of all EU Member States will be fully respected in the implementation of the EUGS.
The European Council in December 2016 endorsed the work of Council on implementing the EUGS in the area of security and defence, and called for comprehensive follow-up by the HRVP and Member States. It is expected that she will present these proposals in the coming months for discussion with Member States.
