Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 December 2018
53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the recent Foreign and General Affairs Councils; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52631/18]
View answerI attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday 10 December. EU Foreign Ministers discussed Western Balkans, EU-African Union cooperation, Iran, Ukraine and Venezuela. Ministers exchanged views on the Western Balkans and took stock of progress in the past year and expectations for the region in 2019. We discussed EU-African Union cooperation, ahead of the inaugural AU-EU Ministerial taking place in January. The Finnish Foreign Minister, Timo Soini, and I had written to High Representative Mogherini to underline the importance of ensuring an active role for youth and women in the prevention, management and mediation of conflicts in Africa, and I called for greater prioritisation of this area.
My colleagues and I also discussed relations with Iran. While we have concerns in relation to Iran and actively pursue these, Iran is fulfilling its commitments under the nuclear agreement which is very important for nuclear non-proliferation. We support the continued implementation of the agreement and the development of the trade links it is also intended to facilitate.
We had an opportunity discuss recent events in Ukraine with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister. Ireland continues to firmly support the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
We also addressed the situation in Venezuela, and our concern at the deteriorating political, economic and humanitarian situation there.
The Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee T.D., attended the General Affairs Council on 12 November 2018.
The General Affairs Council held a policy debate on the multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027. Ministers outlined their views on issues of importance for a future agreement, in the light of work done so far. Minister McEntee identified the protection of the Common Agricultural Policy as a priority for Ireland. The guidance provided by Ministers guided further discussions between Member States at technical level in the run-up to this week’s European Council.
Ministers also discussed the state of play of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure concerning Hungary.
The Commission provided the Council with an update on the latest developments regarding judicial reform in Poland.
The Council started preparations for the European Council meeting on 13-14 December by discussing an annotated draft agenda.
The Council held its fourth annual rule of law dialogue which focused on trust in public institutions and the rule of law. With the participation of the Director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, Ministers discussed the main factors which determine the level of trust in public institutions, and how the media, civil society, the EU and Member States can help to encourage this trust.
Ministers exchanged views on the 2019 Commission work programme.
The Commission presented its subsidiarity package published in October.
As part of the preparation of the next European Semester, the Austrian Presidency and the incoming Romanian Presidency presented the 2019 European Semester roadmap.
