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European Council Meetings

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020

Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Questions (300)

Michael Creed

Question:

300. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if consideration has been given at an EU Council of Foreign Ministers level to pursue an agenda of democratic principles to underpin trade and international relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41138/20]

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Written answers

In 2012, the EU Council of Ministers adopted a 'Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy', setting out principles, objectives and priorities designed to improve the effectiveness and consistency of EU policy. This was the first time that the EU developed a unified Strategic Framework for this vital policy area. The EU Council of Ministers has adopted three Action Plans implementing the Framework, in 2012, in 2015, and, most recently, on 17 November 2020. 

The most recent 'EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy' covers the period 2020-2024. In Conclusions adopted at the same time as the Action Plan, the Council made clear that respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights will continue to underpin all areas of EU external action, including in relation to trade.

Achieving the objectives of the Action Plan will require the systematic and coordinated use of the full range of instruments at the EU’s disposal, including political, human rights and sectoral policy dialogues with third countries and regional organisations; the development of human rights and democracy country strategies; actions in multilateral and regional human rights fora; election missions and their follow-up; regular dialogue with civil society, human rights defenders, national human rights institutions, the business sector and other relevant stakeholders; and restrictive measures.

The Action Plan includes specific commitments to strengthen the implementation of human rights provisions in EU trade policy, including through the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), and by promoting labour rights in the context of Free Trade Agreements.

The Action Plan also contains a wide-ranging series of commitments to promote implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has responsibility for trade policy, and for the promotion of Ireland’s trade interests at EU trade policy negotiations.

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