Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2022
128. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the EU General Affairs Council meeting on 18 November 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57847/22]
View answerMinister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, attended the General Affairs Council on Friday 18 November where Ministers had a first exchange of views on the annotated draft agenda of the European Council on 15-16 December 2022. The agenda will include discussion on Ukraine/Russia, Energy and Economy, Southern Neighbourhood, and External Relations, where a discussion on Transatlantic Relations and possibly also the Enlargement perspective of the Western Balkans is expected.
Ministers received a briefing on the state of play of EU-UK relations from Commission Vice President Šefčovič. VP Šefčovič emphasised the need for the positive mood music by the UK to now be turned into concrete action to find joint solutions on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, using the window of opportunity created by the postponement of the NI elections. Minister Byrne voiced full support for VP Šefčovič and the Commission’s approach as well as our appreciation of the ongoing solidarity of Partners. Under the Legislative Programming item, Commission VP Šefčovič also provided an overview on the Commission’s planned work programme for 2023, ahead of forthcoming dialogue with the European Parliament and the Council.
Ministers also participated in a fifth hearing on the rule of law in Hungary based on the European Parliament’s Article 7(1) TEU reasoned proposal and under AoB, received an update from Poland following the missile strikes in Poland on 15 November. Minister Byrne extended Ireland's full sympathy and solidarity to the Polish government and people following last week’s tragic incident and underlined our full support to Ukraine as it continues to suffer the horrific consequences arising from Russian aggression.
A final item discussed under any other business was follow up to the Conference on the Future of Europe where the Presidency updated on plans for the follow-up event scheduled to take place in Brussels on 2 December. The importance of citizens playing a central role in the structure and conduct of this follow-up event was emphasised by Ministers who intervened.
