The security situation in Europe has changed fundamentally. The changed geopolitical context and wider threat environment in Europe calls for consideration of the State’s approach to international security policy issues.
Against this backdrop, a Consultative Forum on International Security Policy will be convened with a view to initiating an open and evidence-based discussion on the State’s foreign and security policy. The Consultative Forum is designed to build public understanding and generate discussions on the link between the State’s foreign, security, and defence policies.
The Consultative Forum will discuss these issues in a broad policy context, including a focus on Ireland’s work to protect the rules-based international order, through engagement in peacekeeping, conflict prevention and peacebuilding; the lessons from our UN Security Council membership in this regard; global strategic stability and international arms control and proliferation challenges, as well as the challenges posed by new and emerging threats. It will examine the threat landscape in relation to cyber, hybrid and critical infrastructure. It will also look at Ireland's current and future engagement in the EU Common Security and Defence Policy, as well as our relationship with NATO through the Partnership for Peace.
The Consultative Forum will take place in three different locations across four days in June 2023; on 22 June at University College Cork, on 23 June at the University of Galway, and on 26-27 June at Dublin Castle. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Defence will work alongside the Chairperson, Louise Richardson DBE, on planning and delivering the Consultative Forum and associated events. The Oireachtas will be kept fully informed and involved through the relevant Committees.
Attendance at the Forum will consist of invited guests, from Ireland and internationally, with expertise and experience in the areas to be discussed. There will also be space reserved for attendance by the general public. Discussions will be live-streamed and there will be an option for online submissions. Anyone interested in engaging in the process will be able to do so.
