Bernard Durkan
Question:154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position in regard to EU enlargement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29033/23]
View answerThursday, 15 June 2023
Questions (154)
Written answers
Ireland has always been, and will remain, a strong supporter of EU enlargement, provided that the candidate countries meet the necessary requirements for membership. We firmly believe that it is through EU membership that peace and prosperity can best be ensured across our continent. Furthermore, the change in geopolitical circumstances brought about by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the subsequent applications from Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia for EU membership last year, highlighted the importance of the enlargement process for the EU.
Concrete steps taken in 2022 included the opening of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia, and the granting of candidate status to Ukraine, Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 2023, the EU will need to find ways to maintain this renewed momentum, whilst also ensuring the credibility of the enlargement process. President von der Leyen's recent outline of a Growth Package for the Western Balkans is one proposal in this regard, which is under active consideration.
The creation of new candidacies and expectations of accelerated progress have provided renewed impetus to discussions around enlargement and its implications. On 21-22 June, an informal meeting of the General Affairs Council will receive an oral update from the Commission on Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, as well as having a preliminary discussion on enlargement issues.
Ireland’s immediate priority is that discussions about the EU’s capacity to welcome new members facilitate, rather than distract from, the overall enlargement process. While recognising the need to consider the challenges and prospective costs of enlargement, we have also stressed the need to keep sight of its benefits, both principled and practical.