Richard Bruton
Question:86. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline how European defence policy has evolved since the start of the war in Ukraine. [29561/23]
View answerTuesday, 20 June 2023
Questions (86)
Written answers
The European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) sets out the EU’s framework in the field of defence and crisis management, including defence cooperation and coordination between Member States. Ireland is a strong proponent of the important role the EU can play in support of international peace and security and of the UN.
The Strategic Compass, which was approved in March 2022, sets out an analysis of the strategic environment. This includes, in particular, the security and defence challenges faced by the EU, including emerging threats, the increasingly contested multi-polar world and the strategic implications for the EU.
The Strategic Compass will help guide the way towards realising an ambitious plan of action for strengthening the EU's security and defence policy by 2030. It is important to stress that decision-making powers in relation to the Strategic Compass' proposed actions remain a national competence.
Member States continue to work on the implementation of the Strategic Compass, taking into account the additional challenges faced as a consequence of Russia's continued illegal and immoral aggression towards Ukraine.
In light of the war in Ukraine, the European Peace Facility has been used to provide significant support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Our total expected contribution to direct Assistance Measures under the EPF to support the UAF currently stands at approximately €122 million, all of which is exclusively for non-lethal support.
With many EU Member States donating significant quantities of weapons, ammunition and other equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, stocks have been left significantly diminished. Member States are now in the position of needing to replenish those depleted stocks in order to continue to support Ukraine and meet their own defence objectives.
EPF Assistance Measures have been agreed in this respect and the Commission has recently proposed a regulation aimed at ramping up the EU’s ammunition production capacity and addressing current supply shortages.
At its core, Defence remains a national competence, reflecting the differing responses and actions taken by EU Member States in the aftermath of the invasion. From decisions on defence, investment and orientation taken across the Union to the choices made by Sweden and Finland in applying for NATO membership, Member States have assessed and taken action in ways which best fit their national needs.
It is essential that Ireland remains fully engaged in all CSDP processes and contributes fully to the development of the policy in order that we can influence its evolution, particularly since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Participation in EU CSDP does not prejudice the security and defence policy or obligations of any Member State. It remains, therefore, a matter for Ireland to decide our own way forward.