Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
75. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the European Union is alert to the threats to the security of the Union and possible future members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50504/23]
View answerRussia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally altered the security situation in Europe. It has also demonstrated the need for Ireland and our European Union partners to work closely together to deal with the serious security challenges that we face.
In this context, work is continuing at EU level to further strengthen the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), in particular through the Strategic Compass, adopted in March of last year. This important policy document outlines the way forward for the EU in the field of security and defence, with particular focus on cybersecurity and hybrid threats, maritime security and emerging and developing technologies. The Strategic Compass also reflects the major shifts in the EU’s strategic environment, and is aimed at ensuring that it remains a relevant, strong and coherent political actor, upholding the values and principles that underpin our democracies.
The EU has also committed, in the context of the Strategic Compass, to strengthen security and defence cooperation with its partners, with a view to enhancing their resilience, including against hybrid attacks and cyber threats.
A good example of this support to possible future members was the rapid establishment of a CSDP Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova (EUPM Moldova) earlier this year. The objective of this civilian mission is to enhance the resilience of Moldova’s security sector in the areas of crisis management and hybrid threats, including cybersecurity and countering foreign information manipulation and interference.
At domestic level, in light of the growing focus on security and defence issues across Europe, the Tánaiste convened a national Consultative Forum on International Security Policy in June of this year. The aim of the Forum was to provide an opportunity for a serious and honest conversation about the international security policy options available to the State, and the implications of each of these. The Chairperson of the Forum, Louise Richardson, prepared a report of the Forum which provides a summary and analysis of the four days of discussions and submissions to the public consultation. On 17 October, the Tánaiste published the report and presented it to Government, and a Dáil debate is scheduled on the report is also scheduled for the coming weeks.
