Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
49. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how Ireland is working to support the Republic of Moldova and Georgia in addressing the challenges they face as a consequence of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3213/24]
View answerRussia’s continued military aggression against Ukraine continues to have a profoundly adverse impact not only on Ukraine but also on the wider region, including Moldova and Georgia.
Ireland welcomed the decision of the European Council on 14 December to open accession negotiations with Moldova, and to grant EU candidate status to Georgia, once the relevant steps set out in the respective Commission recommendations are taken. I look forward to further reporting from the Commission in March, which I hope will facilitate additional progress. EU membership has been transformative for Ireland, and we believe Moldova and Georgia deserve the same opportunities, provided they carry out these necessary reforms.
The EU has provided Moldova with significant financial and political support over the past two years, including €1.2 billion euro to meet spiralling energy costs, and support for Moldova’s EU Membership application. In April 2023, at the request of Moldova, Ireland supported the establishment of a new EU sanctions regime to target individuals seeking to destabilise Moldova and its constitutional order. To date, five individuals have been subjected to restrictive measures under this regime. Also at Moldova’s request, the EU Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova (EUPM Moldova) was launched on 22 May, which aims to enhance the resilience of the security sector in the areas of crisis management and hybrid threats.
Ireland has been directly supporting Moldova to mitigate the impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and to support them on their path towards European integration. Last November Ireland announced €5 million in support to Moldova channelled via the World Bank, focused on supporting Moldova to increase its resilience, including in the energy sector. In October 2023 Ireland announced a further €2 million in support.
Georgia also faces significant challenges, including the impacts of the 2008 war with Russia. Ireland supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. Ireland has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of Russian forces from South Ossetia and Abkhazia., and for the release of detainees.
For 2021-2024, EU funding for Georgia will amount to €340 million. Priorities include the economy, institutions, rule of law, security, environment and climate resilience, and gender equality. EU assistance is based on strict conditionality and is linked to satisfactory progress in reforms and the respect of the rule of law and human rights.
Ireland is also supporting Georgia through the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM Georgia). The Mission is an unarmed civilian monitoring mission which was established following the August 2008 conflict, and currently has over 200 staff, including five Irish civilian deployees. The Mission’s mandate focuses on stabilisation, normalisation and confidence building activities, as well as reporting to the EU.
