Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which positive steps continue to be taken to influence the future of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11507/24]
View answerThe Future of Europe continues to be a priority issue within the European Union. The Conference on the Future of Europe was an initiative aimed at promoting greater citizen involvement in the EU via a wide-ranging series of Plenaries and citizen panel events held throughout the 27 Member States during 2021 and 2022. The final Conference report, outlining 49 proposals, was adopted on 9 May 2022. A progress report from the General Secretariat of the Council released in December 2023 demonstrated that the vast majority of measures are already in train.
There has been an increasing focus on the Future of Europe in light of the changed strategic context arising from Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, with the discussion evolving to include Enlargement of the Union and changes in decision-making processes within the EU. Ireland is a strong supporter of EU Enlargement and has been active in this discussion, including through becoming an Observer Member of the Group of Friends on QMV in the EU CFSP. I believe that reflections on absorption capacity and possible policy or institutional changes are both necessary and should facilitate rather than impede the overall Enlargement process. While recognising the need to consider the challenges of Enlargement, this debate should not obscure its many benefits, both principled and practical.
The issue of preparing the European Union for future Enlargement will also figure heavily in preparation of the next Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, setting out the EU’s overarching priorities for the next five years, which is due to be agreed at the June European Council. Ireland agrees that Enlargement and Reform should be a major priority for the EU in the coming years, alongside continued support for Ukraine, improving competitiveness and strengthening the Single Market, and upholding Rule of Law and our fundamental values.
