17 Jul 2012, 17:38
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs today heard the Cypriot Ambassador to Ireland outline the priorities of his country’s Presidency of the European Union.
Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2012, which takes place under the theme ‘Towards a Better Europe’. Dr Michalis Stavrinos explained that the EU could emerge stronger from the current crisis by further deepening European integration.
Chairman of the Committee Dominic Hannigan TD said: “We thank Ambassador Stavrinos for a clear outline of his country’s priorities for the coming six months. The Ambassador explained that his country will place particular focus on fostering a Europe more responsive to citizens, particularly with regard to providing employment and a more secure future for younger people.
“It is an ambitious agenda. As talks around the CAP intensify, the Committee heard that Cyprus shares Ireland’s desire to ensure the funding is sustained at current levels between 2014 and 2020. The Committee is encouraged by Cyprus’ commitment to a strong, secure and sustainable food supply for the European Union.
“Geographically, Cyprus is the closest EU Member State to the Middle East and the Ambassador discussed the Presidency priority of bringing Europe closer to its neighbours in the wider world. As a friend of both Israel and the Palestinians, Cyrus is hoping to leverage its reputation as an honest broker to effect a freeze on settlements on occupied territories.
“The Committee also questioned the Ambassador on the outlook for its relations with Turkey. The Ambassador responded that while considerable challenges are faced in reconciliation on the island, Cyprus stood ready to assist Turkey in coming closer to the European Union.”
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Committee Membership
Deputies
Dominic Hannigan, TD (Chairman)
Paschal Donohoe, TD (Vice-Chairman)
Timmy Dooley, TD
Bernard J Durkan, TD
John Halligan TD,
Colm Keaveney, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, TD
Joe O’Reilly, TD
Senators
Colm Burke,
Fidelma Healy Eames,
James Heffernan,
Terry Leyden,
Kathryn Reilly