EU Affairs Committee to meet with the Minister of State for European Union Affairs ahead of the General Affairs Council meeting

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Colm Brophy said: “We welcome the opportunity to meet with the Minister of State for European Union Affairs, Peter Burke TD prior to this attendance at the General Affairs Council."

“Minister Burke recently represented Ireland at the Informal EU General Affairs Council (GAC) meeting last month in Murcia, Spain, which discussed the effects of future EU Enlargement on EU policies and budget, and on EU Institutions.”

“The issue of the enlargement of the European Union with up to 10 additional Member States is high on the agenda of the upcoming General Affairs Council. Ireland needs to start discussing the implications of enlargement including the reforms that may be necessary for an expanded Union, the effect on Ireland’s contribution to the EU Budget and the impact on existing EU policies.”

“Given events over the weekend, it is likely that the Committee will also discuss developments in the Middle East and the conflict which has now erupted between Israel and Hamas and the implications on the EU’s position.”

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.