Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jun 1993

Vol. 433 No. 2

Written Answers. - Discussions with Heads of Government.

John Bruton

Ceist:

35 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has yet had any discussion with the Heads of Government of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and of Slovenia in respect of their possible accession to the EC.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The question of possible accession of the Central and Eastern European countries, including those mentioned by the Deputy, has come up in various contacts with them through the EC and bilaterally. The matter was raised with me directly during my recent visits to Poland and Hungary.

The issue of the aspiration of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe to membership of the Community was addressed at the Copenhagen European Council as part of a range of issues aimed at enhancing relations with these countries. A step forward of fundamental significance was taken in Copenhagen when the European Council agreed that the associated countries in Central and Eastern Europe that so desire shall become members of the European Union as soon as they are able to satisfy the economic and political conditions required. The European Council underlined that the union's own capacity to absorb new members, while maintaining the momentum of European integration, is also an important consideration.