Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 6

Written Answers. - EU Enlargement.

Austin Deasy

Ceist:

120 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans he has to expand the concept of the European Union outside the continent to include such countries as Morocco and Algeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27472/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

There are no plans to expand the concept of the European Union to include such countries as Morocco and Algeria. As the Deputy is aware, negotiations on enlargement of the Union are currently under way with 12 applicant countries, predominantly from central and eastern Europe. In addition to these countries, Turkey has also been recognised as a candidate country.

Morocco and Algeria are among the 12 Mediterranean countries included in the Euro-Mediter ranean Partnership which was established at the Euro-Mediterranean Conference of Ministers for Foreign Affairs held in Barcelona on 27-28 November 1995 and which has come to be known as the Barcelona Process. The aim of the partnership is to create a stable and prosperous environment between the European Union and the countries of the Mediterranean. To this end, the European Union is negotiating a series of association agreements with its Mediterranean partners. In the case of Morocco, the relevant association agreement entered into force in March of this year while negotiations on the agreement with Algeria are ongoing.