Vol. 573 No. 3
281 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 8 October 2003, if he will report on the outcome of discussions regarding the European security strategy at the EU ministerial meeting with the US on 25 September 2003; and the position taken by the Government with respect to this issue at that meeting. [24793/03]
At the EU ministerial meeting with the US on 25 September 2003, the EU high representative, Mr. Javier Solana, outlined the state of play on the development of an EU security strategy. Proposals for a draft strategy were initially presented by Mr. Solana in June at the Thessaloniki European Council, where they were welcomed. He was asked by the Council to bring work forward with a view to submitting a text for approval by the European Council in Brussels in December. The finalised security strategy is due for adoption then, following detailed discussion of the proposals in a series of seminars. The US Secretary of State, Mr. Colin Powell, indicated his full support for the EU initiative as part of a mature transatlantic relationship.
Mr. Solana's proposals are broadly consistent with Ireland's perspective on security and defence issues, particularly in their emphasis on a holistic approach to security, going beyond purely military considerations. By helping to place the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy in a wider perspective and through assisting with the necessary prioritisation and further elaboration of EU foreign policy activities, the security strategy holds the potential to be a very important and worthwhile exercise for the Union. It is encouraging that the centrality of the UN and conflict prevention have been highlighted in Mr. Solana's proposals. Ireland participated in the series of seminars, held during the course of September and October, to discuss the draft strategy. As the holder of EU Presidency next year, the Government stands ready to carry forward work on implementation of the strategy, as appropriate.
