Vol. 577 No. 1
90 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the Government's position on high representative Javier Solana's revised EU defence doctrine that will be adopted at the December 2003 Council meeting; the Government's reservations on the first text; the Government's reservations on the revised text; and if any of the changes made were at the behest of Government requests. [30391/03]
102 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contents of the new EU security strategy document, A Secure Europe in a Better World; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29506/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 102 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to Question No 41 of 13 November 2003.
Proposals for an EU security strategy were presented to the Thessaloniki European Council by high representative secretary general Javier Solana in June 2003. Throughout the autumn period, three workshops were held in Rome, Paris and Stockholm. There was broad support for the proposals at these seminars, with discussion focusing on the need for clarification in certain areas. A final text of the strategy, taking account of the outcome of the seminars, as well as contributions from member states, is due to be adopted by the European Council on 12-13 December 2003.
The strategy outlines challenges and threats to European and international security such as terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, regional conflicts, state failure and organised crime. It goes on to focus on strategic objectives of the EU, in particular the need to promote good governance beyond the borders of the EU and to advance the development of an effective multilateralism through support for the United Nations. Finally, the strategy considers policy implications for Europe in light of these threats and strategic objectives. It concludes that the EU should become more active, more capable and more coherent.
Against this background, it can be seen that a description of the document as a defence doctrine would be misleading in view of the holistic approach to security issues that it reflects. Since the outset, Ireland has expressed broad support for the proposed security strategy. The process of revising the document has not altered its fundamental character, which remains broadly consistent with Ireland's perspective on security and defence matters through its embodiment of a comprehensive approach to security, including military and non-military means. The Government, therefore, welcomes the document as an important contribution which will assist in the elaboration and prioritisation of future EU foreign policy activities.
As incoming President, Ireland will working closely with high representative secretary general Javier Solana to carry forward work on implementation of the strategy.
