Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
538. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has responded to the unhelpful comments of the President of the European Commission, Mr Jean Claude Juncker, in relation to the creation of a European Union army, in the context of the conflict in Ukraine. [11616/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of recent comments by the President of the European Commission, Mr. Jean Claude Juncker, in relation to a European Army. There is no European army, nor is there any basis for one. The Protocol on the concerns of the Irish people on the Treaty of Lisbon states explicitly that the Treaty does not provide for the creation of a European Army. As regards Ukraine, we have consistently stated that there can be no military solution to the conflict. The EU has led efforts to find a peaceful outcome based on political dialogue and negotiation. Last month’s diplomatic initiative by Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande which led to the 12 February Minsk Agreement was motivated by a strong desire, on the part of all Member States, to bring an end to the violence that has caused such misery and hardship for the local population in eastern Ukraine.
