Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2018
26. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia continue to receive co-operation and support from the European Union; the extent to which Ireland's trade with such countries can be enhanced post Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11581/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Eastern Partnership Initiative provides a framework for cooperation between the EU and six countries in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood, including Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia. The aims of the Eastern Partnership are to promote peace and stability in the region and to enhance economic and political integration between the participating countries and the EU. The model of cooperation with each of the participating states has been tailored to meet their needs and priorities and those of the EU. The fifth Eastern Partnership Summit which took place on 24 November 2017 adopted a roadmap setting out future priorities for the initiative, entitled “Eastern Partnership - 20 Deliverables for 2020". A range of short and long-term milestones including improving connectivity, energy efficiency, support to SMEs, engaging with youth and a broadened outreach to civil society are identified.
The EU is committed to assisting Ukraine in delivering its ambitious and wide-ranging programme of reform and has provided unprecedented levels of support. This assistance includes loans, budget support, humanitarian aid, technical assistance as well as important trade preferences, granted under the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement which came into force in 2016. In addition, the EU is helping to reform the civilian security sector through its Advisory Mission to Ukraine.
In terms of the situation in eastern Ukraine, the EU continues to support diplomatic efforts to secure full implementation of the Minsk peace agreements, which provide the basis for a comprehensive settlement of the four year conflict.
The High Representative is travelling to Ukraine on 12 March in advance of a discussion on Ukraine at the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council. Together with our EU partners, we have called on all parties to the conflict to support and facilitate the vital work of international humanitarian organisations, to ensure their protection and to allow the provision of assistance to the civilian population in accordance with international law.
Georgia signed an Association Agreement and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU in 2014 which entered into force on 1 July 2016. By removing customs tariffs and quotas and by comprehensively approximating trade-related laws and regulations to the standards of the European Union, the Agreement offers Georgia a framework for boosting trade and economic growth. As part of this process, Georgia has committed to undertaking a number of reforms, including on democratic development and fundamental freedoms, on constitutional and parliamentary reform, and anti-corruption reforms.
On 24 November 2017, in the margins of the Eastern Partnership Summit, Armenia signed a Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement with the EU which facilitates political, economic and sectoral cooperation. By intensifying political dialogue and improving cooperation in a broad range of areas, the Agreement lays the foundations for more effective engagement with Armenia.
Ireland remains a committed member of the EU and of the Eurozone. Now, more than ever, our membership of the EU must remain at the heart of our engagement with the world. Continuing access to a Single Market of 500 million consumers is vital to the well-being of the Irish people and EU membership has been central to Ireland’s economic and social development. To this end, membership of the EU also includes trading arrangements with third countries such as those with Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia.
