Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 February 2019
38. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the rise of nationalism in EU member states and the threat to the rule of law, including in Hungary and Poland; the implications that this potentially has for the future of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9701/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe last number of years have been marked by a period of reflection and debate on the future direction of the European Union, with a strong focus placed on listening and responding to the concerns of citizens. This has included addressing challenges such as euroscepticism and the rise of nationalism in some Member States, which, while not new, have in recent years become more vocal.
In 2017, the European Council endorsed the ‘Leaders’ Agenda’, a concrete work programme that seeks to unblock and find solutions to the main political challenges and priorities of the EU in the run up to the European Parliament elections. The EU is now moving in a more positive direction characterized by economic growth across all Member States. To maintain this impetus we need to ensure that the EU is delivering practical improvements to the lives of citizens through policies to promote jobs and growth and by addressing internal and external challenges such as migration and international terrorism. Completion of the single market and Digital Single Market – which Ireland has been pushing – are two ways of doing that.
Last year the Government held a series of Citizens’ Dialogues on the future of Europe, where people across the country were asked for their views on how to make the EU prosperous and competitive; safe and secure; sustainable; socially responsible; and able to shape globalisation.
A joint report on the main outcomes of citizens’ consultations exercises across the EU as well as individual national reports and input from the European institutions was submitted to the European Council in December. These reports helped to identify a number of concerns and expectations on the part of the participating citizens in terms of concrete results from the EU.
The wider debate will culminate in the first informal summit of the EU27 in Sibiu next May. Leaders are expected to mark the occasion with a renewed commitment to an EU that delivers on issues that really matter to people. At that meeting, Heads of State or Government will discuss priorities for the next institutional cycle, with a view to agreeing on the next Strategic Agenda (2019-2024) in June 2019.
Rule of law matters are of serious concern to Ireland. We have always said that fundamental values and the rule of law are a shared EU interest and call for a common approach. Rule of law issues in Hungary and Poland have been discussed at the General Affairs Councils over the past year. These discussions have involved the Commission, Hungary, Poland and other Member States. Ireland has actively participated highlighting the importance of respect for the rule of law.
Engaging meaningfully with citizens across the Union; listening and responding to their concerns is a key means of combatting euroscepticism and the rise of nationalism and ensuring support for our work on EU issues.
