Mick Barry
Ceist:47. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. [18014/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 8 May 2024
Ceisteanna (47, 48)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:48. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach to report on his recent meeting with the president of the European Commission. [16767/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 48 together.
I met with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Brussels on 11 April.
Our meeting covered many of the significant issues currently on the EU’s agenda.
We discussed the very worrying situation in Ukraine, and the country’s urgent need for continuing financial and military support.
We agreed that Ukraine’s future lies within the European Union. I expressed my thanks for the work the Commission is doing in that regard and I expressed my hope that formal negotiations with Ukraine can begin under the Belgian Presidency.
On the Middle East and Gaza, I expressed my strong wish to see an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and a massive and sustained surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza.
I thanked her for her role in ensuring that EU aid to UNRWA remained in place. In such a desperate situation, the role UNRWA plays in Gaza, as well as in the West Bank and elsewhere in the region, is indispensable.
We also discussed the Single Market and the need to ensure the EU’s competitiveness. Without economic prosperity Europe will not be able to fund its policy ambitions into the future.
A vibrant and sustainable farming sector is also a vital part of the EU’s future economic and food security. I expressed my view that we need to do more to support the sector which is currently facing significant pressures.
The President and I also agreed that it is in the EU’s strategic interests to ensure a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between the EU and the UK.
I also met President von der Leyen at the Special meeting of the European Council on 17/18 April.
Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 47.
Questions Nos. 49 to 58, inclusive, resubmitted.