26 Márta 2012, 17:35
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs will discuss issues facing the Western Balkans region with Peter Sørensen, European Union Special Representative and Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia & Herzegovina on Wednesday.
Committee Chairman Dominic Hannigan TD says: “The Committee has had a longstanding interest in the Western Balkans and Members look forward to hearing Mr Sørensen’s views on a region emerging from tragic recent history. The prospects of EU Membership has seen significant progress in the region on economic, political and social fronts - European leaders granted Serbia candidate status at the last European Council meeting and Croatians voted positively for EU Membership in February.
“Having served extensively in EU Representations in various capitals in the region, Wednesday’s briefing with Mr Sørensen provides the Committee with an opportunity to explore issues across the Western Balkans, whose capitals are now striving to meet the necessary requirements of EU Membership. The Committee is keen to discuss with Mr Sørensen how the EU can use its influence positively so that progress in the past decade can be consolidated.
“In recent months, a breakthrough was achieved in Bosnia and Herzegovina when the leaders of the six main political parties agreed on the formation of a state government, electing Mr Vjekoslav Bevanda as Prime Minister. However, the Committee is acutely aware of the challenges facing the fledgling nation. Former High Representative for Bosnia, Lord Paddy Ashdown, delivered a stirring address to us earlier in the year on how weak institutions in Bosnia are undermining such economic and social stability.\"
The meeting takes place this Wednesday 28 March at 10 a.m. in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000.
Committee proceedings can be followed live here.
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee on European Union Affairs Membership
Deputies
Dominic Hannigan, TD (Chairman)
Paschal Donohoe, TD (Vice-Chairman)
Timmy Dooley, TD
Bernard J Durkan, TD
Colm Keaveney, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, TD
Joe O’Reilly, TD
Mick Wallace, TD
Senators
Colm Burke,
Fidelma Healy Eames,
James Heffernan,
Terry Leyden,
Kathryn Reilly