Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Our witness is very welcome and I thank him for a comprehensive overview of where things are. I have always had some concern about expansion of the European project. One is acutely aware of the old economic diminishing marginal returns to expansion, and the larger we get, the more precarious things become. Clearly, there is great benefit in expanding the project and taking in other countries. When we look at the western Balkans, however, we are looking at countries that are still in a state of development and of learning mutual respect for one another in some particular parts of the former Yugoslavia.

Clearly, if we set down the rules and they meet the rules, that is one part of the equation. The other part of the equation is the peace and reconciliation that is required right across that particular geographic area. There are still open wounds, and we know in this country what open wounds are like, how long they take to repair, and how long it takes people to build an understanding and a trust with one another. It is not just economics that will be important. It is not just security on a country-by-country basis. It is not just an understanding of migration. It is an understanding of neighbours, what is required to be a good neighbour, and what is required for reconciliation.

As we move into the Balkans, in particular, there is probably a need for some sort of reconciliation process to be underpinned and overseen by the European Union before we consider a rush forward. I sometimes worry, because of the loss of the UK under Brexit, that we might be inclined to rush forward and replace the UK. It is great what the witness has told us here today. It gives me some reassurance that that is not happening, but I would like to see more overt reconciliation. I would like to see, perhaps, a conference in the Balkans across all of the different actors or groups and to hear, under almost a Chatham House Rules scenario, some of the open wounds being explored and purged, for want of a better word, before we start hoping to move together.

The Turkish issue bothers me. I agree with the assessment of the witness that Turkey seems to be moving further away rather than closer, and that is a matter of great concern, especially as one gets closer to the Middle East and all of the instability in that region right now.

I commend the witness on the work he is doing. Those are the concerns that I have, and I would be interested in the views of the witness on them.