Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I hope Mr. Barnier sneezes into his elbow. I express gratitude for the strong expression of solidarity with Ireland in relation to the unique difficulties that Brexit poses for us. We recognise that there are still pressure points to come, so that solidarity is not a past issue. We all hope that an agreement will be reached, but in the event that there is no agreement, the protocol is a settled matter and not one to be undermined. If we repeat that message, it increases the prospect of a deal being reached.

I have read the Presidency programmes. Presidency programmes are quite like programmes for Government in that they are extraordinarily ambitious for being programmes of just a six-month duration, but I suppose one needs a continuum. I will ask three questions, even though, like Deputy Richmond, I could ask 1,000 questions on what H.E. Ms Potzel has said and on the programme itself.

Everything in the German Presidency programme has been overshadowed by the Covid pandemic. I will not say it has been undermined because that is not the case, but it has been impacted by the pandemic.

The pandemic itself has impacted on European citizens' view of Europe. I believe it is fair comment to say there was a certain lack of solidarity at the beginning of the pandemic. All the cohesion of Europe seemed to be undermined in a rush to nationalism and protectionism in respect of our borders, medicine supply and acute hospital systems. That needs to be repaired. I am keen to hear from the ambassadors whether they believe the multi-annual financial framework of funding, the expression of solidarity and the future sharing of vaccines and medicines will rebuild that eroded sense of solidarity from the beginning of the pandemic.

My second question is a Brexit-related topic. It relates to the ambition within the German Presidency for a strengthening and integration of capital markets in Europe. Obviously, the removal of the City of London from the EU sphere will have an impact on financial services generally. I am interested in hearing the thoughts of the witnesses on the developed model of how the integrated and strengthened capital markets within a European Union without the City of London is envisaged.

My third question relates to growing nationalism in the European Union. It is an issue we discussed briefly in the preparation of our work programme. The German and Portuguese commentaries both underscored the importance of strengthening fundamental European social values. These are clearly being undermined in several European countries where the rule of law, having an independent judiciary, freedom of the press and individual human rights, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, LGBT, rights, have been significantly assaulted. I am keen to hear the uptake of the ambassadors and, rather than simply the rhetoric of saying this is a bad thing, how it will be fundamentally addressed. If the values of Europe are fundamentally undermined, then the European project itself is fundamentally undermined. Is there a place in the next phase of European Union development for countries that do not subscribe to those fundamental values?