Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is the key thing. They are all on the fringes of different groups presenting their views of what the country’s view is. As Senator Chambers said, it is good the table is constantly talking about enlargement now but none of these reflect the position of the European Union as a collective. We all have our own views. More importantly, the Cathaoirleach is right and I have experienced going around countries that citizens start to lose hope when they do not see urgency. Think of what North Macedonia had to go through: change its name and battle to amend its constitution. Serbia is a difficult case but there is an Irish business association in Serbia that we met in Belgrade. The horror perpetrated on Kosovo is a very serious issue but, outside of that, they do not see the seriousness any more of the European Union. Our ability to effect change then erodes. That is a huge concern in the region. We have to show we are serious.