Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the ambassador for her comprehensive presentation on the priorities for the Belgian Presidency. It Is clear that the Presidency is in good hands given Belgium’s traditions and its role in establishing the European Union.

I suspect foreign policy issues will dominate the Presidency, particularly the war in Ukraine, as the ambassador mentioned, and the Israel-Palestine conflict. It seems it is hard to get agreement among the Heads of State and Government in respect of Israel and Palestine. Belgium will have its work cut out for it there. I agree with what the ambassador said on the need to talk about a peace process, bring about a two-state solution and get a ceasefire in place as soon as possible.

I suspect Hungary will be the bold child again for the next six months. There is talk of the Council President running for the European Parliament elections and, should he become an MEP, Viktor Orbán will take over chairing the Council meetings and so forth. Presumably that will be more in respect of the next Presidency. I am not sure how that works. Dealing with Hungary will be difficult and, as the ambassador mentioned, getting aid to Ukraine and so forth. There are many other issues as well, such as getting agreement on all aspects of the EU asylum and migration pact.

The ambassador answered many of my questions so far, so the only real question I have is on the theme of reinforcing our social and health agenda. In particular, the ambassador mentioned that the Presidency will convene a social partner summit in association with the Commission. I am interested to learn more about that. I agree that the theme of a social Europe is important. Who is likely to attend that summit? Is it Heads of State and Government? Is it the social partners from throughout the EU? I am interested in how it will operate. If the ambassador has any further information in that regard, I would appreciate it. I agree with the concept of it anyhow. Hopefully, it will be an inclusive process and will convey to the citizens of Europe that Europe is a social Europe as well as an economic Europe. Any information the ambassador has on that would be greatly appreciated.