Mr. Martin Konený:

I know from my contacts with diplomats and observing proceedings in Brussels that the Irish Government is already supportive of the policy of differentiation. That is probably what it would tell the members, as parliamentarians. However, leadership is about more than just expressing support. Leadership is when a member state takes the initiative and convenes a meeting with other member states on a certain issue or tables a written proposal for discussion with other member states or when a Government representative at the most senior level, such as a foreign minister, personally takes the issue forward and discusses it with fellow ministers, the European Commission or the UN High Representative. I have not seen that level of leadership so far. When there are discussions in the EU, member states need to take the lead in order for movement to occur. Nothing moves in the EU without member states taking the lead and championing certain issues and moving them forward. We have seen that if member states, even those smaller than Ireland, take a certain issue seriously, they can make a significant difference and advance a certain agenda. Practically speaking, that is to what I refer in terms of leadership.

As regards concrete steps within the differentiation basket, we have listed several of them in our written submission but those are just examples. There are more things that could be considered. We do not want the discussion to be stuck on the details at this stage.

It is important to advance the discussion on all possible options to advance differentiation. We would be happy to discuss some of the specific options now, if that would be useful.