Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 2 February 2022
Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs
Potential Russia-Ukraine Conflict and the Role of the European Union: Discussion
Sharon Keogan (Independent)
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I am not too sure I can comment on Professor Tonra's last statement regarding our fishing men and fleets and their take on the recent events. I thank our guests for their presentations. It is clear that the EU lacks real hard power or any diplomatic muscle here. What role could an autonomous EU military capacity play in combating Russian aggression in Ukraine? What framework would have to be put in place for such a force to be established? What issues of national sovereignty would be involved in establishing such a force? In the event of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, what role would the EU play in helping to put boots on the ground, that is, bolstering the Ukrainian defences? There is an EU package of €1.2 billion to Ukraine, but is there anything else the EU can do?