Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are certain conflicts and issues on which the European Union is able to create a firm consensus and when we can do this, the European Union acts together. However, when we cannot do this, EU countries act separately, which undermines the Union's authority and effectiveness. There are plenty of examples of this.

The question the Deputy asked relates to Russia, on which there is consensus in the European Union. Many people would like the relationship with Russia to change and improve. Many view the Minsk process as a test of this and linking sanctions to progress on the implementation of the Minsk agreement and process is a test. The European Union would act on sanctions in a positive manner if it believed it was appropriate to do so.

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