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

I am pleased to have the opportunity to say a few words to mark Europe Day 2022. I am conscious of the fact, like other speakers, that overshadowing Europe Day this year is the Russian invasion of Ukraine. War has returned to Europe. The European Union, at the outset, was fundamentally a peace project and the Russian invasion makes us reflect again on the aims and objectives of the EU and the values underpinning it.

The year 2022 also marks the 50th anniversary of Ireland joining the EEC, as it was called then, when 83% of the electorate voted Yes on the day. That is worth commemorating and the Government has put together an EU 50 programme to ensure we do just that and celebrate and commemorate our membership of the European Union.

I would also like to say something about the Conference on the Future of Europe. The EU is not perfect, far from it, and there is always room for improvement. At a basic level it needs to be responsive to the needs and aspirations of all its citizens, particularly with regard to its economic policy objectives which should not foster inequality or exclusion. The final report of the conference, which contains 49 proposals across a wide range of areas, was presented to the EU Presidents yesterday. The proposals include the abolition of the veto in almost all areas of EU-decision making, that is, replacing the need for unanimity with qualified majority voting. Also in the report are proposals for greater powers to be given to the European Parliament and for enhanced EU military co-operation. In summary, the report advocates greater integration, swifter decision-making and a more powerful and proactive EU. Of course, this raises the prospect of treaty change and Ireland will need to be vigilant and proactive as this process unfolds. I note that the Taoiseach said earlier in his contribution to this debate that we need "careful and considered reflection" on the report. That was significant. Already, 13 member states have apparently signed a letter opposing any institutional reforms in the context of this report. I would suggest the Oireachtas will need to be kept fully briefed on the Government's intentions in respect of the 49 proposals outlined in the final report of the conference as they are further considered by the EU institutions.

I also want to say a few words about EU enlargement. A number of countries in the western Balkans wish to join the EU, including North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia, while Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia also want to join. They have completed their questionnaires and these are being assessed by the European Commission for a further report to a European Council meeting. As a general principle, Ireland is in favour of enlargement but joining the EU is a complex and often lengthy process. As the Russian bear eyes these countries up and tries to destabilise them, we need to give them every practical assistance, including financial aid, help to resolve internal conflicts, assistance with governance and public administration issues, help to reduce their energy dependence on Russia and so on. However, they do need to meet the EU criteria and there can be no backsliding from adherence to European values.

European Movement Ireland has just published another Red C poll to coincide with Europe Day and the 50th anniversary of our EU membership. The findings of the poll are interesting, with 88% agreeing that Ireland should remain a member of the EU. This confirms, yet again, Ireland's strong ongoing support for EU membership down through the years. The Brexit vote in the UK in 2016 has not affected this. If anything, the opposite is the case. The Euroscepticism associated with Brexit has not raised its ugly head here, thankfully. Another finding is that 59% agree Ireland should be part of increased EU defence and security co-operation. This is significant against the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the agreement reached recently on the so-called strategic compass.

There can be no doubt that EU membership has been enormously beneficial for Ireland. It has brought about peace, prosperity and progress in many ways. It has transformed Irish society and is responsible for dramatic changes in the economic, social and cultural life of this country. I think of the changes that have taken place with regard to environmental laws, consumer legislation, and labour law, to name but a few. The EU is continually adapting to new issues and challenges. It is at the forefront in tackling climate change. In recent years it responded to the Covid-19 pandemic by successfully co-ordinating the acquisition of vaccines for its citizens and bringing forward the EU recovery and resilience fund. Following Brexit, the EU concluded negotiations on the withdrawal agreement and the trade and co-operation agreement and put in place the Brexit adjustment reserve.

At the core of the EU is adherence to liberal democratic values, fundamental human rights, free and fair elections, a free press, ethics in politics and judicial independence. These are the essence of the European values. They are always threatened by autocratic regimes so there can be no backsliding from these fundamental principles.

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