Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies for their statements and questions. I will now address further issues that were discussed at the October European Council meeting. A strategic discussion on the situation in the Sahel was held during the European Council meeting in light of the continuing deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in the region, aggravated by political instability. Leaders underlined the importance of stability there for the security and prosperity of the people living in the Sahel, as well as for the EU. The Council committed to continuing to support the Economic Community of West African States and other relevant regional partners and invited High Representative Borrell and the European Commission to present options for an EU response to the current situation. Leaders also called for the immediate release of President Bazoum and his family following the coup in Niger.

Tensions in northern Kosovo are still very high and leaders took the opportunity at the October European Council meeting to reassert deep concerns about the security situation there. The violent attack against Kosovo police in September was condemned once again and leaders called for the perpetrators to be apprehended and brought to justice. For this to happen, Serbia must co-operate fully. The EU continues to encourage all parties to de-escalate. Leaders called on Kosovo and Serbia to implement agreements reached in the EU-facilitated dialogue without delay or preconditions. Both sides must return to constructive collaboration within the framework of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and engage with the EU special representative to resolve the ongoing situation. New elections should be held in the north of Kosovo as soon as possible with the active participation of Kosovo Serbs.

The Council sought to remind Kosovo and Serbia that normalisation of relations is an essential condition on the European path and that they risk losing important opportunities in the absence of progress. Considering the ambition of all parties ultimately towards EU membership, leaders made a welcome commitment to continue to work closely with the western Balkans and support their reform efforts on their European paths.

Recognising the potentially devastating impacts of the recent military escalation by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh, the European Council reaffirmed its continued support for advancing a sustainable and lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Leaders noted that any peace must be based on the principles of recognition of sovereignty, the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. Leaders underlined the importance of ensuring the rights and security of Karabakh Armenians, including those who wish to return to their homes. They supported efforts to facilitate dialogue between the sides and called on all parties to engage in good faith and to finalise the process by the end of this year. The Council also invited the High Representative and the European Commission to present options to leaders on how best to strengthen EU-Armenia relations. This Government is very concerned at the large exodus of ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, which has amounted to over 100,000 of the 120,000 pre-conflict local population. It is vital that we ensure the welfare and protection of the civilian population, most of whom are now effectively refugees. It is Azerbaijan's responsibility to secure the rights of the Karabakh Armenians, including the right to a voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return to Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Taoiseach met the Armenian Prime Minister in the margins of the European Political Community meeting in October and expressed Ireland's concern at the plight of Karabakh Armenians and outlined our support for the humanitarian effort. To date, the EU has announced €12.15 million in humanitarian funding to help those displaced by the conflict. This funding is part of a wider package to support Armenia, including through the EU4Peace programme, budget support and technical assistance. Ireland is providing help via the People in Need organisation and to the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, UNHCR, both of which are active in the response.

Leaders had a brief discussion on the external dimension of migration. The situation continues to be very difficult for member states, with many seeing increased numbers of migrants arriving at a time when we are also hosting large numbers fleeing war in Ukraine. Leaders committed to strengthen co-operation with third countries through the most comprehensive agreements. The topic of migration is likely to be addressed again at the next European Council meeting.

The increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events highlight the urgency of a global response to the climate emergency. In view of the upcoming 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, in Dubai, leaders took stock of preparations for COP28. Leaders also gave broad support for the global renewables and energy efficiency pledge. The conference comes at a decisive moment for international climate action. Temperature records are being repeatedly broken and climate impacts felt in unprecedented wildfires, floods, storms and droughts worldwide. The UN's global stocktake report shows much more must be done to meet the goals of the landmark Paris Agreement. Adapting and building resilience to climate change impacts, addressing climate-induced loss and damage and fossil fuel phase-out will feature prominently. Other critical tasks will include getting the loss and damage fund established at COP28.

The past year has seen a fundamental change in our security environment. Certain incidents have led to a renewed focus on national security and the risk of terrorism, as well as maritime security. In that context, the European Council strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in France and Belgium which resulted in the killing and injuring of Swedish and French nationals. Leaders restated the EU’s united and firm stance against terrorism. Leaders also called on EU institutions and member states to enhance internal security, including by strengthening law enforcement and judicial co-operation, information exchange through the full use of relevant databases and the protection of external borders. They also stressed the need for effective measures to strengthen the resilience and ensure the security of critical infrastructure. From Ireland's perspective, the Government is deeply concerned at the damage caused and echoes calls to develop effective measures to strengthen the security of critical infrastructure.

See this speech in context