Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. At the informal European Council meeting on 17 June, leaders reflected on the outcome of the European Parliament elections and focused on the new EU institutional cycle, which included the position of President of the European Commission. There was an acknowledgement that the outcome of the European elections should be respected and reflected in the composition of the senior positions. President von der Leyen was the lead candidate of the European People’s Party and that party was returned as the largest single political grouping in the European Parliament. An arrangement has been agreed between three of the major groups. There may be an additional group joining involving the socialist group and the Renew Europe Group. The anticipation is that this will result in President von der Leyen emerging as the candidate for a second term as President of the European Commission; António Costa as the chair of the Council; and Kaja Kallas as the High Representative.

At the meeting of the European Council on 27 and 28 June, Ireland will support the nomination of President von der Leyen for a second term as President of the European Commission. The European Parliament must then approve that nomination. I believe Ireland and the EU have been well served by President von der Leyen in her first term. She has been a strong advocate for the protection of Irish interests throughout the Brexit process. I am sure the Deputy would acknowledge that himself, and his party did so at the time. President von der Leyen also provided important leadership in the European Union and support to Ireland during Covid-19. She has provided consistent leadership on the European Union's multifaceted response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine. As I have said previously, I did not agree with President von der Leyen's response to the conflict in Gaza and Israel. There is now a better understanding and there has been a significant change across the Commission of the perspective of Ireland and like-minded member states, including by President von der Leyen. The EU's policy now includes a call for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, in line with Ireland's priorities.

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