Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Cabinet committee on EU and international affairs oversees implementation of programme for Government commitments and considers policy matters in relation to the European Union and international issues. The committee generally meets in advance of meetings of the European Council to discuss the agenda for these meetings. In addition, it considers current EU and international matters, including the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine.

The committee most recently met on 10 June, when it looked ahead to the informal European Council meeting on 17 June and the meeting of the European Council on 27 and 28 June. Both meetings took place in Brussels. At the informal meeting, leaders reflected on the outcome of the European Parliament elections and focused on the new EU institutional cycle. At the meeting of the European Council proper on 27 and 28 June, leaders signed off on a new strategic agenda for the period ahead. We also discussed other issues, including Ukraine, the horrific humanitarian situation in the Middle East, security and defence and the EU’s competitiveness. The meeting of the Cabinet committee on 10 June also discussed my attendance at the conference on peace in Ukraine hosted by Switzerland on 15 and 16 June. It is expected that the Cabinet committee on EU and international affairs will next meet again as required, which is generally in advance of European Council meetings.

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