Written answers

Thursday, 6 October 2005

Department of Foreign Affairs

European Council Meetings

5:00 pm

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress being made in deciding the next seven year budget for the European Union; the outcome of the most recent European Council with regard to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26853/05]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The European Council last met on 16 and 17 June of this year and the Taoiseach reported to the House in detail on 21 June on the meeting's outcome with regard to the European Union's financial framework for the period 2007-13.

I would recall briefly that the June European Council failed to reach agreement on the future financial perspectives. While the great majority of member states could accept the Luxembourg Presidency's final compromise package of 17 June, a small number of countries remained opposed for a variety of reasons, including the UK's budgetary rebate, the level of net contributions and funding for cohesion.

The Taoiseach indicated at the European Council that, in the interests of solidarity, Ireland could accept the Luxembourg Presidency's final proposal. Throughout the negotiations, Ireland's fundamental objective has been to ensure that the enlarged Union is equipped with the necessary financial resources to enable it to meet the challenges of the years ahead and the rightful expectations of our citizens. We had particular priorities in these negotiations. These were to safeguard the October 2002 agreement on the funding of the Common Agricultural Policy, ensure adequate cohesion arrangements for our regions in transition, put in place equitable financing arrangements for the Union, secure continued EU support for the peace process and to achieve increased funding for competitiveness, especially in the area of research and development.

As we enter into the next phase of negotiations under the UK Presidency, I want to assure the Deputy and the House that Ireland's priorities are unchanged. In bilateral consultations with the Presidency, we have insisted that the basis for agreement in December must be the package that was on the table in June. My understanding is that this is also the position of a clear majority of member states.

As part of Ireland's ongoing engagement in these negotiations, we have availed of our bilateral contacts with EU partners, both at ministerial and official level, in order to ensure a full understanding of, and support for, our position. In addition, Ireland's participation as an observer in a friends of cohesion group is intended, and is seen by members of this group, particularly the ten new member states, as evidence of our commitment to solidarity with the poorer regions of the Union. The Minister of State, Deputy Noel Treacy, will travel to Budapest for the group's next meeting tomorrow.

At the Foreign Ministers' meeting I attended this week in Luxembourg, the Presidency informed us of its intention to circulate new proposals in November with the aim of securing political agreement at the European Council on 15-16 December. For our part, we will do everything possible, consistent with our stated priorities, to secure early agreement in the interests of the enlarged Union and its citizens. I will keep the House updated on the progress of these vital negotiations.

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