Written answers

Thursday, 20 January 2011

Department of Foreign Affairs

EU Enlargement

5:00 am

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he and his EU colleagues have engaged in addressing any issues emerging in the context of EU enlargement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3230/11]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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As a beneficiary of past enlargement, and on the experience of more recent accessions, Ireland is generally supportive of enlargement. The prospect of enlargement bolsters economic and political reform processes and helps to promote stability, security and prosperity in Europe. Ireland takes an active role in discussions on the issue, both at Council meetings and in bilateral discussions with existing and aspirant member states. The issue of enlargement features regularly on the agenda of the General Affairs Council, which Ireland attends, and in bilateral discussions with EU Ministerial colleagues.

The December 2010 Council adopted detailed conclusions, subsequently endorsed by the European Council, regarding enlargement generally and in relation to the position of various aspirant member states. The Council reaffirmed the strong support of the EU for taking the enlargement process forward on the basis of the agreed principles and conclusions. The Council's conclusions reiterated that enlargement reinforces peace, democracy and stability in Europe, serves the EU's strategic interests, and helps the EU to better achieve its policy objectives in important areas which are key to economic recovery and sustainable growth.

Enlargement serves as a key driver for political and economic reform, and moves forward at a pace which is largely determined by the (potential) candidate countries' respect of the Copenhagen criteria and their proven capacity to take on the obligations of membership. Every opportunity has been taken to meet with counterparts from candidate and potential candidate countries. Minister Martin met with Croatian Foreign Minister Jandrokovic at the UN General Assembly in New York in September. In November Turkish Minister for European Affairs and Chief Negotiator, Mr. Egemen Bagis, visited Ireland and met with Minister Martin and Minister of State Roche. Most recently, discussions took place with Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic when he visited Dublin last week.

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