Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1213. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at all European Union Foreign Affairs Council meetings since mid July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34668/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I have attended two European Union Foreign Affairs Council meetings since mid-July, as follows:

22 July, Brussels – scheduled Foreign Affairs Council meeting;

and 15 August, Brussels – extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council.

Discussions at both meetings were dominated by the ongoing crises in the EU’s Southern and Eastern Neighbourhoods.

At the July Council meeting, there was a wide-ranging exchange of views on developments in Ukraine, particularly in the context of the downing of the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17, and the tragic loss of life that resulted. At the Council, Ministers observed a minute’s silence in tribute to the victims. Conclusions were adopted that called upon separatist groups to ensure full, immediate, safe and secure access to the crash site and the surrounding area. The Conclusions further supported the establishment of a full, transparent and independent international investigation into these events. In my intervention, I noted that Ireland strongly supported the call for a full investigation as set out in UN Security Council Resolution 2166 and that this tragic incident underlined the pressing need to bring the conflict in Eastern Ukraine to an end.

The Council also agreed to accelerate the preparation of the expanded restrictive measures outlined by the European Council on 16 July, targeting individuals supporting or benefitting from Russian decision-makers responsible for the destabilisation of Eastern Ukraine. The Council also asked the Commission and the European External Action Service to present proposals for targeted sectoral measures against the Russian Federation on access to capital markets, defense, dual-use goods and sensitive technologies, including in the energy sector. Decisions based on these proposals were subsequently adopted and entered into force on 31 July. In addition, the Council established the EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine.

At the July Council, we also had an extensive exchange on the recent developments in the Middle East. Ministers expressed their concern for the escalation of violence in Gaza and condemned the tragic loss of life on both sides. The discussion focussed on the prospects of securing a ceasefire and the need to get the broader peace process back on track. Along with my ministerial colleagues I called on the parties to resume meaningful negotiations with the aim of achieving a comprehensive peace agreement based on a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the 1967 borders.

An extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council was convened in August in response to the dramatically deteriorating situation on the ground in Iraq and Ukraine.

Ministers, joined by UN Special Representative Nikolay Mladenov, had an in-depth discussion on Iraq and strong Council Conclusions were agreed. These Conclusions articulated a commitment to Iraq’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as expressing deep concern both about the dire humanitarian situation, and the deteriorating security situation. I joined with my colleagues in condemning in the strongest possible terms the atrocities which had taken place in recent weeks, especially, though not exclusively, against vulnerable minority populations such as Christians and the Yazidi people. I further emphasised Ireland’s commitment to the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq.

A critical dimension of the discussions that took place was the issue of responding to the urgent requests by the Kurdish authorities for military support. Along with a number of other EU partners I intervened to ensure that the Council Conclusions which were agreed fully reflected and respected the individual legal and political positions of Member States in responding to such requests.

The situation in Gaza was also discussed. Council Conclusions expressing deep concern for the fragile situation on the ground were agreed. Through these Conclusions we also reiterated the EU’s full support for Egyptian efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire. In addition, I also called for a more active role on the part of the EU in working to promote the resumption of substantive peace negotiations and in supporting any comprehensive agreement that is eventually concluded.

On Ukraine, Ministers expressed their concern at the worsening crisis in the Eastern part of the country, and the deteriorating humanitarian situation. The Council Conclusions agreed emphasised the need to find a politically sustainable solution to the crisis and encouraged the continuation of inclusive and comprehensive reforms in Ukraine. I along with my EU colleagues called for an immediate de-escalation and the resumption of dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to the situation.

Regarding the targeted measures in place against the Russian Federation at that time, Ministers agreed that the grounds for these measures remained valid. It was also agreed that the EU would remain engaged in the assessment of these measures, with the option to consider further steps in light of the evolution of the situation on the ground. As the Deputy may be aware, enhanced sanctions were subsequently adopted and are now in force.

At the August Council meeting, Ministers also had a discussion on the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, adopting short Conclusions. These Conclusions expressed, on behalf of the EU, our condolences to the African governments and people affected by the outbreak.

Finally, although not a formal Council formation, I met with my EU Foreign Minister counterparts in Milan at the end of August (29-30 August) for the bi-annual informal meeting (‘Gymnich’), hosted by the Italian Presidency. Although not a decision-making formation, the ‘Gymnich’ affords an invaluable opportunity for a strategic discussion on issues of current import. On this occasion, we had an in-depth exchange on Gaza and the Middle East Peace Process, on Iraq and Syria, and on the situation in Ukraine.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1214. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he put forward at recent meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in regard to the Ukrainian crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34669/14]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1231. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions at EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings in relation to the crisis in the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34870/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1214 and 1231 together.

I attended a regularly scheduled meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 July, as well as an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council on 15 August, where the crisis in Ukraine was discussed. Conclusions were adopted at both meetings.

The July meeting took place in the aftermath of the tragic downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH 17 over Eastern Ukraine, while the intensification of fighting between the Ukrainian armed forces and pro-Russian separatists formed the backdrop to the August meeting. At both meetings, I supported the ongoing efforts of the EU to facilitate a negotiated and peaceful resolution to the crisis and underlined the need for an appropriate and effective EU response in light of the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Eastern Ukraine and the increased flow of arms, equipment and militants from across the border.

At the July Council, I joined with my EU colleagues in expressing shock and sadness at the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in Donetsk, with the loss of so many innocent lives. The Council emphasised the need for all parties to ensure immediate and safe access to the crash site, and supported the call of both the UN Security Council and the OSCE for a full, transparent and independent investigation.

The Council agreed to accelerate the preparation of the expanded restrictive measures outlined by the European Council on 16 July, targeting individuals supporting or benefitting from Russian decision-makers responsible for the destabilisation of Eastern Ukraine. The Council also asked the Commission and the European External Action Service to present proposals for targeted measures against the Russian Federation on access to capital markets, defense, dual-use goods and sensitive technologies, including in the energy sector.

The EU urged Russia to stop the flow of both weapons and militants across the border, and to bring about an immediate de-escalation of the crisis. I stressed in Brussels that Russia must demonstrate by deeds instead of words that it is committed to resolving the crisis.

At the extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council convened in August, the crisis in Eastern Ukraine was again discussed in depth. Ministers made clear their deep concern at the worsening situation on the ground and, in particular, the impact on the civilian population.

The Council called on the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the United States and the OSCE to join the EU in finding a sustainable solution to the crisis, and underlined the importance of implementing President Poroshenko’s peace plan.

With regard to the humanitarian impact of ongoing events in Ukraine, the United Nations-led response plan for Ukraine was welcomed, as was the European Commission's decision to allocate an additional EUR 2.5 million to meet the most urgent needs of the local population.

The Council also reiterated its call of 22 July for all States and actors in the region to ensure immediate and unrestricted access to the crash site of MH17, to allow the investigation to proceed, and the repatriation of the remains and belongings of the victims still present at the site.

Regarding the targeted measures in place against the Russian Federation at that time, Ministers agreed that the grounds for these measures remained valid. It was also agreed that the EU would remain engaged in the assessment of these measures, with the option to consider further steps in light of the evolution of the situation on the ground. Enhanced sanctions were subsequently adopted and are now in force.

Ministers regretted the Russian Federation's announcement of measures targeting imports of certain agricultural products originating in the EU. The Council welcomed the Commission’s work in co-coordinating information and an appropriate response.

Finally, the Council extended support for the Commission's efforts to facilitate a resumption of the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on the conditions of gas supply, and urged both sides to reach an agreement as soon as possible.