Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

34. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the EU security agenda; and the position he will take when it is discussed at the next EU Council meeting. [36044/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The EU Global Strategy commits the EU to promoting peace, security, prosperity, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. These objectives are to be pursued through a comprehensive approach using the range of instruments available to the European Union, including political, diplomatic, economic development, trade, peace-keeping and crisis management tools.

Five priority areas have been identified for implementation of the Global Strategy. These include strengthening the EU’s capacity, through its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), to promote international peace and security within a rules-based global order underpinned by the United Nations.

On 14 November EU Foreign Ministers met in joint session with EU Defence Ministers and adopted conclusions defining the Union’s priorities for that purpose.

In addition to the Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions, it is expected that a forthcoming European Defence Action Plan being prepared by the Commission, and the implementation of the Joint Declaration signed in Warsaw between leaders of the EU Institutions and NATO, will form the basis for discussions by Heads of State and Government at the December European Council. The Commission plan is expected to focus on ensuring that European industry can provide the capabilities required for the EU’s peace-keeping and crisis management activities.

The EU’s engagement in cooperation with other international organisations, such as the UN and NATO, is governed by the EU Treaties, including our Lisbon Protocol which protects Ireland’s military neutrality. In line with these provisions, the EU Global Strategy, the June 2016 European Council Conclusions and the Warsaw Declaration all expressly stipulate that EU-NATO cooperation shall not prejudice the security and defence policy of EU Members which are not in NATO and that it will be conducted with full respect for the separate decision-making autonomy of the two organisations.

Ireland’s approach in this discussion is constructive and realistic. Ireland is a strong supporter of initiatives, through the CSDP, which improve the capacity of the Union to contribute to international peace and security, particularly in support of the UN. We support cooperation with international partners where this adds value and contributes to the achievement of these objectives. These considerations will inform Ireland’s approach to the discussions at the European Council.