Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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181. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia continue to receive co-operation and support from the European Union; the extent to which Ireland's trade with such countries can be enhanced post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3524/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Eastern Partnership Initiative provides a framework for cooperation between the EU and six countries in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood, including Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia. The aims of the Eastern Partnership are to promote peace and stability in the region and to enhance economic and political integration between the participating countries and the EU. The model of cooperation with each of the participating states has been tailored to meet their needs and priorities and those of the EU.

The EU provides substantial support to Ukraine, and has committed €3.14 billion to the country in macro-financial assistance since 2014. At the most recent EU-Ukraine summit in November, the EU agreed on a support package for reform in Ukraine worth over €300 million. The EU also provides practical support to Ukraine through programmes such as the EU Advisory Mission on civilian security sector reform. Cooperation can be expected to deepen upon entry into force of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, the trade part of which is provisionally in force since 1 January 2016. Ukraine is already seeing the economic benefits of the free trade area which has resulted in a 7.5% increase in trade volumes between the EU and Ukraine in one year.

Georgia signed an Association Agreement and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU in 2014 which entered into force on 1 July 2016. By removing customs tariffs and quotas and by comprehensively approximating trade-related laws and regulations to the standards of the European Union, the Agreement offers Georgia a framework for boosting trade and economic growth. As part of this process, Georgia has committed to undertaking a number of reforms, including on democratic development and fundamental freedoms, on constitutional and parliamentary reform, and anti-corruption reforms.

In December 2015, negotiations began on a framework agreement between the EU and Armenia covering political, economic and sectoral cooperation. This will replace the current EU-Armenia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which dates from 1999. Armenia receives considerable funding from the EU, including between €140 and €170 million for the period 2014-2017. This is focused on supporting private sector development, and reforms in public administration and justice systems.

Post-Brexit, Ireland will remain a committed member of the EU and of the Eurozone. Now, more than ever, our membership of the EU must remain at the heart of our engagement with the world. Continuing access to a Single Market of 500 million consumers is vital to the well-being of the Irish people and EU membership has been central to Ireland’s economic and social development. To this end, membership of the EU also includes trading arrangements with third countries such as those with Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia.

One of the consequences of Brexit for the Irish economy will be the need for Ireland to diversify its markets. The Government is committed to pursuing any opportunities for Ireland which might arise from Brexit. €3m has been allocated specifically to Enterprise Ireland and IDA to help market diversification and new investments.