Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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357. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which efforts are ongoing within the European Union to address the issue of euroscepticism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25998/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The growth in support for populist parties holding eurospectic views has been a feature of the European political scene in recent years. One factor behind this is disillusionment among Europe’s citizens that their everyday concerns are not being addressed by their political leaders. In response, they have been listening more closely to those offering easy answers and all too often, simplistic solutions.

The Rome Declaration agreed by EU leaders in March rightly highlights the EU's achievements, which leaders see as being increasingly overshadowed by the drift towards euro scepticism and the sense of alienation among voters. One way of addressing this sense of alienation is for the EU to deliver practical improvements to the lives of citizens throughout the Union.

While there are differing views about the order and emphasis on different policy priorities – jobs and growth, Single Market and Digital Single Market, migration, internal and external security and defence – there is convergence on the need to communicate that the EU will prioritise delivery for its citizens, re-dedicate itself to its core values, and reaffirm its raison d'êtreas the embodiment of peace, stability, democracy and the Rule of Law in these uncertain times.

Delivery on these important issues should serve to rekindle citizens’ trust in - and support for - the EU and the values it espouses.