Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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152. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent remarks by the French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron supporting the foundation of a true European army (details supplied); his further views on EU institutions being used for increased militarisation; his views on calls for increasing militarisation at the upcoming peace summit in Paris; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46988/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The media reports to which the Deputy’s question refers relate primarily to comments made by the French President in the context of the recent launch by France and eight other European states of a “European Intervention Initiative (EI2)”. The EI2, according to those participating, is envisaged as a rapid deployment force in order to facilitate a European security response to external emergency crisis situations.

Ireland is not a party to the EI2 and we are not giving consideration to participation. The EI2 is totally outside of EU structures because, as the Protocol on the concerns of the Irish people on the Treaty of Lisbon states explicitly,the Treaty does not provide for the creation of a European Army. There is therefore no legal basis for an EU army.

The EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) is an integral part of the Union’s common foreign and security policy. It provides the Union with an operational capacity to undertake missions outside the EU for peace-keeping, conflict prevention and strengthening international security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter. Member States contribute civilian and military personnel and assets to these peace support missions: Ireland currently deploys up to 19 civilians in missions in Georgia, Kosovo, Libya, Mali, Niger, Palestine and Ukraine and a further 30 personnel to military missions and operations in Mali, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Mediterranean. Ireland is a strong supporter of CSDP and of recent initiatives which improve the capacity of the Union to contribute to international peace and security, particularly in support of the UN. Ireland does not believe that these contributions and initiatives are or should be characterised as “militarisation” of the EU.

The Paris Peace Forum, which concludes today, is an event hosted by President Macron. It is not an EU-hosted or managed event. The Forum is discussing key issues such as climate change, human rights, debt and inequality, civil; society space, reform of the UN Security Council and migration. Its stated purpose is to make clear that tackling global challenges requires international cooperation and to advocate for multilateralism. As a strong supporter of both multilateralism and international cooperation, Ireland is attending the Forum and is represented by its Ambassador to France.