Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

398. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which positive steps continue to be taken to influence the future of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19097/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland's priorities for the Future of Europe are closely aligned with the delivery of the EU Strategic Agenda as agreed last year at the June 2019 European Council. 

These priorities include: protecting citizens and freedoms; developing a strong and vibrant economic base; completing the Single Market fit for the digital age; building a climate-neutral, green, fair and social Europe; and promoting European interests on the global stage, including through developing a more effective political dialogue between the EU and Africa. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the progress on delivering that Agenda - and we recognise that the methods, means, and time-frames for achieving these priorities will require additional flexibility as we work to ensure that all Member States achieve a full recovery together. 

We also recognise that Europe cannot recover from this crisis without the support and trust of our citizens. The proposed Conference on the Future of Europe will provide an opportunity to consider the challenges we face and our policy priorities in addressing them. The Conference provides a forum for us to build and strengthen that trust and ensure that new policies and strategies reflect the needs and concerns of our citizens.