Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

159. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade how Ireland is working with Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia to support their reform efforts on their paths to membership of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50238/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland is a strong supporter of EU Enlargement and supported the decision of the European Council in June 2022 to grant EU Candidate Status to Ukraine and Moldova and potential Candidate Status to Georgia, and we continue to work with all three countries on their paths to European integration. We welcome the reports issued by the Commission, which are a necessary reference point in the next phase in the EU enlargement process.

Ireland is steadfast in our support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s aggression. Ireland has provided over €90 million in stabilisation and humanitarian support and approximately €122 million of non-lethal military assistance under the European Peace Facility to Ukraine. This includes support through the OECD, to strengthen institutions and governance. This programme will help bring Ukraine closer to OECD standards and ultimately also support Ukraine’s accession to the EU.

Ireland has been supporting Moldova to mitigate the impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and on their path towards European integration. Last November Ireland announced €5 million in support to Moldova channelled via the World Bank. In addition to supporting refugees and households, this supported Moldova to build resilience in the energy sector, and enhance resilience. In October 2023 Ireland announced a further €2 million in support through the World Bank, focused on institutional strengthening and critical investments.

Ireland, through our membership of the European Union, continues to support Georgia as it works on the necessary reforms set out by the European Commission. For 2021-2024, EU funding for Georgia is expected to amount to €340 million. Priorities include the economy, institutions, rule of law, security, environment and climate resilience, and gender equality. EU assistance is based on strict conditionality and is linked to satisfactory progress in reforms and the respect of the rule of law and human rights.