Minister Burke to attend General Affairs Council in Brussels
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister of State for European Affairs, Peter Burke, will represent Ireland at the first General Affairs Council meeting of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union on Monday, 10 July 2023 in Brussels.
At the meeting, the Presidency will give a presentation on their priorities for this semester while Ministers will also be briefed by the Commission on the mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027. The Presidency will also brief Ministers on plans to conduct an evaluation of the annual Rule of Law Dialogue between the Commission and Member States.
In the afternoon, the Ministers will, over lunch, receive a presentation from Commission Vice-President Sefčovič on the 2023 Strategic Foresight Report “Sustainability and people’s wellbeing at the heart of Europe’s open strategic autonomy.” The report focuses on EU sustainability, open strategic autonomy, and global leadership.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Burke said:
"I look forward to hearing from the Spanish Presidency on their priorities for the next six months which I consider to be in keeping with Ireland’s desire for a more unified, resilient and sustainable future. I particularly welcome the focus placed on the green and digital transitions, promoting greater social and economic justice including through maintaining the level playing field of the Single Market and strengthening EU unity, including intensifying efforts to complete the Capital Markets Union.
"I also want to thank Sweden for all their efforts in completing a successful Presidency term. Real progress was achieved in a number of crucial areas, including Migration where the agreement achieved in the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 8 June has significantly improved the prospects for concluding negotiations on a much needed Migration and Asylum Pact to guide overall EU efforts in dealing with this vital issue in a comprehensive and humane manner.
"I also look forward to having an initial discussion with my colleagues on the Commission’s proposals in relation to the mid-term review of the Multiannual Financial Framework. These proposals will require full and detailed analysis but, in doing so, Ireland will remain committed to fully supporting Ukraine and will continue to contribute to meeting its financial needs."