Press release
Meeting of Ministers for European Affairs, Tuesday 24 March
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee, T.D., joined her EU Ministerial colleagues today, by videoconference, for a meeting of Ministers for European Affairs.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 crisis facing all EU Member States as they work together to overcome this challenge.
After the meeting, Minister McEntee said:
“These are very difficult days for us all, a crisis the likes of which has never been encountered on such a global scale before. I would like to express Ireland’s appreciation for the solidarity and support which has been demonstrated by all EU Partners & Institutions as we attempt to muster our resources to overcome this pandemic.
“I reaffirmed the clear role which I and other of my EU colleagues believe we as European Affairs Ministers can play in communicating the important efforts and practical cooperation being undertaken at both EU and national level to tackle this unprecedented crisis.
“I also took the opportunity today to offer Ireland’s sympathy to the Croatian EU Presidency, following the injuries and damage suffered during Sunday’s earthquake near Zagreb.”
During the meeting, Ministers discussed the issue of EU enlargement and Member States endorsed the opening of EU accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. This is in light of the progress that both countries have achieved on reforms and the fulfilment of the conditions set unanimously by the Council in June 2018.
In addition, Member States approved the Commission Communication on "Enhancing the accession process - A credible EU perspective for the Western Balkans". The measures set out in the Commission Communication are aimed at reinvigorating the accession process by increasing its dynamism and credibility, while also making it subject to stronger political steering.
On the issue of enlargement, Minister McEntee said:
“I am pleased to have reached agreement with my European colleagues on opening EU accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. Both countries have continued to deliver on their reform commitments, and a positive decision is fully deserved and, indeed, overdue. Such a decision will reinforce the European perspective of the Western Balkans region, and sends a positive signal at what is an extremely difficult time for us all, as we confront the very serious challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
ENDS