Press release
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 T.D., will represent Ireland at the EU General Affairs Council (GAC) meeting on 19 March in Brussels.
Ministers at the Council will prepare and review the latest state of the draft Conclusions due to be adopted at the European Council on 21-22 March. The draft Conclusions cover what will be a very busy agenda for the European Council including Ukraine; Security and Defence; the Middle East; Enlargement; External Relations; Migration; Agriculture and the European Semester. Ministers will also have a working lunch discussion on the Future of Europe.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Burke said:
“This month’s Council will be particularly important as we prepare for a key meeting of the European Council on 21-22 March. EU Leaders face a busy agenda this week where there will be important discussions on Ukraine, on security and defence, and on the Middle East. Leaders will also address agriculture, with a discussion on the Commission package on the Common Agricultural Policy and the non-paper on improving the position of farmers.
“For Ireland, a major priority in the coming week will be securing agreement within the European Council on Conclusions addressing developments in the Middle East and calling for an immediate ceasefire. Since our last meeting, the situation in Gaza has only deteriorated even further. We are seeing deeply concerning reports about the humanitarian situation, including a man-made, conflict-induced famine. I am particularly concerned about the situation in Rafah. It is vital that the European Union speaks this week with a united, strong voice on this catastrophic situation.
"I and the Government also warmly welcome the €5 billion Ukraine Assistance Fund for 2024, agreed at the Foreign Affairs Council yesterday. It is vital that the EU continues to deliver on our commitments to support for Ukraine in a predictable and sustainable manner, including moving ahead now in relation to its accession process and that of other candidate countries such as Moldova and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
"Agricultural issues will also be discussed at March’s European Council. The European agricultural sector is facing a time of crisis, and it is important we respond and act quickly to address the urgent needs of our farmers and rural areas.”
ENDS
Press Office
19 March 2024