Statement by the Taoiseach on his visit with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin

It is a great pleasure to be here in Berlin today and to receive such a warm welcome from Chancellor Scholz.

Ireland and Germany are old and close friends, and relations between us are growing stronger all the time.

We look forward to deepening even further the economic and trade links between our two countries.

We also work closely together in the EU, where we are of like-mind on so many of the vital challenges we face.

The Chancellor and I share the ambition to see this cooperation increase in both our national interests and our common European interest.

I look forward to discussing developments in relation to Ukraine with the Chancellor.

The announcement by President Putin yesterday that Russia was recognising the separatist regions in Ukraine crosses a line – it is a flagrant violation of international law and a breach of Ukraine’s sovereignty.

It breaches the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, under which all members must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

As I have said, together with our EU partners, Ireland stands in solidarity with Ukraine. The Chancellor and I discussed the EU’s response –which will be robust.

I again, call on Russia to de-escalate, and to withdraw its military forces from the Ukrainian border.

The Chancellor and I will also have the chance to discuss a number of issues on the European Council’s agenda, including economic recovery and investment.

As we emerge from the pandemic, and as we drive forward with the green and digital transformations, we need to ensure that we take advantage of these new opportunities to deliver high-quality and high skilled jobs across the EU

Our Governments share a high level of ambition on climate action, and we both support the EU’s climate goals for 2030 and beyond.

I also look forward to discussing the EU’s relations with the UK – I am glad to have the opportunity to thank the Chancellor in person for Germany’s support and solidarity throughout the Brexit process.

Ireland wants to see a strong and durable partnership between the EU and the UK in the future.

For this to happen, existing agreements – including the Protocol – need to be implemented in good faith.

Vice-President Šefčovič and the Commission continue to have my full support in the important work that they are doing towards securing that goal.

I hope that the British Government will engage constructively with this work so that we can find pragmatic solutions to some of the issues that have arisen, within the framework of the Protocol.

I will also take the opportunity to brief the Chancellor on the difficult political situation in Northern Ireland, and the importance of ensuring a period of calm ahead of the Assembly elections in May.

Chancellor Scholz, may I again express my thanks for Germany’s enduring friendship, and for your warm welcome today.

ENDS