Ireland\u2019s Presidency of the council of the European Union is a real honour for the country and a chance for Ireland to steer where Europe goes at a genuinely pivotal moment, a Fine Gael Senator has said.<\/p>\n
Ireland officially takes over the rotating Presidency today, chairing negotiations between Member States, pushing forward legislation and representing the Council in talks with the European Parliament over the next six months.<\/p>\n
Senator Eileen Lynch is a member of Ireland\u2019s delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cIt is a tremendous honour for Ireland to once again hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. At a time of significant geopolitical uncertainty, economic change and technological transformation, Ireland can provide leadership, build consensus and help deliver practical outcomes for citizens across Europe.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Government has set three priorities: making Europe more competitive, strengthening our collective security and defence and standing up for the values the EU is built on. They\u2019re big goals, but they\u2019re the right ones for where Europe is now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Senator Lynch said that improving Europe\u2019s competitiveness will be key to long-term prosperity \u2013 cutting red tape for businesses, backing innovation, and keeping Europe a place where people want to invest and create jobs.<\/p>\n
She also pointed to the growing importance of security cooperation.<\/p>\n
\u201cRussia\u2019s illegal invasion of Ukraine and just how uncertain the world has become, shows why European countries need to work closer together. We\u2019ll always respect Ireland\u2019s neutrality, but that doesn\u2019t mean we can\u2019t help make Europe more resilient and better protected against cyber and hybrid threats.\u201d<\/p>\n
On values, Senator Lynch said they must keep guiding decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe EU is built on democracy, the rule of law, human rights and basic freedoms. Those values are under pressure right now and Ireland is well placed to stand up for them throughout our Presidency.\u201d<\/p>\n
Senator Lynch flagged that one of the biggest jobs ahead will be negotiating the EU\u2019s next long-term budget.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese talks matter a lot for Ireland and Member States. They\u2019ll decide how Europe invests in agriculture, regional development, research, innovation, infrastructure and rural communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need a fair deal for Ireland, while making sure the EU has what it needs to face whatever come next.\u201d<\/p>\n
Senator Lynch said she looked forward to engaging with colleagues across Europe over the coming months through her work in the Council of Europe and in the Oireachtas.<\/p>\n
\u201cIreland has built a strong reputation as an honest broker and consensus-builder within the European Union. I have every confidence that our Presidency will reinforce that reputation while delivering meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to our citizens, businesses and communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
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