Bernard Durkan
Question:119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if European enlargement continues to be encouraged strategically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40915/24]
View answerThursday, 10 October 2024
Questions (119)
Written answers
Ireland has always been, and remains, a strong supporter of EU enlargement, provided that the candidate countries meet the necessary criteria for membership. We believe that it is through EU membership that peace and prosperity can best be ensured across our continent. Furthermore, the change in geopolitical circumstances brought about by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and the subsequent EU membership applications from Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, have highlighted the geo-strategic importance of enlargement for the EU.
We are pleased to see renewed momentum in EU enlargement policy, following a period of regrettable stagnation. In June 2024, the first Intergovernmental Conferences were held with Ukraine and Moldova, marking the formal commencement of their accession negotiations. The screening of the acquis, to assess the compatibility of domestic and EU legislation, is now ongoing for both Ukraine and Moldova, and is expected to continue into mid-2025.
An Intergovernmental Conference with Montenegro also took place in June 2024, at which time the EU confirmed that Montenegro had fulfilled its interim benchmarks on rule of law and judicial reforms. Montenegro can now move ahead with the closure of additional negotiating chapters, which we hope will take place before the end of 2024. Montenegro’s progress is also a signal to the rest of the Western Balkans and demonstrates the EU’s commitment to the region’s future in our Union.
The Government’s decision to open new resident Embassies in Belgrade, Sarajevo and Chisinau in summer 2025 is a concrete demonstration of Ireland’s commitment to EU enlargement, as is the establishment under Budget 2024 of a new Enlargement and European Fundamental Values fund to support candidate countries as they prepare for future EU membership.