Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 June 2025
198. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government’s approval is sought through the Foreign Affairs Council in advance of the President of the European Commission articulating a foreign policy position on behalf of the European Union. [33440/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the article of the Treaty on European Union the Government, through the Foreign Affairs Council or otherwise, can delegate powers to represent the State on matters of foreign and security policy to the President of the European Commission rather than to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy who represents the Union for matters relating to the common foreign and security policy under Article 27. [33441/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra200. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action Government takes, if any, in an instance where the President of the European Commission articulates a foreign policy position which has not been agreed by the Foreign Affairs Council; and to list the dates, reasons and nature of any protest made by the Government in response, in tabular form. [33442/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 198 to 200, inclusive, together.
The Treaty on European Union (TEU) delineates the institutional framework for EU foreign policy. Articles 18 and 24 establish that the High Representative shall conduct the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and represent the Union for matters relating to CFSP. The High Representative, who is also Vice President of the Commission, presides over the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) and ensures consistency of the Union’s external action. Article 27 of the TEU designates the High Representative as the Union’s representative for CFSP matters.
The President of the European Commission speaks on CFSP matters through the framework of existing Council conclusions or as part of the Commission’s broader competences in external relations, particularly in areas where the Union has exclusive or shared competence. The institutional balance established by the Treaties envisages that representation by the Commission President in foreign policy contexts is consistent with positions agreed by the Council.
Ireland actively engages in the work of the Foreign Affairs Council, as well as in the development and implementation of the Union's CFSP.
