Foreign Policy

Tuesday, 29 July 2025

Ceisteanna (147)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

147. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is of the view that the institutional balance of the treaties requires that the European Commission must always reflect positions agreed by all member states at the Foreign Affairs Council when speaking on common foreign and security policy; or if he is of the view that the European Commission may articulate its own foreign and security policy that does not represent the position of member states as agreed. [44322/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

As I have outlined to the Deputy previously, 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 in foreign policy contexts is consistent with positions agreed by the Council.