Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
240. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Ireland's plans to enhance EU-Singapore partnership and relations during Ireland's upcoming presidency of the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35211/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. The Presidency will be an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in leading and shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency in 2026.
The Irish Presidency will actively support the work of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European External Action Service (EEAS) in promoting effectiveness and coherence in the EU's response to current foreign policy and security challenges.
EU-Singapore relations are built on a long history of friendship and close historical, political and economic ties, as well as shared values such as support for multilateralism. In 2018, the importance of this relationship was reflected in the conclusion of the EU-Singapore Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), which was ratified by Ireland in 2021. The PCA provides the framework and platform for strengthening the EU's partnership with Singapore, including regular engagement on areas of mutual interest.
As a supporter of open and free trade, Ireland strongly supported negotiation of an EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force in 2019. Singapore is the world’s largest exporting nations on a per capita basis, is a global hub for innovation and technology, and is Ireland’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. The EU-Singapore FTA has been a key factor in the significant increase in EU-Singapore trade in recent years. Ireland is also working towards progressing our ratification of the EU-Singapore Investment Protection Agreement, which was signed in 2019, and which will enter into force once all EU Member States have ratified it. Most recently, the EU and Singapore have entered into a Digital Trade Agreement, which entered into force in February this year.
Looking ahead to the Irish Presidency, Ireland will continue to support the flourishing of EU-Singapore partnership, across the full scope of the relationship. We also look forward to playing our part in work towards a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as preparations for an EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit which will take place in Singapore in 2027.
