Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
19. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps Ireland is taking to ensure that the European Union is institutionally and financially prepared for future enlargement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50239/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland strongly supports EU Enlargement, which is a key priority for our Presidency.
Ireland was part of the first enlargement of the then European Economic Community in 1973 and since then we have benefitted enormously from our EU membership. We believe that other European countries deserve the same opportunities, provided that necessary reforms are implemented.
Advancing Enlargement policy has taken on heightened priority for many EU Member States and the European Commission following Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The further expansion of the EU and its values will protect and strengthen the prosperity, security and democratic development of the European continent.
Ten countries currently hold EU ‘candidate’ status - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine. In addition Kosovo holds ‘potential candidate’ status.
The 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, the EU’s long-term budget, is currently under negotiation among EU Member States and the Irish EU Presidency will play a key role in bringing forward this work. The current Commission proposal provides for a number of mechanisms to support the EU’s ambition and commitment to enlargement. This includes, through the Global Europe instrument, support for candidate and potential candidate countries on their path to EU accession. Under this instrument, a full toolbox has been proposed which includes technical assistance, policy-based loans and support for investments. Separately, it also provides for a dedicated special instrument, the Ukraine Reserve, aimed to cater for Ukraine’s accession path and reconstruction needs.
Importantly, revision of the current and future MFF will also be provided for in the event of the accession of a new Member State to the Union.
The Commission is also expected to publish pre-enlargement policy reviews later this year. Member States and the Commission have discussed the need for reform of the EU's policies, resources, governance and values to prepare for an enlarged European Union since the Granada informal European Council in October 2023. We have already undertaken many important steps to update our policies and financing to prepare for enlargement. I look forward to receiving the Commission’s reviews when they are published.
