Taking the example of his country, soon to be a member of the European Union for half a century, the Irish Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, defended, on Wednesday 8 June in Strasbourg, EU membership as a process of democratic transformation and strengthening, contributing to the affirmation of sovereignty. By proudly defending fundamental European values, the Union is “a beacon of hope” to people at our borders who aspire to join it, he said, referring to the countries of the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.
“Our Treaties are clear that any European State which respects the values of the Union and is committed to promoting them may apply to become a member of the Union. (...) We should support those looking to join in undertaking the reforms and preparations necessary, and when they meet the criteria we should not place further barriers in their way”, said Mr Martin.
This is why the Irish Prime Minister has “strongly” supported Ukraine’s request, hoping that it will be possible to send the Ukrainians “a clear and positive message” at the European Council on 23 and 24 June.
According to his Italian counterpart, Mario Draghi, who openly supports Ukraine’s membership of the EU, such an outcome seems difficult (see EUROPE 12962/5).
On the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Taoiseach spoke out in favour of “the strongest possible” sanctions against Russia, despite the high costs to European citizens. He condemned “the illegal appropriation of agricultural production in Ukraine which is having a direct impact on global food security and affordability”, especially in Africa and the Middle East. Ireland also hosts more than 34,000 Ukrainians in its territory.
Brexit. On post-Brexit relations between the EU and the UK, Mr Martin recalled the importance of the Good Friday Agreement for peace in Northern Ireland, forged in particular by former MEP and Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume.
“I can think of no more solemn agreement than one which has ended a deadly conflict, has been democratically ratified, and has been in operation for a quarter of a century”, the Irish leader said. The agreement can be improved, he added, but “unfortunately what we have seen are bad-faith efforts to undermine a treaty freely entered into” and to “introduce new problems”.
Mr Martin urged the UK authorities to show political will to resolve practical problems, as has been done on the prices of medicines going to Northern Ireland. He warned against any unilateral initiative that would be deeply damaging for all parties.
After Prime Minister Boris Johnson survived a vote of no confidence in his political family, the UK authorities may submit a legislative initiative to break away from the EU/UK agreements organising the post-Brexit bilateral relationship.
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, stressed that the renegotiation of the Northern Ireland Protocol is “out of the question”.
On the climate issue, the Taoiseach called for an acceleration of the decarbonisation of the economy. He argued that Ireland has legislated to set a binding target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 from 2018 levels.
Institutional reform. Finally, on the future of the EU, Mr Martin argued for greater ambition in European political integration. He said that a bigger budget for the EU would be used to invest in skills, research and critical industries.
Recalling that the EU has been shaped by the crises it has faced, Mr Martin said he was “open” to institutional reform, but felt that the Union should first do what it could under a constant European treaty.
See Mr Martin’s speech: https://aeur.eu/f/1z6 (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)