Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, T.D., attended a meeting of the General Affairs Council (GAC) in Brussels on Tuesday 25 January.
At the General Affairs Council meeting, Ministers debated on a legislative package focused on reinforcing democracy and the integrity of elections. The French Presidency made a presentation on the priorities for their presidency of the Council of the EU. In addition, Ministers discussed the Conference of the Future of Europe, Covid-19 coordination and EU-UK relations.
Ahead of the meeting, Minister Byrne said:
"Today’s GAC will see Ministers discussing a number of important issues, including Covid-19 and EU-UK relations. We will also exchange views on the Conference on the Future of Europe. The 3rd Conference Plenary took place in Strasbourg and online last weekend where plenary members (including myself) discussed and debated recommendations from citizens from all over Europe. These included recommendations in the areas of health, climate change, rule of law and EU Democracy. Today’s discussion at GAC will allow us to take stock of what the citizens have recommended to date and to consider how best to take forward the Conference process in a way which ensures it leads to real results and can be built upon in leading to stronger participative democracy within the Union.
“I also look forward to the discussion on EU-UK relations. It is welcome that talks will continue following the latest meeting of Commission Vice-President Šefčovič and Foreign Secretary Truss in Brussels yesterday. It is important that the current talks on the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland deliver durable solutions. The proposals brought forward by the Commission in October are a credible basis for engagement and progress. Ireland and the EU remain firmly committed to providing certainty and stability for the benefit of people and businesses in Northern Ireland.
“I would like to congratulate France, our nearest neighbour within the EU, on taking up the Presidency of the Council of the EU. I look forward to working with my good colleague, Minister of State for European Affairs, Clément Beaune, in the General Affairs Council over the coming months.”