Breen to chair meeting on EU Agreements

The proposed EU Association Agreements with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine will be on the agenda of the Dáil Select Committee of Foreign Affairs and Trade this afternoon (Wednesday).

Committee chairman, Deputy Pat Breen will preside and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan, who has tabled motions seeking the approval of the Dáil for each of the agreements, will be in attendance

The Association Agreements offered to Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine within the framework aim to promote political association and economic integration between the three countries and the EU, based on common values. A further aim is to support and enhance cooperation in the areas of justice, freedom and security with the aim of reinforcing the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms including in the area of mobility and people-to-people contacts.

Deputy Breen said, “ The committee has an important role to play in examining what the EU hope will be a new generation of comprehensive agreements with Eastern Partnership countries before they are returned to the Dáil. As the agreements may impose a charge upon public funds, it is necessary to secure the prior approval of Dáil Éireann. The current unrest in the Ukraine and the recent change of government in Moldova may flow into discussions.”