‘Reindustrialising the EU, making progress on ecological transition, social and economic justice and strengthening European unity’ are crucial tasks ahead as Spain assumes Presidency of the Council of the EU
Minister Peter Burke T.D., Minister of State for European Affairs and H.E. Ion de la Riva, Ambassador of Spain to Ireland speak at European Movement Ireland briefing.
July 13, 2023: Dublin: European Movement Ireland held a briefing on the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and launched its new Presidency calendar highlighting the key political and cultural dates in Ireland and Europe for the next six months.
Reindustrialising the EU, making progress on ecological transition, social and economic justice and strengthening European unity are the four priorities of the Spanish presidency.
Speaking at the briefing which took place in Government Buildings this morning, Ambassador of Spain to Ireland H.E. Ion de la Riva, said: “Spain has just taken over the Presidency of the Council of the EU. The wider context is hugely testing and complex. Each and every aspect of our lives has been deeply impacted by IT and globalisation. Countries are being fractured along fresh new divisions. It has always been in tough times that the EU has grown stronger. The last fifteen years is clear proof to all of us that unity is our main strength.”
“Spain is widely regarded by its EU partners as a staunch backer of the European project and an honest broker. During the next six months, we will strive to turn challenges into opportunities. We are looking forward to increasing both the resilience and the international stance of the EU.”
This is Spain’s fifth term of Presidency, having held the Presidency previously in 1989, 1995, 2002, 2010.
Commenting on the Spanish Presidency, Minister of State for European Affairs, Minister Peter Burke T.D., said: “Spain’s Presidency of the European Council comes at a critical time in the history of our Union. Spain will have the great responsibility of building consensus among all 27 EU Member States to face today’s complex global and regional challenges with a spirit of ambition and unity. To do this, they have set out an ambitious set of priorities for their Presidency, which I believe are relevant, realistic, and in keeping with our desire for a more unified, resilient, and sustainable future.”
EM Ireland CEO Noelle O Connell said: “Spain is taking over the presidency at a period of great challenges for the Member States and the European Union as a whole.
“As we navigate our way through such challenging times, from the deepening climate crisis, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing cost of living crisis impacting so many people in Europe, the motto behind Spain’s Presidency of “Europe, Closer” resonates more than ever. It highlights the need for enhanced cooperation and partnership in the EU, where so often we see how common challenges can be resolved through common EU solutions.”
The Spanish Presidency runs from 1 July to 31 December 2023.
The EM Ireland biannual calendar details the key dates during the Presidency and is available to download at https://www.europeanmovement.ie/resources/presidency-calendar/.
Social Media: @emireland #EU2023ES
ENDS
Press Queries: Cathy Gray, Head of Communications and Youth Engagement, EM Ireland
M: 0868075332 E: Cathy@europeanmovement.ie
Notes
Images released separately by Conor McCabe.
About European Movement Ireland: Founded in 1954, European Movement (EM) Ireland is the longest established Irish NGO working on European affairs. An independent, not-for-profit, membership organisation, EM Ireland works to develop the connection between Ireland and the European Union. We facilitate links between all sectors of Irish society and the EU, through advocacy campaigns, education programmes, training courses, information briefings and networking events.
For more information, visit www.europeanmovement.ie .