merrion street

Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore and European Affairs Minister Paschal Donohoe will travel to the meeting of the European Council in Brussels on 19-20 December.

The focus of the meeting will be on Economic and Social Policy, including implementation of the Compact for Growth and Jobs, SME financing and taxation, as well as Economic and Monetary Union, including Banking Union. The summit will also address the Common Security and Defence Policy, Migration, and Enlargement.

Leaders will also take note of progress reports on the implementation of the Internal Energy Market and on External Energy relations. The European Council will also look at recent international developments including Ukraine, the Central African Republic, Iran, Syria, COP 19 and the WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali.