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Minister Coveney and Minister Byrne to attend meeting of the General Affairs Council in Brussels
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney, T.D., and the Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, T.D., will exchange views with their counterparts on the current EU-UK negotiations, at a meeting of Ministers for European Affairs today.
Ministers will also prepare for the European Council meeting on 24-25 September. At that meeting, leaders will discuss completion of the Single Market and Digital issues, EU-China relations, as well Turkey and the current situation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Coveney said:
We will discuss the current state of play on Brexit and hear Michel Barnier’s assessment of where we currently stand on the most important issues. The last few weeks have been challenging – Michel and his team have our full confidence and support as we find a way forward.
Minister Byrne said:
I am looking forward to engaging with my EU colleagues in the General Affairs Council today. During my time in Brussels, I will also take the opportunity to meet individually with a number of my EU ministerial colleagues. We will discuss the many important issues on the GAC agenda, including Brexit, the next EU budget and the rule of law in our Union. I will also meet with key contacts across the EU Institutions. We remain deeply committed to the EU and its ideals and I look forward to continuing to develop and strengthen our relationship with each individual EU Member State and with the Institutions of the EU.
In addition, Ministers will discuss EU coordination on Covid-19 travel restrictions. The German Presidency will provide an update on the rule of the Rule of Law in Poland and Hungary.