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Minister Byrne to represent Ireland at General Affairs Council
Minister Byrne to represent Ireland at General Affairs Council
The Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, T.D., will represent Ireland today at a videoconference of Ministers for European Affairs.
Ministers will prepare for the European Council meeting on 10-11 December. At that meeting, leaders will focus on Climate Change, Covid-19 coordination, security issues and external relations. Ministers may also discuss the current state of play in the EU-UK negotiations.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Byrne said:
“We have important issues on our agenda today, including preparing for a key meeting of the European Council later this week. At that meeting, leaders are scheduled to discuss issues of direct concern to our citizens, including climate change and coordination in relation to Covid-19.
Climate action is an issue that faces us all. I will be emphasising to my European colleagues our support for an increase in the EU 2030 target to at least 55% emissions reduction and to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.”
In addition, the Presidency will update Ministers on legislative programming regarding priorities for next year and for the Commission term 2020-2024. The Commission will also inform Ministers about the new European Democracy Action Plan.