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Tánaiste meeting with EU Commissioner for EU Budget and Human Resources Mr. Gunther Oettinger
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Simon Coveney, TD, met this afternoon with Mr. Günther Oettinger, EU Commissioner for EU Budget and Human Resources.
Commissioner Oettinger is visiting Dublin as part of his consultations with all EU Member States to prepare for the next EU multiannual financial framework which will begin in 2021. The Commission is expected to publish their draft proposal in early May.
The Tánaiste and Commissioner Oettinger also discussed the importance of ensuring that the staff within the EU institutions continue to adequately represent each nationality, to maintain a thorough understanding of the national priorities within the EU institutions. They noted the Commissioner’s participation in an event promoting EU jobs in the Science Gallery, Trinity College, this evening.
Speaking after the meeting at Leinster House, the Tánaiste said
“I greatly welcome the effort that Commissioner Oettinger is making to visit each EU capital to hear our views on the next EU financial framework. There is very deep awareness in both urban and rural Ireland of the role which EU funds have played over the last 45 years in helping our economy to modernise and to develop.
I believe that the EU budget should continue to adapt to the EU’s evolving priorities. But we also need to keep a focus on the value and contribution of traditional policies, including agriculture and cohesion. A strong and well-funded CAP continues to be a key priority for Ireland.
I also believe that the budget should support key activities such as research and innovation, the freedom to study throughout Europe provided by Erasmus+ and the opportunities – and challenges – we face in adapting to digital transformation.”
Speaking about the importance of geographically balanced staffing within the EU, the Tánaiste said:
“We had a useful and focused conversation on steps that the EU can take to ensure that staff in the institutions adequately represent all of its members. Irish officials in the Commission have made a very significant contribution over the years and I want to see that continue.”