Irish Presidency’s main priorities

Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton TD announced yesterday the Irish Presidency priorities. Irish Presidency will focus on Stability, Jobs and Growth,

At the plenary meeting of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels, Lucinda Creighton TD, presented Irish Presidency main objectives. “There is now an overwhelming desire to move beyond simply reactively fighting the effects of the crisis, towards creating the conditions for economic stability, recovery and employment creation in Europe.  Our citizens want change, and we must respond decisively” she said.

European citizens must be at the centre of EU policy-making, said Minister Creighton. She also stressed the need to tackle youth unemployment. That was also one of the conclusions of the informal meeting of European Ministers for Social Protection and Employment. The informal meeting was held in Dublin last week and its main theme was “Getting people into Work”.

Building on the decision reached at the European Council last Friday on the Multiannual Financial Framework, Minister Creighton called on the EU institutions to cooperate and work closely with the Presidency. A constructive dialogue can lead to a prosperous and dynamic agreement said Minister Creighton. The agreement is needed to implement programmes that will ensure economic growth and job creation in communities across the EU.  

In her remarks, Minister Creighton also highlighted issues such as modernising the Single Market, supporting research and innovation, promoting environmental protection and boosting international trade. “…we will continue to work to reach solutions that involve all Member States and to reach agreement through the Community method of decision-making.  The challenges that we face are considerable, but the EU has demonstrated in the past what it can achieve.  If we continue to stand together we can again achieve real results.”