THE TAOISEACH has told the European Parliament that he strongly supports Ukraine's application for membership to the European Union.
In a wide-reaching address to the parliament today, which also touched on Covid-19, climate, and peace in Ireland, Micheál Martin said he looks forward to the European Commission's Opinion on the application.
"I hope that, when the European Council meets in June, it will be possible to send the people of Ukraine a clear and positive message," he said.
"Ireland’s lived experience – and we are not alone in this – is that EU membership is transformative. It is not only about access to markets and to economic opportunity, though that is, of course, important, it is about what it means for people.
"I know that the Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament is here in Strasbourg today and to him I say Ireland unequivocally supports your country, your people, and your right to a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future."
He said European countries' agenda must be Ukraine's reconstruction, the securing of democracy and its inclusion within the Union.
"We must also support the democratic right of the Belarusian people to new, free and fair elections," he commented.
Mr Martin also spoke about Northern Ireland Protocol and the Good Friday Agreement, saying "Vice-President of the Commission, Maroš Šefčovič, and his team have done remarkable work in listening to businesses and communities throughout Northern Ireland."
"I have said many times that there are solutions to practical problems under the Protocol if there is a political will to find them," he continued.
"But that requires partnership. It requires the UK Government to engage with good faith, seriousness, and commitment.
"Unilateral action to set aside a solemn agreement would be deeply damaging.
"It would mark a historic low-point signalling a disregard for essential principles of laws which are the foundation of international relations.
Closing out his remarks, he quoted John Hume:
"‘the basis of peace and stability, in any society, has to be the fullest respect for the human rights of all its people’.
"So as we learn the lessons of this moment, let’s understand that if we want the values of a free, democratic and prosperous Europe to survive and succeed we have to speak up for these values – and we have to do so even when it’s uncomfortable."
Introducing Taoiseach Micheál Martin to the plenary session, EP President Roberta Metsola said on the question of the Northern Ireland Protocol:
“Renegotiating the protocol on Northern Ireland is not an option. The EP has reiterated its unwavering support for the protocol on several occasions, and we remain fully committed to preserving peace on the island of Ireland.”
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