Question:
74 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's priorities for the EU summit in June 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12938/01]
Written Answers - EU Summits.
The second meeting of the European Council under the Swedish Presidency will take place in Gothenburg on 15 and 16 June. The Presidency has yet to brief partners on their specific intentions for the meeting which, as a formal session of the European Council, may consider issues from across the entire range of the Union's activities. However, recent indications from the Presidency are that the major issues for Gothenburg will be enlargement, sustainable development and European security and defence policy, in addition to topical external relations items. There may also be some discussion on the future of Europe issue. It also appears likely that US President George Bush will attend an EU/US summit in Gothenburg on 14 June, and will meet EU Heads of State and Government on 15 June.
As part of their preparations for Gothenburg, the Swedish Presidency will consult bilaterally with partners in the weeks running up to the summit. To this end, Swedish Prime Minister Persson is expected to visit Dublin at the end of May.
The Government has already welcomed Sweden's Presidency programme, and assured Sweden of its co-operation in achieving the goals it has set. As the Presidency's specific intentions for Gothenburg become clearer, the Government, in particular through the cabinet subcommittee on EU Affairs, will work to review and develop specific Irish priorities relating to the issues for the summit.