Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, T.D., will join his EU Ministerial colleagues today, by videoconference, for an informal meeting of Ministers for European Affairs.
At the meeting, Ministers will discuss the proposed Conference on the Future of Europe. They will engage with a group of young people, drawn from all over Europe, to talk about their vision for the Future of Europe. In addition, Ministers will exchange views on coordination in relation to COVID-19.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Byrne said:
“I look forward to this informal Council chaired by my good colleague, Michael Roth, the German Minister for European Affairs. As we approach the end of both the German Presidency and of a year which has irrevocably and, for too many, tragically changed our way of life, it is fitting and timely to have a detailed exchange with young people from across Europe about the future direction of our continent and of our planet.
“The solidarity shown by the EU and its Member States during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been remarkable and indispensable. We have worked together to deliver unprecedented health and socio-economic support to help Member States’ recovery.
“However, the EU cannot recover fully from the Covid-19 crisis without the support and trust of its citizens. The Conference on the Future of Europe will provide a forum for us to re-build and strengthen that trust and ensure that new policies reflect the concerns of our citizens. We must continue our work together to ensure that we deliver real benefits that people can see in their daily lives.”
ENDS
PRESS OFFICE
1 DECEMBER 2020
