Taoiseach to Travel to European Council, 13/14 March

 The Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D., will travel to Brussels today (13th March) to attend a two day meeting of the European Council.

The Taoiseach will be accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D.

The Spring European Council will focus on the Lisbon Strategy for Jobs and Growth, and will provide Heads of State and Government with a first opportunity to discuss the European Commission’s package of draft legislative proposals on Climate and Energy, which was published last January. 

Financial Market Stability will also be discussed at the Council.

Taoiseach is expected to indicate to his fellow Heads of State and Government that Ireland remains fully committed to working with the other Member States on an ambitious programme to address climate change and on seeking to persuade the wider international community to take action.

The agenda for the Council shows the global challenges facing the Union which require all Member States to work together in an efficient and effective manner.  The Lisbon Reform Treaty will provide the Union with improved decision-making processes, a streamlined institutional framework and an enhanced ability to act on the broader international stage to face the challenges of globalisation.

12th March 2008