Minister Byrne to highlight importance of CAP at EU General Affairs Council

Minister for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, is in Brussels today (17 November) to represent Ireland at the General Affairs Council (GAC), where EU Member States will prepare for the December meeting of the European Council, discuss EU-UK relations and continue negotiations on the long-term EU budget.

The meeting will discuss the EU multi-annual budget (2028-34), which funds the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

Minister Byrne said: “My priority at today’s meeting is to ensure that the agreed long-term EU budget reflects Ireland’s priorities and provides certainty and stability for farmers, fishers and rural communities. A ring-fenced and robust CAP and Common Fisheries Policy, with adequate funding, will be the foundation of European food security, competitiveness, and the EU’s climate and environmental commitments.”

Minister Byrne will also make a presentation on the rule of law in Ireland, following on from the European Commission’s report, which showed that respect for the rule of law remains strong in Ireland. Other EU Ministers will be given the opportunity to ask questions about specific issues in Ireland, as part of the rule of dialogue between all EU member states.

Minister Byrne said: “It is very important for us that all EU Member States uphold the rule of law. I welcome the opportunity to examine the state of play in each EU country when it comes to the rule of law. Today is Ireland’s turn, and I look forward to setting out the strong commitment that the government places on the respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights in our country and the steps that we have taken to underpin the rule of law.”

Minister Byrne highlighted the importance of supporting Gaza and Ukraine at the December European Council: “The ceasefire and hostage release agreement is an important first step on the road to peace but the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank is desperate and must remain our focus.

“We also must continue to support Ukraine as it faces reprehensible attacks from Russia. I welcome the adoption of further sanctions against Russia, we must keep the pressure up.

“In terms of enlargement, the December European Council will be a great opportunity to recognise progress made by Albania, Moldova, Montenegro and Ukraine on their accession paths.”

Before the Council, the Minister spoke on EU-UK relations, which also feature on the agenda: “I was very pleased to see last week’s agreement on the negotiating mandates for sanitary and phytosanitary and emissions trading system agreements, both of which would be of real benefit to Ireland. The EU-UK Summit in May gave us renewed cooperation and ambition from both sides, now we need to keep up this momentum in other areas.

“While we must remain clear regarding the need for progress on implementing all commitments under the Windsor Framework agreement for Northern Ireland, a close, mutually-beneficial partnership with the UK is in the interest of the Union and all of our citizens."

The Minister will remain in Brussels on Tuesday 18 November for a series of engagements including a speech at the Centre for European Reform, a panel discussion at the EU Enlargement Forum and consultations with Irish stakeholders on Ireland’s upcoming 2026 Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Livestream of the General Affairs Council.

ENDS

Press Office

17 November 2025