Minister Richmond welcomes officials at “Ireland for EU Enlargement” capacity building programme

On 27 November, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, will host officials from EU candidate countries who are participating in the “Ireland for EU Enlargement” capacity building programme. This programme, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and administered by Institute for Public Administration, offers capacity building support for officials in candidate countries as they progress towards EU membership. Officials from Ukraine, Montenegro, Moldova and Albania will participate.

Speaking before the event Minister Richmond said: “Progressing EU Enlargement policy is the most effective way to secure peace and prosperity across the European continent. Next year, Ireland will hold the EU Presidency, during which we aim to build momentum on individual candidacies. Ireland has benefitted enormously from our EU membership. We want to support candidate and potential candidate countries on their accession journey.

“Today we welcome officials from Ukraine, Montenegro, Moldova and Albania. During their visit to Ireland, we will support capacity building across a range of technical areas to further their efforts towards aligning with EU standards. I also look forward to hearing from them on how best Ireland can support them on their EU accession journey, including during our EU Presidency next year.

“This gathering takes place in the context of Russia’s brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine, where hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost, infrastructure destroyed and a country fighting for its freedom and independence. Ireland is clear, we stand with Ukraine, and we stand with each of the countries that are facing the threat of increased Russian aggression.”