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Year in Review 2015 - Our Place in Europe

Home | Introduction | Our People | Our Values | Our Prosperity | Our Place in Europe | Our Influence | Meet Our Staff | Facts & Figures

Protecting and advancing Ireland’s values and interests in Europe is one of the high level goals of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in our Statement of Strategy 2015-2017, and part of our overall mission statement as a Government Department.

Towards this end:

- We work to maximise Ireland’s influence in shaping EU outcomes through building strong relationships with the EU institutions and other member States; and
- We make a strong contribution to shaping the EU’s global engagement and peace and security in Europe.

The stories below are examples of our delivery of this goal in 2015.

Migration in Europe

Migration in Europe

Our Embassies in the Mediterranean region provided support to search and rescue missions by the Irish Naval Service as well as resettlement and relocation of asylum seekers and refugees.

Ireland's Perm Rep in Brussels

Ireland's Perm Rep in Brussels

Ireland's largest overseas mission works to secure Ireland’s interests within the EU, engaging in ongoing complex negotiations and consultations on the development of EU legislation.

EU Enlargement

The Department's Europe Division deals with the issue of EU Enlargement and has lead responsibility for the Western Balkans and Turkey.

EU Foreign and Security Policy

EU Foreign and Security Policy

Minister Flanagan attended regular monthly meetings of the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council.