EU presidency should be used to advance Irish unity, Sinn Fein MEPs say

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

The Government should advance Irish unity as part of its presidency of the Council of the EU, Sinn Féin has said.

Sinn Féin says the Government should “convene a high-level EU summit to examine preparations for reunification” when it assumes the presidency in July.

Ireland will hold the EU Council presidency until the end of 2026, and will be responsible for planning and chairing council meetings and negotiations – as well as representing the council in discussions with the European Parliament and European Commission.

The Government has said it will have “a central leadership role at the heart of EU decision-making” and is due to set out its policy programme in June.

Government should use the presidency to begin structured EU-level discussions on the reunification of Ireland

Citing the support of the majority of Northern Ireland voters for remaining in the European Union in the Brexit referendum, Sinn Féin said withdrawal created a “democratic deficit that remains unresolved”.

It said Ireland should seek clarity at council level “on institutional implications of unity” including representation and voting rights, advance observer status in the European Parliament for representatives elected in Northern Ireland, and ensure meaningful participation of the Assembly and Executive in Presidency activities.

The proposals are put forward in a policy document launched by the party’s MEPs Kathleen Funchion and Lynn Boylan on Tuesday.

Funchion said: “Government should use the Presidency to begin structured EU-level discussions on the reunification of Ireland.

“This should include preparations for constitutional change, mapping out how a united Ireland would increase Ireland’s role in the EU decision-making process – and ensuring representation for the North within the EU in the meantime.”

The party also says the Government should push for structural reforms around affordability in the EU energy market, insist on environmental impact checks for all legislative proposals, and lead efforts to increase overseas development aid.

Funchion said: “Government must also use this opportunity to protect workers, farmers and communities.

“That means strengthening rights, defending environmental standards and supporting rural livelihoods.

“This presidency should deliver real, measurable progress for people across Ireland and Europe. This opportunity must not be wasted.”

Boylan said the Government must “stand for peace and international law”, adding: “Ireland should use its voice to push for consistent EU action on global conflicts – including calling for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.”

The document calls for the advancement of EU recognition of the State of Palestine and an EU arms embargo on Israel.