Merkel and Kenny Discuss EU Developments in Berlin Meeting
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny held a productive meeting in Berlin to discuss important EU developments. The meeting, which took place on October 4, 2006, served as an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views on key topics such as Germany’s upcoming EU Presidency, the European constitution, and EU enlargement.
Taoiseach Kenny has been actively engaging with EU Heads of State/Government, maintaining ongoing contact at European Council and other summit meetings. Recently, on June 30, he met with the Finnish Prime Minister, Matti Vanhanen, in Helsinki to discuss the agenda for the Finnish EU Presidency.
Kenny’s meeting with Chancellor Merkel was particularly significant as it occurred ahead of Germany assuming the EU Presidency on January 1, 2007. Both leaders engaged in thorough discussions regarding EU developments, focusing on Germany’s preparations for its forthcoming presidency, the European constitution, and the expansion of the EU.
In addition to these meetings, the Taoiseach has a number of future engagements lined up. On November 8, he will address the College of EU Commissioners in Brussels and meet with EU Commission President José Manuel Durão Barroso. Later, on November 29, he will speak at the European Parliament in Brussels. Moreover, he has plans to attend the informal meeting of Heads of State/Government in Lahti, Finland on October 20. This one-day summit, hosted by the Finnish EU Presidency, will discuss innovation policy within the EU, as well as the external relations concerning energy policy. An important agenda item will be a working dinner with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which the emphasis will be placed on the EU’s need for a secure and reliable energy supply.
Earlier, on September 10, Taoiseach Kenny participated in ASEM, the Asia-Europe Summit, held in Helsinki. ASEM provides a platform for Asian and European leaders to meet and exchange views on issues affecting both regions. At the summit, the main themes centered around strengthening multilateralism, addressing security threats, and promoting dialogue among cultures and civilizations. While human rights were not officially on the agenda, the Taoiseach did express concerns about the situation in Burma during discussions on regional and international matters.
During the summit, the Taoiseach also held bilateral talks with the Polish Prime Minister, addressing various issues, including the substantial number of Poles residing and working in Ireland. Additionally, he met with the Malaysian Prime Minister.
On September 18, Their Majesties, King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, paid their first official visit to Ireland. They were warmly welcomed to Government Buildings by Taoiseach Kenny, and discussions centered around the strong bilateral and trade relations between the two countries. Matters of mutual interest, such as the commitment to the United Nations and energy security, were also a focus of the talks.
It is worth mentioning that the National Forum on Europe operates as an independent body. While Taoiseach Kenny does not have a role in its day-to-day operations, he refrains from commenting on its forthcoming work program. However, he expresses confidence in the forum’s ability to continue stimulating and facilitating meaningful discussions on important European matters.
As Taoiseach Kenny remains actively engaged at various summits and meetings, these interactions serve to strengthen Ireland’s position within the EU and enable fruitful discussions on key topics affecting the region’s future.
