Fianna Fáil Senator for Louth Erin McGreehan has said Europe must become more responsive to the pressures facing ordinary people while remaining united in its support for Ukraine and committed to defending human rights internationally.
Senator McGreehan was speaking at a discussion on Ireland’s place in Europe during the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis in Dublin, marking the party’s centenary.
The event was held alongside Fianna Fáil MEPs and featured Oleksandr Korniyenko, First Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian parliamentt and a member of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Servant of the People party.
Addressing attendees, Senator McGreehan said Europe must respond to growing economic pressures, geopolitical instability and concerns around competitiveness while continuing to uphold democratic values and international law.
Speaking to the Dublin crowd, Senator McGreehan said in her opening remarks:
“Fianna Fáil has always believed in Ireland’s place at the heart of Europe. We are proud to be the party that brought Ireland into the European project, and we remain absolutely committed to a strong, outward-looking European Union.
“But our support for Europe also means recognising where Europe needs to do better. People are facing rising costs and growing pressures on farmers and businesses, alongside increasing insecurity and concerns about Europe’s competitiveness in a rapidly changing world.
“Europe must be capable not only of responding to crises, but of delivering progress for ordinary people.
“We meet at a time of enormous instability. The war in Ukraine continues, and Fianna Fáil stands firmly with the Ukrainian people against Russia’s illegal aggression. Europe must remain resilient, united, and unwavering in solidarity, because Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security.
“Europe must also continue to stand firmly for human rights and international law wherever action is needed. Europe cannot and should not hesitate.
“It has been profoundly disappointing to see Europe failing to act in sanctioning Israel, and I commend the work of our government and our MEPs for their strong voice in opposing the violations and the suffering inflicted on the Palestinian people.
“As Ireland prepares for the EU Presidency, this is an important opportunity to help shape the future direction of Europe. A Europe that is strong, competitive, democratic and capable of meeting the challenges we will face together.”
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