49ste COSAC-vergadering: Europese parlementariërs over toekomst EU (en)
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny i TD, telecoms entrepreneur Mo Ibrahim and Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn TD are among those who will address almost 300 European parliamentarians in Dublin this Monday and Tuesday on fostering a forward and outward looking European Union.
Discussions will focus on the priorities of the Irish Presidency, future European integration, as well as on the topics of Enlargement, EU Development Policy and how the EU can deliver for its young citizens. Other speakers, ranging from leading voices on European integration, global development and enlargement and young citizens from diverse backgrounds, are included in the programme below.
The meeting is the 49th plenary of COSAC, the conference of the committees from national parliaments dealing with EU Affairs as well as representatives of the European Parliament.
Oireachtas EU Affairs Committee Chairman Dominic Hannigan, who will chair proceedings, says: “In this decisive period for Europe, national parliaments have an indispensable role to play in underpinning democracy in an evolving European Union. This Monday and Tuesday, European parliamentarians meet in Dublin Castle to consider how the EU can be better equipped to deliver for all European citizens. Commencing our discussions, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD will update delegates on Ireland?s presidency and what he sees as the challenges for Europe in the immediate and longer terms.”
“While the unprecedented economic crisis of recent years has prompted much introspective debate, the sessions on development and enlargement will focus on how to progress what have been among the Union’s most successful policies. The conference will also hear from three young Europeans from diverse backgrounds, each of whom will share their perspectives on the future of the European Union. All proceedings can be followed live via Oireachtas UPC channel 207 and webcast on the website. We hope that by conducting the proceedings in the open, we will provide the citizens we serve with a window into discussions and debates between European parliamentarians, as we seek to contribute to a European Union that delivers for people across its Member States and the wider world.”
The conference concludes the programme of eight meetings being hosted by the Houses of the Oireachtas during the six month Presidency, details of which are accessible on the website. The Oireachtas Twitter feed @oireachtasnews will carry updates over the course of Monday and Tuesday, 24 and 25 June. A live webcast of the proceedings can be accessed via the website or alternatively people can view proceedings on Oireachtas Channel UPC 207.
Photos: Photos of the event will be available from Maxwells - tel: +353 1 830-8072 or email office@maxwellphotography.ie
Conference footage: Broadcast quality copies of the proceedings will be available from the OBU, who can be contacted on +353 1 6183789; mobile +353 86 8193399 or email facilities@picommunications.ie,
Media: Due to space limitations, there will be no access to the Printworks Conference Hall for non-delegates. Journalists are welcome to attend and follow the proceedings from a live video feed, which will be provided within the environs of the conference centre. Media are also advised the Werburgh Street Media Centre will not be open for this event.