Scrapping EU foreign policy veto a “dangerous path” says Boylan

Claims that Ireland should look at abolishing EU member vetoes over foreign policy are “extremely concerning,” according to Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan.

Boylanw was responding to comments by Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher in an interview with Euractiv.

In the interview, Kelleher said that abolishing EU member vetoes in issues related to security “should be looked at.”

“For a government MEP to say that this is something that has to be looked at is extremely worrying,” Boylan said.

Boylan said that the Irish presidency of the EU should be dedicated to tackling “rip-off energy prices that are crippling families and businesses.”

“Driving forward the electrification plan, and reform of the electricity market, along with standing up for International law, and justice – not scrapping unanimity should be priorities for our presidency of the EU,” she said.

“Removing the veto on foreign policy issues robs small nations like Ireland of the power to speak out on matters that we disagree with,” the Sinn Féin MEP said.

“It leaves us as hostage to the whims of an increasingly militarised EU, and with the government’s determination to scrap the triple lock, this is an incredibly dangerous position to put us in.”

“The government need to realise the long-term danger of what they’re pushing for, and focus on using our presidency to tackle the issues that matter to workers and families.