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In order to achieve that Europe, Europe that we truly do all want,

the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs and defense, Mr.

Thomas President, President von der Leyen, President Metzle, honorable Members, Democrats all, I want to congratulate you, President von der Leyen, for your speech,

which set out the challenges facing our Union, but most importantly,

you set out a bold vision about how we can work together to overcome the challenges.

I also want to recognize the presence among us of our distinguished guest, the great Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney. I welcome you here too.

Prime Minister Carney's grandfather and my grandfather came from the same county, and they both joined the Irish police force at the foundation of our state,

and they both contributed to the rule of law in Ireland, which has continued since, although your grandfather took a different turn.

But your presence here today is a visible reflection of the deep bond shared by the European Union and Canada, a bond which grows and strengthens,

and thank you, President von der Leyen,

your proposal significantly advances the relationships between the European Union and our great friend Canada.

Thank you, I welcome the strong convergence of views between the Commission and the Council,

which were set out in your speech.

Several of the issues that you mentioned today converge and overlap with the priorities of Ireland's Presidency program.

On Ukraine, our solidarity with Ukraine and its people remains steadfast, the security of Europe, our citizens, it all requires Russia's war of aggression to be brought to an end,

and I welcome all the ongoing efforts by the Commission, the Council, the Parliament, by all the Member States,

by our friends in the UK and Canada, and indeed by the efforts of the US in this regard.

On security, no country alone can address the entirety of existing and emerging security challenges,

and the Irish Presidency is committed to advancing a security and defense agenda which meets the needs of the European Union,

its Member States and its citizens.

On competitiveness, we need to boost European economic competitiveness, but time is of the essence,

and we need to progress the implementation of the One Europe, one Market roadmap without delay. Our Presidency is committed to that.

On enlargement of the European Union,

the expansion of our Union to full members and maybe associate members is in our strategic interests.

There can be no shortcuts, but we must not lose momentum in this process,

and I am working night and day with your Commission on this.

On our external relationships, the European Union must strengthen our relationships, including our trade relationships.

Our trade relationship with Canada has meant a massively increased trade,

which leads to jobs and good paying jobs for citizens across the European Union.

But we can't lose momentum in this process.

We need to navigate an increasingly volatile global context.

But when it comes to strengthening online safety for children and young people, and indeed Olof us.

We must ensure a safe and empowering online environment for them.

The Kids Act is a great idea, now is the time to act,

and the Irish Presidency will work with the Commission in the strongest possible way to move forward and be global leaders in this issue.

You're right also to emphasize not just the opportunities of artificial intelligence, but the risks of artificial intelligence.

The rule of law, which my grandfather and Prime Minister Carney's grandfather contributed to in Ireland,

are the foundations of our European Union.

We welcome the proposals that you have in this regard.

The Irish Presidency has worked to reaffirm the European Union's commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on a two-state solution,

which guarantees the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination and to live in peace and safety within secure borders.

We will work to continue the financial support to Palestinians, where, as you rightly remind us, Europe leads the way.

Underpinning the work of the European Union into the future is the need to secure a multiannual financial framework that meets our ambitions.

Securing the MFF is a top priority of the Irish Presidency.

I'll continue to work with Member States and with Parliament to try to bridge different positions and foster the agreement that works for the people of the European Union and our citizens.

At the General Affairs Council meeting next week, I will chair a discussion on the MFF as we seek to progress the budget negotiations before our leaders make their final negotiations and decisions,

but compromise and flexibility is required from all.

While the challenge ahead of us is clear, I'm confident that we can reach agreement by the end of 2026.

In the General Affairs Council,

I will be chairing a discussion between ministers on the commission's letter intention so that we can make a contribution to the commission's work program for 2026-20207.

We welcome the idea of working with the Parliament and the Commission on the common statement on the legislative.

Priorities Of the European Union for 2027 in cooperation with the European Parliament and the Commission,

the Council will continue to move forward with work on the common declaration and the roadmap,

one Europe One Market in order to ensure the rapid implementation of these priorities. There is no strength.

Political families and different ideologies, but we have to have a shared purpose,

and that's to serve the people that we have the privilege of representing.

The spirit of Nina la la strength with unity will continue to guide the work of the Irish Presidency in the coming months,

and we gather here as democrats in a democracy and as participants. It in a great peace project.

On the subject of peace, I'm reminded of John Hume, our former MEP,

who imagined the Northern Ireland peace process right here in Strasbourg.

This House, our Union, our institutions have overcome great challenges in the past and delivered progress,

and I am confident that we will continue to do so. Thank you.

Thank you, you've got a bit of extra time because of your excellent French. Congratulations, Minister.