Ireland – Visit by Clément Beaune (6-7 December 2020)

Clément Beaune, Minister of State for European Affairs, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, will be in Ireland on December 6-7. This visit follows discussions by Jean-Yves Le Drian and his Minister of State with Simon Coveney, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defense, on December 3.

This visit comes amid the strengthening of our bilateral ties and political dialogue, as after Brexit France will be Ireland’s geographically closest EU neighbor. It comes at a time when negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom are nearing the end of the transition period, with Ireland being one of the countries most affected by Brexit. Our two countries have a common interest in this regard, which is the protection of their fishing industries.

The Minister of State will travel to the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and will stress the importance of not re-establishing a physical border and of implementing the Northern Ireland Protocol. Mr. Beaune will also meet with various Irish officials, including his counterpart, Thomas Byrne. On the eve of the European Council, they will discuss priorities for the European agenda.

Throughout his visit, the Minister of State will have the opportunity to stress the high caliber of our bilateral relationship.