A Joint Plan of Action has been agreed between Ireland and France in a bid to “strengthen relations” between the two countries in a range of areas.
The 2021 to 2025 plan was signed by Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney and the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian during the visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Ireland.
Some of the commitments made in the Joint Plan of Action include:
- A number of “ambitious” projects in the areas of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture and fisheries;
- Furthering cooperation and exchange of experiences on planning and implementing CAP programmes (including on farmer health, safety and wellbeing);
- Ensuring that the special characteristics of the livestock sector are noted in EU and international climate discussions;
- Ensuring the efficient flow of agri-food trade across the UK landbridge;
- Supporting the development of trade and business partnerships between Ireland and the key ‘gateway’ regions of Hauts-de-France, Normandy and Brittany, in particular;
- Reiterating support for the flagship Celtic Interconnector project which will provide the first direct electricity link between Ireland and the continent.
Minister Coveney said the Joint Plan of Action will “strengthen practical cooperation across a range of sectors” while bringing “tangible benefits” for businesses, schools and cultural institutions.