Remarks by President Donald Tusk after his meeting with Taoiseach Enda Kenny
Good afternoon. It is great to be here in Dublin. I would like to thank the Taoiseach, not only for his warm Irish welcome, but also for our excellent co-operation over the past years. Ireland is, and always has been, a respected voice around the European table. After the dark days of the banking crisis, your return from the edge to be the fastest growing economy in Europe is really remarkable. Enda, you are a symbol in Europe of effective crisis management. Without Ireland's sacrifice and example, the European Union would be in a worse situation now. And we know it.
No one in Europe should question that the reasons for the success of your country are wise political leadership, and the hard work, creativity, and the determination of the Irish people.
I am in Dublin today to consult with the Taoiseach ahead of our summit of 27 leaders in Bratislava next week. We will be meeting to discuss what Brexit means politically for the future of the European Union. I know that Brexit is a very disorientating prospect for Ireland. You are a committed EU member. Sooner or later, your biggest trading partner - and the country with which you share a long history- will not be. The consequences of this are serious, also for the situation in Northern Ireland. The Taoiseach and I are working together closely to ensure that your country does not suffer from a decision that it did not make. Enda, I know you are in constant touch with Prime Minister May. You will also be the first leader that I brief after my own meeting in London tomorrow.
The Bratislava summit is not about Brexit per se. It is about bringing back political control of our common future. People are turning against what they perceive as an irrational openness. They see the world around them getting more chaotic: uncontrolled migration, terrorism, injustices linked to globalisation. We have to confront such issues with real and uniform political leadership. And by saying leadership I don't mean the institutions but first of all the community of member states and their leaders. What must be delivered is a sense of security and order. We in Europe cannot build a political community only on the concept of mandatory and total openness for everyone. The Union also has to be about protection - protection of our freedoms, our security, our quality and way of life. Our goal is to regain the sense that globalisation is an opportunity and not a threat. There is a balance to be restored. I think the Union is one of the best tools we have to do it.
Bratislava needs to show that the political elites in Europe are not detached from reality. That we will be open to the outside world, but always bearing in mind the best interests of our own citizens. That is why I want our leaders to have a political discussion without any taboos about the future.
To conclude, I know there has been a tremendous debate already here over the European Commission's decision in the Apple case. The Taoiseach has explained to me the reasons why the Irish government wants to take the issue to court. I will not comment on this case because this will now be up to the Court. But let me add that I don't expect taxation to be a major issue in Bratislava. Thank you.