THE Minister for Foreign Affairs will have a central role in the conduct of the EU's external relations for the next 18 months as a member of the Troika of EU Foreign Ministers.
Mr Spring joined the Troika yesterday, six months before Ireland assumes the six month EU presidency. The body comprises the Foreign Ministers of the country which holds the EU presidency, the country which held it last and the country which holds it next.
The incoming Italian presidency, has plans for at least four ministerial meetings involving the Troika in the next six months with the US, Japan, Ukraine and Russia. Mr Spring will take part in these talks and is also likely to be involved in the EU's efforts to advance the Bosnian peace process and the development of relations with eastern European countries and Turkey.
Mr Spring said yesterday the additional foreign policy commitments would "provide Ireland with an opportunity to make an important contribution to the EU's external effort which is aimed at promoting peace and international harmony in Europe and beyond".