European Union foreign policy chief Mr Javier Solana said in Dublin today that Ireland will have a central role in implementing Europe's new security strategy.
Mr Solana also said that Ireland faced the responsibility of helping to work towards a resolution of the conflict in the Middle East during its presidency of the EU.
In an address to the Forum on Europe at Dublin Castle this morning, Mr Solana outlined details of the EU's first common security strategy. The new strategy, agreed last month, lays emphasis on creating stronger security partnerships.
Mr Solana stressed Europe's security partnership with the United States, describing it as "irreplaceable".
"I believe that our future security will depend more - not less - on an effective multilateral system, a rule-based internatioal order and well-functioning international institutions. Multilateralism is not an instrument of the weak. It is an instrument of the wise," he said.
He also said the United Nations was at the centre of the multilateral system, but the best way to strengthen the UN was by building a strong and capable Europe, committed to multilateralism.
Mr Solana said the EU must start to think and act globally in terms of security. "Our internal and external security are interconnected. If we want to protect our citizens at home, we have to be prepared to act effectively abroad," he said.
Preventative engagement was at the heart of the of the EU security approach, Mr Solana added. "The threats we face are dynamic. Left alone, they will grow. We need to be able to act at the first sign of trouble," he said.
As the EU prepares to accept new members, Mr Solana said EU enlargement should not create new dividing lines in Europe. He said closer economic co-operation with the new members should be accompanied by efforts to develop democracy and good governance.
On the subject of the breakdown of agreement on the new EU constitution, Mr Solana said he was confident the EU was in safe hands during the Irish presidency, if an opportunity for progress presented itself.