Press release
Tánaiste attends EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Luxembourg
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, will take part in a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg today (Monday). The Council’s discussions will focus on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and Sudan. The Council will be followed by a High Level Forum on Regional Cooperation and Security meeting with Gulf Cooperation Council Foreign Ministers.
The agenda item on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine will include a joint session of EU Foreign and Defence Ministers and will consider how the EU can step up its support for Ukraine in the midst of continuing Russian bombardment and attacks on civilian infrastructure. The Ukrainian Foreign and Defence Ministers will also brief the meeting by videoconference.
During the discussion on the Middle East, the Tánaiste will reiterate Ireland’s position on the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and the expansion of humanitarian aid and access. The Tánaiste will also call for de-escalation in regional security tensions.
The meeting is also a valuable opportunity to draw attention to the conflict in Sudan and to discuss options on mitigating the humanitarian crisis, securing a ceasefire, and restoring Sudan’s democratic transition.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Tánaiste said: “I remain deeply concerned by the potential for any further escalation in the Middle East. Ireland has been very clear in its condemnation of the large-scale attack by Iran on Israel. We are equally clear in condemning any retaliation. We continue to appeal to all parties to show maximum restraint, to focus on de-escalation and ensure we prevent a spiralling of conflict. Amidst these developments, it is vital that we do not lose sight of the abhorrent humanitarian situation in Gaza, and I will underline this today.
“While I was disappointed at the outcome of the vote at the UN Security Council on full UN membership for Palestine, I was pleased that the EU members of the Council were among those who voted in favour. Today I will be asking EU partners to ensure that the EU come forward with strong support for any Resolution at the UN General Assembly.”
On Ukraine, the Tánaiste said: “The scale of the attacks committed by Russia and the targeting of civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities is deplorable, cynical and brutal. The EU must continue to support Ukraine in the defence of its population.
“Today is a welcome opportunity for strategic discussions between Foreign and Defence Ministers, to ensure that our multifaceted support to Ukraine remains relevant, sufficient and strategic, allowing it to defend its people.”