Tánaiste to attend Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, will take part in a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels on Monday 24 February.

The Foreign Affairs Council takes place on the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Ministers will mark this sad anniversary and reaffirm their full solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Russian aggression against Ukraine will be a key issue for discussion. Ministers will also discuss the situation in the Middle East, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, and Georgia.

On Ukraine, Ministers will receive an update from Foreign Minister Sybiha on Ukraine’s priorities and needs. They will also discuss the EU response and support for Ukraine in light of recent developments. The Middle East agenda item will focus on the situation in Syria, and support for the new government in Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces. Ministers will also discuss recent developments in Israel and Palestine, including implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, humanitarian access into Gaza and the situation in the West Bank.

The Tánaiste will also attend an informal dinner with UNRWA Commissioner General, Philippe Lazzarini, and UN Special Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, on Sunday evening. Ireland recently announced €20 million in support for UNRWA.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Tánaiste said: “Monday’s meeting comes at a crucial moment for Ukraine, as we mark three years since Russia launched its barbaric and illegal full-scale invasion. Ireland’s support for Ukraine remains as strong today as it was on day one of Russia’s war.

“Ukraine must be directly involved in any potential peace negotiations and must define the terms and conditions. I look forward to hearing from Foreign Minister Sybiha regarding the situation on the ground and how best the EU can continue its support for the Ukrainian people.”

On the situation in the Middle East, the Tánaiste said: “I look forward to discussing how the EU can continue to support Syria to ensure an inclusive transition that respects human rights, as well as how we can strengthen support for Lebanon and its new government, where the ceasefire remains fragile.

“I will also be calling for the full implementation of the ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. It is crucial that all hostages are returned to their families, and that we see a massive scale-up of humanitarian aid into Gaza. We must also remain focused on the situation in the West Bank, the need to respect human rights, international law, and the importance of maintaining the viability of a two State solution.”

These points will also be discussed at a meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council, which the Tánaiste will attend on Monday afternoon.