Taoiseach Micheál Martin attending European Council

“I am looking forward to joining fellow EU leaders to discuss a range of pressing issues, including Ukraine. I very much hope that current efforts will result in a meaningful ceasefire and a process that can lead to a just and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. I will continue to work with European partners to ensure that Ukraine can enter any negotiations in a position of strength. I expect we will discuss today how we can contribute to that goal.

“Future membership of the EU can make an important contribution towards Ukraine’s future security and I will be arguing that we should ensure that the process on this moves forward as quickly as possible.

“More broadly, it is clear that Russia is a serious threat to our collective security in Europe. The Commission has now published its White Paper on the future of European defence. We must be sure that we have the capabilities to counter the threats we face in today’s uncertain and dangerous world. For Ireland, cyber defence and maritime security remain priorities. We are increasing our defence capabilities at home and we are ready to work constructively with partners to do more together. We will do so in full respect for our policy of military neutrality which is fully understood and respected by our EU partners.

“We will also discuss the situation in the Middle East. Israel’s resumption of air strikes and bombings in Gaza, which have resulted in the death of hundreds of Palestinian civilians including so many innocent children, is deplorable. We need to demand an immediate return to the full implementation of the ceasefire-hostage release agreement. All remaining hostages must be released and there needs to be a permanent end to hostilities. Unhindered humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza must be reinstated as a matter of absolute urgency.

“I am also looking forward to our exchange of views with the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres. The UN needs our support more than ever and I believe it has an important role to play in promoting and protecting international peace and security. I will be voicing Ireland’s strong support for the UN and for our commitment to effective multilateralism and the international rules-based order.

“Improving Europe’s competitiveness will also be a significant focus of our discussions today. A dynamic European economy is needed both to improve the lives of our citizens and to provide the resources to advance the Union’s shared political objectives. The Single Market remains the foundation of European competitiveness and I will be advocating for targeted action to complete the market and remove barriers so that our SMEs can scale and thrive. This includes access to finance so I will be working with others towards achieving dynamic capital markets in Europe.

“Finally, we will have a strategic discussion among leaders on the EU’s next budget – the multiannual financial framework. We have an ambitious policy agenda for the period ahead, and we need to ensure that our budget is mobilised to help us achieve our policy goals. Ensuring a competitive Europe, including a fully funded CAP, is my focus.”