Press release
Tánaiste Simon Harris travels to Brussels
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
Tánaiste Simon Harris is attending a meeting of the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels this morning, the first since the inauguration of US President Trump.
The meeting of 27 EU Foreign Ministers will discuss EU-US relations under the new administration, developments in Ukraine as we approach the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion next month, and the Middle East, including the ceasefire and hostage release deal, the need for massive humanitarian access in Gaza, and the return of Israeli hostages to their families.
The Foreign Affairs Council will also discuss cyber and hybrid threats against the EU, Russian aggression against Ukraine, wider EU-US relations, as well as developments in Georgia and Moldova.
On Ukraine, Ministers will receive an update from Foreign Minister Sybiha on Ukraine’s priorities and needs. They will also discuss how to strengthen the EU’s military support for Ukraine, and sanctions against Russia.
Ministers will discuss the situation in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime last month. The ceasefire in Lebanon and appointment of a new President and Prime Minister will also feature highly. As part of this discussion, the Tánaiste will speak to the commitment of the Irish Defence Forces in UNIFIL.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Harris said:
“There have been some major changes since the start of this year, not least of all a new President in the Oval Office and a much welcome ceasefire in Gaza. Russia’s criminal war of aggression continues against Ukraine.
“These developments, and more, affect all of us in Ireland and across the EU and we will discuss them in depth.
“I have spoken over the weekend to the EU’s High Representative Kaja Kallas and I look forward to working closely with her and my colleagues on a range of important issues.
“In light of last week’s inauguration of President Trump, I will update colleagues on my conversation with President Trump in November and the need for a strong EU/US relationship.”
The Tánaiste will have attended an informal dinner with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the leader of the Belarus democratic opposition on Sunday evening on arrival in Brussels.