Press release
Tánaiste meeting EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste will attend a meeting of the Foreign Affair’s Council in Brussels today. The Council’s discussions will focus on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the EU’s approach to the Sahel Region. The Tánaiste will also attend a breakfast engagement with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
During the discussion on Gaza, the Tánaiste will reaffirm Ireland’s position on the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for Member States who have suspended funding to UNRWA to rescind this decision. There will also be discussion on the proposal for sanctions against violent settlers. The Council will hear an intervention from UN Senior Humanitarian Coordinator Sigrid Kaag during the item on the Middle East.
Ireland remains concerned about the deteriorating political, security, and humanitarian situation in the Sahel and looks forward to exchanging views on the discussions on adapting the EU approach. EU engagement in the Sahel must look at the root causes of instability and simultaneously address political, development, humanitarian, peacebuilding and security issues.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Tánaiste said:
"At the Foreign Affairs Council I will restate Ireland’s profound concern at the abhorrent situation in Gaza, in particular the planned assault on Rafah. Ireland’s position remains that advancing towards an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, urgent and effective humanitarian access and the protection of civilians is the absolute priority. I will also underline the need for progress on EU sanctions against violent settlers.
“A crucial point that I will stress at this Foreign Affairs Council is that UNRWA’s lifesaving work is more vital than ever and requires our support. I will call on EU Member States partners to reinstate their funding as a matter of urgency.”
On Ukraine, the Tánaiste said:
"As we approach the second anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, it is vital that we maintain the momentum we have been building on the EU’s comprehensive and multifaceted support to Ukraine.
“The discussion today during the Foreign Affairs Council will consider a number of important aspects of support to Ukraine, from the Ukraine Assistance fund and the 13th package of sanctions to the potential Peace Summit. It is essential that the EU continues its clear and united message of support for Ukraine.
"Furthermore, I will express my concern regarding the shocking news of Alexei Navalny’s death in prison in Russia. Mr Navalny was a prominent opposition figure, fearless critic of the Putin regime, and champion of democracy and free speech. His death is yet another indication of the ongoing deterioration in respect for human rights and the rule of law in Russia.”