Minister Byrne attends General Affairs Council meeting in Warsaw

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, is attending an informal meeting of the General Affairs Council (GAC) hosted by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU in Warsaw today (Tuesday 18 February).

On the GAC Agenda, Minister Byrne will join in discussions on the issue of hybrid threats for the enlargement process and potential countermeasures, the Multiannual Financial Framework after 2027, and how to strengthen Europe’s civil and military preparedness and readiness.

Ministers from candidate and potential candidate countries will join EU Member States for the discussion of hybrid threats for the enlargement process.

Minister Byrne commented:

“This meeting of the General Affairs Council provides a welcome opportunity for my colleagues and I to discuss a number of key topical issues, including hybrid threats for the enlargement process and potential countermeasures.

“I look forward to joining my colleagues in discussing how to strengthen Europe’s civil and military preparedness and readiness. The meeting will also set the ground for the upcoming discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework.

“I also welcome the opportunity to have a number of bilateral meetings during the Council with Germany, Moldova, Lithuania, Montenegro, Spain, and Albania.”