Brussels

The Brussels Branch represents the Department in its engagements with EU Member States, EU institutions and at NATO’s Partnership for Peace on policy areas including Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), Capability Development and Defence Industrial Policy. Working within the PSC Delegation in the Perm Rep, the team provides policy input on security and defence issues and works closely with colleagues in International Security and Defence Policy Branch (Dept. of Defence), Defence Forces, the Department of Foreign Affairs and other government departments to ensure coherence across all relevant files.

Officials participate in Council Working Group discussions on the EU’s CSDP and Defence Industrial Policy to ensure the implementation of security and defence policy incorporates and integrates Ireland’s values, interests, priorities and commitments. Brussels Branch contributes to the preparation of briefs for the Minister and Senior Officials for attendance at high-level meetings.