Taoiseach Leo Varadkar attending Munich Security Conference

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is travelling to Munich today (Friday) for the 60th annual Munich Security Conference. His focus is on how countries like Ireland can play a positive role on the world stage, at a time when the world is becoming less stable and more dangerous.

The Munich Security Conference is regarded as the world’s leading forum on international peace and security. Guests include Heads of State or Government and leading policy experts.

This is the first time that a Taoiseach has attended the Conference, reflecting just how seriously the Irish Government regards the current security situation in eastern Europe, Gaza, and other parts of the world. He will emphasise Ireland’s commitment to the rules-based international order, international law and fundamental human rights, and emphasise the role that neutral countries like Ireland can play.

The Taoiseach is expected to hold bilateral meetings this evening, and tomorrow (Saturday) will take part in a discussion on neutrality, hosted by academic Dame Louise Richardson.

Speaking ahead of his attendance, the Taoiseach said:

“With war in Ukraine and the Middle East and simmering tensions or outright conflict in many other regions, now is a crucial moment for international peace and security. This is the first time that a serving Taoiseach has attended the Munich Security Conference. This shows just how seriously we view the current global situation. I’m looking forward to engaging with other Leaders and policy-makers on these issues. It’s really important that Ireland is here to set out our views on how best to manage the many - and growing – security challenges that we all face.

“I’m particularly looking forward to taking part in a panel discussion on neutrality. I will explain the work of the recent Consultative Forum on Neutrality and our Commission on Defence and show how Ireland and our policy of active neutrality can be part of the response to challenges in cyber-security, hybrid warfare, disinformation, the protection of communications infrastructure and outright conflict. I will also set out Ireland’s long-standing commitment to multi-lateral action, international law and fundamental human rights.

“On the terrible events that are happening in the Middle East I will push hard for the release of all hostages, an immediate ceasefire, and urgent access to humanitarian supplies. I also hope to raise the prospects for a permanent political solution based on two States side by side, living securely and in peace with each other.”