Taoiseach Simon Harris attending 50th anniversary European Council

Taoiseach Simon Harris is in Brussels today (Thursday) for the meeting of the European Council. The situations in Ukraine and the Middle East as well as a strategic discussion on the EU in the world, including relations with the US will be the main items for the European Council. Other items include enlargement and reforms, Georgia, Moldova, hybrid threats, the Niinistö Report (Preparedness, Crisis Prevention and Response), and migration.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Taoiseach said:

“The meeting of the European Council will be dealing with several very big and pressing issues, including the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East as well as the EU’s global engagement.

"As Russia continues to inflict its terrible onslaught on the people of Ukraine and when there is much speculation about how the war comes to an end, it is more important than ever that the EU leaders send a clear message to Ukraine, Russia, and our partners, that the EU is committed to providing comprehensive and multifaceted support to Ukraine. Any peace agreement must respect the principles of the UN Charter, including Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. There can be no discussion about peace in Ukraine without Ukraine.

"The situation in the Middle East is more concerning than ever. The fall of the murderous Assad regime is welcomed but the future of Syria is very uncertain. The EU needs to do what we can to support an inclusive and peaceful transition that promises a stable and democratic future for the people of Syria as they recover from over a decade of terrible conflict.

"The ceasefire in Lebanon is very fragile and the EU needs to work with our partners to secure it as we work towards a durable peace. I am very proud that Irish troops serving with UNIFIL will play an important role in this endeavour.

"With all these developments, we cannot lose sight of the ongoing and unacceptable suffering of the people of Gaza. I will reiterate Ireland’s call for the EU to use all levers at its disposal to help bring about a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza and to facilitate the much-needed surge in humanitarian assistance. It is also important that EU leaders send a strong message of support to UNRWA and to the Palestinian Authority, including our commitment to a two-state solution. There will be no lasting stability in the region without a Palestinian state, living side-by-side in peace with a secure Israel.

"EU leaders will also have a very timely and important strategic discussion on the EU in the world. In an increasingly uncertain world, the EU must remain open, guided by our shared values, and must continue to support the institutions that underpin a rules-based order, especially the United Nations. I especially look forward to discussing with my fellow Leaders how to advance our relations with key partners, including the US and the UK, in the period ahead."