Minister McEntee attends meeting of EU Foreign Ministers

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, will today (11 May) travel to Brussels to attend a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

Ministers will discuss a range of issues, including the situation in the Middle East, Russian aggression against Ukraine, and the Western Balkans. The Foreign Minister of Ukraine is expected to join discussions on Ukraine. Ministers will also have an informal exchange with the Foreign Minister of Canada, Anita Anand. The Minister will also attend a High-Level Meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children following the FAC.

Commenting on the Middle East, the Minister said: “The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the wider situation in the Middle East remain deeply concerning. It is high time that the EU takes concrete action in response to the appalling situation in Gaza, as well as the continued expansion of settlement activity and settler violence in the West Bank.

“As a community based on law, the EU cannot remain passive in the face of persistent breaches of international law and actions deliberately undermining the viability of the two-State solution. I will be calling for concrete EU measures, including action to ban trade with illegal settlements and the suspension of the trade elements of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. We must also move forward urgently with sanctions against violent settlers and those who enable them.

“The situation in Lebanon is deeply concerning. The EU must put its collective weight behind Lebanon’s humanitarian needs and recovery.

“I also hope the US and Iran will agree very soon to de-escalate tensions and ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open. The EU must continue to advocate for dialogue, restraint, respect for international law, and freedom of navigation.”

On Ukraine, the Minister said: “We will discuss the latest developments with our Ukrainian counterparts. It is essential that we maintain our support for Ukraine and keep pressure on Russia. We must move quickly to disburse the €90 billion Ukraine Support loan and advance work on the next round of sanctions.”

“The weekend ceasefire negotiated by the US is a welcome development. Russia must now demonstrate that it is serious about peace by maintaining the ceasefire and engaging in meaningful negotiations. It can end this brutal war at any time if it chooses. We must also continue to engage closely with the US and encourage sustained pressure on Russia to negotiate in good faith.

“Later today, I will discuss the return of Ukrainian children abducted during Russia’s war. No child ever voted for this war and yet children often suffer the most. This is a question of accountability for Russia’s crimes.”

On the participation of the Canadian Foreign Minister, Minister McEntee said: “Canada is an increasingly close partner for both Ireland and the EU, sharing common values, goals and objectives, as well as strong economic, political and people-to-people ties. I look forward to the discussion with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on how we can further strengthen cooperation with this key trans-Atlantic partner.”

On the Western Balkans, the Minister said: “It is a crucial time for the region and Europe’s wider security environment. We are committed to supporting the EU path of each Western Balkans country and this will be a priority during our EU Presidency. In September last year, we opened embassies in Sarajevo and Belgrade. An integrated and secure Western Balkans is essential to the future of Europe.”