Ministers McEntee and Byrne to attend Munich Security Conference

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, and the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, will travel to Germany this week to take part in the Munich Security Conference, an annual conference on international security policy.

While in Munich, the Ministers will meet with counterparts and partners from across Europe, the Middle East and North America to discuss some of the most pressing foreign, security and defence challenges facing the international community. These discussions will cover Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and its impact on European and global security, the situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East, as well as transatlantic relations.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Minister McEntee said: “This year’s Munich Security Conference comes at a time of growing uncertainty in global security. The changing European and international landscape will be central to discussions. While Ireland’s foreign policy is grounded in our values and our long-standing policy of military neutrality, we are not immune to the effects of an increasingly volatile world.

“Like our EU partners, Ireland recognises the importance of strengthening both our national and collective preparedness across all aspects of security and defence. This will also be a key focus as Ireland prepares to take on the Presidency of the European Union in the second half of this year.

“In Munich, I will reaffirm Ireland’s strong and continued solidarity with Ukraine as it faces Russia’s aggression, nearly four years on from the full-scale invasion. The recent trilateral talks between the US, Ukraine and Russia are a welcome step. However, any outcome must deliver a just and lasting peace, one that fully respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, and safeguards the security of Ukraine and Europe. The EU and its Member States must continue to provide political, financial and military support to Ukraine, while maintaining pressure on Russia, including through strengthened sanctions and measures targeting the shadow fleet.”

Minister McEntee added: “I will also engage with Arab, European and transatlantic partners on the situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East. Ireland welcomes progress toward phase two of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The immediate priority must be ensuring that humanitarian aid can reach people across Gaza to ease the immense suffering of civilians, while also working to establish a credible political pathway forward. Ireland remains firmly committed to achieving a lasting peace through the implementation of the two-State solution.”

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD said: “The Munich Security Conference takes place against the backdrop of a challenging international context and evolving threats to European security, many arising from Russia’s brutal war of aggression, against Ukraine. As Ireland approaches our EU Presidency later this year, the Munich Security Conference provides a welcome opportunity to discuss cooperation between EU Member States, and with like-minded partners, in order to mitigate the common threats and challenges we face.

At national level, Ireland is committed to advancing work on maritime security, tackling hybrid activity and cyber threats, and to strengthening our defence preparedness. As I have made clear to fellow EU Member States over recent months, during Ireland’s EU Presidency, we will support and advance the EU security and defence agenda.”

ENDS

Press Office

13 February 2026