Press release
Minister Coveney will attend the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
On 21 March, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Simon Coveney will attend a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.
EU Foreign Ministers will assess Russia’s continuing aggression against Ukraine and consider the next steps in the EU’s response. They will also meet with Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Nicu Popescu to discuss the challenges facing the Republic of Moldova as a result of the war in Ukraine. The Foreign Affairs Council will also discuss recent developments in Mali and Ethiopia.
EU Foreign and Defence Ministers will also meet to discuss the adoption of the EU’s Strategic Compass document.
Speaking ahead of the discussion on Russian aggression against Ukraine, Minister Coveney said:
"The EU continues to be united in our response to Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war. Our discussion will be an opportunity to assess the EU actions taken so far and to consider our next steps. We have responded to Russia’s aggression, exactly as we promised we would – with unity, firmness and with determination.
"The EU will continue to play its part in the international response to Russia’s illegal actions and ensure that it is held accountable for them. Ireland’s efforts at the EU, UN and across all multilateral organisations are aimed at bringing an end to this war, ensuring accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law and meeting the humanitarian needs of those caught in the conflict."
The Minister commented on the Strategic Compass:
"Ireland welcomes the Strategic Compass as a means of setting out our shared strategic vision for the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy and of enhancing the EU’s role in international peace and security over the next 5-10 years. I am pleased that the document reflects the core values that underpin our approach to CSDP, including the commitment to effective multilateralism and the rules-based international order, notably through our partnership with the UN."