Minister McEntee Attends Meeting of EU Defence Ministers

The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, is today (11 February) in Brussels for a meeting of EU Defence Ministers.

The Minister will also meet with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, and the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius.

In the presence of Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, Ministers will discuss EU support to Ukraine, with a focus on next steps on EU support to Ukraine, with a strategic focus on Ukraine’s innovation in defence.

The discussion will also focus on additional funding options for defence, including how the €90 billion Ukraine support loan can help ensure timely delivery of defence equipment and funding for Ukraine.

Ministers will also return to the subject of the EU’s Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, which was jointly presented by the European Commission and the High Representative in October 2025.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister McEntee said:

“This meeting takes place in an evolving and increasingly complex security environment. It is another important opportunity for EU Member States to reaffirm their solidarity with and support for Ukraine. I welcome ongoing discussions on how the EU can step-up its military and funding support for Ukraine, play a constructive role in any peace process and contribute to security guarantees as part of a peace agreement.

“Meetings of EU Defence Ministers assume greater importance for Ireland as we get closer to Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, which starts in about four and a half months’ time.

“I look forward to my meetings with Vice President Kallas and Commissioner Kubilius to discuss the geopolitical challenges facing Europe at this time and the likely agenda for Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency. I will also assure them of Ireland’s commitment to delivering a secure and successful Presidency.”