Minister McEntee Attends Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, is travelling to Brussels to attend a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers which will take place on 20 November.

Ministers will discuss a range of issues, including Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, the Sahel and Sudan. Ministers will also meet with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers over lunch.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister McEntee said: “I am looking forward to attending my first Foreign Affairs Council and meeting my EU counterparts.

“We gather at a critical moment for Ukraine and European security in the face of Russia’s continuing war of aggression. I condemn Russia’s brutal drone and missile attacks on cities across Ukraine and send my condolences to the families of those who have been killed and injured. These are not the actions of a country that wants peace.

“In our meeting, I look forward to hearing from my Ukrainian colleague, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. I will be taking the opportunity to reiterate Ireland’s steadfast solidarity and support for Ukraine, our support for further sanctions on Russia, as well as our strong support for Ukraine’s EU accession.”

On the situation in the Middle East, the Minister stated: “The situation in the Middle East is a priority for the Government. Ireland welcomes the progress that has been made on implementing phase one of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, including the release of hostages held in captivity by Hamas. The immediate priority is to ensure that humanitarian aid gets into and throughout Gaza to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population.

“While international attention is understandably focused on Gaza, we must not lose sight of the disturbing situation in the West Bank, where Israeli military operations and settlement expansion are continuing. I will restate our readiness to play our part in working towards a sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians through the implementation of the two-State solution.”

On Sudan, the Minister said: “The conflict in Sudan is devastating. We need to see a cessation of hostilities, followed by a permanent, peaceful and inclusive political settlement. We remain firmly committed to supporting the Sudanese people by providing vital humanitarian assistance. Urgent action is needed to ensure unhindered humanitarian access across the country.”

Following the FAC, the Minister will attend the first meeting of the Palestine Donor Group. This meeting will be co-chaired by the European Commission and the Palestinian Authority and will focus on the fiscal stability of the Palestinian Authority and the economic recovery of the West bank, progress on the PA reform agenda, as well as the latest developments in Gaza.

Speaking ahead of the meeting the Minister stated: “Ireland is a longstanding supporter of the Palestinian Authority, both politically and financially. The Palestinian Authority is facing significant hurdles, and as a partner, the European Union must continue to highlight milestones met, while continuing to encourage further progress. The Palestine Donor Group is a key avenue to do this.”

ENDS

Press Office

20 November 2025