The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, attended a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels today, 11 May

Ministers discussed a range of issues, including Russian aggression against Ukraine; the situation in the Middle East; and the Western Balkans. Ministers also had an informal exchange with the Foreign Minister of Canada. The Foreign Minister of Ukraine joined the item on Ukraine. The Minister also attended a High-Level Meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children following the FAC.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister McEntee said: “I welcome the political agreement achieved today on sanctions on violent settlers in the West Bank and organisations that enable them as well as on Hamas. This is a crucial step in response to the expansion of settlement activity and settler violence in the West Bank. These measures must now be advanced as quickly as possible. However, much more needs to be done to address the appalling situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

“There is clearly momentum for additional measures in response to Israel’s persistent breaches of international law and I call on the HR/VP and the Commission to bring forward concrete proposals to prohibit trade with settlements. There was also widespread concern about the situation in Lebanon where we continue to witness widespread destruction and displacement and egregious breaches of international law.

“Ministers agreed on the need to support efforts to bring an end to the conflict in the Gulf, including the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and respect for international law. I welcome the broad support expressed today for deepening cooperation with the Gulf countries.”

On Ukraine, the Minister said: “I welcome the positive update from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha today. It is clear that our sanctions are having an impact. Now is the time to increase our support for Ukraine through disbursement of the €90 billion loan and to exert even more pressure on Russia to end its brutal war and engage in meaningful negotiations.

“We must also see accountability for Russia’s crimes. This evening’s Return of Ukrainian Children High-Level was another important element to ensure this happens. The suffering of these children and their families and communities is immense. We must support efforts to bring them home to their families and to hold those responsible to account. Without accountability, there cannot be a just and lasting peace.”

The Minister continued: “Canadian Foreign Minister Anand received a warm welcome at the FAC. There are few countries with whom we share such fundamental values and approaches as Canada and this was clear from our discussion which focused on how to further strengthen cooperation with this key trans-Atlantic partner.”

In the margins of the meeting, Minister McEntee met with her Greek, Latvian and Croatian counterparts. Discussions centred around shared priorities ahead of Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, which commences on 1 July, in particular, the focus Ireland will bring on competitiveness, values, and foreign and security policy issues.