Sean Fleming
Question:75. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8291/26]
View answerThursday, 5 February 2026
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Written answers
Minister McEntee attended the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on 29 January in Brussels.
The main agenda items focused on Russian aggression against Ukraine; the situation in the Middle East; and the situation in the Great Lakes region. The Council also met with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and had an exchange of views on the international outlook in light of recent geopolitical developments.
On Ukraine, the Council heard from Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha who provided an update on the current situation in Ukraine, including in relation to Russia’s targeting of critical civilian infrastructure and the ongoing trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the US. Minister McEntee reiterated the importance of an outcome that leads to a just and lasting peace, that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence and which protects Ukraine and Europe’s security. The Minister emphasised the need for the EU and its Member States to continue to support Ukraine politically, financially, and militarily. This includes maintaining pressure on Russia through stronger sanctions and targeting the shadow fleet. Minister McEntee also conveyed that Ireland has approved a €25 million contribution to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to provide support for Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. This fulfils the commitment made by the Government on the occasion of the visit of President Zelenskyy to Ireland in December to support the restoration and protection of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
On the Middle East, Minister McEntee updated her counterparts on her recent visit to the Rafah crossing, reiterated the need for an increased flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and expressed Ireland’s deep concern at the deteriorating situation in the West Bank. Her intervention also highlighted that Ireland remains ready to work with the US on the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza, in keeping with the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2803, and that we will continue to be guided by our firm commitment to the United Nations, the primacy of the UN Charter, and the unique mandate of the UN to maintain international peace and security.
Over lunch, Ministers met with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. Ireland has a strong and long-standing partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Minister McEntee emphasised that Ireland remains deeply committed to a strong UN-led multilateral order in a time of growing geopolitical challenges, attacks on multilateralism and decreased funding. She stated that we will continue to promote and protect human rights across our foreign policy, including during our EU Presidency and as a candidate for election to the UN Human Rights Council (for the term 2027-2029).
Ministers also discussed the situation in the Great Lakes region, including on the state of play and latest regional dynamics. Minister McEntee conveyed Ireland’s deep concern at the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC.
In the margins of the Council meeting, Minister McEntee held bilateral meetings with her Italian, Polish, Slovenian and Swedish counterparts.