Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
70. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Ireland's stated priority of supporting "substantial, historic" progress on Ukraine's EU accession during Ireland's EU Council presidency has been assessed against Ireland's policy of military neutrality; if any formal assessment of this kind has been conducted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53243/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland remains steadfast in our solidarity with Ukraine and we continue to provide political, financial, humanitarian and non-lethal military support.
During our EU Presidency, one of our main priorities will be to advance Ukraine’s EU accession path in line with the merit-based enlargement methodology. Ireland was one of the first countries to call for Ukraine’s EU membership. Ireland strongly welcomed the opening of negotiations on Cluster 1 on Fundamentals with Ukraine last month. We hope to make continued progress on Ukraine’s EU accession path throughout our Presidency.
The current geopolitical context underlines just how vital EU enlargement is, not only for Ukraine, but also for wider European stability. We believe that EU accession is a crucial element in securing Ukraine’s longer term security and prosperity.
Ireland’s policy of neutrality means Ireland does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. As the Government has stated on numerous occasions, there are no plans to alter this policy. The Government has also repeatedly underlined that Ireland is militarily neutral but is not politically neutral in the face of Russia's unprovoked aggression against Ukraine.
Ireland’s support for Ukraine’s right to defend itself from Russia's brutal attack on its sovereignty and territorial integrity is in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter, a position that has been outlined in detail by the Government since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
