Minister McEntee Attends Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers

Minister McEntee Attends Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 21 April 2026
• Last updated on: 21 April 2026

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, is travelling to Luxembourg to attend a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers which will take place on 21 April.

Ministers will discuss a range of issues, including Russian aggression against Ukraine; the situation in the Middle East; the South Caucasus; and Sudan. Ministers will also have an informal exchange with the Prime Minister of Lebanon. The Foreign Minister of Ukraine will join the item on Ukraine by VTC.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Minister said: "During my recent visit to Kyiv, I saw the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people, as well as the devastating human cost of Russia's continuing war of aggression. It is essential that we retain the ability to support Ukraine and to keep pressure on Russia and we will discuss the importance of this collective effort with Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, today. We must also use our channels to the US to encourage them to remain engaged and to pressure Russia to engage in meaningful negotiations. Ireland strongly supported the agreement for a €90 billion loan to Ukraine agreed at the December European Council and hopes we can make early progress on the disbursement of the loan."

On the Middle East, the Minister said: "The situation in the Gulf and the wider Middle East remains deeply concerning. The focus of our discussions will be on the US-Israel-Iran conflict and its impact in the wider region. I welcomed the ceasefire in the Gulf and I hope that both parties can progress negotiations further in the time available. The EU must continue to advocate for dialogue, to call for restraint and respect for international law and for international shipping to be able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

"I look forward to engaging with the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Nawaf Salam. The situation in Lebanon is deeply concerning despite the ceasefire in place. The prospect of talks between Lebanon and Israel is welcome and I hope they can lead to progress. The EU must put its collective weight behind Lebanon's humanitarian needs and recovery. Ireland will continue to support Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and diplomatic pathway to peace for the people of Lebanon.

"I will also be stressing the need for the EU to stay focused on the situation in Palestine, notwithstanding the wider conflict in the region. Ireland continues to have grave concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and the sharply deteriorating situation in the West Bank. Together with my colleagues from Spain and Slovenia, I have written to the High Representative to call for urgent action in response to Israel's actions that undermine the two-State solution as well as fundamental values. At a minimum, we must return to the measures put forward by the Commission following the review of Israel's compliance with its human rights obligations under the EU Israel Association Agreement. The EU's credibility is at stake, and I will be emphasising the urgent need for the EU to take action now."

On Sudan, the Minister stated: "Ireland remains committed to keeping Sudan high on the EU and international agenda. As this devastating conflict enters its fourth year, it is incumbent on all of us to redouble our efforts to find an urgent and sustainable resolution to this crisis. We must work to ensure the protection of civilians, humanitarian workers, and civilian infrastructure as a matter of priority, and do everything possible to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those most in need."

ENDS

Press Office

21 April 2026