Taoiseach Micheál Martin attending European Council, 23 October 2025

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is in Brussels today (Thursday) to join EU leaders for a meeting of the European Council which will discuss the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as security and defence and competitiveness. Leaders will also have a first discussion on housing and take stock of developments on migration.

The Taoiseach also attended a working dinner with fellow EU leaders and President El-Sisi yesterday evening (Wednesday) following the first EU-Egypt Summit.

Speaking ahead of the European Council, the Taoiseach said:

"In the face of Russia's continued prosecution of its illegal war on Ukraine, the EU remains firm in its resolve to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. We are also determined to step up our own security, to confront new threats and to protect the wellbeing of our citizens and our economies.

"Leaders will discuss how we can support efforts to bring the war in Ukraine to an end and stop Russia's relentless and horrific attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. We will continue to work together to ensure that Ukraine approaches any negotiations from a position of strength, and we will consider ways to increase pressure on Russia to bring it to the table. That includes a 19th package of sanctions and mobilising frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. I will also reiterate my belief that EU membership is an important guarantee for Ukraine and that progress in its accession negotiations must be unblocked and accelerated.

"We will also discuss how to enhance the EU's ability to counter new and emerging threats. The Commission has published its plan, the Defence Readiness Roadmap, this week and across European countries, including Ireland, are investing more in their national security and defence capabilities. Each is doing so in a way that makes sense for its own particular situation and policy approach. In our case, that is and will remain a policy of military neutrality. But there are synergies that we can achieve through working together at EU level in a way that complements what we are doing at national level.

"We will also take stock of developments in the Middle East. While the ceasefire is very welcome, the situation remains very fragile and the challenges ahead are great. But there is an opportunity now to change the narrative if all parties are prepared to seize it. The EU is ready to play its part, rowing in behind efforts to ensure the agreement achieved in Sharm el-Sheikh is durable and implemented as planned.

"I will be highlighting the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza and advocating for the central role of the UN and its agencies in ensuring that aid reaches those who remain desperately in need.

"Along with these international issues we will be discussing how we can make the EU more economically competitive. The digital and green transitions are central to these efforts.

"I also welcome the opportunity for Leaders to have a first strategic discussion on housing. Ireland is not alone in the challenges it faces in increasing supply and delivering affordable homes for our young people. The EU can play a role in simplifying regulations and standards, advancing innovative financing models, and promoting new technologies and building methods. This can only support and complement the work we are doing at home.

"I look forward to the Commission's forthcoming European Affordable Housing Plan and to advancing work when Ireland assumes the Presidency of the EU in the second half of next year."

ENDS