Minister McEntee to Attend Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, 23 February 2026

Minister McEntee to Attend Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, 23 February 2026

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 23 February 2026
• Last updated on: 23 February 2026

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, is travelling to Brussels today to attend a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers.

Discussions will cover Russia's war against Ukraine, developments in the Middle East - including Iran and Syria - and the growing challenge of foreign information manipulation and interference.

Ministers will also have an informal exchange with the EU's High Representative for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister McEntee said: "As we approach the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we are reminded of the immense suffering this war has caused. Russia can choose to end this war. Instead, it continues its attacks on Ukrainian towns and energy infrastructure. Ireland stands firmly with the Ukrainian people.

"I look forward to hearing from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the latest peace efforts in Geneva. Any outcome must deliver a just and lasting peace - one that fully respects Ukraine's sovereignty and protects the security of both Ukraine and Europe. The EU must continue its strong political, financial and military support for Ukraine, including maintaining pressure on Russia through robust sanctions and action against its shadow fleet."

On the Middle East, the Minister said: "The immediate priority is getting humanitarian aid into and across Gaza. Civilians are facing severe shortages of food and medicine, inadequate shelter and limited access to basic services. Israel must allow greater access through border crossings and ensure aid can reach those who need it most. I look forward to hearing from High Representative Mladenov on how the Gaza peace plan can be advanced and how the EU can support those efforts, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

"We also cannot ignore the deeply worrying developments in the West Bank. Ongoing military operations and settlement expansion, including recent moves to expand Israeli control, are contrary to international law and risk undermining the two-State solution. The EU must act urgently to protect the viability of that solution."

On Iran, the Minister added: "The renewed US-Iran talks in Geneva are a positive step. A negotiated solution to the nuclear issue remains essential. Iran should engage constructively and address the legitimate concerns of the international community about its nuclear programme."

On Syria, she said: "The EU should continue to support a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria. Our focus must be on practical steps that improve daily life for Syrians. The transitional Government needs support and capacity-building, but it is equally important that Syria's future is shaped by Syrians themselves, free from undue external interference."

ENDS

Press Office

23 February 2026