Minister Byrne to attend EU General Affairs Council in Brussels, 24 February 2026

Minister Byrne to attend EU General Affairs Council in Brussels, 24 February 2026

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 24 February 2026
• Last updated on: 24 February 2026

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, will represent Ireland at the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels, today (24 February), which marks the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Commenting on Russia's war against Ukraine, Minister Byrne said: "The EU must do everything we can to force Putin to take peace negotiations seriously and to agree to a ceasefire. We must step up our support for Ukraine to put it in the strongest possible position in peace negotiations.

"Next month, I will mark St Patrick's Day in Ukraine, as a reflection of Ireland's solidarity with Ukraine and its people. In looking ahead, I want to reiterate Ireland's strong support for Ukraine's pathway, to EU membership. We firmly believe that Ukraine's security, prosperity, and free future, lies at the heart of our European Union."

Speaking on competitiveness, Minister Byrne said: "There is an urgent need to break down Single Market barriers and cut unnecessary red tape, including when it comes to the delivery of critical infrastructure and housing. The ongoing long-term EU budget negotiations are crucial, in enabling the EU competitiveness agenda, and for ensuring a ring-fenced and robust Common Agricultural Policy is secured."

Commenting on the legal adoption of the EU-Swiss package of agreements at the EU General Affairs Council, the Minister said: "Switzerland is as an important and reliable partner for the EU and for Ireland. I recently held meetings with government counterparts in Switzerland and I know how much of an important step this broad package of agreements is for EU-Swiss bilateral relations. During Ireland's EU Presidency, we will ensure that we continue to engage constructively with our Swiss counterparts."

The General Affairs Council meeting will also mark the launch of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience, a key initiative under the European Democracy Shield. Minister Byrne said: "I welcome the introduction of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience. This flagship policy, introduced by President von der Leyen and led by Commissioner McGrath, will act to enhance democratic resilience across the EU."

A livestream of the press conference following the General Affairs Council can be found here.

During his visit to Brussels, Minister Byrne will speak at an event hosted by the European Policy Centre, entitled "Four years of Russia's War on Ukraine: Reinforcing European support for Ukraine's victory". The Minister will speak alongside his Cypriot counterpart, Deputy Minister for Europe, Marilena Raouna, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov, Sandra Kalniete MEP, and fellow speakers.

ENDS

Press Office

24 February 2026