Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee welcomed EU Defence Ministers to Druids Glen, County Wicklow, for informal defence discussions during Ireland’s Presidency.
McEntee said Europe is meeting at a time of deep uncertainty for security and defence, both inside the European Union and globally.
She warned that this summer, and especially the month of July, saw more than 400 civilians killed in Russian air strikes and attacks in Ukraine, with more than 2,600 casualties.
McEntee stressed that continued, unwavering support for Ukraine — politically, financially and militarily — will remain at the centre of the discussions.
She said air defence capabilities are especially urgent, particularly as winter approaches and Russia continues to target Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.
Ireland, she noted, announced €125 million in further support earlier this summer for Ukraine’s air defence capabilities and training facilities on the ground.
The ministers will also discuss maritime security, hybrid activity on land and at sea, the growing importance of space for security and defence, and the escalating situation in the Middle East.
McEntee also highlighted Ireland’s regret over the UNIFIL pullback and said Ireland, Spain and Austria have proposed a new CSDP mission to support peace and stability in Lebanon.
Her message was clear: Europe must stay united, support Ukraine, protect critical infrastructure and respond together to a more dangerous security environment.
#eudebates #McEntee #EUDefence #Ukraine
Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee welcomed EU Defence Ministers to Druids Glen, County Wicklow, for informal defence discussions during Ireland’s Presidency.
McEntee said Europe is meeting at a time of deep uncertainty for security and defence, both inside the European Union and globally.
She warned that this summer, and especially the month of July, saw more than 400 civilians killed in Russian air strikes and attacks in Ukraine, with more than 2,600 casualties.
McEntee stressed that continued, unwavering support for Ukraine — politically, financially and militarily — will remain at the centre of the discussions.
She said air defence capabilities are especially urgent, particularly as winter approaches and Russia continues to target Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.
Ireland, she noted, announced €125 million in further support earlier this summer for Ukraine’s air defence capabilities and training facilities on the ground.
The ministers will also discuss maritime security, hybrid activity on land and at sea, the growing importance of space for security and defence, and the escalating situation in the Middle East.
McEntee also highlighted Ireland’s regret over the UNIFIL pullback and said Ireland, Spain and Austria have proposed a new CSDP mission to support peace and stability in Lebanon.
Her message was clear: Europe must stay united, support Ukraine, protect critical infrastructure and respond together to a more dangerous security environment.
#eudebates #McEntee #EUDefence #Ukraine
