Helen McEntee TD, will be in Brussels today to attend her first meeting of EU foreign ministers since her appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister McEntee said she was “looking forward to attending my first Foreign Affairs Council and meeting my EU counterparts.”
EU ministers are due to discuss pressing world affairs including the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.
“We gather at a critical moment for Ukraine and European security in the face of Russia’s continuing war of aggression. I condemn Russia’s brutal drone and missile attacks on cities across Ukraine and send my condolences to the families of those who have been killed and injured. These are not the actions of a country that wants peace”, McEntee said.
On Palestine, she said:
“The situation in the Middle East is a priority for the Government. Ireland welcomes the progress that has been made on implementing phase one of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, including the release of hostages held in captivity by Hamas. The immediate priority is to ensure that humanitarian aid gets into and throughout Gaza to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population.”
Coinciding with the Foreign Affairs Council, more than sixty national delegations will also gather in Brussels for the First Palestine Donor Conference.
An EU source said the conference was less about pledging money and more about showing political support, especially for the Palestinian Authority.
The Palestinian Prime Minister will co-chair that meeting which Helen McEntee will also attend with her EU counterparts.
“While international attention is understandably focused on Gaza, we must not lose sight of the disturbing situation in the West Bank, where Israeli military operations and settlement expansion are continuing. I will restate our readiness to play our part in working towards a sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians through the implementation of the two-State solution”, the minister said.
The Department for Foreign Affairs said that “fiscal stability of the Palestinian Authority and the economic recovery of the West bank” were key for progress in the peace process.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has agreed a series of reforms that it must carry out, something the EU is monitoring closely.
EU sources fear that the Trump administration has sidelined the PA in the so-called Trump Peace Plan.
By giving the Prime Minister a platform at the conference in Brussels, the EU hopes the PA can prove that it is capable and suitable to govern,
“Ireland is a longstanding supporter of the Palestinian Authority, both politically and financially”, said Helen McEntee.
“The Palestinian Authority is facing significant hurdles, and as a partner, the European Union must continue to highlight milestones met, while continuing to encourage further progress. The Palestine Donor Group is a key avenue to do this.”