Minister McEntee Travels to Luxembourg for Final EU Foreign Ministers Meeting Before Ireland's Presidency
Minister Helen McEntee travels to Luxembourg on June 15 for the final EU Foreign Ministers meeting before Ireland's EU Council Presidency. Discussions will cover the Middle East, Ukraine support, EU-China relations, and enlargement. McEntee will push for action on the Gaza crisis and new sanctions against Russia, including 56 listings targeting its military-industrial complex and human rights abuses.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, will travel to Luxembourg today, June 15, for the final meeting of EU Foreign Ministers before Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This meeting is significant as Ireland prepares to lead the EU agenda for the next six months.
Discussions will focus on the Middle East, continued support for Ukraine, EU-China relations, and EU enlargement. Minister McEntee will urge EU partners and the European Commission for concrete action regarding the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, alongside sustained support for Ukraine and further sanctions on Russia.
McEntee stated that the situation in Gaza and the West Bank will be a central focus, emphasizing that the EU's response cannot be limited to expressions of concern. She will propose that the European Commission re-examine trade in goods from occupied territories. Progressing Ukraine's accession path is also a key priority, with McEntee welcoming the opening of Cluster One negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and committing to advance further clusters.
Ministers will adopt a 21st sanctions package, including 56 new listings targeting Russia's military-industrial complex, shadow fleet, and human rights abuses, specifically those linked to Alexei Navalny's death. The sanctions regime related to the occupation of Crimea will also be renewed.