Helen McEntee: EU Defence Ministers to Discuss Ukraine Support & Ireland’s Presidency

McEntee to Discuss Ukraine Support, EU Readiness at Brussels Defence Meeting

Minister for Defence Helen McEntee will travel to Brussels for a meeting of EU defence ministers, where discussions will centre on bolstering support for Ukraine and advancing the EU’s defence capabilities. The meeting is scheduled to take place today, February 11, 2026.

During her visit, Minister McEntee is also slated to meet with Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, and European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius. These meetings will provide an opportunity to discuss the broader geopolitical challenges facing Europe and to outline Ireland’s priorities as it prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU in approximately four and a half months’ time.

A key focus of the defence ministers’ meeting will be EU support to Ukraine, with a particular emphasis on leveraging Ukrainian innovation in the defence sector. Ministers will also explore additional funding options, including the potential utilization of the €90 billion Ukraine support loan to ensure the timely delivery of defence equipment and financial assistance.

The EU’s Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030, jointly presented by the European Commission and the High Representative in October 2025, is also expected to be revisited. This roadmap outlines a plan to enhance the EU’s military readiness and capabilities over the coming years.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister McEntee emphasized the importance of reaffirming solidarity with Ukraine in the face of an evolving and increasingly complex security environment. “This meeting takes place in an evolving and increasingly complex security environment. This proves another important opportunity for EU Member States to reaffirm their solidarity with and support for Ukraine,” she stated.

She further welcomed ongoing discussions regarding increased EU military and financial support for Ukraine, as well as the EU’s potential role in any future peace process and the provision of security guarantees as part of a peace agreement. “I welcome ongoing discussions on how the EU can step-up its military and funding support for Ukraine, play a constructive role in any peace process and contribute to security guarantees as part of a peace agreement,” McEntee added.

Minister McEntee also highlighted the growing significance of EU Defence Ministers’ meetings for Ireland as the country approaches its Presidency of the Council of the EU. “Meetings of EU Defence Ministers assume greater importance for Ireland as we get closer to Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, which starts in about four and a half months’ time,” she explained.

She expressed her anticipation for the meetings with Vice President Kallas and Commissioner Kubilius, stating her intention to discuss the geopolitical challenges facing Europe and the likely agenda for Ireland’s forthcoming presidency. “I look forward to my meetings with Vice President Kallas and Commissioner Kubilius to discuss the geopolitical challenges facing Europe at this time and the likely agenda for Ireland’s forthcoming presidency. I will also assure them of Ireland’s commitment to delivering a secure and successful presidency,” she concluded.

Minister McEntee’s visit to Brussels comes after a recent trip to Washington, D.C., February 6, 2026, where she met with U.S. Officials to strengthen Ireland-U.S. Relations and discuss a range of international issues, including the situation in the Middle East and efforts to end Russian aggression against Ukraine. She also discussed the implementation of the Joint Legacy Framework in Northern Ireland.

In January 2026, Minister McEntee delivered a keynote address at Europe House, outlining Ireland’s priorities for its 2026 EU Presidency and addressing concerns regarding the US threat to Greenland, reaffirming Ireland’s support for the people of Greenland and Denmark. She described the recent commentary on Greenland as deeply troubling, stating, “The future of Greenland is a matter to be determined by Denmark and by the Greenlandic people.”