Helen McEntee to Attend EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting in Brussels

Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee TD traveled to Brussels on May 11, 2026, to participate in a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council. The assembly of ministers focused on several critical international security and humanitarian issues, specifically the ongoing situation in the Middle East, Russian aggression against Ukraine and stability in the Western Balkans.

During the proceedings, Minister McEntee emphasized the need for the European Union to move beyond passivity regarding breaches of international law. She specifically highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the expansion of settler violence and settlement activity in the West Bank as primary areas requiring urgent intervention.

Proposed EU Actions on the Middle East

Minister McEntee called for the implementation of concrete EU measures to address the situation in the West Bank and Gaza. Her proposals included the suspension of trade elements of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and a comprehensive ban on trade with illegal settlements.

“As a community based on law, the EU cannot remain passive in the face of persistent breaches of international law and actions deliberately undermining the viability of the two-State solution,”

Helen McEntee TD

In addition to trade restrictions, the Minister advocated for the urgent application of sanctions against violent settlers and the individuals who enable such activities.

Regional Stability and Maritime Security

The discussions extended to the humanitarian needs of Lebanon, with Minister McEntee stating that the EU must provide collective support for the country’s recovery and urgent humanitarian requirements.

Regarding tensions between the United States and Iran, Minister McEntee expressed hope for a swift de-escalation. She emphasized the importance of ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international traffic, calling for dialogue, restraint, and respect for the principle of freedom of navigation.

Ukraine and International Coalitions

The meeting included discussions on the continued Russian aggression against Ukraine, with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine expected to join the council’s deliberations.

Following the main Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Minister McEntee attended a High-Level Meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, an initiative focused on the repatriation of children taken during the conflict.

As part of the diplomatic engagements in Brussels, the Irish Minister also participated in an informal exchange with Anita Anand, the Foreign Minister of Canada.