Minister McEntee Attends Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, 29 January 2026

Minister McEntee Attends Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, 29 January 2026

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 29 January 2026
• Last updated on: 29 January 2026

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, will travel to Brussels today, 29 January, to attend a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers.

Ministers will discuss a wide range of international issues, including Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and developments in the Great Lakes region. Ministers will also take part in an informal exchange with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.

Ahead of the meeting, Minister McEntee said: "I look forward to meeting High Representative Kallas and my EU colleagues to discuss a number of pressing global challenges.

"On Ukraine, it is encouraging that talks between the United States, Ukraine and Russia have begun in the UAE. I welcome the opportunity to hear directly from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the latest developments. Any outcome must lead to a just and lasting peace that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and independence and safeguards European security. I will underline the importance of continued EU political, financial and military support for Ukraine, as well as the need to maintain pressure on Russia through stronger sanctions, including action against the shadow fleet."

On the Middle East, the Minister said: "Ireland welcomes steps towards progressing to phase two of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The return of the remains of the final hostage is a deeply significant moment for the family involved and for Israeli society. The immediate priority must now be ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches people across Gaza. However, the improvements in access that were envisaged have not yet fully materialised. I witnessed this firsthand during my visit to the Rafah Crossing two weeks ago. I will be calling on Israel to open additional crossings and to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access.

"While global attention is understandably focused on Gaza, we must not overlook the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, where military operations and settlement expansion continue. Having hosted a meeting of the Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution in Dublin yesterday, I will reaffirm Ireland's commitment to working towards a sustainable peace through the implementation of a two-State solution."

On Iran, the Minister stated: "Ireland has unequivocally condemned the brutal violence used by the Iranian authorities against their own people. Reports of civilian deaths and injuries are deeply concerning. We are open to supporting further human rights sanctions and urge Iran to re-engage constructively with the international community."

On Syria, she added: "It is essential that the EU continues to support a positive and inclusive transition in Syria, focused on stability, reconciliation and improving the daily lives of Syrian people.

"I recently discussed this issue in depth with Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Badr Abdelatty, as well as with Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, during my visits to Egypt and Jordan. There is strong regional consensus on the need for a political process that is Syrian-owned and Syrian-led, in line with UN principles."

Speaking about the exchange with UN High Commissioner Volker Türk, the Minister said: "This engagement has been a priority for Ireland. At a time of growing geopolitical tension, pressure on multilateral institutions and declining funding, Ireland remains strongly committed to a UN-led multilateral system. Promoting and protecting human rights remains central to our foreign policy. I am proud that Ireland is standing up for these values as a candidate for election to the UN Human Rights Council."

On the Great Lakes region, the Minister said: "Ireland remains deeply concerned about the security and humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. An immediate ceasefire and an end to violence must remain the top priorities. Ireland would like to see further EU action to improve humanitarian conditions and to support African-led peace efforts."

ENDS

Press Office

29 January 2026