Ukraine and maritime security issues on agenda as EU ministers meet in Wicklow

EU defence ministers are discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine as well as maritime and space security issues as they meet in Co Wicklow.

The meeting includes defence ministers from across the EU and senior representatives of the European institutions to discuss key issues for European security and defence.

There is an increased garda presence, road closures and airspace restrictions as Ireland hosts the Presidency of the European Council.

The meeting will be chaired by the high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy and vice-president of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.

The first session on Tuesday addressed the EU’s support for Ukraine, including defence support, EU-Ukraine defence-industrial cooperation, the Ukraine Support Loan and mobilisation of the European Peace Facility.

Ukraine’s acting minister for defence Andrii Khmara and Nato deputy secretary general Radmila Shekerinska took part in the discussion.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Ireland’s Minister for Defence Helen McEntee said that it is taking place during a “very uncertain” time for security and defence on a global scale.

“Unfortunately this summer in particular in the month of July we saw over 400 civilians killed in airstrikes and attacks by Russia in Ukraine and we have seen over 2,600 causalities so our continued unwavering support for Ukraine, politically, financially and militarily, will be to the forefront of discussions this morning,” she said.

“You will also see discussions continue with our foreign colleagues tomorrow.

“It is absolutely essential that we continue to support Ukraine at a time where financial support, particularly for air capabilities is really essential but also coming in to the winter months where we know that critical infrastructure is being targeted directly by Russia.

“To that effect, earlier this summer Ireland announced 125 million euro in further supports for air defence capabilities but also for specifically to support areas of need for Ukraine specially their training facilities on the ground.

“We will also discuss maritime security, it is a priority for us during our presidency. We also know that we are not just talking about hybrid threats, we are talking about hybrid activity on land but also in our maritime domain so it is essential that we work together to respond to those threat, to identify those risks and see what more what we can do in this challenging time.

“We will also discuss space and how space has become increasingly important for our security and defence.”

Later, Ms McEntee will attend a press conference with Ms Kallas.