THE MINISTER FOR State for Defence is set to meet European ministers in Cyprus today and on Monday to discuss the bloc’s security strategy which will be launched by Ireland during its EU Presidency in the coming months. 

Thomas Byrne TD, arrived in Nicosia for the meetings which will focus on how Ireland will address the defence concerns for the union.

The minister is also expected to meet with General Seán Clancy to discuss EU defence initiatives during the EU presidency. 

Byrne said he welcomes discussions on using European Union military industrial capacity to assist Ukraine particularly. 

The key topics are focused on sustaining EU support to Ukraine, including military assistance and defence industrial cooperation, as well as recent developments in maritime security and the role of EU naval operations.

Critically the defence ministers will also hold an initial discussion on the forthcoming European Security Strategy, including its potential defence dimensions. The publication of the European Security Strategy is expected during Ireland’s EU Presidency.

Byrne said the meeting takes place at “an important juncture”, as Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in under three weeks.

He said during the EU Presidency, Ireland will prioritise sustaining EU support for Ukraine, strengthening maritime security, and advancing cooperation with partners to address shared security challenges.

“Against the backdrop of global instability, maritime security is an area of key focus for Ireland, and for fellow EU member states.

“I look forward to discussing maritime security with fellow EU Defence Ministers at our meeting in Nicosia.

“As matters stands, it is expected that the European Security Strategy will be published during the Irish EU Presidency, and this will be an item of key focus.”

“I also look forward to discussing how we can best sustain EU support for Ukraine, including by mobilising European Peace Facility funds, and strengthening defence industrial cooperation,” he said.